Preschool Special Needs Coordinator and Educator

Samantha is the preschool special needs coordinator and educator and has been in this position since May 2022. She works on individual education plans for children. She coordinates services for them and supervises 1:1 aides when necessary. Sam was formerly the teacher for Mighty Monkeys, a classroom for ages 3 to 4 years. She has worked at the center since September 2020.

Past employment
Samantha has worked as a functional support specialist with Community Partners. She has also worked as an assistant infant teacher at UNH's Child Study and Development Center, as a nanny, and as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor for the UNH Theraputic Riding Program.

Education
Samantha earned a bachelor of science degree in therapeutic horseback riding, and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, from the University of New Hampshire. She is certified in pediatric CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
"Working with kids brings a smile to my face every day even on the toughest days. I love being able to see all of their little personalities developing and coming into their own."

Teaching philosophy
"I believe that each child is an individual with their own thoughts, ideas and values. As an educator I will value and work to develop each child's strengths, abilities, and knowledge with respect and love for every child that comes through our doors."

Family
Samantha grew up outside of Seattle, WA and now lives in New Durham with her husband and daughter, their golden retreiver, Penny, and cat, Daphne.

Special Education Teacher

Marie works closely with our Preschool Special Needs Coordinator and Educator in guiding preschoolers through the curriculum, daily transitions, and social/play skills. She provides support as needed that includes developmentally appropriate curriculum and modifications of the daily schedule that are aligned with a child’s academic and social goals and objectives.

Past employment
Marie previously worked at Ossipee Central School as a preschool teacher. She also worked at Spaulding Youth Center with children in grades kindergarten through third grade.

Education
Marie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a Certification in Special Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Certification in Early Childhood Special Education.

Philosophy
“All children deserve a great education that develops the whole child (academics, fine motor, gross motor, social emotional skills). I work hard to deliver a competitive education and form lasting positive relationships with my students. Children all need different things because they learn differently and I work hard to provide each child the support they need to be successful.”

Family
Marie is married to a former Marine. Together, they have two daughters and two cats.

Clinical Fellowship-Speech Language Pathologist (CF-SLP)

Rachelle supports children who need help and guidance with their speech and language development.

Past employment
Rachelle worked for Boothby Therapy Services as a CF-SLP in the Laconia middle and high schools for the 2023-24 school year. She also worked for 13 years here at the Center (2008-2021) as a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA) before returning to the University of New Hampshire in 2021 to obtain a Master's Degree.

Education
Rachelle earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UNH in 2007, as well as a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UNH in 2023.

On working at the Center
"Working at The Children's Center is truly fulfilling for me. I feel respected and valued, and the sense of importance in my role as an SLP is deeply rewarding. Serving children with speech and language challenges brings me immense joy and satisfaction, knowing that my efforts help make a positive impact on their lives. I am thrilled to be back at the Center working alongside such kind and caring staff members!"

Philosophy
"My philosophy in working with children with speech and language delays centers on using a multi-modal approach that embraces all forms of communication. By incorporating verbal, non-verbal, and alternative methods, I aim to meet each child's unique needs and support their ability to express themselves confidently and effectively."

Family
Rachelle lives with her husband, Phil, in Moultonborough, NH. They are blessed with two daughters, Madison, an SLP working in Concord, NH, and Kaylee, a rising pilot at Plane Sense in Portsmouth, NH. Rachelle also has a dog named Coconut and two rambunctious grandkitties named Scout and Poppy.

Speech Therapist

Pat works with children enrolled in the preschool special needs program to develop their expressive and receptive language skills. She started at the center in the fall of 2021. She has also provided speech support at the center as a substitute.

Past employment
Pat has more than 40 years of experience working with various school districts in Maine and New Hampshire.

Education
Pat earned a master's degree in communication disorders from the University of New Hampshire, and holds Speech Language Pathologist licenses from both Maine and New Hampshire.

Family
Pat lives in Ossipee with her husband, Rick, and their black lab. She is an avid runner, cross country skier, and enjoys fly fishing with her husband.

MS, OTR/L
Boothby Therapy Services

Sandi is from Tuftonboro, NH, where she lives with her husband and two children. She has been an occupational therapist for 16 years. She enjoys spending summers with her family at Sandy Island Family Camp.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Weston is the founder of Hope Counseling, where he is a clinical therapist. Learn more about his practice at hopecounseling.net.

When Weston isn’t spending time with his clients, he enjoys spending time with his family, biking, running, reading, and doing projects on his home. He enjoys reading about the rich history of homes in New England, and has developed an interest in the restoration process of these old homes.

Preschool Paraprofessional & Program Coordinator Support

Jana serves in a paraprofessional role three mornings per week for Magic Moments Preschool at The Lakes Region Technology Center, a program for ages 3 to 5. She also is currently program support for both the infant/toddler program and the preschool/school-age program. Previously, she was the coordinator for the preschool and school-age programs. She has also served as the director for Magic Moments, the preschool lab classroom at the Lakes Region Technical Center at Kingswood High School. Jana started at the center in 1995.

Past employment
“I was a nanny for a family in Beverly Farms, Mass., and loved it, but missed my family too much. I returned to Wolfeboro and have been at the center ever since.”

Education
Jana earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from the College of Lifelong Learning. She is certified in CPR and first aid.

On working at the Center
“I absolutely love being a preschool teacher. There are so many things about it that I love; the hugs and ‘I love you’s, the moments when I can see connections being made and basic concepts understood, watching language and literacy emerge, seeing the excitement and wonder in their eyes whenever I introduce something new, working with amazing families, and helping to problem-solve parents’ concerns about their child, just to name a few.”

Family
Jana was born and raised in Wolfeboro, where she lives with her husband, two children, two cats and a dog.

Preschool Paraprofessional

Wendy Holbrook joins us as a paraprofessional who is assigned full time to one of our PSN students in the Dragonflies room.

Past Employment
Wendy most recently worked at the Pittsfield Elementary School. She has her M.Ed. in Special Education and is a wonderful addition to our PSN program given her vast experience and knowledge.

Kitchen Coordinator & Cook

Jessica makes all of our meals with love and ensures all of the children have healthy meals and snacks. She has worked at the center since March 2024.

Past employment
Jessica has extensive experience as a food service shift leader, a nutrition assistant at Huggins hospital, and most recently as the lead cook at Green Mountain Treatment Center.

Education
Jessica has been working in a kitchen for the last 20 years. She is a 2010 graduate of Kingswood Regional High School. She is also CPR and AED certified.

On working at the Center
”I love my position here at the center. Seeing the children and staff enjoy the food and changes. My goal is to try and introduce new nutritional foods that make meal time fun as well.”

Family
”I live in Tuftonboro, NH with my boyfriend of 12 years, Chris. I have a fur child, Rocky. I have three nephews from my brother, John.”

Kitchen Assistant

Judy is our part-time kitchen assistant helping to make all of the meals and snacks for the children and staff. She has been with the Center since Summer 2024.

Kitchen Sub & Garden Guru

Des is a substitute in our kitchen while also helping us in our garden and flowers.