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.

Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-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.

Site Counselor/Social Worker

Meghan is the site counselor and social worker for The Children's Center. She works closely with the executive director and the coordinators to provide social-emotional, behavioral and problem-solving services to children, their families, and staff ensuring a safe, stable and nurturing childhood. She has been at the center since November 2024.

Past Employment
Meghan comes to The Children’s Center with experience working at the Child Advocacy Center of Carroll County as a Family Support Specialist and Forensic Interviewer. For five years in her previous role, she dedicated her professional career to working closely with families and victims, provided support services, coordinated mental health and medical referrals, collaborated with a multidisciplinary team, and managed case files. Prior to the CAC, Meghan spent time assisting in after school programs, volunteering at both a homeless coalition and a domestic violence shelter, and training on how to be an advocate for victims.

Education
Meghan has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Southern New Hampshire University.

On working at the Center
“I am happy to be part of this wonderful non-profit, supporting families and children in our community. This job allows me to provide support, advocate for individual and family needs, and educate. I look forward to continuing to build connections and provide individuals with the tools and resources to succeed.”

Family
Meghan lives in Tuftonboro with her husband and their 1-year-old son, and dog, Rocky.

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.

Project Manager

Nancy was the former finance coordinator for 23 years and with retirement is now working on a by-project basis. She continues to work on projects that include financial reporting, human resources, donor management, and building and grounds. Nancy has been at the Children’s Center since 1996, when she started as a part-time bookkeeper.

Past employment
Nancy and her family moved to Wolfeboro in 1993. She had several stops on her way to the Children’s Center, where she has been since 1996, including teaching high school French in Florida, and coordinating the movement of products through Customs for an international trading company in NYC.

Education
Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and French from Colby College in Waterville, Maine.

On working at the Center
“I like to stick my head into classrooms whenever I can to see what the kids are up to. I especially like to watch their reaction to singers or dancers we invite to perform. I love working at the center because the staff, board of directors and trustees are so committed to the children and the center. They are talented, professional and dedicated.”

Family
Nancy has two girls, Emma and Rebecca. Both attended the center from the time they were 6 months old. Now grown, both have maintained friendships from those early years. Nancy also has a cairn terrier, who occupies the empty nest.

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.