Teachers and Staff of Sandwich Children's Center
Karyn Ames, Director and Lead Teacher, Infants
Karyn has a BS in Early Childhood Studies with a minor in Child Development from Plymouth State University. She also attended Manchester Community College for Childcare Administration and Management. Following three years as Lead Teacher in the preschool room, Karyn became director in 2010, a position she held until 2014, when she became Lead Teacher in the Infants room. This year-long return to the classroom gave Karyn the re-charge she felt she needed and she resumed the directorship this fall. She says, "I am honored to give the children a new experience every day, whether it be in the arts, science, music or natural world. I love being outdoors, so whenever we can, that is where we are, gaining a great familiarity with and respect for the outdoor world. My goal is to bring nature, science, art, music and a sense of community and family to each child who comes to the Center." Outside of work, Karyn enjoys writing fiction, drawing, wood burning and spending time with her family.
Shayna Hidden, Lead Teacher, Toddlers
Shayna comes to SCC from Bearcamp Valley School and Children's Center, where she was assistant director. She enjoyed administrative work but is thrilled to be back in the classroom with children. "I love to see their faces, their adventures," she says. "Seeing them on a daily basis, you get this really good relationship with them." Shayna joined SCC in 2012 and has an associates degree in early childhood education. Outside of work and family she enjoys photography, kayaking and hiking.
Jessica Horsch, Office Manager and Teacher's Assistant
Jess has a BS in Business Management from Plymouth State University. Her first connection to SCC came in 2009, when she worked as a teacher's aide while she was in high school. Jess joined SCC full time after college and still jumps in to any classroom that needs a helping hand. "It's such a close-knit community here, with all the families that I've known for so long," Jess says. In her free time, Jess enjoys hiking, fishing and 4-wheeling. Corey Christensen-Judge, Lead Teacher, Infants 
Corey has her BS in Early Childhood Education which she received from Granite State College in Conway, NH. Corey joined SCC in 2010 and has been here off and on throughout that time and now. She has two lovely children that her and her husband love spending time with. They love to go swimming, kayaking, Nordic skiing and hiking. Corey also brings her expertise in Yoga and gardening to SCC. She loves showing the children how to do yoga and reading and laughing with them.
Krista Smith, Teacher's Assistant, Substitute
Krista joined us as a Junior at Moultonborough Academy and is currently doing a Senior year apprenticeship with us, working throughout the center with all our programs and being mentored by our Lead Teachers. "I love watching them grow and helping them learn new things. I took a college psychology class my junior year of high school which was very interesting learning how kids and adults think and why they do things. The thing that I love most is seeing people happy and smiling." Krista also enjoys the outdoors, being on the lake and riding all terrain vehicles. Her favorite season is Fall, she enjoy bonfires and going to country music concerts.
Christina Hall, Lead Teacher, Substitute
Christina has a BS in elementary education but has worked with preschoolers and in childcare for many years. She has also taught skiing and swimming and joined SCC in 2012. "I've just always been involved with children," Christina says. "I love playing with them, sitting on the floor and singing songs -- I like to watch them grow and learn." Christina also enjoys cooking, hiking, swimming and cross stitch.
Nancy Killam, Associate Teacher, Substitute
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Sarah Norton, Lead Teacher, Preschoolers
Sarah has worked in Early Childhood Education for a number of years and has been with Sandwich Children's Center since 2008, first in the infant/toddlers room and currently as Lead Teacher in the preschool room. She has an associates degree from New Hampshire Community Technical College in Nashua, NH. Sarah also served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. Sarah says, "I am passionate about helping children learn and grow by exploring nature and the community around them. Things I enjoy outside of work are spending time with my family, camping, kayaking, snowmobiling, and playing softball."
Abbie Cameron, Associate Teacher, Infants
Abbie has a BA in theater from Messiah College in Pennsylvania, where she also received six credits in early childhood education. She recently took Foundations for Early Childhood Studies through UNH online services where she recieved another 3 credits in ECE. She worked with children at her church during college and joined SCC in 2015. "I've loved kids all my life," Abbie says. "Their excitement about life and everything is just contagious!" Abbie also works for Sandwich's theater company, "Advice to the Players," as a stage manager, educational program assistant and summer camp assistant. In addition to kids and theater, she enjoys hiking with her golden retriever, snowboarding and swimming.
Barbara Pries, Teacher’s Assistant, School Age Sub
Mary Ann Drapcho, Lead Teacher, Substitute Mary Ann has spent her professional life teaching children and families. Over the past forty years, she has been an Early Childhood Educator, Parenting Instructor, Director of Christian Education, and Home Visitor. She attended the University of Iowa and Penn State, majoring in Early Childhood Education. She raised five children, and has three grandchildren. After seven years in Madison, WI, she moved to NH to be closer to her grandson, Otis. Mary Ann tells us that she feels very fortunate to have found our family centered community at Sandwich Children’s Center. |
