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    • A Taste of Sandwich Children's Center
      • Mission Statement
        • Teacher and Staff Bios
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          • Infant/Toddler
            • Preschool
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              The Teachers and Staff of Sandwich Children's Center

              Karyn Ames, Director

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              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.  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 and respect for the outdoor world and community around us.  My goal is to bring nature, science, art, music and a sense of community and family to each child who comes to the Center." 


              Megan Denis, Lead Teacher, Infant/Toddlers

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              Megan attended Plymouth State University as an Early Childhood Education major for three years and is currently finishing her BS in Early Childhood Education at Western Governor's University. She has worked as an Early Childhood professional since 2007. She says, "Play is essential in a child’s development, which is why I strive to create a nurturing and enriching environment where children can learn and discover through their play."

              Corey Christensen-Judge, Lead Teacher, Infant/Toddlers

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              Corey earned a BS in Early Childhood Education in from Granite State College in 2010. She has worked as an infant/toddler and preschool teacher at the Center since 2008. Corey says, "My philosophy is that children learn best through play, in the context of a stimulating, warm, and loving environment."


              Jody Baker, Associate Teacher, Infant/Toddlers

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              Jody has worked with young children since 1987. She earned an associates degree in speech and language from the College of Life Long Learning in Clairmont, NH and has many Continuing Education credits  related to specific needs of young children. She loves children of all ages and especially enjoys witnessing the language development of the young ones.  Jody says, "I love seeing kids blossom. It makes me thrive."


              Sarah Norton, Lead Teacher, Preschoolers

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              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 Preschool Room and currently as Lead Teacher in the preschoolser room. She has an associate's degree from New Hampshire Community Technical College in Nashua, NH. Sarah also served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. She says, "I am passionate about helping children learn and develop by exploring the natural world and the community around them. Things I enjoy outside of work are spending time with my family, camping, kayaking, snowmobiling, and playing softball."


              Deirdre Worthen,  Lead Teacher, Preschoolers, and After School Coordinator

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              Deirdre earned a BS in Childhood Studies from Plymouth State University and is currently working towards her MA in Elementary Education. She has worked at SCC since 2008. She says, "My teaching philosophy is that learning is a continuous process and is most effective when taking advantage of a teachable moment."

              Jessica Olson, Teacher, Preschoolers

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              Jessica received her BS in Childhood Studies from Plymouth State University in 2010, fulfilling her childhood dream of being a teacher. She says, "My goal as a teacher is to help shape the lives of young children through their imaginations, explorations and growth. I can’t think of any other age group I would want to be around every day other than preschool."

              Tawnya Calzada, Associate Teacher, Infant/Toddlers & Preschoolers

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              Tawnya is currently a student at Plymouth State University, where she is studying Developmental Psychology. She joined the team at the Center in 2011. Tawnya says, "Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I believe children deserve a caring and loving environment in which to flourish."


              Jessica Horsch, Assistant Teacher, Infant/Toddlers & Preschoolers

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              Jessica has been an assistant teacher at the Center since 2009. Her work here has solidified her interest in being a teacher and she is currently attending Lakes Region Community College with plans to transfer to Plymouth State University to pursue her BS in Childhood Studies. Jessica's other inspiration to teach has been her mother, who has worked with children for many years. Jessica grew up watching her mother interact with children, making a happy place for them. Jessica says, "It made me want to pursue that same field."


              Lisa Shaw, Assistant Teacher, Infant/Toddlers & Preschoolers

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              Lisa's educational background includes degrees in both physical and occupational therapy. She has worked at the Center since 2006 in both the preschool and infant/toddler programs. She worked Easter Seals for four years and then as an occupational therapist in the public school system through 2005. She enjoys sailing off the coast of Maine, reading and spending time with family and friends. She says, "I feel that it is important to expose children to a wide variety of literature, music, art and the natural world and for them to play in a safe and nurturing setting."


              Bonnie Batchelder, Chef

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              Bonnie has been SCC's cook since 1994.  She says, "I still take pleasure in knowing the children who come here get healthy breakfasts and made-from-scratch nutritious lunches, including homemade soups on Thursdays. Afternoon snack tops off a day of whole grains, fresh fruits, veggies and lean proteins. Cheers to healthy eating!"




              Mary Bengtson, Office Manager & Administrative Services Supervisor

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              Mary is the Center's Office Manager and Administrative Services Supervisor for the Sandwich Children’s Center.  She has been part of the SCC team since March of 2007.  She has more than twenty years' experience working in all facets of an office environment.  Mary is responsible for billing and accounts. She also oversees the Center's  interactions with state agencies, including DHHS, DCYF and CACFP/USDA. Mary says, "I live in Moultonborough with my husband, our 2 teenage children, an old dog and an aloof cat.  In our free time, we love to go out on Lake Winnipesaukee to swim, fish or just cruise."

              Danielle Costanza, Lead Teacher, Infant/Toddlers and Preschoolers

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              Danielle studied Spanish and Music Education at UNH and after working for a short time at SCC, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua for 27 months before returning to NH. She says, "My experience as a teacher so far has been quite eclectic. I’ve found myself conducting in front of large choral and band groups, guiding farmers in organizing a community bank, and teaching English to local village children. In each situation I’ve noted the understanding that is born through listening, and the success that is achieved through communication. For these reasons, I hold great value in forming personal relationships with every student, teacher and parent.

              I am happy to be a part of the staff at SCC, for these teachers exemplify such sincerity and interest in each child’s wellbeing. I am also glad for the opportunity to work with young children, as they bring much joy to my day."


              Karen Nigzus, Associate Teacher for Infant/Toddler & Preschool Programs

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              Karen is a licensed teacher certified in health education and science, with extensive experience teaching science. She joined the Center in 2011 and works part time at Moultonborough Central School in addition to her work at SCC. She says, "I love working here at Sandwich Children's Center. It it has been a great experience and the children are all so unique with diverse personalities."