Teachers and Staff

2006-2007
Classes & Teachers

Three-Year-Old Preschool

Four-Year-Old Preschool

Other Staff

Nutfield Cooperative School is committed to providing quality, caring education for children. Kathy Gallagher, the Director of Nutfield, has assembled a top-notch staff of educators, with each member bringing her own unique abilities and experiences to the classroom. In addition, every teacher is CPR and First Aid Certified.

Please contact teachers by phone at the school (434-2602) or by email.

Helen Bethel

helen photo

“Working at Nutfield over the years has given me a wonderful educational experience. Every child is unique and getting to know each child is very rewarding.”

Education
NH Community Technical College, Early Childhood Education

Professional Experience
Preschool/Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH, 1991 to Present

This Year: 4-days 4's Aid

Susan Dionne

Sue Dionne

"One of my goals as a teacher is to help children develop a love of learning. That is what I most wanted for my own children when they came to Nutfield years ago. One way I do this is by building on children’s innate love of nature (and my own) and incorporate the natural world into the curriculum. Since preschoolers specialize in moving, we do a lot of music and movement activities; both of which contribute to a child’s intellectual as well as physical development. Imagination and creativity are promoted by the children’s writing of stories (I take down their dictation) and story acting. To help cultivate pro-social and problem solving skills, I include a variety of cooperative learning experiences in our day. We all have a fun and fulfilling day!"

Education
Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
Currently attending Granite State College working towards a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Language and Literacy

Professional Experience
Preschool Teacher, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH, 1997 to Present

This Year: 3-day 3's Teacher, Music Instructor

Joan Dresser

Joan Dresser

“I love Nutfield. It is the best family environment one can find. It is a wonderful experience being a part of the Nutfield School community. I love working with the little ones; they create such energy, and in turn, give me endless energy.”

Professional Experience:
Hall Monitor and Contingency Aide, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH, 2005 to Present
One-to-one Aide, Derry Cooperative School SNAP Program, 2000-2005
35 years as Special Education Aide, Woburn School District, Woburn, MA

This Year: Hall Monitor

Carol Flint

Carol Flint

“I have enjoyed being a part of the Nutfield Cooperative School community for over 22 years, as a parent and as a teacher.”

Education
Bachelor Degree, English, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Professional Experience
Kindergarten through Preschool Teaching Assistant, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH 1983 to Present

Registrar, 2007 to Present

This Year: 3-day 3's Aid,Registrar

Nancy Francis

Nancy Francis

“I live in Derry with my husband, Bob, and our son, Sam. I like horseback riding, gardening, and taking pictures. I love getting to know children and seeing them grow and change.”

Education
Bachelors Degree, English, Cum Laude, Providence College

Professional Experience
Contingency Aide, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH, 2003 to Present
Baseball Coach, Derry, NH, 2001 to Present

This Year: Contingency Aid

Kathy Gallagher

Kathy Gallagher

“I enjoy seeing the world through a child's eyes. I have a great deal of respect for children and a firm belief in their abilities. I try to provide children with opportunities to stretch and grow every day in my class--and in all of the classes at Nutfield, by hiring teachers who practice a hands-on, process-oriented style of teaching. During the course of a year I get to know all of the parents, and many siblings of the children who attend Nutfield. These relationships are what help make Nutfield feel like a community to me.”

Education
Bachelors in Elementary Education
UNH Cooperative Extension trained Parent Educator

Professional Experience:
Director of Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH, 1979 to Present
Preschool Teacher, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH 1979 to Present
Preschool Teaching Assistant, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, 1977-1979
Fourth Grade Teacher, Derry Village School, Derry, NH
Co-founder of The Children's Metamorphosis Children's Museum

This Year: 3-day 3's Teacher, Director

Donna Miller

Donna Miller “I have been teaching and working with children for over 20 years. I enjoy sharing my energy and enthusiasm for learning with the children at Nutfield. I also bring my experiences raising my own children and guiding them through their school years.”

Education
Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education
Masters in Counseling, specializing in Mediation

Professional Experience
Preschool Teaching Assistant, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, 2003 to Present

This Year: 2-day 3's Aid

Suzanne Mitchell

sue mitchel“I am patient, caring, and I just love to listen and watch these little people during their day in school.”

Education
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education, Fitchburg State

Professional Experience
Preschool Teacher, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, NH, 1998 to Present
One-to-one aided to an autistic boy, 2002-2005
Preschool Teaching Assistant, Walnut Square School, Haverhill, MA, Dec1991-June 1992
Head Teacher/Grade 2 Teacher, Walnut Square School, Haverhill, MA, 1988-1991

This Year: 2-day 3's Teacher, 3-day 4's Aid

Kim Vincent

kim photo“When it came time to choose a preschool for my daughter 19 years ago, I chose Nutfield. As a teacher, it was important to me to become an active participant in my child’s education. Because of the “cooperative” nature of the school, I was thrilled to join the staff. I love getting to know the family as well as the child.”

Education
Bachelor in Elementary Education, Certified for teaching K through 8th Grade

Professional Experience
Kindergarten Teacher, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, 1995 to Present
Preschool Teacher, Nutfield Cooperative School, East Derry, 1987–1994
5th Grade Teacher, South School, Londonderry, NH, 1979-1983
6th Grade Teacher, Londonderry School System, Londonderry, NH, 1975-1978

This Year:4-day 4's Teacher