Our wonderful staff members have degrees in early childhood education, considerable knowledge and experience in child development, and are certified in child first aid and CPR. Each preschool class has two teachers providing a good ratio of adults to students.
Kelly Downing (Ms Kelly) is our director and primary teacher for the 4-year-old program, as well as the extended day program. Kelly holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and NH Early Childhood Professional Development Credentials as Early Childhood Master Teacher Level 1 and Early Childhood Master Professional. Kelly has been at LNS since 2000 and working in the field of ECE since 1997. Kelly and her husband live in Lyme and have 2 grown sons. In addition to her administrative and teaching roles, Kelly enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, spending time outside, riding motorcycles and being on the water.
Jodie Rich (Ms Jodie) is our lead teacher in the 3 year old program and assists with the extended day program. She has a NH Early Childhood Level 4 Teaching Credential. She joined the school in 2014 and enjoys exploring nature with the children, both indoors and outdoors. She embraces play in preschool curriculum. Jodie lives in Lyme with her husband, has 2 grown sons and 6 grandchildren, all-residing in Lyme. She has served on the board of the school, the scholarship committee in the past and other community organizations. In her spare time, Jodie enjoys spending time with her husband & family, gardening, cooking, exercising and being outdoors.
Heidi Hossler (Ms. Heidi) is the assistant teacher in the Lion’s room and assists with the extended day program. Heidi joined the team at Lyme Nursery School in September 2018. She holds her Associates Degree in Teacher Education and Early Childhood certificate Level 2. When Heidi is not working she enjoys reading, knitting, cooking, and spending time with her daughters and grandson. She is a BIG New England sports fan, so you will find her every Sunday on her couch watching some sporting event.
Olivia has been at LNS since 2014 as a one-on-one aide. Beginning in the fall of 2016 she took on the role of assistant teacher working with the 3 & 4 year-olds, as well as the extended day program. Olivia attended Lyme Nursery School as a preschooler, attended Lyme Elementary School from kindergarten through eighth grade and graduated from Thetford Academy. She is currently taking Early Childhood Classes. She lives in Cornish with her husband and daughter. When Olivia is not at work she loves spending time with her family, doing crafts and being outside.
Taylor recently joined LNS ,she is the floating assistant teacher. She lives in Thetford Vermont and graduated from Thetford academy. She attended Northern Vermont University and graduated with an associates degree in special education and a bachelors degree in elementary education. In her spare time she enjoys doing art projects, baking and reading. During the summer she enjoys kayaking and spending time with family and her dog Duke.