I feel very lucky that each and every member of the RCC staff has positively impacted my family’s lives in some capacity. Thank you all for the wonderful job you do and for taking such great care of what is most important to me, my family.

- Parent, Discovery Room

OUR ADMINISTRATORS

Lisa Litcoff, Executive Director - Lisa has served as the Executive Director of Riverside since 2004.  Prior to joining the Riverside Community, Lisa was the Administrative Director for 10 years at a large child care center for children from birth to school age. Lisa has a BS in Psychology from Bridgewater State College and is currently working towards a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.  Since 1995 Lisa has been active in the early childhood community.  She has served on the Newton North Child Advisory Committee, the Newton Public Schools’ Early Childhood Committee, the Brockton Community Partnerships for Children Board of Directors, the Fuller Museum of Art Education Program Committee, and she served for many years as an NAEYC Program Validator. Currently, she  serves as a Child Development Advisor for the Council of Professional Recognition, a council member for the Newton Community Partnerships for Children and Families, and a director for Westfield Child Center’s Board of Directors. Lisa and her husband, Steve, have two children (one who currently attends Riverside). Lisa is “proud to be a part of the Riverside Community” and loves “working with wonderful families and dedicated staff members.”

Sue Haggie, Business Manager – Sue joined Riverside in 1986 as a Nursery Teacher and was promoted to co-director in 1988.  After the birth of her youngest son in 1991, Sue transferred to her current position of Business Manager. She received a BS in Early Childhood Education from Fitchburg State College.  She has worked with children from birth to Kindergarten for over 34 years. She has been a member of NAEYC for many years and has served on Riverside’s Board of Directors since 1986. She has two adult children who are both RCC alumni. Sue has enjoyed “being a part of the Riverside family for over 25 years.  Riverside truly is a very special place!”

Kim Flannery, Education Director - Kim joined Riverside in 2006 as a Rainbow Room Teacher and she transitioned to the Discovery Team the following year.  In 2011, Kim was promoted to Education Director. She received a BS in Early Childhood Education from Salve Regina University.  Prior to joining Riverside, Kim worked as a Toddler Teacher, Lead Preschool Teacher and Interim Assistant Director. She also served as a Developmental Specialist with children from birth to age three. Kim has served on Riverside’s Board of Directors for 3 years and served as the 2010-2011 Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee. Kim and her husband, Seth, have a son who currently attends Riverside. One thing that Kim loves most about Riverside is “Riverside! Once you are a part of the Riverside Community you’ll know!”

OUR EDUCATORS

Nursery Team

Sue Houde, Teacher – Sue began at Riverside as a student teacher in 1984 and has worked at Riverside ever since.  She received a BA in Early Childhood Education from Mass College of Liberal Arts. Before working at RCC Sue was employed by KinderCare. She and her husband, Steve, have three children, all of whom are RCC alumni. In addition to Riverside, Sue is the president of the High School Gridiron Club, a Cheer Coach, a Pop Warner Board Member, and she is involved with the high school Youth Group. Sue loves the “great staff and sense of community with Staff and Families at Riverside” and she loves “watching the children grow.”

Amanda Lambert, Teacher - Amanda Lambert joined Riverside in the fall of 2010.  Before Riverside, Amanda worked for many years in the birth to three program at the John Hancock Child Care Center.  Amanda received a BA in Early Childhood and Special Education with a minor in Spanish from Rivier College.  In her spare time, Amanda enjoys amateur photography and cooking.  One thing Amanda loves about Riverside is “being able to provide consistency and genuine loving care for the children I work with.”

Amanda Conklin, Teacher – Amanda joined Riverside in the fall of 2010.  She received a BS in Early Childhood from the University of Vermont.  Prior to joining Riverside, Amanda was an Infant and Toddler Teacher and a gymnastics coach.  In addition to her role at Riverside, Amanda also coaches gymnastics at Energy Fitness and Gymnastics. Amanda loves “the families and teachers” at Riverside.

Mandi Hurley, Teacher - Mandi joined Riverside in 2011. She attended Bunker Hill Community College, where she majored in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining Riverside, Mandi served as the Director of a center in Winthrop.  Mandi and her husband, Donny, are the proud parents of a daughter. In her free time she loves spending time with her family, traveling, and shopping. One thing Mandi loves about Riverside is “the sense of family and community within the center.”

Pat McManus, Teacher - Pat joined Riverside in 2011.  She is a graduate of Wheelock College where she received a BS in Early Childhood Education and a M.Ed. in Administration of ECE and Human Service Programs.  Prior to joining Riverside, Pat was a teacher and co-director at Beginning Years Child Development Center for 17 years.  As a new teacher to Riverside, Pat loves that there “seems to be a positive sense of community and a child-centered philosophy.  It also seems that teachers are valued…the longevity of teachers is impressive!”

Rainbow Team

Sue Houde, Teacher – See Nursery above

Susan Sandberg, Teacher – Susan joined Riverside in 1993.  She is a graduate of Wittenberg University where she received a BA in Psychology.   Since beginning at Riverside, Susan has served in a variety of roles including Floating Assistant Teacher and Nursery Teacher.  Susan was a member of the Turtle Room Team for over 12 years, before transferring to the Rainbow Room in February 2010. Prior to joining Riverside, Susan was the Assistant Manager of a bookstore.  In her spare time, Susan enjoys baking, Facebook and going to the movies.  In addition, Susan trains in Tang Soo Do (a Korean Martial Art) and she is an officer in her Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Alumnae Association. She grew up in Wellesley and currently resides in Medford with her husband, Peter, and their beloved dog, Georgie.  One thing that Susan loves about Riverside is “how the staff truly is like one big family.”

Amanda Lambert, Teacher – See Nursery above

Kelly Clark, Teacher – Kelly began at Riverside in 2010 as a part-time Rainbow Room Teacher’s Assistant.  Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to her current position of Rainbow Team Teacher.  Kelly is a graduate of Elmira College in New York state where she received a BS in Psychology and Art Education.  Prior to joining the Riverside team, Kelly was a graduate student and she had many different jobs. One of Kelly’s favorite things about Riverside is “watching the children learn and grow.”

Jessica Ackley, Assistant Teacher – Jessica is a graduate of Simmons College where she majored in Psychology.  In addition to Riverside, she is employed full-time by the Kennedy Day School as an Assistant Special Educator.  Jessica has worked with children of a variety of ages since she was 14 years old.

Mary Duckett, Assistant Teacher – Bio coming soon

Turtle Team

Mary Washburn, Teacher and Educator Scheduling Coordinator – Mary is the most senior staff member at Riverside! She began her career here in 1984 as a preschool teacher.  In 1987, she transferred to her current position in the Turtle Room.  Mary is a graduate of Mass Bay Community College where she majored in Early Childhood Education. While doing her student teaching at Riverside, Mary also worked at a donut shop. The donut shop closed so Mary asked RCC’s Director if Riverside had any openings, and they did! Mary and her husband, Chip, have two boys, both RCC alumni.  In addition to her position at Riverside, Mary teaches Dance Aerobics on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Norwood. One thing Mary loves about Riverside is “the dedicated staff that deliver quality care, including the administration.”

Nancy Sullivan, Teacher – Nancy joined Riverside in 1986. She is a graduate of Mass Bay Community College where she majored in Early Childhood Education.  Nancy and her husband, Joe, have a son who is a “graduate” of Riverside.  In her spare time, Nancy enjoys attending her son’s hockey and baseball games and spending time with family and friends. The thing Nancy most enjoys about Riverside is “watching the children grow….I love my job.”

Martine Hyde, Teacher – Martine joined Riverside as an Assistant Teacher when she was only 15 years old and stayed at Riverside throughout most of college. Prior to joining the Turtle Team full-time, Martine worked as a Turtle Room afternoon assistant, a floating teacher and a Rainbow Teacher. She is a graduate of Wheelock College where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Human Development. One thing Martine loves about Riverside is, “It’s where I learned how to be a teacher! Though I have spent some time in other centers, RCC is by far the best.  It is my home!”

Jessica Ahern, Assistant Teacher – Jessica joined Riverside in 2009 as a Teacher’s Assistant in the Turtle Room.  She is a senior at  Lasell College where she is majoring in Human Services with a focus on children. Jessica is an honor student who is actively involved in community service and she is a Psi Chi Member.  In her free time, Jessica loves going to concerts and attending music festivals.

Mary Duckett, Assistant Teacher – See Rainbow Room above

Discovery Team

Annie White, Teacher – As long as Annie can remember, she has wanted to work with children. She attended Santa Monica City College where she received an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Annie later continued her early childhood studies at San Diego State University. She began her teaching career in 1981 teaching preschool in California.  In 1987, she joined the Discovery Team at Riverside. Annie comes from a large family and is one of twelve children. Outside of teaching, she serves as member of RCC’s Board of Directors and is on the Fundraising Committee. One of Annie’s favorite things about Riverside is “the kinds of rewards you get from the children and the ways they enrich my life every day; from their laughter to their accomplishments to their precious beings.”

Kaiti Taylor, Teacher – Kaiti joined Riverside as a student teacher.  Kaiti received a BS in Early Childhood Education from Mount Ida College.  After graduating, Kaiti returned to Riverside as a Nursery teacher.  After two years, Kaiti took on a new challenge and transitioned to the Discovery Team. Prior to joining Riverside, Kaiti was a long-time babysitter for a family with children ranging in age from 3-7 years old.  In addition to her position at Riverside, Kaiti waitresses part-time and she is a member of RCC’s Board of Directors. One of the things Kaiti loves about Riverside is “the welcoming atmosphere; you always feel at home when you’re at Riverside.”

Kimlyn Telfort, Teacher – Kimlyn joined Riverside in the fall of 2010 as a part-time Research Room Assistant Teacher.  The following year, she joined the Discovery Teaching Team full-time.  Kimlyn is a graduate of Lesley College where she majored in History and Education.  Prior to joining the Riverside team, Kim lived in Springfield, MA.  In her free time, Kimlyn stays busy with church activities and enjoys spending time with friends and family. One thing Kim loves about Riverside is “the support I receive from the teachers and staff.  Knowing that there are others who believe in you other than yourself is a worthwhile feeling.”

Michelle Murdock, Assistant Teacher – Michelle joined Riverside in 2010 as the Teacher Assistant in the Discovery Room. She is currently attending Wheelock College and will graduate in May of 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood Education. Michelle loves “all of the different relationships I have with the children, staff and families.”

Eva Skinner, Assistant Teacher – Bio coming soon

Research Team

Judy Schweitzer, Teacher – Judy began teaching at Riverside after arriving in the United States over 20 years ago. Judy’s studies began in Cape Town, South Africa, where she studied Early Childhood Education and taught pre-school for many years. She then went back to college in Cape Town to become an Art Teacher, and later trained to be an Art Therapist at London University. Judy started a Pre-Kindergarten class attached to an Afrikaans Elementary school, and she has travelled the world. Her other work experiences include working on a Community Arts Project for disadvantaged children; as an Art Therapist at Guys Hospital, London; and as a volunteer at a school for children with autism in Australia. Judy has also led practical workshops for teachers in areas such as Weaving, and Mask and Puppet Making. Outside of work Judy is a member of the Newton Art Association. One thing Judy loves about Riverside is ”the sense of community - the genuine care, support and connection amongst everyone.”

Meghan Ellis, Teacher – Meghan joined Riverside as a Floating Teacher in 2004.  Shortly thereafter, she transferred to her current position in the Research Room.  Meghan received a BS in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Bridgewater State College. Prior to joining Riverside, she worked for many years as a School Age Group Leader and a Camp Counselor and Leader. She is very involved with Riverside and has served on the Board of Directors and the Fundraising Committee for a number of years. One thing Meghan loves most about Riverside is “how it feels like an extended family.”

Amelia Saba, Teacher – Amelia joined Riverside as a Research Team Teacher in 2009. She is a graduate of Curry College where she received a BA in Early Childhood Education, with a concentration in Preschool.  Prior to joining Riverside, Amelia was a preschool teacher on the Cape.  This is her second year serving as a member of Riverside’s Board of Directors.  In her spare time, Amelia likes to work out and run.  Her favorite thing about Riverside is the “great families and teachers!”

Emilie Golenberg, Assistant Teacher – Emilie joined Riverside in 2011 as the Assisstant Teacher in the Research Room. She received her Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. Prior to joining Riverside, Emilie was a nanny and did non-profit work. In her free time, Emilie is an advisor for a Jewish Youth Group and does audio podcasting. Emilie loves the “sense of community.”

Floating Teachers

Amy Williams, Teacher – Amy joined the Riverside staff in 2008 as a Discovery Team Teacher.  The following year, she left her position in the Discovery Room to focus on her graduate studies full-time.  In 2010, Amy received a Ed.M from Boston University in Early Childhood Education.  She returned to Riverside in December 2010 as a floating teacher. Prior to joining Riverside, Amy worked for many years as a coach and water safety instructor for the YMCA. Amy is actively involved with Riverside and currently serves on the RCC Board, Long Range Planning Committee, and the Finance Committee. Amy ”loves coming to work with such incredible teachers, children and families everyday!”

Aida Fedotov (Mimi), Teacher – Mimi is a graduate of the University of Sarajevo where she majored in Journalism.  After moving to the United States many years ago, Mimi made a career change to Early Childhood Education.  Her experience includes working with children from birth to 6 years. Prior to joining Riverside, she was a Toddler Teacher at a center in Brookline for 5 years. Mimi is a proud mother of three children. The thing Mimi loves most about Riverside is “the families”.  She also loves “going into every room and knowing every child’s name, the Keurig machine, and the playground being situated so beautifully.”

 

* The above photos are courtesy of Hayward Photography.