Our Team

Marisa is proud to lead the Open Center for Children. Her professional background includes school administration, preschool teaching, curriculum development, and community musical theater choreography. Her educational philosophy is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach with a focus on social-emotional learning and support. Marisa holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Management,  B.S. in Child Studies and A.S. in Early Childhood Education.

Milo Evans has worked in early childhood education for fifteen years. They started as an assistant in a teen-parent program before becoming a lead teacher. Milo discovered Reggio Emilia Inspired practices when they moved to New England from Florida and eventually did a study tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy. This experience has forever impacted how they view education, the image of the child, and how to best foster relationships with children and families. 

Betsy is a graduate of St. Lawrence University, with a double major in Psychology and Educational Studies. Betsy has worked in both general and special education environments, and has volunteered as a Child Life Student Aide at her local children's hospital. Betsy is a lifelong performer, having been a dance teacher and the director of the all-female a cappella group at St. Lawrence. 

Sam has worked in environmental and experimental education for the past five years. During their free time, Sam can be found juggling, hiking or dancing. Additionally when not teaching, they are passionate about making outdoor spaces and activities more accessible for everyone. Sam is currently taking early childhood courses through a grant partnership with Fisher College.

Katie graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor's degree in Education, with a concentration from Pre-K through 3rd grade. She actively pursues professional development and recently completed a two-day immersive training in the Project Approach. Katie has participated in choral singing and theatre arts while at Juniata. She is continuing her education by taking courses at Fisher College, through one of our grant partnerships. 

Monika graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Monika has continued her studies by taking early childhood courses through Fisher College. She is especially interested in guiding children to explore fiber arts and paper-making and is currently working with a BARIN coach to learn more about using the Art Studio with children in a Reggio Inspired approach. 

Hanouf graduated from Simmons University with a double major in Philosophy and International Relations. Hanouf entered the field of Early Childhood Education after her work assisting with children's asylum cases with Kids In Need of Defense led her to understand the impact of positive early care relationships. Hanouf is continuing their education by enrolling in courses through Fisher College, including working towards obtaining her CDA. 

Eric graduated from Clark University, studying History, Geography, and Women's & Gender Studies. He has worked in many child-centered roles including as an Arts Coordinator, Music Teacher, Outdoor Living Specialist, and preschool teacher. Eric has also worked in an administrative role at Judge Baker Children's Center in the Child Abuse Emergency Line Department. Eric is a passionate musician and songwriter, and can often be heard playing ukulele in the classroom. Eric is continuing his education through Fisher College and aspires to acheive Director certification.

Emily graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and has since been educating in museums and schools. Most recently, Emily has been the Afternoon Art Teacher at Beaver Country Day School. She joins us as Green Room teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. Like many of her colleagues, Emily is actively continuing her education through our partnership with SPYC and Fisher College.

Anne is our permanent substitute and morning assistant. She has decades of early childhood experience. Anne holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Oberlin College, and two Master's degrees; one in Education from Sarah Lawrence College, and another in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Anne has worked in various roles as a family child care provider and preschool teacher.

Brandon is our Floating Teacher, supporting both classrooms. He graduated from Salem State University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology  and is continuing his education by taking early childhood education courses. Brandon has worked in a variety of positions including as a preschool teacher, paraprofessional, and  after school group leader.