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.  Milo is currently enrolled at Lesley University, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood with a minor in Art Therapy.

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 achieve Director certification. Eric brings a thoughtful energy to the school, always asking introspective questions to adults and children alike. 

Katie graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor's degree in Education, with a concentration from Pre-K through 3rd grade. Katie has participated in choral singing and theatre arts while at Juniata. Katie is active in our community, often taking part in school-wide committees such as the Family Committee and Journey Book Committee. She also recently took part in the SPYC Curriculum Implementation Committee, working to reflect on the use of SEE Every Child curriculum with the public schools.

Monika graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She is especially interested in guiding children to explore fiber arts and paper-making and has worked with a BARIN coach to learn more about using the Art Studio with children in a Reggio Inspired approach. Monika has been a foundational pillar in the creation of our Pre-K small group, highlighting the capabilities of our eldest learners. 

Brandon  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. Brandon has been a pioneer in leading our school Journey Book Committee, transforming the way we document and assess learning. 

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 joined us as Green Room teacher in the 2023-2024 school year. Like many of her colleagues, Emily is actively continuing her education through our partnership with SPYC and Fisher College. Emily has a deep reflective practice, thinking carefully and intentionally to ensure the highest level of care is provided to her students. 

Wren graduated from Lesley University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Expressive Arts Therapy, focusing on Dance/Movement Therapy. As a new educator, they are excited to learn and grow with their colleagues, students and their caregivers as they venture into the Green Room. They feel most alive when in collaboration with their inner child through dance, specifically when centered around silliness, pure feeling, and experimentation.

Lizzy graduated from Millsaps College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and a minor in Education. She is passionate about arts-based learning. Lizzy is excited about creating a collaborative and welcoming environment for all our students. She is continuing her early childhood education studies through 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.

Grace is our Floating Teacher,  supporting both classrooms. She graduated from Tufts University where she majored in Child Study and Human Development and played lacrosse. She loves long distance running and everything outdoorsy. She also loves to travel and spent a month last fall backpacking through the back country of New Zealand. She brings her love of nature and the outdoors to Open Center and is excited to foster this same love in the children here. Grace brings a positive energy to her work, always showing up with joy and excitement.