Meet Our Staff

"I've been passionate about childcare since I started working as a summer camp counselor at age 15. Since then I've directed camps, taught childrens swim lessons, and volunteered as a 1:1 mentor in the Binghamton NY public schools. 

I graduated from Hampshire College where I studied Education, Psychology, Sociology, and Childhood Studies. For my senior thesis, I developed a training program to help childcare providers navigate the dynamic nature of caring for young people through practical exercises and group discussion. I love working collaboratively with the staff at LES to make students feel safe and supported at school. I strive to understand each student's interests so that we can create "peak experiences" and moments of deep joy for them. I am passionate about creating child-centered spaces and supporting outdoor play!"

"Oliver is a recent graduate of UMass Amherst who still struggles with writing “about me” paragraphs! He holds a BA in Studio arts while being a recipient of multiple awards for his animated short, The Toad in the Hole, that was created during his senior year. He has experience working with children through Multi Arts, a summer camp where he has been a volunteer, teacher, and counselor.   

Oliver is kind, funny, and lighthearted. He enjoys working with kids, whether it be arts and crafts, theatre, or even Pokémon knowledge! At Leverett Elementary School, he started an “Improv Station” where kids can both create and perform short plays on stage every Wednesday. Oliver is always willing to draw things for kids and has perfected the art of dragons, alicorns, snow leopards, and haunted mansions- they have been his most common requests at LES!"

"When I was 12 I began to babysit, and 10 years later I continue to love working with kids every day.  On top of babysitting, I also worked 4 years at a summer theater camp in Deerfield for kids ages 7-13. I am currently a Junior Psychology Major at UMass Amherst after receiving a Liberal Arts degree at Greenfield Community College. My goal upon graduation is to incorporate my passion for psychology with my love for working with children. 

At LES, I currently take on substitute teaching duties, one-on-one para work, and of course the lovely Afterschool Program! I always want to help cultivate a safe, fun, and engaging environment that caters to the needs of every individual child at our school!"

"I’ve been working at the LES afterschool program for a year. I am a junior at UMass Amherst studying psychology with a minor in education and a specialization in working in disability and human services. I have been a summer camp counselor since high school and I have additional experience substitute teaching and babysitting. I am passionate about fostering a safe and fun environment for kids where each child feels seen and heard."

"I graduated from UMass Amherst, where I studied psychology with a Social Work & Social Welfare Certificate, and received a letter of specialization in developmental disabilities and human services. I am now pursuing a master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. 

I am passionate about creating a neurodiverse-affirming environment for all of my after school students. I am always ready to give piggyback rides, pretend to be a monster running around the playground chasing the kids, play basketball, soccer, or gaga ball with them, or spending time outside walking in the woods."