Staff Profiles

Noah's Ark Preschool believes that our teachers are one of our features that make us so special. Our staff offers a range of ages and backgrounds, which blend to create an exciting and innovative curriculum. Teachers always take into consideration individual children and their interests. They try to be open to what the children are doing and thinking about and are mindful of this when planning. Teachers facilitate the children's learning by carefully observing, providing guidance, planning activities, and introducing new concepts and ideas. They strive to create a warm, enriching environment for children and a partnership with parents that emphasizes trust and collaboration.

Frankie Gartner -- Director and Lion teacher
Frankie has been the Director of Noah's Ark since it opened in 2002. She holds a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Development from Wheelock College and has been teaching in preschool settings for over 20 years. She is a member of the Needham Early Childhood Council, which provides workshops/trainings for preschool teachers.  Frankie has a background in music, which she brings to the classroom daily.  She creates curriculum, mentors and supervises teachers, oversees the workings of the Preschool, and is a teacher in the Lion class.

Kelli Fitzgerald -- Assistant Director
Kelli has been with Noah's Ark since 2006.  She has a degree in English from St. Lawrence University, a Master of Fine Arts in writing with a specialization in children's literature from Emerson College, and a Master of Education from Boston College.  Kelli's children attended Noah's Ark.

Doreen Dougherty -- Lamb and Llama teacher
Doreen joined Noah's Ark in 2008 as a teacher in both the Lamb and Llama classes.  She has a degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and a degree in Early Childhood Development from C.C. of Rhode Island.  Doreen has worked as a preschool teacher in a private preschool setting as well as a larger daycare center; she has also been a camp director. 

Laura Fields -- Lion teacher
Laura joined Noah's Ark in 2008 as a Lion teacher.  She has a degree from SUNY Binghamton and a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from Queens College.  Laura has been a kindergarten teacher and has worked as a math specialist.  She is a former Noah's Ark parent.

Leslie Gallant -- Llama teacher
Leslie joined Noah's Ark in 2009 and is a teacher in the Llama class.  Leslie has an undergraduate and graduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College.  She has been a preschool teacher in a private setting for many years.

Pam Kingston -- Lion teacher
Pam has been with Noah's Ark Preschool since 2004. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Curry College, as well as a certificate in early childhood development.  She has worked as a preschool teacher for many years.  In addition to teaching in the Lion class, Pam co-teaches the Extended Day program.

Anne McCarthy -- Lamb teacher, Llama assistant teacher
Anne has been a teacher at Noah's Ark Preschool since 2007.  She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Pine Manor College. Anne has many years of professional experience as a preschool teacher, primarily in private settings.  Anne has taught both the Lamb and Llama classes at NAP.

Shawn van der Burgt -- Lion teacher
Shawn has been teaching at Noah's Ark since 2005. Prior to joining Noah's Ark, she served on the Board of ECDC, a preschool in Sherborn, and she also volunteered in the classroom.  Shawn has her certificate in Early Childhood from Mass Bay.  Shawn also co-teaches the Extended Day program.

Jane Sullivan -- Administrative Assistant
Jane joined Noah's Ark in 2005 as the Administrative Assistant.  She handles all of the bookkeeping, billing and payments.