Teachers, Educators, & Staff @ PRCP…

Jen is the founder of Parker River and manager of most behind the scenes tasks such as payroll, tuition, enrollment, etc! Jen should be focused on paperwork, but most often can be found adventuring in the forest with one of the classes. She has an Early Childhood Education Degree from UVM and did her grad work at Wheelock. Child Development is her life’s work and she taught for several years before founding Parker River in 2009 with her husband, Anthony. Jen lives in Ipswich with her husband, two children and three pups! When not at PRCP she can be found on adventures with her own crew, reading a good book, or hiking everywhere and anywhere. 

Ingrid has been a calm, nurturing presence in our school community since 2016. She’s a beautiful, gentle soul with endless patience and natural leadership. Ingrid is a graduate of Salem State with a degree in Psychology and prior to joining Parker River she was an early childhood teacher at a preschool in Essex. Ingrid’s child development knowledge and her beautiful relationship building guide us in so many ways. Recently she’s been working closely with Sandy, supporting some administrative tasks and helping keep us organized. Ingrid’s leadership also facilitates our Extended Day Programing and closes the school on a daily basis. She has a strong knowledge base in Responsive Classroom and reminds us all to build predictable routines and traditions into our days. Her thoughtful whole-group, morning meetings with her veteran 5 & 6 year olds are an important part of the day—time for connecting, sharing ideas, planning the day, exploring math through attendance, and play-based literacy games. When not at school Ingrid’s at home on the beach, in front of a cozy fire, at a concert or on an adventure with her family including three dogs and three adult children! We’re also so grateful that Ingrid has shared her gift for early education with her daughter, Rosie, who teaches in our Chickadee Classroom.

Kara is a Lead Preschool teacher in our Owl Classroom. She’s been a part of Parker River’s life for many years, but officially joined our team in May 2020. Kara spent her entire teaching career at Pathways Preschool, in West Newbury until their closure. We’re so fortunate she made her way from one play-based, respectful preschool program to another. Kara co-teaches with Pam, her long-term co-teacher from Pathways and they are a brilliant, nature loving, dynamic duo. Kara is a master teacher with an uncanny ability to connect authentically with all children. She is a master at planning curriculum provocations to engage and inspire the children and can often be found in the forest on an adventure. Kara has helped us grow more resilient in our nature explorations in all weather and is a beautiful relationship building. Kara has a degree in Elementary Education from Fitchburg State. When not at school she’s at home enjoying time skiing with her husband and son.

Pam joined our team with Kara in 2020. They previously co-taught together for 20 years at play-based, child-centered, Pathways Preschool in West Newbury. Pam is certified in Early Childhood Education and is a strong veteran teacher. Pam has an eye for organization and beauty and brings that to her indoor and outdoor classrooms. She plans thoughtful curriculum provocations, often centered on art and literacy. Pam challenges our team to engage in nature in rain, snow, and sun. She has a love of birds and has been learning about local edible plants and practicing her tracking with her preschoolers. When not at school Pam is at home in NH with her family and spending time with her niece.

Rachel has been working in Early Childhood Education since 2010 and we’re so grateful she found her way to our school community in 2019. She brings with her a gentle soul and love of nature & mindful movement. She has a degree in Human Services with a concentration in Child and Family Studies and Early Intervention at Northeastern University. Rachel has shared her gifts with us in many ways over the past several years and knows all of the humans in our school community well. She’s known for her warm, gentle rapport with all and her creative storytelling. Rachel is currently studying Family Psychology at Antioch University while she works in the classroom part time. On top of continuing her schooling and joining us afternoons, Rachel enjoys spending time at home taking care of the farm she lives on and practicing yoga. She also enjoys biking around West Newbury, hiking in the White Mountains, making flower bouquets and playing piano.

Kristine joined our school community in 2022, teaching in our multiage preschool classroom. She and Jen were fortunate to work together many years earlier at an early childhood program in Georgetown. Kristine is a master early ed teacher with an endless focus on building individual relationships with children and families. Kristine shares a love of animals and dinosaurs with her preschool class and can often be found exploring some scientific wonder right alongside them! She has a BA in Psychology with a focus on Child Development from Southern NH University and most recently taught at a small nature-based school in Newbury. Kristine has a beautiful singing voice and her preschool days are filled with song and early literacy rhyming games. She might possibly know every book, ever written, and uses literacy as a guide for class meetings, curriculum studies, social emotional learning, and everything in between. When not at school, Kristine can be found a home with her family including her husband, teen son, dog named Maggie, and her chickens. She is an amazing baker and cook and is very engaged in her church community.

Rosie has been a part of our school community through her mom and sister for almost 10 years. In 2022 she officially joined our teaching team as a substitute and then as an assistant floating teacher in all classrooms. Rosie is gentle, nurturing and always up for a hug! Fortunately for us, she fell in love with early childhood education and decided to pursue her degree in the field. Rosie now co-teaches in the Chickadee Classroom and brings her love of art and nature to our youngest friends. She can always be found with a smile, holding a tiny hand, pausing for a snuggle, or jumping right into toddler art and exploring her own skills as an artist! She is calm and wise beyond her years and brings a positive vibe to our school community. When not at school, Rosie enjoys spending time with family and friends including her three dogs; at the beach, on adventures, out in nature, and surrounded by music and art.

Alyssa recently joined our team in 2023 as a Floating Teacher, helping out in all classrooms. She’s been a flexible, behind-the-scenes support for all of our classroom teams and this year is looking forward to her role as Co-Teacher to our youngest friends in the Chickadee Classroom. Alyssa is an Ipswich native and previously worked at a local daycare program and as administrative support at a local occupational therapy office. She’s taken classes in early childhood education and has a strong understanding in child development. Alyssa is a natural relationship builder with the children and a good listener. She has an abundance of knowledge in our local natural surroundings, especially insects, tracking and birds. Alyssa encourages us to connect more deeply with nature and to be good observers. When not at school, Alyssa can be found hiking around the area with her boyfriend and family, reading literary fiction, and cooking healthy, allergy free meals.