Our teachers are professional educators who work to create a caring and stimulating environment that supports every child’s journey to understanding. At The Children’s Garden, teachers are researchers, and the school becomes a laboratory, as children are encouraged to question, explore, imagine and construct. Through this learning process, children become persistent and flexible problem solvers. Children are viewed as active learners whose opinions and ideas are valued and fostered.
Shannon Harrison: Lead Teacher / Owner / Director
My Name is Shannon Harrison. I grew up here in Portsmouth and am proud to be raising my 2 children here as well. After college, I began teaching the integrated preschool program in West Newbury, Massachusetts where I stayed for 18 years. When I got the opportunity to purchase the Children’s Garden in 2014 – I jumped at it! When not teaching, I love going to the beach, traveling, reading, and spending time with my family.
Kirsten Hales: Lead Teacher
My name is Kirsten C. Hales. I grew up in New York and New Jersey. I studied Early Childhood Education at New England College which brought me to New Hampshire in the 90’s. I live in Portsmouth with my husband and two children who are both graduates of the Children’s Garden. Teaching and children are my joy in life. I have been teaching at The Children’s Garden for the past fifteen years. It has been an honor to work amongst amazing teachers and families. I strive to make our school a loving, nurturing and fun environment for all of us to grow.
Sarah Duddy-Vaillancourt: Lead Teacher
Hi! My name is Sarah Duddy-Vaillancourt and I grew up in Portsmouth, NH. This is my 14th year teaching preschool! I enjoy gardening, diy projects, cooking and sharing my love of these things in the classroom! I truly love being a teacher and I am so excited to get to know your child at The Children’s Garden and to learn more about all of YOU!
Jodi Foster: Classroom Teacher
My name is Jodi Foster. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, I moved to Portsmouth and have been here for 25 years! I have 2 children who both attended the Children’s Garden. I have spent most of my career working with children and families in the Seacoast area. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, cooking and tending to my small flock of chickens. I am so excited to be working with the young children at the Children’s Garden!
Founders: Noele Clews, Nancy Hotchkiss and Connie Parsons have been the figures that many young and eager-to-learn faces have grown up seeing over the last 35 years at The Children’s Garden Preschool. (Read the entire article “Passing on a nature of nurture at Children’s Garden,” published in the Portsmouth Herald.)