Our staff
First aid and CPR
A staff member trained in First Aid and CPR is always present.
Teamwork
Our school is run by a director and overseen by a Parent Board that assists in decision making and fundraising.
Four teachers collaboratively teach the two classrooms. We are proud of our team’s collective experience and qualifications. We learn from one another and continue to improve our service to parents and their children.
We are grateful for our long term substitute teachers – previous members of staff like Kitt Landdell and Evann Orleck-Jetter who cannot stay away for long. When in Vermont, they substitute for us.
Meet Some of Our teachers
Xandra Wishnefsky
Director
Xandra is excited to start a journey with Maple Leaf in 2022. She has a wide variety of experiences that will be beneficial as Maple Leaf grows. Her knowledge of early childhood development and her leadership skills make her a great director.
6+ years
- B.S. in Education with a double minor in psychology and sociology
- Registered Behavior Technician Training
- CPI certified
- ACA Camp Director Certified
I want to:
Work on building a community within the new team and children at Maple Leaf!
Create and develop a loving safe place for children to learn and explore!
Emily Fortier
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Emily is a kind caring, person. Her passion for the center and for the success of our team is remarkable. We are so lucky she decided to continue her path with us and move from our teaching position to a lead teacher.
6 years
- 2 Semesters remaining in a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education
I want:
- to develop relationships with the children to create a positive learning environment
- engage the students in learning and activities that meet their needs and interest.
Kate Lalonde
Licensed Pre-K Teacher
Kate is the heart and soul of Maple Leaf and has built the school and pre-K curriculum to what it is today. On days that she is absent, it’s like an essential piece of the puzzle is missing. We learn from her every day: her teaching skills are unmatched.
6 years
Level 3 teacher-senior in college; finishing up my degree in ECE/Special Education from birth to age 8.
- I plan to continue to gain knowledge about early development and apply it to my teaching, ensuring that each child will be taught in a way that suits their learning style and skill level.
- I want the classroom to be a fun, peaceful, safe environment that supports learning through child driven play and social opportunity.
- I would love to see the Center becoming a second home to the children; where they are confident to explore each part of the school and form strong relationships with every teacher and child at Maple Leaf.
Kiera Estes
Infant Teacher
Kiera is a kind, gentle human being. Her knowledge of behavior and behavior management techniques is amazing. Maple Leaf is very lucky to have her as part of the team.
4 years
High School Diploma
I want to:
Make new personal connections with all the children at Maple Leaf
Ensure a safe and fun developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom environment