• ​One Church Street, Upton, MA  01568
  • 508.529.6382

STAFF

Click on a photo to learn more about each teacher.

ROBIN JOKELA
Director 

Robin has been teaching at United Parish Learning Center for eight years, working with all age groups.  She took over as Interim Director in March of 2024 and has been appointed Director as of June 2024.  She cares deeply about the children and families, staff and the UPELC as a whole! 

As a teacher, watching our children happily play, learn, and grow and being a part of a truly talented and dedicated team to help make that happen brought her great joy.    

Now as Director, Robin looks forward to meeting the needs of not only the children and families, but of staff as well.  She is a believer in team work and open communication.  She is  open minded and possesses a growth mindset. 

Robin has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology and continued her education in early childhood education obtaining Child Development Associate Certification, Lead Teacher and Director Certification.

Mother to three children, Samantha, Jenn, and Nathan, Robin has been an Upton resident since 1996.

Two of her children, Samantha, and Nathan, attended UPELC and had wonderful preschool experiences!  
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In her free time she loves to read, travel and sit at beach with her toes in the sand!  ​

LAUREN ​VAN NORMAN
​Lead Teacher of the Comets Class

Lauren has been teaching United Parish Early Learning Center for eight years. She began as a substitute teacher, then taught in the "Lunch and Learn" program. Her daughter spent her preschool years at UPELC and it was a wonderful experience for both!
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Lauren has a BA in Psychology from Framingham State University with a concentration in Development and Learning. She started her career in Human Services working with special needs children and was a live-in nanny for 2 years for 2 young children, one of whom is autistic. Then her career path shifted, and she worked for a few years in finance and biotechnology.

When her children were born, she decided to stay home with them full-time. It was during this time that she started volunteering at school and church and substitute teaching at United Parish Early Learning Center.  She is excited to be back working with young children again and couldn’t ask for a better place than United Parish Early Learning Center to bring her career full circle.

Lauren lives in Upton with her wonderful husband, Paul, her two children and dog Bella. Cecelia is a freshman at Johnson & Wales University and Paul Jr. is a junior at BVT.

She enjoys watching baseball (go Sox!), attending concerts with her husband, and spending time with family.

DONNA SHERIDAN
​Lead Teacher in the Allstars Class & Site Coordinator for Before School Program

​Donna has been teaching at United Parish Early Learning Center for three years in the  All Stars and Comets classes.

​Donna has had a passion for teaching since a young age and obtained an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as Bachelor's degree. She has had her teaching certificate from DEEC for over 20 years and is Lead Teacher and Director certified.

Donna has many years of experience in child care including center-based day care and preschool, including Head Start.
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She lives in Rhode Island with her partner, Chris, daughters, Ciara and Brianna, and 2 cats, Firestar and Whitepaw.

Donna loves to read and listen to music and enjoys spending time with family and friends, kayaking, and traveling. She considers herself a life-long learner.

BETHANY WALSH
Teacher in the All Star Class 

Bethany has been with United Parish School for over two  years and feels she has found her life passion teaching and nurturing children. She enjoys every child she has been blessed to care for.

Bethany has a degree in English and Art from the Ohio State University and has earned her teaching certification.

She looks forward to continuing to expand her skills and growing each year, alongside the families of UPELC.

In her free time, she love exploring nature, coffee and being active.

MARIA LEVEILLE
Assistant teacher in the Comet class

Maria has been working at United Parish Early Learning Center for two years.

All three of Maria's children are happy graduates of UPELC.

Maria has lived in Upton for 27 years.

BONNIE LALLY
​Before and After School Assistant 

​A native of Waltham, Massachusetts, Bonnie worked in the medical field for many years. She recently relocated to Uxbridge with her loving husband of 43 years who sadly passed away in December of 2023. 

Bonnie adores being aunt to 3 girls and 7 boys and great aunt to 2 boys and 3 girls ranging in age from 5 to 40. Now that she is retired, Bonnie enjoys spending as much time as possible helping and hearing children’s laughter. 

In her spare time she enjoys crafting, knitting and painting. She is an avid reader and enjoys coming up with crafts to do with children.  
JULIE RENK
After School Assistant
Julie began in our after school program in May of 2024 .  She loves working with children and will be working on Wednesday's and Thursday's. 

Julie is a life long Upton resident who likes horses and the beach.   

She has two grown children who attended UPELC and had wonderful preschool experiences! 
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CHRISTINE MCEVOY
After School Assistant
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Chris is thrilled to join the UPELC team this year as an assistant in the before school program and as a substitute in our preschool program. 

Chris holds a bachelors degree in psychology and has worked with people in a variety of settings throughout her career.  A licensed social worker, Chris has had a private reflexology practice for twenty years with a focus on health and wellness.

An Upton resident since 2000, Chris is the proud mother of two happy UPELC graduates. She considers it a joy to be part of this nurturing program she has long admired.  Her goal is for each student to be greeted with a smile in the morning and leave with one of their own.

CHRISTINE LAVIN 
Lead Teacher of the Comets Class 
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Chris has lived in Upton most of her life with her husband Ted.  Her children attended UPELC and she loved the school.  She began volunteering , subbing and eventually working as a teacher.  Chris has taught many children over the past 25+ years.  

Chris remains passionate about the program and has enjoyed watching many families come through over the years.  She is committed to creating a warm, engaging and inclusive environment. 

Outside of school, Chris enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren , boating, camping and hiking.