OUR STAFF AND TEACHERS
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ROANNE MILLER - Director
I am the director of United Parish Early Learning Center in Upton, MA. I have a teaching degree from the University of RI in Child Development and Family Relations and numerous graduate credits in related fields of study. I have been working with children for many years and have been a director for the last 25 years. I love working in a smaller setting because it gives me the opportunity to become familiar with entire families, not just the child who comes to the school. I live in Sudbury with my sweet dog, Mini! When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful grandson, reading and trying new recipes! |
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CHRIS LAVIN - Lead Teacher, Comets United Parish has been a part of my life for the past 26 years. I first became involved with the school when I sent my own two children here. Once they were in school full time, I took a part time position as a teaching assistant. Over the past 20 plus years I have had the privilege of watching the school grow and evolve. I received my Early Childhood Certification and became a lead teacher. I love teaching and working with such wonderful families. I live in Upton with my husband of thirty years. We have two beautiful grown children and two grandchildren - the biggest joys of our lives. We love spending time in NH, boating and entertaining. Some of my other hobbies include gardening, reading and hiking with my dog Rosie. |
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ALISON MCGRATH - Lead Teacher, Allstars
I have been teaching at UPELC since 2003. Teaching is not a job for me, it is my passion. I love teaching and embracing the differences in every child and partnering with parents and caregivers to make the child’s school experience positive in every way. SCIENCE days, focusing on many different aspects of science and exciting experiments, is a particular love of mine. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Union College. My wonderful husband and I live in Upton and have three beautiful adult daughters. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, reading, enjoying my three beautiful dogs and spending time with my family. |
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PAT PIERCE - Teacher, Comets
My connection with United Parish Early Learning Center began when my daughter spent her first two years of her school journey here. I was an avid volunteer in her class and a substitute in other classrooms. I spent the first 15 years of my working career as an Inventory Analyst for a large computer company which I truly enjoyed but when I took time off to raise my two children I realized my passion for early education. While at United Parish Early Learning Center I started as a Teaching Assistant and within a few years moved into a Teacher position. I feel blessed every day to work at a dedicated and community minded preschool with a passionate and amazing staff. As the seasons change and Fall approaches I look forward to starting the journey again with alumni, new students, and their families. I’ve been an Upton resident for 26 years and raised two wonderful children. I’m an avid reader and enjoy working/playing in my garden. |
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Robin Jokela - Teacher
Biography coming soon! |
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LAUREN VAN NORMAN - Assistant Teacher, Allstars
This is my second year at United Parish Early Learning Center as an Assistant Teacher. I began here as a substitute teacher, then I taught in the Lunch and Learn program. My daughter spent her preschool years here and it was a wonderful experience for both of us. I have a BA in Psychology from Framingham State University with a concentration in Development and Learning. My career started in Human Services working with special needs children. I was a live-in nanny for 2 years for 2 young children, one of whom is autistic. My career path shifted, and I worked for a few years in finance and biotechnology. When my children were born, I decided to stay home with them full-time. It was during this time that I started volunteering at school and church and substitute teaching at United Parish Early Learning Center. I am excited to be back working with young children again and I couldn’t ask for a better place than United Parish Early Learning Center to bring my career full circle. I live in Upton with my wonderful husband, Paul, my two children, Cecelia and Paul, Jr. and our sweet dog Bella. I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with my family |
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Andrea Mosier - Assistant Teacher, Comets
Stay tuned for biography! |
Jessica Murphy - After School Site Coordinator (K thru 4th Grade)