Cynthia Vitti - Director

Hi There! My name is Cynthia and I have been part of the Hancock Nursery family for over 8 years. I started out as a parent whose children attended and it wasn’t too far after that when I realized this was the place for me. I began as a substitute and later as a classroom assistant.  I was thrilled to be working and learning alongside such a creative and committed group of teachers and friends and knew I could contribute more. I’ve also always been intrigued by a child's learning process and get excited about seeing and being part of their successes both emotional and physically. They are such incredible little beings which is why I received my Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential from Middlesex Community College in 2015.  I am a certified teacher/lead with the MA Department of Early Ed (EEC) and plan to further my education in the child development field.

Lori Cullity - Assistant Director

I am a mother of three children, a daughter, Haleigh and two sons, Larry and Ryan.

I hold an associate degree in early childhood education from Middlesex Community College and have over 25 years of experience working with young children.

I am Director II certified, along with Lead teacher certified in Infant,Toddler and Preschool through the Department of Early Education and Care. I have been in the Child care field for 25 years. 

I am looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge with all who are part of Hancock Nursery School.

Jessica Porter - Lead Teacher

Hi everyone! My name is Jess and I am looking forward to entering my 4th school year here at Hancock Nursery School. From a very young age I always knew that I wanted to work with young children. I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and I hold all of my EEC teaching certifications. With over 20 years of experience, I have held many teaching positions over the years working with different age groups both inside and outside of the classroom. Preschool is a time in a child’s life where they begin to explore the world around them. Each time I enter a classroom, I am reminded how fortunate I am to be a part of their learning journey!

When I am not having fun inside the classroom, I am spending time with my husband, my two boys Nate and Lucas and our dog Cora! I enjoy early morning runs, crafting new projects, coffee and I love Owls! 

 

Suzanne DeGisi - Teacher

Hello! My name is Suzanne, but I’m known as Miss Suzy around the halls of HNS. This will be my second year at Hancock Nursery School helping as a Teacher’s Assistant, and I’m looking forward to another great year! I am very excited to help teach, play and interact with the students this year, while we read books, explore the sensory bin and create tons of arts and crafts together! I feel my experience as a mother of 2, has given me the tools such as having patience and empathy to work with young children and help nurture their minds and help navigate them to become independent little people.

When I’m not at HNS, I enjoy crafting, spending my summers in Maine and spending time with my Husband and 2 children: Vinny and Leah, ages 6 and 3.

Colleen Burke - Lead Teacher

My name is Colleen, and I have been a Lead Educator at HNS for the past 16 years.  I was first drawn to teaching after having the opportunity to participate in my son’s Preschool Family Day. I enjoyed the interactions with the children so much, that I decided to return to school and complete my degree.  I graduated from Middlesex Community College in 2007, with an Associate in Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, and hold EEC certification as a lead educator.  

I joined the staff at HNS as a Student Teacher, and began working as a Lead Educator in the Fall of 2007.  I have teaching experience at each age level, and in September 2018, I assumed the role of Lead Educator in the Blue Room Pre-K program, where I look forward to preparing our students for Kindergarten next year. 

I have the privilege of working with young children every day. Their enthusiasm is infectious! My profession is to guide preschoolers on their journey as successful lifelong learners, however, I believe I learn just as much from them.  The children remind me of what is important in life.  They teach me to enjoy every moment and not take myself too seriously.  It’s important to laugh and cry, and to look out for each other.  How lucky am I to experience their wisdom every day!

Karin Pavio - Teacher

It gives me great pleasure to assist children in achieving new skills through play, social interactions and every day experiences. Enhancing a child’s confidence and self-esteem is a goal I strive to achieve as a teacher.  

I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Fitchburg State College.  I have been had the honor of teaching at Hancock Nursery School for 12 years, working with children 3 and 4 years old through Pre-K. I am excited to once again work with Pre-K children this year.

I live in Lexington and have three children, two of whom attended Hancock Nursery School. My oldest child has special needs and attended the LABBB program. My son is a radiologist working at Walter Reed Medical Center and my youngest daughter received her bachelor’s degree in nursing, currently working in home healthcare.

 

Alicia Clark - Teacher

Hi!  My name is Alicia (aka Miss Alicia).  I work in Intermediate Program with 3.5 year olds this year. I have previously worked with the Beginners and Pre-K students too.

I worked in the "Corporate World" for 15 years prior to having my own children.  I knew shortly after being home with them, that teaching young minds was my calling.  I've been in the Early Childhood Education field for 4 years...and enjoying every minute of it!  Before I joined Hancock Nursery School in 2017, I was at Project Support in the Billerica Public Schools where I worked with children requiring special needs. 

I love knowing that my day is going to be filled with lots of laughter, smiles, adventure, curiosity, hugs, and sometimes tears but those go away quickly.  How's that for a day's work?!  I can say without a doubt, teaching young minds is my passion!! 

 

Suneeta Tembulkar - Teacher

I am currently an assistant teacher in the Blue room. I hold a Lead Teacher certification from the MA Department of Early Education and Care. I have a Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Middlesex Community College, Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Geography from the University of Bombay, Mumbai, India. I have also earned a Diploma in French from L’ Alliance Francaise, Mumbai, India.

I have been teaching at Hancock Nursery School since 2002.

“I love to teach because it brings me great happiness to spend time with young children. Every year, I enjoy watching each child, in his or her own unmistakable, and unique way, learn, grow, and flourish”.  

Julie Aylward - Bookkeeper

Hi, I am Julie, the Bookkeeper at the school starting in February 2024. I have a BS in Finance and an Associates in Accounting from Bentley University. I have many years of experience as an Accountant and Financial Analyst in various industries.

In 2012, I decided to leave the corporate world to spend more time with my daughter and become a dance mom which I came to find out can be a job in itself! I then became the part time Business Manager at the local
community arts school and continue to serve as its volunteer Board Treasurer. I helped that school, still recovering from the Financial Crisis of 2008, get back on its feet. Then as the Board Treasurer, I helped it again manage through the pandemic to stay open and continue to serve the community.

I love using my finance skills to help non profits strive, particularly those that help children and families like Hancock Nursery School. In my spare time I love hiking with my dog and travelling all over but especially to visit my in-laws in Australia!