Our faculty at Northaven Co-operative Preschool has broad experience in early childhood education. We are dedicated to learning experiences and the enthusiastic sharing and enjoyment of knowledge.
I think the Co-op is a really great school. The teachers are all very nice and they work really hard to make things fun. They make sure everyone has what they need and feels good about themselves.
6-Year-Old Former Co-Op Student
Northaven Co-operative Preschool is an experience-based morning educational program where parents share the joys of learning with their children.
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DIRECTOR • 4’S & 5’S TEACHER
The directorship of our play-based school is a joint endeavor by our teachers and parents, working cooperatively together to provide a rich environment for each child. It is this relationship that is unique and magical. Our school is a place where we all learn from each other, and every person is valued. We take care of each other and become a school family.
I earned a B.A. in Anthropology with Departmental Distinction and have completed 18 hours of graduate work in Education, both at SMU. I am a Mustang Scholar and a member of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. I have taught in early childhood education for 21 years, and I have been the Director of Northaven Co-operative Preschool for 8 years. I am fortunate to have enjoyed multiple facets of the Co-op experience: as a parent with my youngest children, as a grandparent with my oldest grandsons and granddaughter, as the Co-Chair of the 2002-2003 Capital Campaign, Co-Chair of “Grand Day” and as a teacher of the Young 2’s, 2s & 3s, and now the 4’s & 5’s.
I am grateful that I spend my days with children. I am dedicated to surrounding my students with the best literature available for young children. My choices include books that celebrate the diversity of our world. I am guaranteed a laugh, a hug, a thoughtful question asked, the joy of watching a child create art with the varied artistic mediums, and that wonderful moment of magic when a child discovers something new. I live in a child’s world of wonder and it is the best place to be. When I am not at school, I spend time with my large family. I enjoy early morning runs, reading, cooking, and needlepointing.
young 4’s TEACHER
I have been teaching Pre-K 4’s in the Dallas area for over 18 years and joined Northaven Co-operative Preschool in 2020. I am originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and I graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1990 with a B.S. in Home Economics and a Minor in Child Care Development. My favorite thing about teaching Young 4’s is watching each child learn and grow and gain confidence while playing with their peers. My favorite children’s books are “Curious George”. When I am not teaching, I enjoy cooking, reading, traveling, playing Mahjong, and needlepointing.
3’s & 4’s teacher
I grew up in Ohio and Illinois, where I attended the College of DuPage and Elmhurst College. I joined the Co-op as the parent of two daughters. Developing a deep appreciation for the play-based education my daughters experienced, I pursued Early Childhood Education credits at Dallas College Brookhaven and joined the teaching staff of Northaven Co-op in 1994.
My goals are to nurture positive self-esteem, a sense of wonder, and a love of learning in my classroom. Setting up dramatic play, reading books with children and encouraging their creative and learning experiences are some of my favorite moments in the classroom. As parents are children’s first teachers, I support them as they all grow and learn together in these magical early childhood years. I am an avid reader, enjoy baking and spending time with my family, grandchildren and dog Hero.
Young 3’s Teacher
I am originally from Dallas, but lived in Los Angeles for several years after graduating from USC. I hold a Master of Education from SMU, and I am a certified EC-12 teacher. I taught for Dallas ISD for 10 years before I joined Northaven Co-operative Preschool in 2021. My favorite thing about teaching the Young 3’s class is when I see a child’s eyes light up with happiness and wonder. When I am not teaching, I love to read, garden, hike, and spend time with my family.
Young 2’s • 2’S & 3’S TEACHER
I am originally from Belgium, where I earned my teaching degree. In 2007, I moved to Ithaca, New York, which was my home for 10 years. It was there that I discovered my passion for teaching preschoolers. A new job opportunity for my husband brought me to Dallas in 2017. I have been teaching for 17 years, of which 11 are in early childhood. I love being a Northaven Co-op teacher as every day is an adventure with the candid, loving and curious Young 2’s and 2’s & 3’s. When not teaching, I enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active with my two children and husband.
office coordinator
I have been a part of Northaven Co-operative Preschool since 2014. I began my journey with the Co-op as a parent, Chairperson for the Great Pumpkin Carnival, and then Parent Services representative on the Board, before joining the staff in 2018. I enjoy getting to know all the Co-op families and being a part of all classrooms. I am originally from Ohio, where I attended the University of Cincinnati. I moved to Texas in 2010. In my free time, I watch my kids at their sporting events, do almost anything outdoors, or enjoy dinners out with family and friends.
