Sarah Adams-Kollitz – Director
Resilient, Passionate, Balanced, Insightful, Memorable
(as described by fellow colleague)
Being the Director of the Burlington Children’s Space is the best job I’ve ever had.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bennington College and a M.
Ed. from the University of Wisconsin. I grew up in Vermont, then moved to Portland, Or and
Madison, WI. I also lived in Sweden for a year studying the Swedish approach to early
childhood education.
I’m really interested in creating a sense of community at BCS and finding ways for BCS to
contribute to the quality of life for everyone in Burlington. When I’m not at BCS I like to ski,
skate on frozen lakes and ride my bike.
Ruthie Vargas – Program Director
Strong, Dedicated, Passionate, Direct, Crafty
(as described by a fellow colleague)
My name is Ruthie Vargas and I am proud to say that I was born and raised in the Bronx, New
York. I am the oldest of five and was cared for by a fabulous mother and two loving
grandparents. I graduated from the University of Vermont in 2006 with a B.S. in Early Childhood
Education and minored in Human Development and Family Studies.
I’ve been working at the Burlington Children’s Space for four years. I started as a young toddler
teacher and transitioned into preschool my second year. Now, I am the Program Director.
When I am out in the community and home I involve myself with activities like running long
distances, climbing and spinning. I love to craft! I like to sew together quilts and put together
onesies. I enjoy traveling to new and familiar places.
Lourie Parot – Budget Manager
Spunky, Inquisitive, Alert, Caring, Communicative
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I came from deep Vermont roots. Having grown up locally, my husband and I raised our three
children in South Burlington. After taking 10 year break in my career to be a stay at home
Mom, in 1988 I returned to work at Community Health Center. From there, I moved to BCS in
1997 and have been here ever since. It is so hard to believe that the babies then are now
leaving high school! There are many great things at BCS that keep me here but the children
will always be the best perk of the job!
Katlyn Bullis – Infant/Toddler Teacher
Motivator, Lighthearted, Reflective, Authentic, Sincere
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I was born in Burlington, Vermont and have lived in Winooski, Vermont all of my life. I grew up
fishing and swimming in the Winooski River, exploring in the woods, and spending my days
outside with my family. Some of my interests outside of my work at BCS are hiking, camping,
photography, reading, organizing and most importantly, fishing! I am currently learning how
to fly fish to prepare for a trip to Quebec.
I still currently live with my boyfriend Matthew in Winooski, where I am surrounded by my family.
I am one of five children, I have three sisters and a brother. My family is the most important
part of my life and I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephew.
I have always known that I wanted a career in teaching, primarily with young children. When
graduating from Winooski High School from a class less than 40, I went to University of Vermont
where I worked at the UVM Campus Children’s Center for four years as a student and substitute
teacher. I now have a degree in Early Childhood Education with a Major Concentration in
Human Development and Family Studies. Upon graduation from UVM, a job opportunity was
presented to me to work here at the Burlington Children’s Space.
Since being at BCS I have created so many meaningful relationships with families. I have been
able to make connections to families that may have gone through some of the same struggles
that I went through as a child coming from a low income household. I am inspired to make a
difference in children’s lives and am very proud to say that I work at the Burlington Children’s
Space.
Sheila Pijanowski – Infant/Toddler Teacher
Wise, Receptive, Affirming, Attentive, Giving
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I grew up in Burlington the youngest of eight children. I attended the University of Vermont
and the University of South Florida studying Early Childhood education. I began working at
The Children’s Space in 1985 in the preschool as a summer teacher and then moved to the
infant room into a full time permanent position.
I live in Burlington with my husband John (Pij), daughter Hayley who is a sophomore in high
school and my father-in-law PJ and mother Noreen. My older daughter Emily lives in Boston
and attends Suffolk law school. Both my daughters are BCS alum!
I am very involved in my daughter’s high school coaching Stunt Nite in the fall and working
the concession for all the sporting events. I also enjoy gardening at home and with the kids at
BCS at our Archibald garden plot. I am hoping some day when I have more time to travel
around the US visiting friends and family.
Tracy Hewitt – Infant/Toddler Afternoon Teacher
Creative, Musical, Artistic, Calm, Kind
(as described by a fellow colleague)
Hello! I am the newest addition to the BCS community as an Afternoon Teacher for the infanttoddler loop. I was born in Washington D.C., but grew up mostly in Westchester, New York with
my family- my parents, my sister and my brother. My family has since moved to London,
England, which is a place I really enjoy visiting and exploring. I moved up to Vermont five years
ago to attend Green Mountain College where I earned a degree in Elementary Education. I
student taught in a Kindergarten classroom in Poultney, Vermont and fell in love with working
with young children! I also worked in a Nursery School in New York when I was in High School
and most recently was working at Trinity Children’s Center in Burlington. I also have a niece
who is three years old, and 2 goddaughters- two years old and six months old. They are the
loves of my life!
I love spending time with children, getting to know their interests, learning and growing with
them, playing music, dancing, reading and being a supportive person in their lives. I absolutely
love to be outside- rain or shine! I enjoy exploring the natural world with kids. When I am not at
BCS I love to bake, cook, go on hikes and walks and play my ukulele. I am lucky that I can also
do these things with the children at BCS! I am so happy to become a part of the BCS
community.
Alissa Carberry – Infant/Toddler Teacher
Dedicated, Humorous, Patient, Understanding, Determined
(as described by a fellow colleague)
Hello! I'm Alissa, a resident of the Old North End. I came to Vermont to attend University of
Vermont and earned a degree in Early Childhood Special Education. I became enchanted
with the beauty of the state and the clear compassion educators here have about weaving
together children, learning, and outdoor experiences.
As a teenager, I worked at an all-girls summer camp and bring some of that background into
my teaching practices. Within the classroom, I'm passionate about music and the effects it
can have on children. The sound of singing together can be immensely joyful, and the act
brings out strong community bonds. Being together to explore books and stories is also
something I feel strongly about, being able to revisit and act out tales. I also enjoy exploring
the Burlington area with the children - examining the garden, walking down Church Street, or
simply revisiting our neighborhood.
Outside of BCS, I like to explore secondhand stores, take my dog for walks, and read almost
anything I can get my hands on. I feel incredibly lucky to work with staff that shows
compassion, empathy, and curiosity in their practices every day.
Teresa Moschin – Infant/Toddler Afternoon Teacher
Luminous, Untold, Musical, Attentive, Gentle
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I'm Teresa Moschin, I moved to Vermont with my husband Anis four years ago from Italy. I have
a BA in Education (2005) from the University of Bologna (Italy) and the equivalent of an
Elementary Teacher License (2009) from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy). In
Italy, I worked for the Public School System as a teacher (ages 3 to 10) and for the private
sector as an educator mainly for the environmental association Legambiente. I have always
been inspired by people and places that focus on giving a voice to young children, and that's
what brought me to BCS almost four years ago. I bring to BCS a different cultural perspective,
which reflects on the way I relate to children. I like to imagine what their point of view is, and
how we can capture it through photography, for example.
Being a parent and having Luca enrolled at BCS has been the most significant experience of
this year that makes me feel more connected to families and this community. I feel so
fortunate to share it with all of you.
Miranda Paquette – Infant/Toddler Teacher
Playful, Artistic, Collaborative, Gentle, ‘A Foodie’
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I was born in Guilford CT, where my family had moved two years before I was born to work on
a dairy farm. When I was 7 years old my family moved back to Vermont so my father could
take over the family greenhouse nursery, I spent the rest of my childhood on the family
property in Williston.
Upon graduating from high school I originally went to college at the Sage Colleges in New
York where I was studying Art Therapy. I was given the opportunity after my freshmen year to
work with a child on the Autism Spectrum and his infant sister as a nanny and fell in love with
Early Education and a gained a passion for working with exceptional children. I finished up my
sophomore year at Sage and transferred to The University of Vermont, graduating with a
degree in Early Childhood Special Education with a dual certification in general Early
Education, I have stayed in Burlington.
Outside from my passion for early education and the advocacy of children, I enjoy painting,
mostly oil, sewing, being outdoors, hiking, skiing, and running, anything that brings me closer
to nature. My greatest love is baking and cooking, I dream of one day owning a small
café/bakery.
These passions of mine are something that I also incorporate into my teaching and the BCS
community. I have been working on a two year painting collaboration with Infants and
Toddlers. I also greatly enjoy baking and cooking with children.
Ashley Crowley- Infant/Toddler Teacher
Devoted, Passionate, Hard-working, Optimistic, Caring
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I am a born and raised Vermonter. I was born in Burlington, VT and grew up with my mom, dad
and younger sister in Williston VT. My parents still currently reside there and my sister lives in
Philly, PA where she attends medical school. I currently live in the Old North End of Burlington
with one roommate.
When I’m not at work, pursing my passion of working and learning with young children and
advocating for families, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking with others,
being outdoors, road-tripping, traveling, taking pictures, going to concerts, eating good food
and enjoying all that the lovely state of Vermont has to offer. Living in Vermont and working
at BCS inspires me every day both personally and professionally, to think deeper, appreciate
life and enjoy small moments.
I graduated from the University of Vermont in 2006, with a B.S in Early Childhood Education
with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies and a teaching license (birth through
3rd grade) I have been here at the Burlington Children’s Space since graduating in 2006 and
am still learning new things about myself, children and families every day. I completed a three
year infant/toddler loop and then had the opportunity to move to preschool for two years. I
am now back in the infant/toddler loop and am starting with my third group of children and
families. I have a strong passion for documenting children’s work through photographs and
writing and love building meaningful relationships every day that grow and change.
Discovering new things and learning to see things through a child’s perspective are some of
my favorite things about my job.
Melissa – Infant/Toddler Teacher
Humorous, Straight-forward, Consistent, Conversant, Empowering
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I have been at BCS for five years as an infant/toddler teacher. Before coming to BCS, I worked
with children ages birth - 6 years in various roles as teacher and administration since 1990. I
graduated from The University of Vermont with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology
concentrating my studies in human development. I really appreciate the practice of
‘following the children’ for the first three years of their time here. The opportunities for
establishing solid bonds with children and their families builds confidence and comfort which
supports children’s interests and deeper investigation while helping promote an excitement to
explore and learn.
I enjoy rediscovering the world through shared experiences with children. It is a gift to spend
the days supporting children’s investigations and having a window into their experiences,
questions and discoveries as they explore the world. I particularly loves language
development and science curriculum. I pursue stories with children through several avenues
(storytelling, acting stories out, and story writing) in addition to the more traditional reading.
Block building, gardening and exploration of nature & our outdoor environment are among
my favorite classroom experiences.
I hope to volunteer as a children’s storyteller in a library and be an early education program’s
awesome ‘granny’ substitute teacher upon retirement, many years from now.
Erika Reif – Infant/Toddler Afternoon Teacher
Brave, Realistic, Street smart, No-frills, Savvy
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I grew up in Bangor, Maine, moved to Burlington in 2007, and spent most of the time in
between in New York City. Just before moving here, I spent 6 months on Culebra, an island off
the coast of Puerto Rico. My brief time there, during which I snorkeled nearly every day,
occupies a disproportionate slice of my memory during cold Vermont winters. A chronic
transfer student, I started out studying sociology at Clark University in Worcester,
Massachusetts, and later geography and women’s studies at U.V.M, and then at Hunter
College in New York City.
I came to BCS through my son, Max. He started here, in the young toddler room, when he was
nearly two. I didn’t realize quite how lucky we were that he had gotten a spot until I started
subbing a few weeks later, and began to see what a special place this is. After a year as a
substitute, I became an afternoon teacher in the infant-toddler rotation. Max graduated in
the spring of 2013, and went on to the Integrated Arts Academy.
We live just a block away, here in the Old North End, as part of the Thelma Maple Housing Coop. We are members of the Unitarian Universalist Society at the top of Church Street, where I
also work as the childcare coordinator. I enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors, both in urban
and more natural settings. I have never owned a car, so you’re likely to see Max and me
walking, running, biking, and scootering all over town, in all sorts of weather. I love this
community and all that it has to offer families and children, and I’m proud to play a small part
in that here at BCS!
Charles Winkleman – Preschool Teacher
Playful, Creative, Humorous, Dedicated, Quirky
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I graduated from UVM in 2011, after spending the first 18 years of my life in Providence, Rhode
Island. I have no children, unless you count the 12 Blue Preschool children that I am entrusted
with daily. In the classroom I love taking pictures, building with blocks and Legos, exploring
dramatic play, and telling jokes. I am still learning how to share with others. Besides for the
uniqueness of being a male teacher, I bring my love of stand up and improv comedy to the
classroom. My hopes and dreams that one day I will grow up and be paid to act, tell jokes,
and perform comedy regularly. Maybe Sarah can write a grant for that. Until then, you may
see me in a Petfood Warehouse commercial, or in the classroom.
Meghan Laskowski – Preschool Teacher
Athletic, Joyful, Compassionate, Witty, Calm
(as described by a fellow colleague)
Hi everyone, I’m Meghan Laskowski. I was born and raised in Brattleboro Vermont, and
continue to visit frequently as the majority of my close-knit family still resides there. I grew up
with one older sister, and spent countless hours outside with the neighborhood “crew” which
consisted primarily of older boys. I attribute my competiveness and love for the outdoors to
these experiences. I jump at any opportunity to join an organized team sport. I continue to
play softball every summer, and play ice hockey year round. I recently have gotten back into
soccer, and a little bit of golf. I also enjoy hiking, snowboarding, going to concerts, and being
an avid Boston sports fan. I have yet to get a chance to do any traveling outside of the United
States, but when I do, Ireland and New Zealand are on the top of my bucket list.
I originally came to Burlington for my undergrad at the University of Vermont. I graduated with
a degree in Early Childhood Education and had a major concentration in Human
Development and Family Studies. Upon graduation I worked alongside a child who was
experiencing social, emotional, and developmental delays. As a result of this work I was
inspired to pursue my Masters of Education in Early Childhood Special Education, also at the
University of Vermont.
Becca Mack – Preschool Afternoon Teacher
Creative, Insightful, Passionate, Inspiring, Inquisitive
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I am an artist and musician living and teaching preschool in the Old North End neighborhood
of Burlington, Vermont. I am a co-founder of Research Sharing Via Paper, a correspondence
initiative which seeks to invigorate communities of thought outside of academic institutions.
My current studies center around themes of human development across the lifespan, the work
of making, and extra-institutional scholarship. My most recent publications include RECORDS,
an artist’s book with read-along-record soundtrack, and a monograph of recent works made
in residency at Vermont Studio Center in February, 2014. I am also a performing vocalist and
percussionist with Brass Balagan.
Erica Gionnoni – Preschool Teacher
Thoughtful, Calm, Genuine, Compassionate, Resourceful
(as described by a fellow colleague)
Hi. I’m Erica, a teacher in the Green Preschool classroom. I was born and raised in Connecticut,
where I attended the smallest public school system in the state, with only 46 students in my
graduating class.
From there I headed to Saint Michael’s College where I discovered my love for teaching and
for Vermont. I received bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and psychology. After
graduation I had the opportunity to travel to Italy. For 6 weeks, I lived with my second cousin,
teaching his kids English in exchange for room (one in Rome and one on the Tyrrhenian Sea)
and board (including the very best food I have ever eaten).
I’ve been teaching and learning from preschoolers since 2001, and was truly delighted to join
the Burlington Children’s Space team in 2011, having admired the work done here for many
years. I am still delighted to come to BCS each morning, and now have the added pleasure
of bringing my daughter to school here. When I’m not teaching, I like being outside, practicing
yoga, baking chocolate things, playing Scrabble, crafting with yarn and fabric, and spending
time with my fabulous family.
Sam Spaudling – Preschool Afternoon Teacher
Fearless, Tough, Creative, Nurturing, ‘A Great Cook’
(as described by a fellow colleague)
Hello, I’m Samantha. I live in Vermont because I love spending time with my family and friends.
I need the views of Mount Mansfield, the wind coming off from Lake Champlain and the top
of Camps Hump to take pictures from each season. One of my many dreams is to have a
photograph that I have taken be published in Vermont Life. I love waiting for hours to capture
on camera, the wing span of an eagle, a fox in an open field and a loon catching a fish for a
snack.
I graduated from Johnson State Collage with a BA in Elementary Education and a BA in
Psychology. During and after my time there, I mountain biked daily, hiked the Long Trail for
many days and nights, began to snowboard and for the first time in my life was thankful for
being short. I taught swimming lessons, played capture the flag and coached my favorite
sport (basketball) to children of many ages.
I have a dog named Duke, love music and drive a transformer for a car. I always have overdue
library books. I love to bake often and give it all away. Volunteering throughout Vermont keeps
me balanced. I hand write letters and call my family on the phone.
Working at BCS has reminded me to enjoy the simple everyday moments that children have
to offer. Having long term goals to work for are wonderful and much needed, but
documenting the everyday moments of conversations, accomplishment and reading the
same book 78 times in three day is heartwarming. Building relationships with children, families
and co-teachers is my passion.
Erinn Simon – Lunch Lady
Eclectic, Resourceful, Inspiring, “Blogger”, Intuitive
(as described by a fellow colleague)
I'm Erinn Simon and I'm so proud to be the lunch lady at BCS. I live in the Old North End with
my husband Sam and my kids Eli, Cal, and Sadie. Eli and Cal go to school at the IAA, and in
the fall Sadie will start preschool there as well.
I've been a part of the BCS community for many years, and I couldn't love this place or this
neighborhood more.
My family loves baseball! Eli and Cal play (and my husband coaches) Center City Little
League. When I'm not cooking or thinking about lunches, I'm often making crocheted toys
and other kooky things which I sell in my Etsy shop and at the BCA Artist Market in City Hall Park
during the summer.