Casie Smith, director

B.A., Vassar College (Developmental Psychology), 2003
M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University (Developmental Psychology), 2005
M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University (Early Childhood Education/ Special Education), 2008

This is Casie’s second year as the director at the Hampshire College Early Learning Center. Casie has worked in the early childhood field for ten years as an infant, toddler, and preschool teacher, an art teacher, and more recently as the Educational Mentor at a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool program in Brooklyn, New York. She has also served on the board of directors for a Head Start preschool in New York City. In March 2007, Casie attended the U.S. Study Tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy and is interested in using family, academic, and community partnerships to naturally integrate elements of what she learned in Reggio Emilia into the unique culture and values of the Early Learning Center community.

Casie lives in Northampton with her fiancé, Joe, and enjoys hiking, travel, and nature photography.

Kim Lee Ripley

Infant co-teacher beginning 9/00.
B.A., Hampshire College (Anthropology and Early Childhood
Education), 1995

Kim has been teaching infants and toddlers for the last 17 years, including work at the Nonotuck Community School, and at the Skinner Lab School at the University of Massachusetts. In April 2006, Kim participated in a study tour of the early childhood schools in Pistola, Italy, and last year was published in the book Insights and Inspiration from Reggio Emilia: Stories of Teachers and Children from North America. This is Kim’s 10th year co-teaching with Sophie in the infant room at the Early Learning Center, and she “spent four years learning about babies from Sophie while a workstudy student at Hampshire.” Kim is endlessly fascinated by the sense of self with which each baby enters our community.

Kim is originally from Brooklyn, NY, but is now happily settled in Easthampton with her husband Gabe and their sweet and sassy grade-schooler, Cecelia Daisy. The Ripley family enjoys many unusual adventures, which often include music, laughter, travel, and tattoos.

Infant co-teacher, 1988-present.
Course work in ECE at Holyoke
Community College and at Hampshire College

Sophie returns for her 22nd year at the Early Learning Center as an infant teacher. Prior to coming to Hampshire, Sophie was a family day care provider for five and a half years and then a toddler teacher for a year for the Valley Opportunity Council in Holyoke/Chicopee.

Sophie lives in South Hadley with her husband Stan, a financial analyst. Sophie has three grown children and four beautiful grandchildren, whom she adores.

Lynn Warren

Toddler co-teacher 9/96-present.
B.A., University of Masscahusetts (Early Childhood Education), 1982

Before coming to the Early Learning Center, Lynn taught for a year at the Children’s School at Deerfield Academy. She has also been a preschool teacher in a Head Start Program, a family day care provider, and for six years Lynn was a toddler teacher at the Human Development Laboratory School in the University of Massachusetts. Lynn lives in Greenfield with her two children Karlyn (26), who is a veterinary technician in Greenfield, and Jordan (22), who is a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Lynn enjoys spending time with her children. She also enjoys an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and snowshoeing, which gives her the opportunity to explore the many beautiful areas that surround us here in Western Massachusetts.

Kate Nicolaou

Toddler Co-Teacher, 9/2004-present.
B.A., New England College (Theatre), 1997

Kate began her formal teaching career in the Boston area in 1999, and enjoys continuing to learn all that the Reggio Emilia approach offers. Kate received her B.A. from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. After graduating, Kate pursued a professional career as a stage manager and scenic carpenter in theaters throughout the U.S. before realizing her talents in teaching children. Kate lives in Amherst with her husband, John, and her two lovely daughters, Emma and Megan, who attend the Early Learning Center and Crocker Farm. In her limited child-free time, Kate makes music, crafts, jewelry, paints, travels, cooks, and makes every attempt to live life to its fullest.

Theresa Gold

Pre-School Co-Teacher, 9/95-present.
B.A., SUNY Stonybrook, 1971
M.Ed., University of Massachusetts  Amherst, 1976

Theresa has had experience teaching in various family and center-based childcare programs since the early 70s. Prior to coming to theEarly Learning Center, Theresa was a preschool teacher/family advocate for an integrated Head Start program at the Montague Center School. During that time she became certified to be a child care director.

Theresa received her M.Ed. at the University of Massachusetts, focusing on the creative arts and environmental design to promote alternative educational services for children with special rights. After that, she collaborated in developing a creative play environment at the Belchertown State School. Theresa lives in Sunderland. Her son, Joshua (28), lives in Northampton. Her son, Nicholas (32), is currently living in Baltimore. Theresa enjoys hiking, reading, and yoga.

Pat Morrison

Preschool teacher 8/01-present.
B.A., Smith College, 1984
M.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1989

Prior to joining the staff of the Early Learning Center, Pat was a teacher in the Extended Day Program at the Smith College Campus School at Fort Hill, and prior to that, taught for 11 years at the HCAC Day Care Program in Northampton. Pat lives in Florence with her partner, Maren, and enjoys kayaking, gardening, travel, and poetry.

Lisa Stahl

Preschool Co-Teacher, 2006-present.

B.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2004
M.Ed., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2005

This is Lisa’s third year at the Early Learning Center. Lisa received her M.Ed. from the Collaborative Teacher Education Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2005 and after graduate school, taught first grade in the Amherst Public School system. Lisa currently lives in Amherst with her husband Brian, their 18-month-old, Adam, and their beagle, Hallee. Lisa loves spending time with her family, especially at the beach, as well as reading and going for walks!