Staff

Stephanie Whelan – Director and Lead Teacher

Stephanie Whelan is the director and Prek teacher at the Neighborhood Nursery School. She taught at the Winchester Cooperative Nursery School in Winchester, MA for 5 years. Stephanie’s son went to the NNS and she is excited to join our team.

Stephanie is certified by the State of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) as Preschool Director I and Lead Teacher. She is licensed in CPR and First Aid. Stephanie has a BA in History from Hollins College and she has a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University.

She is a member of the Needham Early Childhood Council, which provides workshops and trainings for preschool teachers for Needham and surrounding towns.

As Director and Lead Teacher Stephanie is responsible for all aspects of the program. She creates curriculum, maintains classroom standards, works with parents and teachers, but her favorite part of the job is teaching and playing with the children.

Christine Powers – Lead Teacher

Christine Powers joined NNS in 2022 as the Beginner class teacher.

Chris is certified by the State of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) as Preschool Teacher. She has a BA from Penn State and worked as a preschool teacher in Wellesley at the Abbott School prior to joining NNS.

Chris has three boys and lives with her family in Needham.  

As beginner Classroom Teacher Mrs. Powers is responsible for the curriculum of the class, as well as the important job of assisting the children through a smooth and happy transition from home to school life.

Stacey Child – Middle Room Teacher

Stacey Child has been with the Neighborhood Nursery School since 2014. She is certified by the State of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) as a Preschool Teacher.

Stacey has a degree in hospitality management from Johnson and Wales University. She has extensive volunteer experience in the schools and the community and she worked as our substitute for years prior to accepting a permanent position as assistant teacher.

As Assistant Teacher in charge of the Middle Room, Mrs. Child is responsible for the creativity and excitement the children experience in our gross motor and dramatic play room. She assists the children in all aspects of the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.