Donna Cormier, Director
Infant - Toddler Teacher

Donna joined TCM in June 1989. She was the Director of the Chelmsford Discovery Center, a private facility serving 125 Children from infants to kindergartners. Prior to this, she was Director of the Roudenbush Children's Centers in Westford for six years, Director of an Extended Day Program in West Newton for four years, and Founder/Director/Teacher of a cooperative nursery school in Newton for four years. In addition, from 1983 to 1991, Donna coordinated the preschool screening program for the Westford Public Schools. She holds a B.A. in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from the University of Massachusetts, and has done graduate work at Wheelock College. Donna lives in Westford with her husband and has two grown sons, two grandsons and one granddaughter.

“TCM encompasses all that a quality early childhood program should be - a stimulating environment, a creative and professional staff, with parents that are warm, supportive and interested in their children’s preschool development. TCM offers children a place to grow as young learners.”

Linda has worked with all age groups at TCM since 1988 and is Director qualified through the Dept. of Early Education and Care. Linda has many years of experience in a variety of childcare programs and an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. This year Linda is working full time in the preschool program and also welcomes the infants and toddlers who arrive in the AM sessions. Linda lives in Maynard with her husband and has three daughters. One is married, one is in graduate school and is a special education teacher in the Dartmouth Public Schools, and Mikayla, a TCM alum, is now in middle school. Linda also has a granddaughter.

“At TCM my team teaching experience has given me the opportunity to share ideas with my co-teachers, as well as learn and grow professionally in a creative environment.”

Janet joined the TCM preschool in September 1999 and works full-time. Janet has had 30 years of experience working with young children in a variety of settings such as preschool, kindergarten, and a child development center for special needs children in North Shore area. Janet has been a director and taught early childhood courses in the evening at North Shore Community College for 14 years. Janet has her Master’s Degree from Wheelock College in Child Development and she lives in Nashua, New Hampshire.

“I enjoy watching the children grow and change, challenging them to be independent thinkers, and the hugs and smiles are great too.”

Christina Sabella, Preschool Teacher

Chris joined the Preschool Team as a team teacher in September 2007.. She has been connected with TCM for the past 13 years as a part-time teacher, substitute teacher, and as the mother of Anna & Sara who have both worked at TCM. For eight years, Chris worked part-time in the Carlisle Public School’s Integrated Preschool Program.  Previously, she worked in several area preschools and operated a family day care program when her children were young. Chris has her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College.  In addition, she has taken several post graduate courses at Simmons College and Merrimack Education Center in advanced child development and special education.  She lives in Bedford with her family.

“I have always been impressed by the quality and professionalism of the program and staff at TCM where children come first.  The staff recognizes and values the importance of early childhood education.”

Kate Larkin, Infant - Toddler Teacher

Kate has worked at TCM with all ages since May 2008. Currently she is an education major at Fitchburg State College. She is working full days in the Infant - Toddler room on Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. Kate's Aunt, Mary Guarino, worked at TCM for 15 years before moving to Florida in 2009. Kate lives in Pepperell with her family.

"I have been told that the greatest effect on cognitive development in young children derives from social interaction. In my experience at TCM, I have seen just that. TCM is a place where children get the opportunity to develop their skills and it is amazing to actually witness that."

Lisa Palmer, Business Manager

Lisa has worked in the accounting field for twenty-two years. She has operated her own bookkeeping service business since 1989 and worked for the school since 1996. Her work experiences range from working with large manufacturing firms to small non-profit organizations. She has setup long range cash flow budgets, capital equipment budgets, job costing and inventory systems as well as managed corporate mergers and buyouts. Lisa attended Middlesex Community College and has an associate’s degree in Business Administration and holds a certificate in computerized bookkeeping. She has also attended Baystate Academy for the Massachusetts Real Estate Course and Northeastern University. Lisa is active in her community and is a member of several business organizations. She lives in Acton with her family. Lisa’s daughter, Kelsey, who is twenty is a TCM alum.

“As an alumni parent and past volunteer board member of TCM I love to see the sense of community and parent involvement at the school. I feel that TCM made my daughter a more confident and outgoing young girl. TCM helped her explore many of her talents through their curriculum.”