Donna Cormier, Director

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 withe her husband and has two grown sons and one grandson.

“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 fulltime 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 and in college, one is in graduate school and Mikayla, a TCM alum, is now in middle school.

“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 28 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.”

Mary has her B.A. degree from Rivier College in Early Childhood Education. Mary worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for 5 years at the Orchard Hill Day School in Westford. Mary was the lead teacher as well as co-director since February 1992 before joining TCM in September 1994 as the Lead Teacher of the Infant-Toddler Program. Mary lives in Chelmsford with her family and works full-time. Mary’s son, Dante, who is a TCM alum and now is in middle school.

“I believe my job, as a teacher is to provide a warm environment where children can explore, experiment, create and learn through developmentally appropriate hands-on experiences.”

Lillian joined the TCM staff in September, 2002 after working for four years at the Infant Toddler Center in Acton with toddlers and preschoolers. Previous to that Lillian had worked in a variety of preschool and infant/toddler settings. The Children’s Center of Lexington, Case Collaborative in Concord and tutoring special needs students are some examples of Lillian’s work experiences. Lillian has a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Massachusetts in Human Development and is Lead Teacher qualified for both Infant-Toddler and Preschool programs. Lillian lives in Acton and is originally from Concord.

“At TCM the children are happy, safe and busily exploring the environment. I see many wonderful interactions not only between teachers and children but also between staff members and with parents. These interactions have created a thriving community I am so pleased to be a part of.”

Gina Lalli, Preschool Teacher

Gina joined our program this past summer and is now a fulltime teacher. Gina's experience has been with children of all ages from infancy to preteens. Much of her experience was at summer camp programs at the Thoreau Club. Gina is a recent graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a BA in Sociology and a double minor in Women’s Studies and Business. Gina is pursuing her masters in teaching and is currently at Simmons College. Gina lives in Maynard.

“The impact that teachers can have on children is just amazing to me. I am excited to be a part of the lives of young children at TCM where I can have a positive and encouraging relationship with them. I also look forward to working with a team of talented teachers who stimulate the children to learn new things every day. ”

Christina Sabella, Preschool Teacher

For the past eight years, Chris has worked part-time in the Carlisle Public School’s Integrated Preschool Program.  Chris has been connected with TCM for the past 12 years as a part-time teacher, substitute teacher, and as the mother of Anna & Sara who have both worked at TCM.  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. 

Chris looks forward to joining the Preschool Team as a team teacher in a stimulating environment that supports and encourages young children to explore and grow as independent learners.  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.”

Lisa Palmer, Business Manager

Lisa has worked in the accounting field for twenty-one 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 seventeen, is a TCM alum and is now a senior in high school.

“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.”