Kimberly Paquette

Kimberly studied Business Administration at the University of Phoenix where she obtained her Bachelors of Science Degree.

After working as an Account Manager for a small business and enrolling her eldest daughter in a Montessori school, Kimberly soon realized her passion for all things Montessori. She began working as an Assistant teacher at the Auburn Children's House in NH, and soon completed her Montessori Early Childhood Education training through the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in Newton, MA.

She continued her studies in a self-designed Independent Study Degree program at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, obtaining a Masters of Education in Montessori School Business Administration. Her thesis was a peace education curriculum entitled: Pathways to Peace, Lessons to Inspire Peace in the 3-6 Classroom.

This is Kimberly's first year as the School Administrator at the Montessori Children's Center. She is excited to combine her talents in administration and passion for Montessori education.

Kimberly enjoys hiking, frequenting farmer's markets, listening to the Beatles, laughing, reading voraciously, and teaching children's yoga classes. She shares a home in Bedford with her husband, Israel, their 7 year old daughter Haelie, 6 year old daughter Abby (both Montessori children), and two chihuahuas, Lucy and Finnegan.

Heather Parkinson, Lead Teacher

Heather lives in Franklin with her husband Rob and her daughter, Tenney.

She began working in a Montessori school as a high school graduate and has been involved with young children in Montessori settings ever since. She received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at New Hampshire Technical Institute and is also certified as a Montessori teacher through the New England Montessori Training Center in Boston.

The Montessori philosophy has always been a central part of Heather's life and she is energized by her work as a Montessori teacher. Through the years, Heather has had many roles in Montessori schools and each one has shown her the importance of standing together as a community for children.

A few of Heather's favorite ways to nurture her spirit include: walking, reading, music and being with her family.

Heather is very excited about the growth at MCC and always looks forward to each new year full of days working with children.

Lori Baldwin, Teacher

Lori lives on a small farm on Pancake Hill in Gilmanton with her husband Robert and two children, William and Finn. She is Montessori certified at the preschool/kindergarten level and is trained with certification pending at the infant/toddler level. Lori has been teaching in Montessori schools for 17 years and her appreciation of Montessori philosophy has only deepened as she has gone from being a teacher without children of her own, to a mother of one and then two boys, and ultimately as, to quote Montessori, a "citizen of the world".

Maria Montessori's vision was for love, peace, unity and compassion for all people. She saw that children, as new people in the world, are all these things and more. Their spirit of being represents the best we could ever hope to achieve as a society. Nurturing our own spirits and those of the children in our lives is our gift to the world. Lori is always working toward this and is honored to learn from every child's example.

A few of Lori's favorite ways to nurture her spirit include: singing, laughing, exploring nature, reading, farming, being with her boys, partnering with her husband and loving the land on which she lives.

Coleen Grieves-Gage, Teacher

Coleen lives in Pembroke with her husband Earl and daughters Jenna and Julia, who are their parents pride and joy. Coleen and Earl consider the girls to be their pride and joy.

Coleen holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Framingham State College as well as a Pre-Primary Montessori certificate from Northeast Montessori Institute. Before joining MCC, Coleen taught at the Montessori Learning Center in Pembroke as Head Teacher in a preschool classroom. Her experience with children ranges from infants to preschoolers.

A few of Coleen's favorite ways to nurture her spirit include: skiing, swimming, spending time with friends, boating and camping with her family. She finds parenting to be the most rewarding aspect of her life.

Coleen is excited to be part of the teaching team at MCC.

Ginger Riege-Blackman, Teacher

Ginger lives in Chichester with her husband Ian and children Johannah and Jessica.

Ginger received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Education from the University of Vermont and her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Ginger has taught students ages 2 years through adult in a variety of educational settings including a nature center, a private day school, many preschools and kindergartens, summer camps and schooled her daughters within a self-designed alternative resource center for home schooling families.

Ginger attended a Montessori Assistant training program at Harborlight Montessori School on the North shore of Massachusetts last summer and is eager to continue her training.

A few of Ginger's favorite ways to nurture her spirit include: gardening, snow shoeing, running, yoga, caring for her family and enjoying her home.

Ginger is thrilled to be working as an assistant teacher at MCC and to be working with young children again.