Our Staff

Beansprouts proudly introduces our extraordinary team!

With years of experience, nurturing and creative ways, and a natural love for learning, our teachers are leaders in the field of early childhood education!

Ms. Melissa, Childcare Director

With her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Certification to teach in the State of Maine from the University of Maine Farmington, Melissa has over 17 years of experience working with young children, including 12 years of running a family childcare and preschool program on an island off the coast of Maine. She spent 1 year working in a Portland public Kindergarten, developing techniques and strategies for working with second-language learners while also building a foundation of knowledge for what Pre-K students need to know upon entering Kindergarten.

Working with the Island Institute, Melissa volunteered for 5 years on the Maine Scholarship Committee and has spent several years planning and presenting at education conferences in Maine. Melissa first came to Beansprouts as the Lead Pre-K teacher and Assistant Director and now works to further our vision and goals in her position as Childcare Director.

Melissa grew up on Long Island (Maine!) and now lives in Gorham with her husband and 2 sons. When she is not in the classroom, Melissa can be found hiking with her family, reading books, dancing, or baking in her kitchen.

Introducing our Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Meet Natascha, Lead Pre-K Teacher

Natascha holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from New York University and her experience as an educator includes spending time in a Kindergarten classroom, serving as a substitute, tutoring a wide range of ages, and working with gifted and special needs children. Natascha's enthusiasm for education, her caring and patient energy, and her love for young children make her a wonderful member of our Beansprouts family!

Introducing our Preschool Teachers

Meet Casey, Lead Preschool 1 Teacher

With her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, (the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education), Ms. Casey leads our Preschool 1 classroom. A Maine native, Ms. Casey spent many years babysitting for friends and family and realized that caring for young children was natural to her. Her initiative and drive toward giving her children a loving early childhood environment is just a few of the many reasons we love having Ms. Casey on our team!

When not in the classroom, Casey loves to spend time with her family and doing things that she loves such as snowmobiling, kayaking, camping and vacationing.

Meet Farren, Lead Preschool 2 Teacher

With her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Maine Farmington, Farren has a passion for developing an integrative and adaptable curriculum for all of her students while fostering a deep love for learning and exploring the world. Farren is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work at the University of Southern New Hampshire.

Introducing our Toddler Room Teacher

Meet Stacey, Lead Toddler Teacher

With her years of experience coaching youth, volunteering in classrooms, and developing her love for nature exploration, Stacey brings a positive and outgoing energy to our team at Beansprouts. Stacey brings to us her experience as a head coach for Girls on the Run and a commitment to working in and giving back to her community.

Introducing our Sprouts Room Teacher

Meet Jasmine, Lead Sprouts Teacher

With over 12 years of experience in early childhood education and a Bachelors in Psychology and Social Work, Jasmine brings an energetic, positive, and loving teaching style to our Sprouts room.

Introducing our Yearlings Room Teacher

Meet Andrea, Lead Yearling Teacher

After studying Early Childhood Education at Dean College, Andrea worked several years in childcare before starting her family and moving into work as a CNA. Andrea brings to our team an understanding of child development, a love for children, and the knowledge to provide a fun and loving learning atmosphere for our youngest learners!

Introducing our Infant Room Teachers

Meet Jillian, Lead Infant Teacher

With her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Northeastern University, Ms. Jillian brings to our team her incredibly nurturing personality and optimistic, positive attitude. With her love of babies and knowledge of infant development, Ms. Jillian currently works in the Infant classroom.

Introducing our Classroom Assistants, Floaters, and Subs

Ms. Taylor, Assistant Teacher

After taking Early Childhood and Development courses as part of a high school program, Taylor discovered an interest and love for the preschool age group and currently works in Preschool 1 with Ms. Casey.

Ms. Kristin, Assistant Teacher

Kristin comes to us with experience working in childcare, working with K-8 students, coaching middle school soccer, and is currently attending courses at Southern Maine Community College. Her patient and hard working attitude combined with her creative approach to learning experiences makes her the perfect assistant in Preschool 2 with Ms. Farren.

Ms. Eliza, Assistant Teacher/Floating Lead

With her Bachelor of Science in Health Wellness and Occupational Studies from the University of New England, Eliza is an energetic and creative part of our team as a Floating Lead, which means you may see her in any of our classrooms as needed. Her pageant work has helped her develop a platform for creating respectful environments in schools and loving the skin you're in which she carries daily into her work at Beansprouts.

Ms. Ashley, Assistant Teacher

After working in healthcare with adults, Ashley missed working with young children and brought her fun and loving energy to Beansprouts! Ashley currently works in the Toddler classroom with Ms. Stacey and is preparing to pursue her Child Development Associate (CDA).

Ms. Mataia, Assistant Teacher

Planning to study Early Childhood Education and with a love for working with young children, Ms. Mataia came to Beansprouts looking for the perfect place to learn more about child development and share her outgoing and loving personality! Ms. Mataia currently works in our Yearling classroom.

Ms. Maggie, Assistant Teacher

Ms. Maggie joins our team after studying Early Childhood Education at the University of Maine Machias and working as a day camp supervisor with the Bath Parks and Recreation Department. With her quiet and caring personality and love for our youngest children, Maggie currently works in our Infant classroom.

Ms. Helen, Assistant Teacher

Ms. Helen recently graduated from the University of Maine Orono with her degree in Elementary Education. We are so proud to have Helen join us for a 2nd summer of working with our School-Age Summer Camp program. In the Fall, Ms. Helen will move into her position as Assistant Teacher for the Pre-K classroom. The kindness and love she extends to every child makes Helen a wonder and inspiration to work with every day.

Ms. Ashley, Floating Assistant

With her interest in early childhood education and intent to study Early Childhood Education in the fall, Ms. Ashley enjoys helping children learn and grow in a positive environment, Ms. Ashley joined our team as a floating assistant and helps in every classroom as needed. With her high energy and willingness to accomplish any task assigned to her, Ms. Ashley is an amazing addition to our Beansprouts team.

Ms. Emily, Floating Assistant

With her degree in Mind and Body Wellness from New York University and her certification in children's yoga, Emily assists in all of our classrooms and has a talent for helping our children lead peaceful, fun, and happy days while at Beansprouts. In addition to her degree work and yoga practice, Emily has managed after school programs and assisted in public school classrooms. Her kind, patient, loving, and nurturing personality is truly a gift to all who get to work with her.

Ms. Emily Benoit, Floating Assistant

Currently majoring in Psychology at the University of Southern Maine, Ms. Emily is one of our floating assistants who help out in any classroom as needed. We are proud to have Ms. Emily has part of our team with her positive attitude, calm demeanor, and desire to help anyone who needs help.

Ms. Samantha, Floating Assistant

Samantha graduated from Falmouth High School in 2013 and has worked for the town as a volunteer EMT since 2012. Along with that certification, Samantha is CPR certified, PSS certified, and has worked at an assisted living facility for Alzheimer's and Dementia patients. Samantha has a gift for working with children of all ages, instantly charming them with her smile and comforting demeanor. Her calm personality and gentle ways is just one of the reasons we love having Sam as part of our Beansprouts family!

Ms. Jessica, Lunch Coverage

Ms. Jessica joined our team to help provide break coverage for our teachers throughout the day. With her Associates in Liberal Studies from Southern Maine Community College, Jess brings to us her love of the world's cultures, her artistic talents, and her nurturing and kind love of childcare.

Ms. Alison, Substitute Teacher

With over 20 years of childcare experience, including her time spent as a mother to her 3 beautiful children, Ms. Alison is one of our substitutes. You may see Alison rocking babies, singing songs with the toddlers, or doing art activities with the pre-k children. Her fun sense of humor makes her an amazing (and funny) member of our team at Beansprouts!

Ms. Emilee, Substitute Teacher

Ms. Emilee joins our team with her Degree in Psychology and Child/Adolescent Development from Southern New Hampshire University. In her other work, Ms. Emilee has found her niche working with children with autism and sensory disorders. Her dedication to young children and enthusiastic personality makes her a wonderful addition to our staff!

Ms. Laura, Substitute Teacher

A former Preschool assistant, Ms. Laura moved on to her career in the medical field but has stayed on as a substitute as needed. You may see Laura snuggled up and reading books with the Preschool children or rocking our littlest babies in the infant room.

Interested in joining our family as a teacher or caregiver?

Visit our Careers page to find out how to send your resume to us.
We look forward to learning more about you!

Have you scheduled your personal tour?

You will not find a more experienced, dedicated, and loving group of teachers and caregivers anywhere. We have searched for only the absolute best and boy did we find them. Give your child the gift of care and education from these amazing teachers, they will thank you when they are older. Click here now to schedule.