This is Jen’s tenth year as a PSED staff member. She has worked in our second grade room, our kindergarten room and currently is our K-2 and enrichment coordinator. Jen is a graduate of Wheelock College where she majored in Elementary Education and History. She also holds a Masters in Elementary Education from UMass Boston. Jen has been a preschool teacher and a nanny prior to coming to work with us at PSED. Jen loves all kinds of sports and also enjoys traveling, dancing and working out. She truly loves working with young children and learning new things to share with them. 

Welcome Cynara to the 1/2 Team! Cynara grew up in Long Island, New York. She went to college at Stony Brook University where she got a degree in biology. In the past, she has volunteered at Camp Kesem during the summer and was also a special needs tutor for a child in 2nd grade. In addition, she worked as a comfort aide where she assisted in the pediatric unit. In her free time Cynara enjoys playing soccer, going on hikes, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog. Cynara is looking forward to getting to know all of the PSED students and doing different activities with them. 

Eliza is back for her fourth year at PSED. She is a Brookline native who attended Heath School and Brookline High. Eliza attended Sarah Lawrence College in New York where she studied Journalism and French Literature. She loves to read (the heavier the book the better!) and work on arts and crafts projects. When she is not at PSED, Eliza is studying to become a nurse, so naturally she loves all things science. She is looking forwards to sharing her knowledge with the first and second graders.

Welcome Shirley to the 1/2 team. Shirley grew up in New York and lived there until she was 8 and then moved to Lawrence, MA. She went to the University of Florida where she received a bachelor's degree in journalism and a masters degree in health education and behavior. In her free time Shirley has previously worked in digital communications and also volunteered at an after school program. Shirley enjoys writing, listening to music and producing her podcast. Shirley is looking forward to meeting all of the PSED families. 

Marianne is another returning member of the PSED 1/2 team. Marianne grew up in Bethesda, MD. She earned a BFA in Animation from UArts in Philadelphia, PA, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from VCFA in Montpelier, VT. Marianne has worked as a camp counselor, a children's writing workshop leader, a private tutor, and a theme park mascot. Marianne has also created animations for Sesame Street. She recently published a book of writing/art prompts for reluctant readers called Your Cool Book! In her free time, Marianne dives into in all things related to children's books/illustration/media. She also enjoys hiking, drawing, writing, playing piano, cooking, and practicing aerial silks. 

This year, Marianne is looking forward to getting to know all of our PSED friends and developing some interesting activities for choice time.

Daniel grew up in Wilmington, Massachusetts. He went to Northeastern University where Daniel studied Digital Art with a concentration in Photography and Video. In the past, Daniel has worked as a counselor at Ellis Memorial after school program/summer camp in Roxbury. Daniel also assisted in a first grade classroom at the Hennigan School in Jamaica Plain. Most recently Daniel worked as the Photography Specialist at Beaver Summer Camp in Chestnut Hill. Outside of work Daniel very much enjoys dancing, a passion he picked up in college after becoming part of a hip hop dance crew.

Welcome back Tim to the 1/2 team. Tim grew up in Boston, MA. Tim is currently attending Mass Bay Community College where he plans on getting his degree in early childhood education. Tim has previously worked at a private school in Boston as a teachers aide and in extended day. Tim is also currently a kindergarten para at Pierce.  In his free time Tim enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys watching and playing sports. He is a big Boston sports fan. He is looking forward to another year at PSED. 

Welcome back Ale to our team! Ale was born in La Paz, Bolivia. She moved to Brookline at the age of 4 and grew up here. Currently, Ale is enrolled at Lesley University to study early childhood education. Ale has worked with Devotion School’s enrichment program as a coordinator and also teacher. In Ale’s time she enjoys going to museums, taking photos, and exploring different nature spots around the city.The thing Ale is doing the most, however, is hanging out with friends, family and her dog Darwin. Ale is looking forward to so much this year at PSED! She is super excited to learn about each student, where the come from, and what they like to do. She is also excited to work with new staff and get to know Pierce!

Rose is from a small town in Southern New Hampshire. She recently received her BA in art therapy from Lesley University. Rose has been working with kids since she was one at 12 years old! Rose has interned at several middle schools, most recently as a director  for the Boys and Girls Club summer art camp in Concord, NH. In her free time, Rose really enjoys making time for painting, reading, and swing dance.In her first year, Rose is looking forward to having fun with so many bright energetic kids.