Our Staff
All of our teachers are trained and nurturing educators. They are chosen for their ability to help young children develop and thrive in a welcoming environment that encourages fun, exploration, learning, and social interaction.
Susan DeSimone
Director
Ms. Susan has worked for the Children's Village since 2016 as a Preschool Teacher, Education Coordinator and Director. She graduated from The University of Rhode Island in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then later received her teaching certificate in 2008, also from URI.
Susan was born in Boston, MA and moved to RI in 2000. She immediately fell in love with the beaches and the laid back feeling of South County, where she currently resides with her two young children.
Director
Ms. Susan has worked for the Children's Village since 2016 as a Preschool Teacher, Education Coordinator and Director. She graduated from The University of Rhode Island in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies and then later received her teaching certificate in 2008, also from URI.
Susan was born in Boston, MA and moved to RI in 2000. She immediately fell in love with the beaches and the laid back feeling of South County, where she currently resides with her two young children.
Andrea Dionne
Lead Preschool Teacher
Ms. Andrea's educational background includes a Bachelor's and a Master’s of Science degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Elms College in Chicopee, MA. She also acquired her Massachusetts Special Education License in 2012 and ran a successful educational consulting business supporting students before relocating to RI in 2014.
Andrea believes in a behavioral approach to teaching, and loves supporting individual learners in her class. She enjoys creating hands-on experiences for children, and using the community around us for support and integration. When Andrea’s not planning for her preschoolers you can find her crafting with her own children, on her boat, in her garden, or playing with her chickens.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Ms. Andrea's educational background includes a Bachelor's and a Master’s of Science degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Elms College in Chicopee, MA. She also acquired her Massachusetts Special Education License in 2012 and ran a successful educational consulting business supporting students before relocating to RI in 2014.
Andrea believes in a behavioral approach to teaching, and loves supporting individual learners in her class. She enjoys creating hands-on experiences for children, and using the community around us for support and integration. When Andrea’s not planning for her preschoolers you can find her crafting with her own children, on her boat, in her garden, or playing with her chickens.
Theresa Barbery
Lead Toddler Teacher
Ms. Theresa has been in the field of Early Childhood for over 7 years. She joined The Children's Village as the Lead Toddler teacher in September of 2018. In addition to working full time, Theresa attends Rhode Island College as a part time student where she is only a few semesters away from obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood.
Theresa's favorite classroom activities include Arts and Crafts as well as Science experimentations! In her spare time, she enjoys painting, riding her bike, and socializing with friends.
Lead Toddler Teacher
Ms. Theresa has been in the field of Early Childhood for over 7 years. She joined The Children's Village as the Lead Toddler teacher in September of 2018. In addition to working full time, Theresa attends Rhode Island College as a part time student where she is only a few semesters away from obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood.
Theresa's favorite classroom activities include Arts and Crafts as well as Science experimentations! In her spare time, she enjoys painting, riding her bike, and socializing with friends.
Melanie Morey
Lead Infant Teacher
Ms. Melanie, "Mama Mel", has worked in child care centers for over 20 years. Throughout her career, she has spent time with all age groups, finally settling into the Infant room. Her favorite activities to do with young children include singing, painting, blowing bubbles and snuggling.
When Ms. Mel is not working, she is spending time with her husband and two sons in Warwick. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Copper and Sissy.
Lead Infant Teacher
Ms. Melanie, "Mama Mel", has worked in child care centers for over 20 years. Throughout her career, she has spent time with all age groups, finally settling into the Infant room. Her favorite activities to do with young children include singing, painting, blowing bubbles and snuggling.
When Ms. Mel is not working, she is spending time with her husband and two sons in Warwick. She also enjoys walking her two dogs, Copper and Sissy.