The Village School is staffed by experienced, professional teachers who are certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

Laurie Coughlin, Director

Laurie has been involved in early childhood education for over 30 years. When she found the Village School for her own children
24 years ago, she became involved as a parent, a board member, and then a support teacher who led library groups and fostered a love of books with children. Laurie then became a resource teacher which encompassed many roles that supported children, staff, and families. Laurie assumed the director role in 2008, and it is a good fit for a long time professional in this field. Laurie earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Vermont, and enjoys the great outdoors, bicycling, family trips and working with staff, children and families that cross the doorstep at the Village School.

Susan D’Allesandro, Teacher

Susan has been a teacher at the Village School since 2000. She enjoys watching children’s growth over the year and feels
that the emerging curriculum is a great way to foster children’s interest and develop their creativity. Susan likes the warm and caring environment at the school and has enjoyed her many years here. She previously taught at a preschool in Dedham for nine years,
and has two college-aged children.

Mary Dorocke, Teacher

Mary has taught in the pre-k program at the Village School since 2000. Although she has taught for over twenty years, working at the Village School has been her greatest enjoyment, and she continues to grow and learn from her young students. In all that she does, Mary hopes to instill in the children a love of learning and a desire to be kind towards each other as well as to all living creatures. She feels graced to know the wonderful community of parents who truly care about their children’s education and happiness. Mary earned a B.A. in English from UMASS Amherst, and lives in South Boston with her cat named Nikki.

Gay O’Hanlon, Teacher

Gay is a parent of four children who attended and enjoyed the Village School. She has had many roles at the school over the years, including parent, board member, and board chair. Gay is active in the Milton Early Childhood Alliance, and after a career as a physical therapist, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in early education at UMASS Boston. She joined the Village School as a part time teacher in 2008, and loves to introduce the sciences and gardening to the children at the school. In her free time, Gay likes to read, jog, garden and enjoys watching her children participate in their many sports.

Lisa Oullet, Teacher

Lisa has been teaching at the Village School since 2007. She loves to come to work each day to see her colleagues and the wonderful children and families at the school. Prior to joining the Village School, she taught at preschools in Boston and provided child care in her home. Lisa earned a B.A. in psychology from North Adams State College. Lisa lives in Milton with her husband and three children, and enjoys bicycling with her family, cooking, and gardening.

Nina Panarese, Administration/Teacher

Nina is a parent of three Village School alumni who all benefited from the school’s emerging curriculum and developed a solid foundation for their education. Over the years, Nina has served on the school’s board of trustees and co-chaired the annual fair. She joined the staff in 2008 as a teacher and administrator. Nina holds an M. Ed. in Elementary Education from Lesley University and has taught sixth grade as well as in an integrated preschool setting. She enjoys volunteering, exercising, and spending time with her family.

Sarah Wessmann, Teacher

Sarah is an alumna of the Village School who became a teacher at the school in 2008. She has worked with children in home settings for several years, and is happy to be teaching at the school that she enjoyed as a child. Sarah earned a B.A. from UMASS Amherst.