Teachers

 

PNS is fortunate to have teachers with a strong, positive connection to the school. With a parent body that changes each year, our teachers are the backbone of the school’s curriculum and philosophy. Our teachers have advanced degrees in early childhood education, and specialize in a play-based curriculum that fosters social and emotional development.

 

Gretchen Fonda

Gretchen Fonda was a kindergarten teacher in New York City public and private schools. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Colgate University, where she majored in Sociology and Anthropology and minored in Education. Gretchen took a break from teaching to be home with her kids, Charlie and Weezy. When Gretchen moved to Cambridge and joined the PNS community, she became active as a parent, an Admissions Chair and a substitute teacher. With a background in progressive education, Gretchen fell in love with the school’s play-based philosophy and took on the role of teacher. She currently lives in Huron Village with her husband and two kids.

 

 

 

 

Kristen Patrice
Kristen grew up on the north shore in Newburyport, MA and has a degree in early childhood development from Lesley University. A dedicated preschool teacher with over 25 years experience, Kristen first taught at PNS from 1996-2000. She took time off to have her two daughters and returned in 2007. Kristen strives to provide an environment where the children can practice and develop social and emotional skills. She enjoys observing and facilitating play interactions and conflict resolution.

She currently lives in Cambridge with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Weather permitting, you can see her happily riding her bike to and from PNS.

 

 

Lynne Standish

Lynne Standish earned her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology & Management from the University of Rhode Island, followed by her MST in Adolescent Education (Science). She has worked in the fields of Science and/or Education for over 18 years. Her science teaching experience includes formal middle school and high school science classrooms as well as informal classroom settings at institutions such as the New England Aquarium and the Seacoast Science Center. Additionally, she has enjoyed being a part of the Parents’ Nursery School community for the past three years as a parent and also as a substitute teacher. Most recently, Lynne completed a two-year commitment as PTO co-President at her childrens’ elementary school. She is passionate about the environment, education, volunteering, and caring for her two young children.