LAUREN NIGRO, Director
I have always been passionate about teaching children, working in both home and larger daycare settings, and have carried forth that enthusiasm into my plans for The Learning Tree Daycare & Preschool. I have incredible staff that treat all the children like their own, just as I would, and are always going above and beyond their job description. I feel so blessed to work with such supportive families of our children, too. So many give me insightful feedback I use to constantly improve how my school is educating our cherished children!
CAROL HERMAN, Infant Teacher
Hi, my name is Carol Herman. I am a mom of two, Kristie a junior at UMASS Amherst and Joseph a freshman at UMASS Lowell. We have lived in Medway for 19 years. I have been a teacher for over 25 years, beginning in my high school years. I received my degree in Early Childhood Education in 1989. I was Lead Teacher in an Infant Room for 6 years before leaving to have my second child. I stayed home with my children until my son was in Kindergarten. I worked in two local preschools until 2009. I’m thrilled to be starting my second year here at The Learning Tree.
MICHELLE MERRILL, Toddler Teacher
Hi, my name is Michelle Merrill. I am a mother of 2 girls 17 and 22. I’ve had 17 years of childcare including owning my own home daycare so I could be home with my children. I graduated from CCRI and continued taking courses for Early Childhood. I enjoy working with the younger toddlers and watching them grow and explore new adventures everyday. I love planning curriculum and being silly dancing with the children.
JENNY WARDWELL, Toddler Teacher
My name is Jenny Wardwell. I have been working in a daycare setting for almost 4 years. I am currently in College, working for my teacher degree. I love seeing the children’s faces light up when they learn new things or accomplish something for the first time. I grew up in Medway and currently live in Franklin. I love being surrounded by children and can’t wait to have many of my own.
BONNIE REED, Preschool Teacher
My name is Bonnie Reed, or Miss. Bonnie. I have been a preschool teacher at The Learning Tree since May 2014. I have recently moved to Medway with my boyfriend and 14 year old daughter, Skylar. She is a Freshman at Tri-County High. I attended Brandeis University and took child growth and development courses at Aquinas College and Health, Safety and nutrition at Massasoit College. I have been working in childcare for 17 years though I took some time off to be a stay at home mom and help out with our family business when my dad became ill. Aside from teaching, I have also helped my family work as a children’s entertainer doing magic, face painting, and balloon sculptures for birthday parties and corporate events. Funny as it is I come from a family of clowns… literally! My other passion is dance, I have been dancing since I was two years old and taught classes as well. I am so excited to be back working in this field.
CHRISTINE RICCIO, Pre-K Teacher
My Name is Christine Riccio otherwise known as Miss Chris! I have 3 daughters—Brie who is 26 and currently in graduate school and twins Cara and Alexa who are in their senior year of college. I have lived in Medway for 28 years. I graduated from the University of Hartford with a degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching pre-school ever since—taking time off to raise my family. I have been teaching at The Learning Tree since the Fall of 2013.
KATRINA TUCCI, Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Katrina Tucci! I have been working with children for 6 years. I am currently in school getting my degree in pediatric nutrition. I’ve lived in Medway for 19 years and have recently moved to Franklin. In my free time I enjoy running, and spending time with family and friends. I’ve always had a love for children and cannot wait to be a mother one day!
ASHLYN MCROBERTS, Assistant Teacher
My name is Ashlyn McRoberts, I am a junior at Medway High School. I work at The learning Tree after school and on my vacations! In the next year I will be spending my free time looking at colleges. I also enjoy shopping, hanging out with friends and spending time with my family. I love all my little friends here at The Learning Tree!