Our staff is made up of professionals who each have years of experience working with young children. Head teachers and assistants are well-versed in guiding students in nonviolent conflict resolution, which is a focal point of each child’s social and emotional development throughout their time at Swarthmore Friends Nursery School. Teachers set the stage in each classroom for a school year full of friendship, learning, and exploration.
KATE WINWARD
Director
I discovered Swarthmore Friends Nursery School in 2007 while looking for a preschool for my daughter. In the years since I’ve been an SFNS parent, volunteer, teacher, and now the Director. The constant during that time has been just how magical I find our school!
Amie Spanier
Head Teacher, Pre-K 3s
Before joining SFNS, I worked as a Teacher Assistant at the Art of Growing Nursery School and St. Matthew’s Preschool. I adore the children’s excitement that they bring each day to school and the opportunity to watch them flourish during the school year. When I’m not traveling to watch one of my 3 boys play ice hockey, I enjoy our family time in Ship Bottom, NJ and visiting my mom in Cape May, NJ.
heather mcgee
Head Teacher Pre-K 3s
I love the fact that everyday at preschool is different! Being a part of a child’s first day away fromtheir parents and watching them progress to kindergarten is so rewarding! My education is in Childhood Studies, Social Work and Play Therapy, but I have learned the most from being a mum! I’m always learning from my children, and from the children at SFNS.
Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family, going on adventures (particularly outside), and exploring/travelling as much as possible. I also love to visit my family in England as often as I can.
Lisa Wallace
Head Teacher Pre-K 4s
I have had the pleasure of working with young children for over 25 years. I continually delight in children’s exploration and discoveries. I love the enthusiasm they express when they are able to accomplish a challenging task or discover something new.
Beth camagna
Head Teacher Pre-K 4s
I have coordinated and presented a variety of programming for preschool and schooI age children for 30 years. Most recently I led a kindergarten enrichment program and taught art to preschoolers. I am a graduate of Hussian School of Art and completed classes at The Barnes Foundation. I especially enjoy guiding children through the process of making art, delighting in their abilities, and the discoveries they make about themselves along the way.
Kristina williams
Head Teacher Pre-K 4s/Assistant Director
After attending an open house at Swarthmore Friends when my daughter was 3, I told my husband if I ever went back to teaching - this was where I would want to teach. Now I get to spend every day at Swarthmore Friends after being home with my daughter, AJ, for seven years. Before she was born, I taught a variety of grades from Pre K to 7th. I have a Master's Degree in Elementary and Special Education and am so happy to be back in a classroom. When I'm not in the classroom, I love spending time with my family, crafting and reading.
LYN GOFF
Head Teacher Pre-K 5s
Many years ago all four of my children attended Swarthmore Friends. I actually started teaching in the Pre-K class over 20 years ago when my youngest was in the four year old class. I took a short break from SFNS and taught Kindergarten in Chester for 5 years.
JENN D’AMBROsiO
Assistant Teacher
My journey at Swarthmore Friends began over 10 years ago. I take great pleasure and joy from working with young children.
Kim Peichel
Head Teacher
Kindergarten Enrichment
I am thrilled to be spending my days with kindergarteners once again. While I may be new to Swarthmore Friends, I am not new to kindergarten. I taught first grade and kindergarten in the Wallingford- Swarthmore School District for twenty years.
Kathy Healy
Assistant Teacher
As I have spent over 20 years at Swarthmore Friends, you could say I am an “oldie”, but hopefully also considered a “goodie”. My education includes Bloomberg University and Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences. I love teaching preschool because we are usually children’s first school experience and we can lay the groundwork for a love of learning.
