Acton Site

**NEW
Video Message
from Staff during school closure.

The Parent Handbook is your primary reference guide. Topics range from our Mission Statement to Health Policies to Family Participation. 

Driving Directions- Acton Site

From 495 North or South: Take Exit 29a to Route 2 East. Take Exit 42 onto Route 27. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto Main Street. At first stoplight, turn right onto Route 111. Take the first right onto Charter Road. The 4th driveway on the right is the Preschool, which is in the Administration Building. 

From Route 2 West: Take Route 111 West. Go straight through the first stoplight and turn right onto Charter Road. The 4th driveway on the right is the Preschool, which is in the Administration Building.

 

preschool teaching

Meet the Program Coordinator

Joseph Gibowicz, Early Childhood Coordinator
JosephI have worked in the field of special education since 1994 as a teacher, case manager and now early childhood coordinator. Since 1997 I have worked with a wide variety of preschool aged children with and without special needs. I enjoy the excitement and joy that preschoolers have around learning and believe strongly in providing quality programming for preschool aged students. Outside of school I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my wonderful wife and 3 daughters. I am extremely excited to be part of the Acton-Boxborough Early Childhood Program!

Meet the Therapists

Gabrielle Prosnitz, Speech/Language Therapist
GabrielleI began working with adults and children with communication disabilities in 1978. Over time, I have worked in two hospitals and had my own private practice. I also spent one year at CASE Collaborative before moving on to Acton Public Schools. In Acton, I have had some of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I am proud to be a member of the highly talented and professional preschool staff. It is an added bonus to see the little children every day who bring laughter and joy into all of our lives.
 
Anne Dempsey, Physical Therapist
AnneI always wanted to work with children. As a graduate of Boston University and certified in pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment, I worked in a pediatric rehabilitation unit, adult rehabilitation as well as out patient rehabilitation, with emphasis on pediatric outpatient programming. In addition, I have worked in the Concord Early Intervention and had my own Private Practice. Since 1995, I have worked part-time in the Acton Public and Acton-Boxborough Regional School Districts. It's been rewarding to work system wide and see children's skills progress over time from pre-school through high school. I just love working and playing with your children; watching them gain independence, advocate for themselves to graduating from high school; to become all they can be! I am known to be a bit silly and full of laughter, but sometimes humor turns out to be one of my best strategies in treatment!! I truly love what I do and learn more about it every day.

Kathy Knight, Occupational Therapist

Sarah McNicholas, Speech/Language Pathologist 

Kristin Ashburn, Speech/Language Pathologist 
I am a Speech & Language Pathologist and I joined the staff at the Preschool in the fall of 2011. I am thrilled to be part of such a talented and dynamic team. Prior to coming to Acton, I was an SLP in Groton and provided services to school-aged children. I also have experience with the birth to three population from my time spent in an Early Intervention program in California. I feel strongly that children learn best through play surrounded by and interacting with their peers. I enjoy coming to work simply because these little ones make me laugh! Their energy, ideas and comments keep me on my toes and brighten my day. When I am not working, I enjoy making jewelry, running or simply reading in a sunny window. However, with three children of my own my "new" interests are soccer, swimming and superheroes!
 
 Alanna House, Speech/Language Pathologist 

Meet the Lead Teachers

Shelagh Conway, ABA Preschool Team Leader
ShelaghAfter functioning as a Consultant within the Acton Public Schools, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Preschool Team. The preschool staff are some of the most talented individuals that I have met and had the good fortune to work with. I have been working with children with developmental disabilities, like Autism since 1993 and gained my BCBA credentials in 2001. The research shows that early intensive intervention produces the best possible outcomes. I believe that the growth that children make during their preschool years is so important for future scaffolding of skills! Outside of school I enjoy playing with my own young children, cooking and gardening.
 
Julie Pote
JulieI have been working at the Preschool since 1999, first as a teacher assistant and then as an ABA Trainer. In 2006 I happily took on the role of Lead Teacher.I can not imagine any other experience to be more rewarding. In this setting I am able to see children grow and progress each day. Outside of school I enjoy photography, rubber stamping, spending time with family and friends and of course, working with children. 
 
Bethany DeLollis
BethanyI joined the Preschool Team in September 2008 as a classroom teacher and now teach both AM and PM integrated preschool sessions. In 2004 I had the opportunity to student teach with Debbie Bennett so I was pleased to be able to rejoin this strong team. In the interim I had the opportunity to work both in Early Intervention and with students with special needs, including students on the Autism Spectrum at a local Special Education Collaborative. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my young growing family. 
 
Nancy Capalbo
NancyI am very excited to have the opportunity to join the team here at the Preschool. I began my career thirteen years ago in an integrated program at the Shrewsbury Public Preschool. I worked as a Classroom Aide and then as a Child Specific Aide. For the past ten years I have been a Lead Teacher at a private school in Westboro. I love to encourage a sense of curiosity through process oriented art and hands on exploration. I enjoy singing with the children and will often use sign language during our music circle. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and going to the beach. 
 
Catherine Centrella
CatherineMy first glimpse of the Preschool was in 2008, when I volunteered in the all day 4 year old class to complete my practicum for my Masters degree. I was impressed by how well the teachers and therapists worked together to create an enriching integrated preschool environment. I am excited to be part of this talented team of teachers. I began at the Preschool last year as an ABA Trainer. I am happy to be the Lead Teacher for the All Day Three Year Old class this year. Outside of school my three young children keep me very busy! When I do have free time, I like to be outside hiking or running.

Rebecca Piersma
Photo

I have been working with child
ren in school settings since 2004 and obtained by Master's degree in Special Education in 2008. I first joined the team of dedicated teachers and therapists at the Carol Huebner Early Childhood Program in 2011 as an ABA Trainer. I am now very happy to be a lead teacher in one of the program's ABA classrooms. I love creating a warm, fun and engaging classroom environment. I am motivated and inspired every day as I witness our young students learn to participate, play and make connections with the children and adults around them. Outside of school, I enjoy gardening, hiking and trying to keep up with my three children. 
 

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