“When I go into a room to teach small children, I stop for a moment so that I can descend to their level of physical ability, and can rise to their level of childlike wonder and awe.”
- Suzuki
Valley Pre-School has been in existence for over 70 years and it is the wisdom and experience of our teachers that allows us to be innovative and creative as we prepare our classrooms each day. All of our teachers are CPR and First Aid certified and participate in a program of continuing education.
Kim Tawney,
Head Teacher (3's and 4's)
- B.S. in Elementary Education, Keene State College, Keene, NH
- Head Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (2011–present)
- Lead Teacher (3’s Classroom), Educational Playcare, Simsbury, CT (2010–2011)
- Director & Lead Teacher, Pocumtuck Child Care Center, Deerfield, MA (1995–1998)
- Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Director II for Infant, Toddler, and Preschool, Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, MA
- Church School Shepherd & Board Member, Board of Christian Education, First Church of Christ, Simsbury, CT (2005–present)
Wendy Stone,
Assistant Teacher (4s)
- M.A. in Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
- B.S. in Education, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
- Honors Scholar in Special Education
- Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (2022–present)
- Substitute Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (2021–2022)
- Long-Term Substitute Teacher, Preschool Special Education teacher, Granby, CT (2010)
- Resource Room Teacher, Grades K-6, East Windsor and Enfield, CT (1996–2000)
Kristen Braithwaite,
Enrichment Program Lead Teacher
- M.A. in Elementary Education, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
- B.S. in Elementary Education, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
- Enrichment Program Lead Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT ( 2025–present)
- 3’s Assistant Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT ( 2023–2025)
- Substitute Teacher, Southwick, MA (2016–present)
- Teacher, Kathleen Thornton School, Springfield, MA 2005–2008
Heather Tokarz,
Managing Director
- M.A. in English Literature, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
- B.A. in English Education, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA
- Managing Director, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (2023-present)
- Acting Managing Director, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (2022-2023)
- Board Chair, Valley Pre-School Board, Granby, CT (2022-2023)
- Board Secretary, Valley Pre-School Board, Granby, CT (2021-2022)
- Middle and High School ELA Teacher, Springfield, MA (2013-2017)
- Alternative Education Teacher, Westover Job Corps Center, Chicopee, MA (2010-2012)
Kathy Jackson,
Boomerang Teacher - Language/Literacy
- M.A. in Education, University of Hartford, Bloomfield, CT
- B.S. in Elementary Education and Math, College of St. Rose, Albany, NY
- Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (Since 2004)
- Substitute Teacher, Valley Pre-School and Elementary schools in surrounding areas
- Private Tutor in math and reading since 1996
- First Grade Teacher, Cohoes, NY
Peggy Shaw,
Boomerang Teacher - Music
- B.A. In Elementary Education, Ohio Wesleyan University
- Teacher Assistant, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (Since 2004)
- Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (1990-1995)
- Music Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (1985-1986 & Since 1989)
- Kindergarten & First Grade Teacher, Chicago, IL
Nannie Brown,
Boomerang Teacher - Natural Science
- A.A. in Early Childhood Education, Briarcliff, NY
- Teacher, Valley Pre-School, Granby, CT (since 1975)
- Nursery School Teacher, New Haven, CT
- Worked with Head Start programs in Long Island and Rhode Island
