First Mates Class Teacher:

Mrs. Church (allisonchurch22@gmail.com)

Allison (Ali) Church has a bachelor’s degree in design and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Toddler and Preschool Lead Teacher certification.  Ali is mom to four former St. Andrew’s Coop Nursery School students and was a Nursery School Advisory Board member.  Ali’s background includes many years of childcare and teaching.  She is now in her fifth year with us as a First Mates teacher.

Mrs. Bier (bierkerry@gmail.com)

Kerry has 10 + years of experience teaching general and special education including 6 years teaching in a Kindergarten classroom here in Marblehead.  She holds an M.Ed. in Special education and state certification in Early Childhood Education.  Kerry is mom to both former and current St. Andrew’s students.  She was a sub for us last year and this is her first year with us as a First Mates teacher.

Ms. Knights (eknights01@gmail.com )

Emily Knights formerly work for St. Andrew’s Coop for 9 years first as an assistant teacher and then as a teacher.  Emily has an associate degree in liberal arts, has completed many courses in early childhood education, and has a Department of Early Education and Care Teacher certification.  She has been working for us as a Lunch Bunch teacher and a substitute for the last 3 years and returns this year as a First Mates teacher.  Fun Fact:  Emily was a student at St. Andrew’s Coop many years ago!     

First Year Preschool Class Teachers:

Mrs. Power (gpower.stacoop@yahoo.com )

Gail Power has been both the school director and a teacher at St. Andrew’s Cooperative Nursery School for the last 20 years.  Gail holds a master’s degree in early childhood education, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Toddler and Preschool Lead Teacher and Director II certifications, and 25+ years preschool teaching experience. 

Mrs. Thompson (sarah.thompson18@gmail.com )

Sarah Thompson holds a B.A. in early childhood education and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Preschool Lead Teacher and Director II certifications.  Sarah has an extensive background in early childhood education and has been teaching in our preschool for the last 11 years.  She has been part of the school community for 25+ years, first as a mom of 5 former students and as a member of our Parent Advisory Board. 

Second Year Preschool Class Teachers:

Mrs. Berardi (jendunck@gmail.com )

Jennifer Duncklee Berardi, (formerly from the First Meeting House Nursery School) is now in her seventh year at St. Andrew’s Coop.  She holds a master’s degree in elementary education and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Preschool Lead Teacher certification.  Jen has 20+ years’ experience teaching in preschool and elementary grades.

Mrs. Lione (abbijlione@gmail.com )

Abbi Lione has a bachelor’s degree in art education and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Toddler and Preschool Lead Teacher and Director certifications.  Abbi’s background includes many years working in early childhood education and teaching preschool and toddler art classes.  Abbi is a former St. Andrew’s Coop parent and after seven years teaching our First Mates classes she is switching to teaching in our Second-Year preschool class this year.