Our Teachers

Director and Teacher

Melissa joined Russell in the summer of 2021 after discovering the school through a friend who taught there (Naomi Shea). Melissa has worked in Early Education since 2012. Before joining Russell, Melissa oversaw the creation and implementation of curriculum for infants through Pre-K at a childcare center in Natick. Prior to serving as Curriculum Coordinator, she was Head Teacher of a mixed-age Pre-K classroom for 5 years. Melissa has a true passion for creating unique and emergent curriculum with a focus on nature-based activities and hands-on exploration for children of all ages. Melissa is Director II certified from the Massachusetts EEC and holds a BS in Marketing/Advertising Communications from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI.

Melissa grew up on the New Jersey shore. After college, she worked at an advertising agency for almost 3 years before moving to Massachusetts in 2009. She found a position as an Organizational Marketing Assistant for a non-profit school for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. She realized working with kids was where she belonged and changed her career path to continue her love of Early Education. 

Melissa lives in Watertown and loves traveling, going to the beach, and enjoying live music with friends in her spare time.

Lead Teacher

Stephanie first arrived at Russell Preschool on the parent side of the equation.  During the time her younger child (her son Matheus) was at Russell, Stephanie was  actively involved in the school.  She worked on the enrollment committee and served on the board as secretary and vice-president.  Stephanie has been a teacher at Russell since 2016.

Her own educational background includes time spent growing and learning in both Progressive and Quaker schools.  She earned a BA in English literature from Haverford College.  She credits these school experiences with encouraging her natural curiosity, developing her love of learning (especially of reading and writing), and fostering creative thinking and artistic self-expression.  Stephanie holds a lead teacher certification from the Massachusetts EEC.

Her work life has included a range of experiences. These include teaching in a special education setting, working as a server and manager in the restaurant world, and serving as a volunteer breastfeeding counselor and then as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

She now lives in West Newton with her husband of just about 25 years, their daughter Gabriella and their son Matheus.  Stephanie is an avid reader, an amateur knitter and a novice ukulele player.

Assistant Teacher

Taryn has lived in Watertown for 15 years with her husband and two children. Outside of her Russell days, she’s the Registration Coordinator for the Watertown Belmont Youth Football and Cheer organization. Her hobbies include going to the beach, playing with her children, and attending all her son’s sporting events.

Taryn is finishing her course work to become Teacher Certified in 2025!

Assistant Teacher

Laura grew up in Texas and has lived in Watertown for five years with her husband and 5-year-old son, Ethan. Laura had worked as a higher education fundraiser before taking the past five years to be a stay-at-home mom. When her son joined a local cooperative preschool, Laura's experience as a parent helper and Co-Chair of the Board sparked a passion for and curiosity about early education. As she takes this next step in her career, she is delighted to be a part of the Russell family and to have the opportunity to get to know your children. Laura's hobbies include watching movies (when she can stay awake!), going on nature adventures with her family, and participating in a monthly Mystery Readers book group at the Watertown Free Public Library.