Our Staff

The Staff of CNS

Our staff consists of our director of the school, our founder, 2 lead teachers and 7 teachers. Classes range from 11-15 students with a lead teacher and a teacher in each classroom. Although the state does not require a college education for pre-school teachers, each of our teachers has a minimum of a Bachelor’s or Associates Degree in Education.

Meet Our Director

Beth Wambolt Fuce

Beth has served as Director of Community Nursery School since 2002. The daughter of CNS founder Roberta Wambolt, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and Elementary Principal Certification. Before joining CNS, Beth taught both preschool and elementary school for seven years.

A proud mother of three CNS graduates—and now a delighted grandmother (“Nana!”)—Beth brings boundless energy, enthusiasm, and warmth to the school each day. Her passion for early childhood education and dedication to creating joyful learning experiences have made her a beloved leader among children and families alike.

 

Meet our Founder

Roberta Wambolt

Roberta founded this wonderful school of ours in 1965, where she was a Teacher and Director ever since. Her children and many of her 13 grandchildren and now some great-grandchildren have attended CNS. You could always find her greeting the children every Tuesday and Thursday, and going from classroom to classroom, helping out wherever she was needed. In August of 2022, we lost our beloved founder. Her compassion for the children and this school still shows every day.

Meet our Teachers

Sarah Fair, Lead Teacher & Registrar

Sarah joined the CNS staff in 2010 and serves as a Lead Teacher in both the 2-Day and 3-Day programs. She also serves on the CNS Board as the school’s Registrar.

Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston College and a Master’s degree in Education from Lesley University. Before joining CNS, she taught kindergarten for nine years. She is the proud mother of four CNS graduates—Molly, Michael, Emma, and Will—and has been actively involved in the Natick community throughout her children’s school years. Sarah’s experience, warmth, and love of teaching create a nurturing and engaging classroom environment. 

Hannah Miller, Lead Teacher

Hannah joined the CNS staff in 2020 and is a Lead Teacher in both the 2-Day and 3-Day programs.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Saint Anselm College and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. Prior to joining CNS, Hannah taught in a pre-kindergarten classroom for three years and worked as a substitute teacher in preschool programs within the Holliston Public Schools and at a private early childhood center in Wellesley. Hannah brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a thoughtful approach to helping young children learn through play.

Julie Mason, Teacher

Julie joined CNS in 2000 and teaches in Hannah Miller’s 3-Day classroom.

A graduate of Boston College and the mother of two grown children, both CNS alumni, Julie has been an important part of the CNS community for more than two decades. She is known for her compassion, kindness, and infectious smile, creating a welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Karen Quirk, Teacher & Secretary

Karen has been part of the CNS community since 2007 and has served as the school’s Secretary since 2012. She teaches in Beth Wambolt Fuce’s 3-Day classroom.

Karen graduated from Colby College and previously worked in accounting and human resources before becoming a full-time mom to her three children. She also volunteered extensively at Brown School in Natick. Karen’s quick wit, warmth, and engaging teaching style make her a favorite among both children and families.

Kerin LeBrun, Teacher

Kerin joined the CNS staff in 2019 and is a Teacher in Beth Wambolt Fuce’s 2-Day classroom.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Westfield State College and worked in landscape design before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her four children, all proud CNS alumni. Kerin has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Natick Public Schools. She brings warmth, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom every day.

Meghan Mangsen, Teacher

Meghan joined the CNS staff in 2020 and teaches in Sarah Fair’s 3-Day classroom.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Dean College and has worked with children since her teenage years as an assistant dance instructor. Before becoming a mother, Meghan was a professional ballet dancer, dance teacher, and nanny. She lives in Marlborough with her husband, daughter Piper, and their dog, Pumpkin. Meghan’s creativity, energy, and love of movement inspire joyful learning experiences for her students.

Laura Peattie, Teacher

Laura teaches in Hannah Miller’s 2-Day classroom.

Before joining CNS, Laura spent 13 years as a pediatric nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital, caring for children on a busy surgical unit. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis College and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stonehill College. Laura also has extensive experience working with children as a YMCA camp counselor, summer camp administrator, and before- and after-school program provider. She is the mother of three children, all CNS alumni, and brings exceptional care, patience, and warmth to the classroom.

Shannon Ferrelli, Teacher

Shannon joined the CNS staff in 2025 and teaches in Sarah Fair’s 2-Day classroom. She is especially proud to be a CNS alumna herself, and both of her children, Johnny and Mackenzie, are also recent CNS graduates.

Shannon attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has spent more than 20 years caring for children as a nanny before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has also served as a Class Parent at Memorial School in Natick. Shannon’s lifelong passion for nurturing young children and her deep connection to the CNS community make her a wonderful addition to the teaching team.

Tina Grady, Music Teacher

Tina joined the CNS staff in 2021 and has been bringing the joy of music, movement, stories, and drama to our classrooms ever since. She has more than 20 years of experience working with young children, including as a special education teacher in her local public preschool and as a lead preschool teacher in Westborough. For over 15 years, Tina has also taught interactive music and theater classes for preschool-aged children.

Tina earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Skidmore College and her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Boston College. She is also a certified Lead Teacher and happily substitutes in all CNS classrooms as needed.

Outside of school, Tina enjoys volunteering at her local library as “Mrs. Grady the Music Lady” and singing with her community arts center. She lives in Hopkinton with her husband, Tim, their children, Mikayla and Liam, and their dog, Willow. Tina’s enthusiasm, creativity, and love of music inspire children to learn, imagine, and have fun every week.

 

Frequent Substitute Teachers

We are fortunate to have several former teachers who remain part of the CNS family and enjoy returning to the classroom whenever an extra set of hands is needed.

Carolyn Bernard

Carolyn began her CNS career in 1998 as an Assistant Teacher and became a Lead Teacher three years later. She retired in 2019 to help care for her growing family. Carolyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is the proud mother of three children and grandmother to six. Her creativity, kindness, and thoughtful approach to teaching continue to make her a valued member of the CNS community whenever she returns to substitute.

Kelly Curry

Kelly joined the CNS staff in 2000 and served as an Assistant Teacher until retiring in 2025 to spend more time with her grandchildren. She is the mother of three CNS alumni and is known for her creativity, especially in arts and crafts, as well as her calm, caring presence in the classroom.

 

Beth Wambolt

Beth served as a Lead Teacher in both the 2-Day and 3-Day programs for more than 19 years. Roberta Wambolt’s daughter-in-law, Beth attended the University of Lowell and earned her Lead Teacher Certification through MassBay Community College. She is the proud mother of three CNS graduates and is active as a Sunday School teacher and church volunteer. Her joyful personality and caring nature have always made her a favorite with children.