Meet the Team

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 Heather Baranick joined Noah's Ark in 2022.  Heather is a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College holding a Bachelor’s degree in Management and a Master’s degree in Education. She has 25+ years of experience in early childhood education as a teacher, assistant director, director and most recently early intervention specialist. Heather truly loves every aspect of working with children, teachers and families. She strongly believes in fostering children’s emotional and developmental growth through play and hopes to instill a love of learning during these important years.  When not at school, Heather can be found spending time with her family and friends. She lives in Raynham with her husband, John and her fur babies, Riley and Gracie. 

  Jen has been a Lamb and Llama teacher since 2019. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Framingham State University. During her free time she enjoys going on walks with her two dogs, spending time with her family, playing tennis and knitting! 

 Sara comes to us originally from CT where she grew up, attended college, and began her career as an early childhood teacher. Sara is EEC Lead Teacher and Director certified.  She has been in the field for over 15 years and was excited to join NAP in 2021. In the classroom she likes to bring routine, foster individuality, and a little bit of humor to all the children. She lives locally with her husband and son. In her free time she is at many different youth sports programs watching her son play and enjoys cooking for family and friends! 

  Dorothy joined NAP in 2023.  She has a BA in English from Boston College and a MEd in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. She is EEC lead teacher certified and has an Early Childhood MA teaching license. Prior to having children, she taught Kindergarten and more recently has taught preschool the past 5 years. Dorothy lives in Dover with her husband, JP and five children. Most weekends are spent watching her children play sports. She also enjoys going out to dinner, a family movie night and spending time with friends.  

Maureen joined NAP in 2023 as a Lunch Bunch Teacher.  She grew up in Boston. Maureen attended U/Mass Amherst and graduated with a degree in French.  After college she studied in Brussels, Belgium.  While raising her four children she worked as a High school French Teacher and a Special Education Teaching Assistant.  Maureen enjoys swimming, spinning classes, yoga classes and hiking with her family.  She recently started growing her own vegetables at the Needham Community Farm.  She loves nature photography!  She's looking forward to having fun at Noah”s Ark Preschool. 

  Pam has been with Noah’s Ark Preschool since 2004.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Curry College, as well as additional courses in early childhood development.  Pam grew up in Needham and now lives in Waltham with her husband and son Justin. She enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with her family.  She is looking forward to another year teaching the Lion Class! 

Susan joined Noah’s Ark in 2021. She has 15+ years working in a preschool setting, both public and private.  Susan has a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education/Psychology and a Masters Degree in Special Education and Early Childhood Education.  Susan has her MA teaching license in both Special Ed and Early Childhood Ed.  She lives in Needham with her 4 children, 2 are graduates of NAP.  When not driving her kids to their activities, Susan enjoys walking her dog, exercising, trying new restaurants with friends and lots of outdoor activities.    

 Katherine joined Noah’s Ark in 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Bentley College. Prior to Noah’s Ark, Katherine had been working for the Needham Public Schools in both the KASE kindergarten program and the integrated pre-school program as a substitute. Katherine lives in Needham with her husband and 4 children. Two of her children are NAP graduates. When not attending one of their many sporting events, Katherine enjoys playing tennis, reading, running, hiking and during quarantine became an avid bird watcher.