Meet the Teachers

Meet founder Kristin Riciputi

Hello! My name is Kristin Riciputi, Owner/Director at the Treehouse School. Opening my own preschool has always been a dream of mine. Education and teaching is my passion and I truly feel that it's a privilege to work with your children everyday! I have taught Pre-K through 2nd Grade for the past twelve years and have my M.Ed from Lesley University. From progressive private schools in Boston and NYC to the honorable public schools in Massachusetts, I find my diverse experience has allowed me to develop a unique mission. To me, a Treehouse represents a pillar of strength, grounded in roots. It represents exploration and adventure...climbing to new heights and seeing the world from a different perspective. Come join me as we watch your children learn, grow and have FUN!

“Kristin is charismatic, intelligent, and has a unique perspective. Her commitment to her students’ well being, is what empowers her students. She is by far Benjamin’s and our favorite teacher. After meeting Kristin you will feel the same way.”

— Margot Lillis, New York City

Read more Testimonials

Meet Jaime

**Director**
*Portsmouth, NH*
Jaime has received her Masters in Childhood and Special Education and has been an elementary school teacher for 7 years. She teaches children's yoga and incorporates movement and mindfulness into her classroom. She believes that children should experience 3 things at school each day:
love, learning, and laughter.

meet Shannon

**Lead Teacher - Penguin Classroom**
*Portsmouth, NH*
Shannon has her B.A in Philosophy from Bucknell University and her Masters degree in Education from Lesley University. She has been working with children for over 6 years. She believes that each and every day should be a happy one, full of love and laughter. She is also a certified Pilates teacher for children and adults and loves bringing movement and stretching activities into the classroom every day!

Meet kate

**Lead Teacher - Chickadee Classroom**
*Portsmouth, NH*
Kate holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Antioch University and has been teaching preschool and kindergarten for over twenty years. Kate has an innate love for early childhood education. By fostering creativity and learning through art, literacy and mathematics, her classrooms have been a place where young minds can flourish. She maintains that when children are respected and valued as equal members of our communities, they are inspired to grow and learn in amazing ways. Kate lives on the seacoast with her husband and three teenage children. She is looking forward to a year full of learning, play and fun!.

Meet jenn

**Lead Teacher- Owl Classroom**
*Portsmouth, NH*
Jenn is a dedicated educator with over 5 years of hands-on experience in childcare. Her passion for nurturing young minds is evident in her ability to create a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive. Jenn is currently pursuing a degree in childhood education to further enhance her skills and knowledge. A pillar of her classroom is fostering a strong sense of belonging and trust through building deep connections with both her students and their families. Jenn lives locally with her children and is deeply invested in our community!

Meet katie

**Director**
*Charlestown, MA*
Katie has her B.A in Sociology and Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado. She has been working with children for over 12 years and a preschool teacher for the last 7 years. As a Director, she loves spending time in the classroom and developing strong connections with each individual child at Treehouse. Working with children has always been her passion and she believes education has the power to break molds, create positive contributions, and help build a sustainable future. She is also a certified Yoga teacher for children and adults and loves bringing mindfulness and yoga into the classroom.

Meet Natalie

Lead Teacher - Duckling Classroom
Charlestown, MA

Natalie holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Providence College (2019) and a Master’s in Elementary Education (2021), with a background in Public and Community Service Studies. Natalie began her teaching career as a Middle School English Teacher in Providence, followed by two years as a Middle School Math Teacher in Boston. Passionate about integrating social-emotional wellness and mindfulness into her teaching, Natalie also shares her love for health and wellness by teaching yoga at local studios. She looks forward to bringing her diverse experiences and holistic approach to the Treehouse community!

meet Emily G.

**Lead Teacher - Preschool Classroom**
*Charlestown, MA*

Emily graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a B.A. in psychology and earned her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education in 2020. She has been working with children for over 10 years and has been an educator for the past 3. Emily is passionate about creating an environment where children feel free to be themselves and explore what learning is all about. She is committed to seeing the best in each child and helping them to fulfill and achieve their goals. Emily loves the curiosity a child brings to the classroom and caters her lessons around what they are interested in.

meet kaTrina

**Lead Teacher - Duckling Classroom**
Katrina received her B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of Central Florida and her Masters in Speech Language Pathology from Florida Atlantic University. She has worked with children professionally for three years in the preschool setting, in homes, and in speech and language clinics. She focuses on embracing the unique individuality of her students and challenge them to meet their goals. Katrina loves bringing her one on one speech language background int the classroom and making sure every child feels valued and celebrated!

MEET MAURA

Lead Teacher - Preschool Classroom

Maura received her BA in English, Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and is a certified Montessori Teacher. She has taught students from Middle School to Preschool, but enjoys her time with younger students the most! Maura feels strongly about balancing the social/emotional development of each child as they learn. She believes every child thrives in a nurturing and supportive environment where it is fun to play and learn!