Meet Our Teachers
Ms. Wendy
Director
My name is Wendy Demers, and I have worked in the Early Childhood field for over 29 years. I am excited to start my new adventure as Director of BVS. I received my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from NHTI and have earned an Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 3, Early Childhood Administrator Credential Level 1, and Early Chidhood Credential Development Specialist Mentor Credential. I’m thankful for the relationships I build with the families of the children in my care.
I have been married for 24 years and have two beautiful children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, attending concerts, going to the beach, and being up in the mountains.
Ms. Donna
Executive Director & Owner
Our fierce leader shares 41 years of experience in Reggio Inspired Programs. She created BVS in 2005. While with leading her pack at BVS, Donna is also on The Barrington Town Planning Board and is a leader in the Barrington Community. She spends every waking minute at BVS to ensure quality for her families and teachers. Donna puts her heart and soul into everything she does including her love for kids and teaching.
Ms. Amanda
Aspens Classroom
My name is Amanda Shirley and I've worked in childcare for 20+ years with all age groups, but infants is my favorite. I have earned an Early Childhood Teacher Level 3 credential with an Infant & Toddler Foundational Level 1 endorsement and attended school at NHTI in Concord. I have also received a certificate in medical coding as well. I am so excited to be a lead infant teacher here at BVS! I love working with young children, watching them grow, learn, and building positive relationships with them and their families.
In my spare time I love spending time with friends and family, especially my little nieces and nephews! I love being outdoors, hiking, going to the beach, traveling, and floating out on the lake.
Mr. Than
Codirector
Birches Classroom
My name is Than Spence and you can find me teaching the toddlers in the Birches Room. I have a B.S. in Early Childhood Development with a concentration in Birth to Grade 3, from Keene State College and have earned an Early Childhood Teacher Level 6 credential with an Infant & Toddler Level 2 endorsement. I have been working with young children since 2014 and have had the pleasure to teach children all the way from 6 weeks up to 8 years old, but infants and young toddlers are my favorite group. I love to see the world through their eyes and all of the curiosity they have for everything.
I joined BVS in September of 2021 and love to work here with this team. At home, I like to knit, sew, cook, bake, paint, act, and play D&D with my friends.
Ms. Courtney
Pines Classroom
Hello! My name is Courtney Whitehouse. I have worked at BVS since July of 2019 and have earned an Early Childhood Teacher Level 4 credential. You can find me in the Willows Classroom. While I was in night school I spent all four years in the teaching program. During my time there I worked with infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children! I knew I wanted to be a teacher and am so happy to be a part of the BVS Team!
In my spare time I love to go to concerts, visit the beach, and spend time outdoors. I love going four wheeling, mudding, and camping!
Ms. Caroline
Pines Classroom
Hi everyone! My name is Caroline Fuller and I work in the Redwoods Classroom. I joined BVS in May of 2022. I graduated from Keene State College with my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education with a Birth-Age 5 specialization. I have had many teaching opportunities with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. I find that every age group brings me joy but preschool has a special place in my heart.
A Quote that inspires me as a teacher: "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." - Ben Franklin
In my spare time you can find me spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, cooking, and hiking.
Ms. Anna
Willows Classroom
Hi, I’m Miss. Anna and I’ve been at BVS for a little over two years. I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Adventure Therapy in 2019 from Unity College and have continued to work with challenging kiddos inside and outside of the classroom in outdoor settings ever since. I’ve also had the amazing opportunity to Direct the BVS Summer Camp in 2021. I’ve earned my New Hampshire Afterschool Direct Service Level Six Credential, New Hampshire Early Childhood Educator Level One Credential, and my Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certificate. I also look forward to expanding my knowledge as a teacher in future trainings and classes outside of BVS. Along with working with some amazing kiddos, my passions include traveling and exploring the great outdoors in the United States and beyond; I’ve recently finished a circumnavigation of the continent of Australia with my fiancé!
I truly believe and live by the quotes “Adventure is out there” and “The wilderness must be explored”.
Ms. Hannah
Willows Classroom
Hello! I am known as “Ms. Hannah” here at BVS. I joined the BVS team at the end of August of 2022. Caring for children has always come naturally to me. I began babysitting and helping out in the church nursery when I was a young teenager. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and work with children and I also happen to have a passion for dance. In college (Hope College in Holland, Michigan) I got my degree in Dance Education with a minor in secondary English Education. I have been a professional dance teacher and nanny since I graduated in 2013. Since then I have taught in Michigan, Connecticut, and Massachusetts–and now New Hampshire! Throughout my years nannying and teaching dance, I grew more and more fond of working with younger children. This led me to eventually seek work in Early Childhood Education which brought me to BVS. I am delighted to be working in the Willows room and love the nature-based learning environment and Reggio inspired curriculum. I look forward to continuing expanding my knowledge as a teacher while working at BVS. My students inspire me every single day!
My husband and I love working on our very old house in our spare time. Some of my hobbies include travelling, knitting, reading, hiking, and watching the Great British Bake Off while cuddling with our dog.
Ms. Lisa
Oaks Classroom
Hello, my name is Lisa Dupree and you can find me in the Oak’s classroom. I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, have earned an Early Childhood Master Teacher Level 3 endorsement, and have been working with children for over 25 years. I am also Mom to 2 boys. I feel so fortunate to be a part of teaching children every day. I love seeing the world through their eyes, sharing my joy of learning with them, and helping them to build foundational skills that will enable them to be kind, confident, and successful as lifelong learners. I have been working at BVS since August 2020 and am thrilled to be a part of the BVS team. In my spare time, I like spending time with my family, hiking, taking road trips, writing, and baking.
Ms. Aime
Oaks Classroom
My name is Amie Hurd and I have recently started my journey in child care at BVS. I am a proud mother of two beautiful children. I have a degree in Culinary Arts, however after having my second child I was looking for a different career path. After looking into BVS I decided this would be a wonderful place not only for my children to attend but for me to work and learn more about the Reggio program. To me, the Reggio way of teaching and learning is the best form of education for children.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and being outdoors either running, hiking or spending the day at the beach.
Ms. Mellisa
Redwoods Classroom
My name is Mellisa. Im so excited to be part of the BVS team! I received my bachelors degree and minor in psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington in 2002 and have earned an Early Childhood Master Teacher Level 2 credential with an Infant & Toddler Intermediate Level endorsement. For 27 years I have taught many children, ages birth through fifth grade. I love the Reggio curriculum, hands on learning, and the beauty of nature both in and out of the classroom! You will most likely find me ankle and elbow deep in mud with the kids, building with loose materials, or playing some sort of group game. I have a wonderful husband and two teenagers that keep my night life busy with sports and socializing. All of which I thoroughly enjoy every minute of. My favorite quote and motto to live by is "In a world where you can be anything, be kind".
Ms. Lisa
Redwoods Classroom
My name is Lisa Bringhurst and I've worked in the Early Childhood Field for 17 years. I'm working on my Associate's Degree at Granite State College and am in the process of transferring to NHTI. I have earned an Early Childhood Teacher Level 2 Credential. I am excited to start my new journey at BVS, getting to share my love of nature and deepen my understanding of Reggio-Inspired curriculum. I love children and watching them grow.
In my free time, I like to go to the races during the summer months. I like to go camping, spend time outside, and spend time with my family: I'll go to the races with my dad, shopping with my mom, and spend time at home with my son. I also enjoy those days where I lie on the couch with a comfy blanket and watch a good movie. I love animals and have 2 cats who I adore and love cuddling and playing with.
Other
Important
Team Members
Ms. Lindsey Aspens Classroom
Ms. Miranda Birches Classroom
Ms. Cassandra ROOTS float
Ms. Tina Maples Classroom
Ms. Emma Maples Classroom