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 I am currently enrolled at UNH to receive my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I have earned an Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 3, Early Childhood Administrator Credential Level 1, and Early Childhood 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. Cassandra
Aspens Classroom
My name is Cassandra, most call me “Ms Cass”, and I am so excited to start my journey at BVS! I have been married for 14 years and have two wonderful teenage children, who keep my nights and weekends very busy!! I have ALWAYS loved children, but my true passion is with infants and toddlers. I began my journey in early childhood when I was 14, volunteering in an infant room, babysitting for parents and families, and eventually working as an assistant teacher in a variety of childcare settings. I earned my Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, from UNH in 2009, and went to work in the community providing Early Intervention services, as a Speech Language Pathologist. During that time, the role of family dynamics, culture, and connection to a child’s development became high interests of mine.
I spend my free time with my family and our pets, our friends and their kids, and going to any body of water and soaking up the sun. I also like to read books, go for walks, watch true crime and documentaries, eat good food and sweets, shop, and a new one, travel! I had the privilege of staying home with my kids while they were young, but I am so happy to be back! KIDS IS WHERE IT’S AT!!
Ms. Val
Aspens Classroom
My name is Val Ross and I recently joined the BVS team. I have 30 years of parenting our 7 children and homeschooling them. My husband and I joined the empty nester club last year and now full-time spoil our two dogs and chickens. I have enjoyed working in law enforcement, retail and as a midwife assistant at home births. We recently moved to New Hampshire from Pennsylvania and moved from Idaho in 2020. As soon as I met Donna and toured the BVS center I knew this was a special place that I would have felt great enrolling my own kids or future grandkids. Outside of work I love to cook, read, paddle board and go on long road trips with my husband.
Ms. Tristan
Aspens Classroom
Hello, my name is Tristan Lord. I have my Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been in the childcare field for 16 years. I married an amazing man, have a cat named Boo, and two guinea pigs named Tucker and Baby Bear. My favorite things to do in my spare time are reading, writing, coloring, shopping, going to the beach, and playing video games. I have worked with all ages, from infants up to school age children. I love to read, sing songs, and dance with the children.
Mr. Than
Codirector
Birches Classroom
My name is Than Spence, and you can find me teaching the Infants in the Aspen's 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.
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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 wife and our friends.
Ms. Lisa
Birches 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.
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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.
Ms. Amanda
Pines Classroom
My name is Amanda Shirley and I've worked in childcare for 20+ years with all age groups. 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 teacher here at BVS! I love working with young children, watching them grow, learn, and build 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.
Ms. Lindsey
Pines Classroom
My name is Lindsey Knight! I am new to working in childcare and have been working in the field since 2022. I am a mother and have worked as a nanny throughout high school. I have been enlisted with the Air National Guard since 2015 and plan to continue my military career for years to come! I have an Associate's Degree in criminal justice and will be graduation from UNNH with my Bachelor's by the end of 2024. I studied Early Childhood Education for about two years and have learned so much, but have switched back to Criminal Justice. I love working with children: watching them grow, explore, and develop their own personalities. The safety and education of our youth are two of my top priorities. "I believe children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside." - Whitney Houston
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In my free time I love to travel and explore. Being in the military I've had the privilege of traveling all over the country and even the world. I think it's important to show my son what a big world this is and all the amazing sights and opportunities that there are out there.
Ms. Tina
Maples Classroom
My name Is Tina Vanlandingham and I am a lead teacher in the Maples classroom. I currently hold a level 4 Early Childhood Educator credential from the state of NH. I started my journey at BVS as a lead toddler teacher back in 2016 until 2020 and I earned my level 4 Early Childhood teacher credential with a level 1 infant/toddler endorsement. After taking time to support my 4 children during a year of remote learning, I spent two years working as social/emotional & behavioral support for multiple grades within a school district in Vermont. After moving back to NH for family, I returned to the BVS family in January of 2023. I have previously worked as an infant/toddler teacher in Maine, as a new mom/newborn support for a few families, and as a nanny for many families throughout the years. Prior to finding my love for teaching and children, I was a licensed cosmetologist in both Maine and New Hampshire.
I began my education in Early Childhood Education back in 2012 and I am currently working towards my degree in Child & Adolescent Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. I have taken courses in special education and challenging behaviors at Great Bay Community College and NHTI. While living in Vermont I extensively studied Positive Behavioral Supports & Interventions through the school district and the University of Vermont as well as receiving my certificate in Youth Mental Health First First Aid.
In my spare time I love spending time with my husband of 13 years, four children and our three dogs.We enjoy amusement and water parks, camping. As our children grow into middle-school and High-school with sports and jobs, we tend to see them less. When not with our children, my husband and I enjoy motorcycle rides through the White Mountains.
Ms. Miranda
Maples Classroom
My name is Miranda Dow and I'm a lead teacher in the Maples Classroom. Teaching toddlers is where my heart and soul is. I enjoy that toddlers are very inquisitive children, energetic, and love learning and gaining new skills. I even more so love that I can be a part of this learning experience with the children.
I have over 20 years of experience teaching children of all ages: from infants up to school age. I have an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, am credentialed by the state of NH as an Early Childhood Teacher Level 5 with an Infant & Toddler Level II endorsement, and am CPR/First Aid Certified. I joined the BVS team in November 2022 and couldn't be happier. I am a single mother of three children: Nicholas, Joel, and Sara. I look forward to being your child's teacher.
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. Caroline
Oaks Classroom
Hi everyone! My name is Caroline Fuller and I work in the Oaks 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. 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. Amie
Redwoods 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.
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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. Courtney
Administrative Assistant
& Classroom Float
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 any classroom because as a "float" I help out where needed.. 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!