MEET OUR TEACHERS
Linda Herman, Director
Linda has been an Early Childhood Educator for over 30 years. Linda has a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education and a 6th Year Certificate in Leadership from the College of Staten Island. She has taught in both Public and Private schools in New York City and has helped open and direct two Reggio Emilia-inspired schools. She taught Pre-K and Kindergarten at Brooklyn Friends School for 10 years and was on the Brooklyn Friends School Committee for two years.
Both of Linda’s children, Chris, and Becky, were lifers at Brooklyn Friends School. Linda feels that it is a gift to create a loving and caring place for children and families and feels blessed to be at Connecticut Friends School.
LeighAnne Lewis, Willows (2s)
LeighAnne has over 30 years' experience working with young children. Before coming to CFS, she taught Kindergarten in Norwalk for 30 years. She previously served as the Director of New Canaan's YMCA Camp Mini, worked at Nature Camp in Noroton, and taught Preschool in Darien.
She graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and received her Master’s degree of Art in teaching from Sacred Heart University. LeighAnne believes all children should be treated as individuals and enjoys helping them find joy in all aspects of learning by providing opportunities for exploration and creativity.
When she's not at school, she enjoys spending time with her family and taking her two chocolate labs swimming.
Jennifer DaSilva, Spruces (3s)
Jen has been an early childhood educator for over 24 years and has taught children of all ages. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and a Head Teacher certificate from the State of Connecticut. Jen supports and nurtures the growth of each individual child in all areas of development and believes that it is important for children to be in an environment that is secure and consistent where they have the ability to explore, take risks, discover and learn about what is already of interest to them.
Jen strives to provide each child with learning experiences that encourage problem solving and creative expression, while building a community of learners on a foundation of respect, kindness and celebration of the unique and valuable contributions of every individual child.
Annette Previti, Oaks (4s & 5s)
Annette received her Masters in Early Childhood Education in 2013, the same year her son Shiloh was born. She has taught in Reggio, Waldorf, and Montessori classrooms.
Before deciding on early childhood education, Annette was an actress and portrait artist who taught dance, acting and art in Manhattan.
Annette is passionate about the Reggio Approach because, as Malaguzzi understood, the best way for a child to learn is through what is already of interest to them. Freedom of exploration, resilience building, developing a sense of self, community and compassion for all living things are the cornerstones of Annette’s teaching philosophy.