Teachers + Staff

At Westford Preschool, our dedicated team of teachers creates a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. Our staff members are experienced early childhood educators who are passionate about helping young children develop a lifelong love of learning. Each teacher is highly qualified, CPR certified, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and care. Through ongoing professional development and teacher training, our staff stays current with the latest research-based teaching practices and innovative educational approaches, ensuring that every child receives the best possible early learning experience. Together, we are proud to build strong relationships with children and families and to continue the tradition of excellence that has made Westford Preschool a trusted part of the community for more than 60 years.

Nicole Harding

Position: Director
Years at Westford Preschool: 17 Years

Bio:
Nicole has been part of the Westford Preschool community since 2009. She began as a 2-Day classroom aide before becoming a classroom teacher. She later served as Assistant Director for seven years and became Director in 2026.

Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State University. Prior to joining Westford Preschool, she worked with children with special needs at Lighthouse School.

After spending several years raising her own children, Nicole was introduced to Westford Preschool when her children attended the program. She quickly fell in love with the school’s close-knit community and is proud to now be part of the Westford Preschool family as both a parent and educator.

Hobbies:
Nicole enjoys spending time at her lake house with her husband, daughters, and extended family. She also enjoys golf, pickleball, and paddleboarding.

Krysten Oakleaf

Position: Assistant Director / Fall Fives Classroom Teacher
Years at Westford Preschool: 18 Years

Bio:
Krysten has been teaching at Westford Preschool since 2008. Over the years, she has taught in both the 2-Day and 3-Day programs and currently teaches the Fall Fives class.

She has always been passionate about working with children. After graduating from UMass Lowell, she opened a large family child care program with her sister. In that setting, she was fortunate to raise her own two children. Later, both her daughter and son attended Westford Preschool, where they received an excellent foundation for lifelong learning.

As a teacher, Krysten is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential while developing lifelong skills such as self-regulation and self-confidence. Her teaching style emphasizes purposeful play through hands-on experiences. Art is a central component of her curriculum, and she enjoys creating opportunities for children to express themselves creatively.

When she is not at Westford Preschool, Krysten enjoys spending time with her family, especially on weekend trips to North Conway, New Hampshire.

Favorite Hobbies:
Reading, snowshoeing, and kayaking

Karen Quaranto

Position: Fall Fives Classroom Teacher
Years at Westford Preschool: 18 Years

Bio:
Karen has been teaching at Westford Preschool since 2008. She began as a Teacher Aide in the 3-Day program before becoming the classroom teacher for that class. She currently teaches the Fall Fives class, where she has developed a strong, cohesive, theme-based curriculum focused on kindergarten readiness.

Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Salem State University. Before joining Westford Preschool, she spent more than a decade in the corporate world as a Corporate Trainer. All three of her children are Westford Preschool alumni.

As a teacher, Karen strives to provide children with a rich learning environment where they feel safe to explore, initiate learning, and express themselves freely. She enjoys filling each day with creative art, games, and opportunities for free play.

Hobbies:
When she is not working, Karen enjoys reading, walking her dog Koda, relaxing at the beach, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Natalie Kourkoulakos

Position: 4-Day Pre-K Classroom Teacher
Years at Westford Preschool: 4 Years

Bio:
Natalie joined the Westford Preschool team in 2022. She began as a classroom aide in our 3-Day program before becoming the classroom teacher in that class and leading our Friendship Friday class. She has also worked as a classroom aide in our 2-Day program. In 2026, Natalie transitioned into the 4-Day Pre-K program as a classroom teacher. Natalie has a remarkable ability to create cohesive, theme-based curriculum experiences that incorporate age-appropriate literature, process art, music, and games. She inspires children with creative opportunities to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences.

Hobbies: Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children.

Jolene King

Position: 2-Day and 3-Day Classroom Teacher

Bio:
Jo began working at Westford Preschool as a classroom aide in 2016. She soon became the classroom teacher in that class and later expanded her role to include teaching in the 3-Day program.

She attended Rivier University and earned a degree in Human Services with a minor in Social Work. Before joining Westford Preschool, she worked for three years at Lighthouse School as a Crisis Interventionist, supporting children with behavioral and special needs. After leaving Lighthouse School, she nannied for a family whose children attended Westford Preschool. As those children moved on to elementary school, Jo remained connected to the preschool and was a perfect fit for our fun-loving staff.

Jo takes great pride in finding creative and engaging ways to meet the needs of every child while providing appropriate challenges in a supportive, pressure-free environment.

Hobbies:
When she is not teaching, Jo enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She volunteers as her son’s soccer coach and loves being outdoors, visiting the beach, and baking with her children.

Kelly Schiavone

Position: 3-Day Classroom Teacher

Bio:
Kelly taught middle school history for eight years before joining Westford Preschool in 2022, shortly after her oldest of three sons began attending the school. Like many members of our staff, she developed a strong connection to the preschool community and applied for a teaching position when one became available.

Kelly brings a calm, friendly presence to the classroom. Her nurturing nature, combined with her strong educational background, helps create a warm and engaging learning environment for young children.

Kelly grew up in Westford and earned her undergraduate degree in History and Education from UMass Amherst before completing her graduate degree in Education at UMass Lowell.

Hobbies:
Reading, baking, crafting with her children, and traveling

Ashley Dorey

Position: 2 Day Teacher

Bio: Ashley joined the Westford Preschool team in 2020. After many years teaching at the elementary level, Ashley has enjoyed welcoming our youngest children to the Westford Preschool. Her style is calm and nurturing and she creates a comforting environment where children feel safe to explore.

Hobbies: Ashley has 4 children who keep her busy! She enjoys time with her family and friends.

Liana Oakes

Position: Teacher’s Aide
Years at Westford Preschool: 4 Years

Bio:
Liana has more than 17 years of experience working with children. She has served as an aide in every classroom at Westford Preschool and is a valued member of the team in every role she takes on.

Before joining Westford Preschool, Liana worked as a substitute teacher at Tyngsboro Elementary School and assisted in the school library. She holds a degree in Geography from Framingham State University.

Hobbies:
Liana enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She also loves traveling, reading, and gardening.

Andrea McCarthy

Position: 2-Day Classroom Aide

Bio:
Andrea previously worked at Westford Preschool as a classroom aide before moving on to a position within Westford Public Schools. In 2026, she returned to the preschool community that she has always loved.

Known for her upbeat and engaging personality, Andrea brings warmth, energy, and a sense of fun to the classroom each day. She is the proud mother of four children and is also a grandmother.

Hobbies: Andrea enjoys spending time with her family and being with her grandchildren. She has recently begun playing pickleball and golf!