Ralph Waldo Emerson School for Preschoolers, Concord NH

DIRECTOR___________________________________________________

SUSAN COONEY HAGNER

Susan received her Masters in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Hampshire in 1999 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Syracuse University. In 1991 and in 1992 she was one of three teachers selected statewide to receive the New Hampshire Early Childhood Educator award. Susan's previous experience includes eleven years in the Finger lakes area of central New York State with the Skaneateles Early Childhood Center and the Skaneateles Nursery School where over the years she served as head teacher, assistant director, and program director.

Susan became the Director of Emerson School in 1990. During her tenure she has developed and implemented improvements for our school, creating a responsive curriculum that values teachers, children, and families. Susan is especially inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach to early education. In addition to her work as the chief administrator of the school Susan teaches the MWF classes as part of the teaching team.

Susan and her husband David live in Concord, they have two adult daughters. Susan enjoys listening to classical and jazz music, working in her flower garden, and just lately, painting with watercolors.

TEACHERS__________________________________________________

FAITH BARRY

Faith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of New Hampshire where her concentration was in Early Childhood Education. She began teaching on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Emerson in 1998.

Previously, Faith taught for six years at Mt. Delight Child Care in Deerfield in both the kindergarten and preschool programs. Faith has also worked with young children with special needs and their families in Manchester. We lovingly call Faith our administrative goddess because she maintains the responsibilities of office administrator and registrar.

Faith lives in Deerfield with her husband Kevin. They have three adult children. Faith loves to garden and cares for many animals: including a horse, sheep, chickens, cats, and the family's beloved yellow lab.

JANICE FARENWALD

Janice received her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from New Hampshire Technical Institute. While at NHTI she was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for her commitment, scholarship, and special contributions to the program. She also was the recipient of the J. G. Stone Award, in honor of Jeannette Stone, author and educator, who guided Emerson as consultant and Board member for ten years.

Janice teaches in both MWF and T-TH classes and has been at Emerson since 1998. Janice began her preschool teaching experience about fifteen years ago at the Village Preschool of Contoocook. Before Emerson Janice taught at the Hopkinton Independent School and at the ODD Fellows Home Children's Center.

Janice lives in Hopkinton with her husband Bruce, they have two adult children. Janice enjoys the outdoors, bicycling, and listening to the birds in the morning from her log cabin.

LINDA SOLES

Linda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the Frostburg State University in Maryland. She joined the teaching staff at Emerson in 2002 and teaches both the T/TH class and the MWF classes. Linda's participation at Emerson School began as a parent many years ago while her own children attended Emerson. During this time she also served on our Board of Directors. Earlier in her career, Linda taught preschool and kindergarten in Maryland and in Dover, NH.

Linda lives in Dunbarton with her husband Kevin and their two adult children. Linda’s has a special fondness for the ocean and treasures her walks on the beach.