Kathy is a certified teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Kathy is also certified by the State of Connecticut as a Head Teacher and has completed all the requirements for the Connecticut Director’s Credential. She has taught in the Stamford and Fairfield Public Schools.  Kathy has worked summers at Camp Playland since high school! Kathy lives in Fairfield and is the proud mom to two adult children. When she’s not working, she enjoys baking, knitting, fostering kittens and spending time with friends and family.

Vivi is from Costa Rica. She has worked at Playland Nursery School since 2014, first teaching the two’s class and now teaching the 4’s (in addition to her duties as Assistant Director). She loves getting immersed in the children’s world and connecting with them. Vivi has a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood, a Master’s degree in Special Education and a minor in Human Services. She lives in Trumbull with her husband and two daughters (both Playland alumni!). Vivi is an avid athlete who represented her native country of Costa Rica in various Worldwide swimming events. She is still the current record holder of the 200m back-stroke – women, back in her country! She loves to spend time with her family at the beach, riding bikes or dancing to latin music.

Kathryn began working full-time in Early Childhood Education after graduating from Clark University in Worcester, MA with a degree in Community, Youth, & Education Studies. She has served as a Lead Teacher of two and three-year olds, and as the Assistant Director of a Fairfield County preschool. Kathryn has also spent three years at Camp Playland in the Pre-K division. During college break, she subbed in the Polar Bears class at Playland and enjoyed that experience tremendously.  Kathryn loves dancing, volleyball, and the New York Yankees (Aaron Judge is her favorite!). And most of all, she loves Karev, her rescue cat.

Hope joined the Playland Nursery School staff in 2024. She brings with her over 11 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. She is thrilled to be part of such a nurturing and supportive community. Throughout her career, Hope has had the opportunity to serve as a head teacher in 2s, 3s, and 4s classrooms, helping children grow through play, exploration, and meaningful connection. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in seeing each child as an individual and meeting them where they are developmentally, socially, and emotionally. Hope’s passion for working with young children continues to grow each year. Hope is a proud mom to three amazing children. She feels that being a parent enriches her perspective as a teacher and strengthens her connection with the families she works with.

Elizabeth (Liz) started working in Early Childhood in 1997 teaching Music and Movement classes. She received her CDA from Norwalk Community College in 2003, and began working in the classroom at The Cowan Center preschool for Greenwich Academy. Throughout the years she has worked with children in many different capacities, teaching gymnastics, Zumba, and Mommy and Me classes. In 2018 Liz retuned to the classroom as a 2’s & 3’s teacher. She feels very lucky to be able to help children learn and grow in so many different ways. Working in Early Childhood is a passion of hers, and finding fun and different ways to learn is her specialty! Liz is a Mom of 2 boys ages 18 & 24, and 2 dogs. She enjoys animal and people portrait drawing, and hanging out with her family.

Lynnet works year round at Playland and loves every minute of it! Nine years ago, she started working at Camp Playland and realized her true calling for teaching. Now, during camp she is part of the Leadership Team of the PreK division and is so excited to be a Honey Bear this school year. Lynnet has her Associates Degree in Fine Arts and is completing her ECED. When Lynnet isn’t in the classroom, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, creating art and has a passion for cooking/experimenting with new and healthy foods.

Kim lives in New Canaan with her daughter Kendall who is a student at New Canaan High School. She graduated from Union College and then completed her Masters in childhood education/special education in NY. Kim previously worked at Scarsdale Middle School, where she taught 6th grade English and Science. Kim worked many summers as the Camp Playland Ropes and Mats specialist. She is happy to be a part of the Playland Nursery School staff and looks forward to playing, growing, and learning with her students.

Natalia graduated from Colby-Sawyer College in 2017 with a Bachelors Degree in Child Development. She has been working in the child care setting since then. Natalia joined the Playland Nursery School staff in 2022. Each year she looks forward to getting to know the children and staff. In her free time Natalia loves the beach, reading and going to cycling class.

Vivi is from Costa Rica. She has worked at Playland Nursery School since 2014, first teaching the two’s class and now with the 4’s. She loves getting immersed in the children’s world and connecting with them. Vivi has a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood, a Master’s degree in Special Education and a minor in Human Services. She lives in Trumbull with her husband and two daughters (both Playland alumni!). Vivi is an avid athlete who represented her native country of Costa Rica in various Worldwide swimming events. She is still the current record holder of the 200m back-stroke – women, back in her country! She loves to spend time with her family at the beach, riding bikes or dancing to latin music.

A mother of four and grandmother of eight, Jo-Ann began her career as a Registered Nurse. After working in the medical field for a number of years she decided her heart’s desire was to work with children and teach. She began as an assistant teacher at Playland with Missy Trenck as her mentor and took the courses necessary to obtain her Head Teaching Certificate from the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Jo-Ann has found great joy and satisfaction leading the Playland Polar Bears as they play, learn, and explore. Jo-Ann enjoys spending time with her family, photography and playing with her dogs Eddie and Sam.

Stef received her Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020, graduating top of her class. She joined the Camp Playland staff in the summer of 2021 and Playland Nursery School in the fall of 2021. Since joining Playland Nursery school she has been dedicated to nurturing children’s growth. Stef is in the process of pursuing her CT Head Teacher Certification. She is passionate about education and cherishes the opportunity to be a part of the process. Outside of the classroom she enjoys going on hikes and baking.

​Abby is excited to be ​joining the  Playland Nursery School​ staff.​ She’s spent three summers as a lifeguard at Camp Playland, where ​she loved building connections with children and helping create a fun, safe environment. ​Abby recently graduated from Southeastern University with a degree in Global Education and Ministerial Leadership, which deepened ​her passion for working with young children and supporting their growth. ​She’s passionate about creating a nurturing, playful space where little ones can learn, explore, and thrive. ​She can’t wait for a wonderful year full of fun and discovery!

Jasmin earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Fitchburg State University and is currently pursuing her Associate of Science in General Studies at CT State Community College. Her career has been centered on helping others thrive, whether providing compassionate care as a Mental Health Worker at Four Winds Hospital, supporting students as an Instructional Assistant at New Beginnings Family Academy, or fostering creativity and growth as an Assistant Teacher at the YMCA Daycare. She also served as a Fellow Lead with AmeriCorps, mentoring a team of educators, guiding lesson planning, and tracking student progress to ensure academic success.

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Jasmin has built a career rooted in empathy, patience, and dedication. Outside of work, she enjoys bringing her creativity to life by sewing dresses and plushies, and she finds joy in caring for her beloved animals — especially her chickens and guinea pigs.

Jenna started at Playland as a high school intern and has worked at Camp Playland ever since!  She’s spends her summers with the Pre-K camp groups and is excited to be part of the nursery school staff as well. She lives in Norwalk and is a recent graduate Johnson & Wales University where she majored in psychology. Jenna hopes to take more classes towards Early Childhood Education.

Jillian began working as a pre-k camp counselor at Camp Playland in 2023. She is so excited to continue to work with preschoolers at the Nursery School. Jillian is a student at Southern Connecticut State University working on her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time Jillian loves to cook and try new foods. She is looking forward to an amazing year with the Koalas!

Laurie began at Playland teaching Fit Kids and Movement after school enrichment classes and substituting in our classrooms. In 2020 she joined our staff as an Assistant Teacher and Music/Movement Instructor. She was the Head Gymboree Instructor in the Fairfield County franchise for many years and has taught enrichment programs in Norwalk and Rowayton preschools for over 12 years. Laurie loves using creative and engaging activities to engage with the children. Laurie is married and the mother of 3 young adults. Her youngest son is a counselor at Camp Playland. Laurie loves spending time with her family and dogs. She loves the beach, music and dancing.

Rhona graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University with a BS in Psychology and a BA in social work. She worked as a Special assistant and community liaison for a New York state Senator until moving to CT to raise her family. She lives with an Avid baker, who happens to be her husband and has 3 grown children. Rhona has been involved at Playland as a mom, an assistant teacher and substitute teacher since she first moved to CT when her oldest began nursery school at Playland. Her children are alumni campers and counselors. This will be Rhona’s 21st year as a Camp Playland swim instructor and preschool teacher/substitute. Obviously Rhona loves Playland! When she is not there she is happy to entertain and see friends, walk with their dog Levi, and spend time with family.