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Meet our Leadership Team
Marybeth Hogan
Curriculum Coordinator - South Dennis
Hello Little Stars Learning Center Families!
I am originally from a small town close to the New Hampshire border called Tyngsboro. My mom and dad raised me along with my younger brother and sister in a loving environment. We truly made the most of family time together, playing outside, going on yearly camping trips to Maine, and celebrating many special events together. We all are still very close even to this day!
Where I am From: I currently reside in Sandwich, Massachusetts with my husband, Scott, our dog, Nanook, and our son, Scotty when he comes home from college.
My Why? My earliest teaching experiences were volunteering in my Mom’s preschool class where she worked as a paraprofessional with children with special needs. I truly enjoyed helping in her class as well as listening to her tell stories about her Preschool friends. This is when I knew that I wanted to be an educator because I wanted to provide children with educational experiences to foster the skills necessary for a strong foundation in their educational career. As an educator, I also wanted to offer memorable and fun experiences for both children and their families that I had experienced as a mother with my own child and early childhood educator.
Where I’m going: As the principal of Little Stars Learning Center, I look forward to warmly welcoming all families and children, as well as partnering with you as your children grow their love of learning!
Danielle Faria
Principal - East Sandwich
Hello everyone! My name is Danielle and my passion started with children from the day I was born, However, it really sprang into action when I found out I was going to be an auntie at just 11 years old! Now I have 5 nieces and 5 nephew! Ever since then I knew I wanted to be in the field of early education and care and help all the children I can! I am from here born and raised, however my great- grandmother was originally Santa Maria, Cape Verde. I have lived in Hyannis, Centerville, then back to Hyannis. My mom and raised me along with my four older brothers all right in Hyannis, Mass.
I began my educational path in high school when I was able to take some child development courses and graduated in 2011, then worked my way through every position there is! From interning to volunteer work to teacher and more! From high school I went on to Cape Cod Community College to fulfill my associated degree in early childhood development, which I received in 2016. From there I went on to Bridgewater State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in 2019, with a major in ECE and a minor in Child studies. I then went to go for my Master’s, until my mom unfortunately suffered a stroke in June of 2020. From there I left to focus on my mom and help her in whichever way I could. Hopefully I can go back and finish! Eventually, my parents had to move and made their way down to North Carolina, while I stayed here and continued to grow with my job, where I ended up getting promoted to Little Stars Principal and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
Where I am From:
I am from Hyannis, Massachusetts and currently reside in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
My Why?
Ever since I became an aunt at just 11 years old, I knew this is exactly what I wanted to be doing! I have sure a mother nurturing, calming, but fun side to me that make me very popular with the children, families and staff! As an educator, I want to bring joy, happiness and love out of the children and let them know they are safe and loved! Just hearing “My child loves you” or “Thank you for everything you do”, it is just a reminder of what I do every day and why I do it. And, I have to say: “I do what I love, because I love what I do!”
Where I’m going:
As the Principal here at Little Stars Learning Center, I look forward to growing connections and bonds with not only the children but the families and teachers as well! I plan someday to open my very own!
Katie Gerdin
Principal - South Dennis
My name is Kathleen Gerdin but I go by Katie. I have been promoted to the position of Principal at the South Dennis location.
A little about me:
I was born in Pittsfield, MA and moved to Middleboro, MA when I was five years old. I am the youngest of five siblings, three brothers and my twin sister. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters and a Nana to my grandsons. I currently live in Dennisport with my elderly father to help him out.
After I graduated high school in 96’, I moved to The Cape with my parents. I went to Cape Cod Community College to become a certified nurses aide. After 12 years working in the medical field, my back couldn’t handle the job anymore. I still had a strong desire to help people, so I decided to try teaching. I went back to Cape Cod Community College and earned my Associates Degree of Science in Early Childhood Education.
My Why:
I had many family members that were teachers and now and then my mom would help correct papers or prep for them and I would watch her and even help when I was a little older. I even had my aunt as a teacher and her love of teaching flowed into my hope of becoming a special needs teacher. After different career changes in my life I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. Now after teaching for 10 years I believe this is where I should be. Watching some children go through struggles in life or obstacles with themselves and as teachers helping them through those hurdles and blossom into beautiful children.
Where You’re Going:
Nowhere! My hope is to continue here working at Little Stars Learning Center. With this new position, I hope to help continue the growth of Star Preschools. The need for quality childcare is so great, I want to use my experience in childcare to provide a fostering learning environment for the children in the area. I hope my previous experience in leadership will help me work with our leadership here to create a place where people want to work and a place where families feel confident having their children start their learning journeys.
“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” —B.B. King
Bobbi Cote
Administrative Assistant - South Dennis
Hello! My path in education started by accident! I was volunteering at my child’s school when I discovered that I loved being around children and helping them grow. That’s when my journey began. Little did I know that I would spend the next 10 years of my life in a school working with children and loving every minute of it! In 2018, my husband and I moved to the Cape to be closer to my brother.
After we moved, I took some time off from teaching but missed teaching and being around the children every single day. That’s when I discovered Little Stars Learning Center and applied for a teaching position at the school in February of 2018 when the school opened! Flash forward, I’m now in Leadership, have my CDA Certification and continuing to further my education in Early Childhood Development!
Where I Am From: Buckfield, Maine
My Why:
I really love being around children and can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. Children are so open, honest, and excited to learn new things. I feel so blessed to do what do. I want to make our school a safe place for the children as well as their parents and look forward to providing exceptional care for our families each day. I also enjoy talking to the parents at the end of the day and sharing some of the wonderful stories about their children!
Where I am Going:
I am planning on furthering my education in Early Childhood Development and becoming a principal myself one day!
Ashley O’Keefe
Principal - East Sandwich
Hi, my name is Ms. Ashley. I graduated from Sacred Heart in 2006. I then attended Curry College until 2009 when I transferred to Bridgewater State University. In 2011 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I previously worked in an elementary school based social-emotional and therapeutic program. I live in Plymouth with my husband Joe and our daughter Addison. Addison currently attends Starboard Academy which is where I learned more about Star Preschools. In my spare time I enjoy going to the beach, going fishing, as well as spending time with friends and family. I am excited to be working at Little Stars and get to know the children as well as the families.
Where You’re From: I grew up in Kingston, Massachusetts and attended Sacred Heart from kindergarten through high school. I moved to Plymouth in 2010 with my husband Joe. We spend many weekends on Cape Cod, going to different places with our daughter Addison.
Your Why? As I started my career I started working with adults with developmental delays and I realized that I wanted to help the future generations. That is why I decided to work in the elementary level next. I love working with children and getting to know each child’s individual personality!
Where You’re Going: Anywhere and everywhere! The sky is the limit. I want to continue to grow my knowledge of the Early Childhood field.
Nina Trible
Principal - East Sandwich
Hello, I’m Nina Trible, the Principal here at Little Stars Learning Center in Sandwich. I was promoted from a position as a preschool teacher at Star Preschools Plymouth location Starboard Academy , were I worked for two years. I have worked in early childhood education since 2009, and I absolutely love it. I am the mother of two, a daughter Sicilia and a son Wes.
I love to cook and spend time with my children and family.
Where I am from
I was born in Falmouth, Ma but was raised in Wareham, Ma. After graduating from Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational High School, I moved quite a few times. I’ve lived in South Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina but have settled back home in Wareham to raise my family.
My Why:
I come from a big family where I am the oldest girl which of course made me my mom’s biggest helper. My mom not only raised five of her own children, but she owned a home daycare. So, I was always around children and helping to care for them. I started my journey in childcare babysitting, then became a Nanny in college. When the opportunity to work as a teacher’s assistant presented itself, I jumped on it. Since then, I have worked my way up the ropes working in every age group along the way. I do it because I love children, I love to play with them and be silly. My favorite thing is to see them learn the materials I have taught. I find my career it extremely rewarding, and I feel like I have found my true calling in life.
Where I am going:
As of right now I am not going anywhere. I am very excited to start on this new path as Assistant Principal! I look forward to learning and growing with Star Preschools. Someday I would love to be able to advance to a Principal.
Erin Arruda
Assistant Principal - Plymouth
Dear Starboard Families and Staff,
My name is Erin Arruda and it’s my pleasure to introduce myself as the Assistant Principal of Starboard Academy in Plymouth. I’ve always loved working with children from as early as I can remember! My journey in early education started as a babysitter and YMCA camp counselor in high school back in my hometown of Franklin, MA. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Communications from Worcester State University and followed that up with a certificate in Early Childhood Education.
I’ve worked as an early child care provider since 2014 in toddler, preschool and pre-K classrooms. I’m also director 1 and 2 certified. Outside of early education, I’ve also worked with special needs students at the League School of Greater Boston and, most recently, at the Pilgrim Area Collaborative. Working with special needs students has given me a unique perspective where I deeply value the experience, strengths and needs of all children.
I live in Plymouth with my husband Dave and two children Natalie and Zachary, both of whom have been attending Starboard Academy for some time. As parents, Dave and I have navigated the ups and downs of childcare and we’re grateful to have our children at such a wonderful center. Starboard Academy has loving teachers, strong curriculum, and excellent resources. My goal is to continue leading Starboard in a positive direction to provide the best care, early education and support for our students and families. I’m thrilled to be on the leadership team at Starboard Academy and I look forward to working with everyone!
Sincerely,
Erin Arruda
Assistant Principal, Starboard Academy
Nicole Gallahue
Regional Principal - Star Preschools
Hello! My name is Nikki Gallahue. I live locally with my husband John, daughter Olivia, and dog Fozzie. Working with children has always been a passion of mine, as I have babysat and taught gymnastics since I was 14 years old. I graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Kingston in 2009 and continued my education at Curry College in Milton. I studied Early Childhood Education and Integrated Liberal Studies at Curry and worked at the campus childcare center. After graduating in 2013, I attended the University of Massachusetts Boston, and received my Master of Education in Educational Administration, graduating in 2018.
I am licensed to teach Pre-K through Grade 6 and have spent time teaching early childhood and Title One in the private and public schools. Although I enjoyed my work in the school systems, I knew I eventually wanted to get back to my roots of childcare. I am Infant ,Toddler, & Preschool Certified and have led my own classroom in each of those age groups! I obtained my Director I and II Certification through the state, and have been an assistant director at a childcare center before embarking on my journey at Starboard! I value my role in your child’s education and strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for them. I consider myself lucky to be able to build relationships with all different types of families and acknowledge that finding a school where you can trust that your children are safe and cared for is so important.
Ms. Amanda Sweeney
Assistant Principal – Starboard Academy - Plymouth
Hi, my name is Miss Amanda, in 2016 I graduated from Massasoit Community College with my associate’s in early childhood education. I also have my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bridgewater State University, that I received in 2019. I have been working with children and their families for the past 12 years. I lived in Bridgewater for most of my life, This past September my husband Kevin of 5 years and my two children Layla, and Caden moved to Halifax into our dream home. My passion is my family and my career, I strive to make a positive impacts and strong connections with every student and family I have the opportunity to work with. In my spare time, I love spending to with my family, and making core memories.
Why:
My why is my family, they are truly my everything. They motivate me to be the best version of myself, and in return, I get to not only, give that to my family, but to the families I get to work with each day. I really stive to make a positive impact with everyone whom I encounter. Positivity, kindness, and a smile go a long way.
Where am I from:
Originally from Bridgewater where I meant my now husband 14 years ago! We are now proud residence of Halifax!
Where am I going:
I’ve reached one of my goals recently, by joining the leadership team of starboard Academy, Which I am so excited and honored to be a part of, I can’t wait to get to know, each family more on a personal level. Goals for myself is to eventually go on and get my master’s in early education, another goal I have for myself, is to earn the trust of every family, to know my door is always open!
Rachael Benisatto
Principal - Plymouth
I grew up in a small town called; Berkley, or as some people call it “Cow Town”. My love for my family is huge as I grew up with two older brothers and 16 cousins. My parents loved taking us on many different adventures such as our yearly road trips and trips to Home Depot! One of my favorite memories with my brothers is we would make the back of our minivan into a fort. We are all still very close till this day!
In high school I majored in Culinary Arts at Bristol Plymouth Voc. Tech where I learned to cook and make fancy desserts. But I always knew that my passion was working and being around children. After high school, I enrolled in a community college, where I majored in Early Childhood Education and graduated with my Associates Degree in 2010. During my college years, I also taught full time as a Preschool Teacher. I enjoyed teaching so much and learning about the different curriculums and abilities that the children would bring to the table. After I graduated, I moved on and decided to venture out to becoming a Residential Counselor, where I worked with Autism children. What an amazing experience, I learned so much day to day. After a few years, I married my best friend, Mark, bought a house and moved to Taunton, MA. Shortly after our move, we were blessed with our beautiful daughter, Madeline. I then decided to go back into the daycare world where I found Starboard Academy. In January of 2020, I started off as the Preschool teacher, where I learned the curriculum and the children. After my maternity leave, I came back as the Assistant Principal, and was later promoted to Principal. I am so fortunate everyday as I see the children “run” into school with smiling faces.
Where I am from:
I currently reside in Taunton, Massachusetts with my husband Mark, our daughter and son.
My Why?
Growing up I always knew I wanted to work with children, and I was eager to learn very stage of Infancy to Pre-Kindergarten. I knew that one day, I wanted my own children to be in a warm and safe environment where they would learn, share and meet new friends. My passion for the Early Education field is surrounding myself with different opportunities where I can help the children learn and achieve their goals. I enjoy the smiles, hugs and high fives as the children become excited to learn each day!
Where I’m going:
The only way is up! Starboard is an amazing school, and I am very proud to call myself the Principal. I look forward to meeting you and your family as I invite you into our warm and safe environment.
Jessica Beeley
Principal - Starboard Academy - Marshfield
Hello! My name is Jessica Beeley, I have been in the early childhood education field for about 15 years. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Harper, husband, Zac, and our Boston Terrier, Betty. We enjoy being outdoors, watching movies, and cooking together. In the summer you can find me at the beach and in the winter you can find me working on a puzzle or snuggled up with a book!
My Why:
In high school I took a child development course and through that, and babysitting, I knew that I had found my calling! I went to Wheelock College in Boston, obtaining my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and my Masters in Early Childhood Education with a certificate in Parenting Education. Watching children grow, learn, and be joyful is why I love this field. I spent 12 years at a Reggio-inspired parent cooperative as a Toddler Teacher, really supporting children’s development and working alongside families truly brings me joy. There’s no other feeling in the world then when you get to celebrate with a child for mastering a skill they have been working so hard on. For infants that could be rolling over, or language development for toddlers, or pattern making for preschoolers, they are all celebrated accomplishments!
Where I’m From:
I am from Preston, Connecticut and found myself in Massachusetts as I went to college in Boston. Loving the city, I stayed after graduation. I now live in Hanson where my husband and I have put down our roots and have started our family.
Where I’m Going:
I am beyond proud to be part of the Starboard leadership team! I’m looking forward to continuing my journey here at Starboard Academy, continuing to learn and grow as a leader in the early childhood field.
Ms. Renee Bourne
Assistant Principal - Starboard Academy - Marshfield
Hello Starboard Academy Families! I’m Renee Bourne, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the team at our Marshfield location as your new Assistant Principal! My primary goal is to work collaboratively with all staff, children, and families to cultivate an exceptional learning environment and ensure the success of our school community!
My Why:
During high school, I embarked on my journey into childcare by enrolling in a child development course. As a senior, I gained invaluable experience through a co-op program as a Toddler Teacher in Florida. At just 17 years old, I found myself responsible for 10 toddlers, which taught me the importance of strong work ethics early on. After taking a break to be close to my daughter, I returned to childcare and rediscovered my passion for teaching. I hold certifications as a Lead Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Teacher, although my heart lies in Pre-K education. Over the past three years, I’ve assumed leadership roles and obtained Director I and II EEC Certifications, furthering my dedication to early childhood education.
Where I’m From:
I was born in Massachusetts but spent my childhood in Florida. Upon turning 21, I returned to Massachusetts and joined my family’s business. Currently, I reside in the quaint town of Dighton with my two children, Landon and Madison. As my son has been accepted to a private school and my daughter is embarking on finding her first apartment, I am actively seeking to move closer north. It’s an exciting time filled with new opportunities for my family!
Where I’m Going:
I am eager to integrate Starboard Academy into my extended family, fostering growth and mutual support every step of the way. I am excited to forge new bonds with the children and families, fostering a cheerful, secure, and uplifting atmosphere.