Who Is ELCM?
The Early Learning Center of Milford was founded in 1996 by Deb and Rich Winslow and Carol and Rick Lydon. As educators, Deb and Carol combined their talents and experience to create ELCM and incorporated many of the best practices in early childhood education. Their educational philosophy makes learning fun and exciting using both multi-sensory and developmentally appropriate strategies to educate the “whole child”. Under Deb and Carol’s direction, ELCM has become a place for children to become active learners in the world around them academically, socially and physically.
Knowing future academic success begins with a firm foundation at the preschool and kindergarten levels, ELCM offers Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten morning programs as well as a full-day kindergarten program. For the convenience of working parents, an extended day program is also offered for all age groups.
Your impression on Ainsley will last a lifetime! The experience she had at ELCM has far exceeded any expectations we had! We found a true gem in all of you. We will be forever grateful for Ainsley’s first introduction to school. We are very lucky you came into her life.
- Steve and Lisa C. parents
About Our Teachers
Kindergarten Teachers
Deb Winslow, Carol Lydon, Jenn Michelson
DEB WINSLOW has over 20 years experience teaching kindergarten. She has NH State certification as an experienced educator, Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) status, and a BS in Early Childhood Education. Deb specializes in the language arts curriculum with emphasis on letter recognition, phonics, pre-reading, reading and writing skills. All are designed to meet each student’s individual needs and strengthen their foundation for a lifetime love of language. Her outstanding creativity is also evident in the classroom, in student work and in her love of storytelling.
CAROL LYDON has over 20 years of kindergarten teaching experience. She has NH State certification as an experienced educator, HQT status, and a BA in Elementary Education. Carol specializes in the math and science curriculum with many hands-on and interactive strategies to reach active learners. She combines “Everyday Math” and “Math Their Way” curriculums to form a strong foundation in basic math concepts and numeracy. Her science centers capture the excitement of learning while providing the active opportunities for children to explore science concepts.
JENN MICHELSON has been with ELCM for 2 years as the Kindergarten Assistant Teacher. Jenn’s youth and energy are important assets which help provide support for the kindergarten program. Her interactions with the students often provide helpful insights into their growth and development.
Pre-Kindergarten Teachers
Liisa Palance and Torey Cox
LIISA PALANCE has been with ELCM since its inception 12 years ago. She is the Preschool Coordinator and one of the lead teachers for the Pre-Kindergarten program. She is also one of the first smiling faces you see in the morning. Liisa enjoys sharing her passion for animals, nature and science and incorporates many fun Math and Science activities into the learning environment.
TOREY COX is in her 6th year as one of the Lead Teachers of the Pre-Kindergarten program. Torey implements the Pre-Kindergarten Language Arts curriculum, incorporating pre-literacy skills with many fun activities. She also leads the Pre-Kindergarten Enrichment program with an emphasis on her love of art. Torey is also responsible for planning and directing ELCM’s Summer’s Cool Summer Camp program.
SANDI WHEELOCK is in her 3rd year as an assistant teacher for our Pre-Kindergarten program. As a parent of former students, she provides kind, nurturing support for our students in their early school experiences.
Preschool Teachers
LINDA ERB is the Lead Teacher for our Preschool program and has been with ELCM for 6 years. Linda has a knack for making the first school experience for our 3-year-olds (and their parents) a smooth transition. She integrates music, movement and art into her daily curriculum. Linda’s warm, enthusiastic personality shows her passion for teaching and her love of children.
CHERYL MARCELINE is in her 3rd year with ELCM working with our 3-year-olds as our Preschool Assistant Teacher. Cheryl’s warm and nurturing manner encourages children to be confident in their classroom community. She especially enjoys sharing her amazing creative talent in the classroom.
Extended Day Teachers
RACHAEL HOOPER is in her 3rd year with ELCM. In her role as Lead Extended-Day Teacher, Rachael is responsible for planning and organizing the games and craft activities that take place during the late afternoon. Rachael is so good at what she does that children are sad to leave at the end of the day.
DANIELLE YOUNG is also in her 3rd year with ELCM as an Extended-Day Teacher. Danielle’s sweet and kind manner with the students helps provide a calm and nurturing environment at the end of the day.
JENNA LYDON has really grown up with ELCM as the daughter of one of the owners. Jenna currently assists with the Extended-Day program and enjoys the outdoor games and activities as well as sharing her creativity in the classroom.
Professional Assistant
MICHELE LUZ has been with ELCM for 4 years. Michele is the Administrative Assistant for ELCM and it is often her cheery voice which answers our phone during the school day. Michele provides an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes support for all our programs at ELCM.
