MIDDLEBURY COOPERATIVE
Nursery School
Kimberly Bell
SITE DIRECTOR / CO-TEACHER
Hello families, my name is Kimberly Bell and I am the site director/ co-teacher here at the Middlebury Co-op preschool. I am super excited and thankful to be in this position and I am hopeful and excited for the upcoming school year. In 2017, I received my Bachelors in Child Development from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire and have been working in preschool classroom as a lead teacher for the last six years.
In the near future, I hope to receive my Vermont teacher license and complete my Master's degree in Early childhood Education. In the classroom; I value free play, working with peers, problem solving and creating and exploring through a variety of means (blocks, planting, etc.). This past year my husband and myself made the move from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to Northern Vermont. Together we have two dachshunds, Conway and Kona. In my free time I enjoy; working out, running, eating popcorn, camping with my family and plants! I look forward to spending the school year learning and growing with your kiddos.
Melissa Partington
CO-TEACHER
Hello, my name is Melissa Partington. I am so excited to be starting here, and I can’t wait to get to know all the children. This will be my 7th year as a teacher. I received my bachelor’s degree from UVM in 2015 in Early Childhood Special Education, and have been licensed through the state of Vermont since for both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. I have spent my time since graduating working in both positions. I grew up in the Vergennes area, and last year made the move back to be closer to all of my family. I currently live with my twin sister, and our animals, including my cat Spot.
I love to learn and explore through play, allowing children to learn how to advocate for their needs, while supporting them. I have a focus on social-emotional development, and believe that it is important for children to learn about their own emotions in a safe environment.