Our Staff
Our wonderful staff members have degrees in early childhood education, considerable knowledge and experience in child development, and are certified in child first aid and CPR. Each preschool class has two teachers providing a good ratio of adults to students.
Kelly Downing
Director
Kelly Downing (Ms Kelly) is our director. She holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and NH Early Childhood Professional Development Credentials as Early Childhood Master Teacher Level 1 and Early Childhood Master Professional. Kelly has been at LNS since 2000 and working in the field of ECE since 1997. Kelly and her husband live in Lyme and have 2 grown sons. In addition to her administrative and teaching roles, Kelly enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, spending time outside, riding motorcycles and being on the water.
Olivia Wright
Lead Teacher
Bears
Olivia has been at LNS since 2014 as a one-on-one aide. Beginning in the fall of 2016 she took on the role of assistant teacher working with the 3 & 4 year-olds, as well as the extended day program. Olivia attended Lyme Nursery School as a preschooler, attended Lyme Elementary School from kindergarten through eighth grade and graduated from Thetford Academy. She is currently taking currently taking ECE classes and has her Level 2 Teaching Certificate. She lives in Cornish with her husband and daughters. When Olivia is not at work she loves spending time with her family, doing crafts and being outside.
Taylor Gravlin
Assistant Teacher
Bears, Lions, and Extended Day
Taylor recently joined LNS ,she is the floating assistant teacher. She lives in Thetford Vermont and graduated from Thetford academy. She attended Northern Vermont University and graduated with an associates degree in special education and a bachelors degree in elementary education. In her spare time she enjoys doing art projects, baking and reading. During the summer she enjoys kayaking and spending time with family and her dog Duke.
Rachael Altman
Lead Teacher
Rachael Altman is one of our Lead Teachers, she joined LNS in 2023. She brings years of experience as a Lead Teacher to LNS. Rachael holds a BS in Education, Teacher Certification K-8 and her New Hampshire Early Childhood Professional Educator III Credential. When Rachael is not in the classroom she enjoys cooking, exercising & spending time with her 3 children and her husband.
Grace Moore
Associate Teacher
Lions
Hi, I’m Grace and so excited to be joining LNS! I have always had a passion for early education. I am currently on a journey to get my Early Childhood Education Certificate. I plan on continuing my education over time. I have worked in both private preschool settings along with public school. I grew up enjoying the beautiful outdoors in northern NH, skiing, fishing, canoeing and hiking. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family and always finding a new adventure.