our preschool team

Dorys Goncalves
EDUCATION
Pine Manor College
BA, early childhood education
AN ECE EDUCATOR SINCE
2021
JOINED FIRST CIRCLE
September 2026

Dorys G.

I’ve always enjoyed caring for young children. Growing up, I helped care for my younger cousins and saw how important a positive school environment is for children. Those experiences inspired me to pursue early childhood education and continue making a difference during such an important stage of children’s lives.

What I enjoy most is watching children learn new skills, grow in confidence, and develop their own unique personalities. I love creating a classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to explore the world around them. Building trusting relationships with children and partnering with families are some of the most rewarding parts of my work.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in early education from Pine Manor College and hope to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree in child psychology. I’m especially interested in bringing creativity into the classroom through books, storytelling, music, art, and hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to ask questions, express themselves, and discover new ideas.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, coloring, and spending quiet time with a good book. The Rainbow Fish has always been one of my favorite children’s books. I look forward to helping every child feel comfortable, included, and excited to learn each day.

Katie Jasset
EDUCATION
Braintree High School, Cambridge College
early childhood education, college coursework in ECE
AN ECE EDUCATOR SINCE
2010
JOINED FIRST CIRCLE
September 2025

Katie J.

I love watching children learn and play each day, watching them grow throughout the year, and building bonds with other children and teachers. I am very organized, but I also love to get messy, playing with the children.

I have loved being around children my whole life, and I’ve worked with them as an educator since 2010—as a nanny, an infant and toddler teacher, and a preschool teacher.

I grew up in Braintree. I now live in Newton with my husband and my daughter, Ayla. For fun, I like spending time with my friends and family. Any big plans for the future include spending lots of time with my daughter!

Kellen Makuru
EDUCATION
Makere University, Kampala, Uganda
BSc, social sciences, admin, psychology
diploma in ECE
MS, diplomacy and international studies
AN ECE EDUCATOR SINCE
2007
JOINED FIRST CIRCLE
October 2023

Kellen M.

I was born and raised in Uganda, and I believe in holistic learning—supporting children in becoming well-rounded individuals. I am passionate about helping each child discover their unique potential through music, art, dance, and everyday learning experiences.

I have spent my entire professional life working with children, beginning my career in preschool education in 2007 and continuing my work in the United States since 2022. My greatest strengths in early childhood development include curriculum design and thematic learning. I have also had the opportunity to work with organizations such as UNICEF and UNHCR, and to support school development and supervision in Uganda.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, and expressing creativity through drawing and painting. I am currently working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, further expanding my ability to support children’s growth and development.

Ryan Walsh
AN ECE EDUCATOR SINCE
2020
JOINED FIRST CIRCLE
April 2024

Ryan W.

I love getting to see the children grow throughout their time in the class and getting to see the children’s personalities start to develop. When I’m in the classroom, I bring my kindness and patience to the children. I have been working with young children since 2020, and I plan to pursue a degree in education.

I live in West Roxbury with my mom, dad, and sister. For fun, I play video games, binge watch TV shows, and hang out with my friends, playing sports—football and basketball.