Teachers & Staff
The staff of the Woods Hole Day Care Cooperative, at 24 School Street, is comprised of highly qualified individuals: a Director, Preschool Teachers, Toddler Teachers and Teacher Assistants. During summer months the school is located at 68 Main St. in Falmouth. This is in the First Congregation Church on the Village Green. Staff members are added according to the regulations during this time. All staff members meet licensing requirements and often take courses and workshops throughout the year to continually update their teaching skills. Our staff members, through their warmth, care, and dedication, strive to provide a nurturing environment for the children that is both fun and educational.
Lily Kerxhalli
Director/ Lead Teacher
BA in Human Development, EEC certified Director, EEC certified Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Lead Teacher.
Lily has teaching experience in both private daycare and public school settings and has worked with children spanning from infancy through adolescence. Lily is passionate about providing every child with a positive and loving experience in a safe, need-supporting, and developmentally appropriate environment. She joined the Co-op in 2020.
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK: ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak or anything at all by Roald Dahl!
FAVORITE UNIT TO TEACH: ‘Growing Gardens’ and ‘Investigating Insects’.
Kim Fiske
Toddler Teacher
BA in Health Education and Psychology, EEC certified Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Lead Teacher.
Miss Kim rejoined the Coop in 2017 after 15 years of running a home daycare while her own 2 children were growing up. She fosters an organized, consistent space for our toddlers where they feel safe, supported, and inspired. Kim brings great enthusiasm, years of experience, and a wealth of knowledge to the team. She wears two hats at our school and also functions as our Assistant Director!
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK: 'The Hat' by Jan Brett and 'Bear Snores' on by Karma Wilson
FAVORITE UNIT TO TEACH: Winter!
Shaylee Dutra
Toddler Teacher
EEC certified Infant/ Toddler Teacher & Preschool Lead Teacher.
Miss Shaylee joined us in the winter of 2016. She came to us with years of experience working with toddlers and preschoolers gained from her time nannying and working at a local children’s museum! Shaylee’s fun, consistent, and calm demeanor coupled with her respectful approach allows her to form meaningful, secure connections with our children and families.
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK: ‘The Lorax' or 'Horton Hears a Who' by Dr. Seuss
FAVORITE UNIT TO TEACH: Primary and secondary colors.
Eleanor Titcomb
Assistant Toddler Teacher
EEC Certified Infant, Toddler, Preschool Teacher
Miss Ellie spent several summers with us before joining our year-round teaching team in the Fall of 2022. Her passion for teaching and love of children is evident in all she does. Whether playing tag with the kids on the playground or cuddling up and reading a book aloud, her warmth and care makes for a loving, calm room.
Dorothy McCarthy
Preschool Teacher
MA in Early Childhood Education, EEC Certified Director, Infant/ Toddler Teacher, and Lead Preschool Teacher
Dottie comes to us with over 25 years of experience working with young learners and mentoring early childhood educators! She has held many roles over the years: from Lead Classroom Teacher, to University Mentor Teacher, to Center Director, to Health and Safety Officer, and most recently, Adjunct Professor in the Early Childhood department at Cape Cod Community College! In addition to her breadth and depth of experience- she is warm, fun, and passionate!
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK: ‘Charlotte’s Web’ by E.B. White
FAVORITE UNIT TO TEACH: Writing Workshop: celebrating and encouraging emergent literacy and children’s art through journals.
Becky Kirk
Preschool Teacher
MA in Early Childhood Education, Montessori-trained, EEC certified Infant/ Toddler Teacher and Lead Preschool Teacher
Miss Becky has been with the Coop since 2011. She brings a deep understanding of early childhood development along with an intentional, holistic, and exciting curriculum to our preschool classroom!Her commitment to providing children with an engaging space, primed with opportunities for learning and exploration, guides her practice in the classroom every, single day.
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK: ‘One Morning in Maine' by Robert McCloskey
FAVORITE UNIT TO TEACH: Space and the Earth, our Home.
Basia Au-Blusztajn
Preschool Teacher
MA in Psychology, EEC certified Infant, Toddler, Preschool Lead Teacher.
Miss Basia has been with WHDCC for 31 years! She joined our school in 1993 and has been a pillar of our program ever since. Her immense experience, patient energy, and skill-building curriculum make her a rockstar in our program and beloved by children, families, and coworkers alike!
FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK: All books by Eric Carle.
FAVORITE UNIT TO TEACH: Bears!