Village School Teachers & Staff

Laurie Coughlin
Director
Laurie has been involved in Early Childhood Education for over 30 years. When she found the Village School for her own children 25 years ago, she became involved as a parent, a board member, and then a support teacher who led library groups and fostered a love of books with children. Laurie then became a resource teacher which encompassed many roles that supported children, staff, and families. Laurie assumed the director role in 2008, and it is a good fit for a long time professional in this field. Laurie’s own three children as well as her oldest grandchild are all graduates of the Village School. Laurie earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Vermont, and enjoys the great outdoors, bicycling, family trips and working with staff, children and families that cross the doorstep at the Village School.

Mary Dorocke
Teacher
Mary has taught in the pre-k program at the Village School since 2000. Although she has taught for over twenty years, working at the Village School has been her greatest enjoyment, and she continues to grow and learn from her young students. In all that she does, Mary hopes to instill in the children a love of learning and a desire to be kind towards each other as well as to all living creatures. She feels graced to know the wonderful community of parents who truly care about their children’s education and happiness. Mary earned a B.A. in English from UMASS Amherst, and lives in South Boston where she enjoys walking to Castle Island!

Gay O’Hanlon
Teacher
Gay is a parent of four children who attended and enjoyed the Village School. She has had many roles at the school over the years, including parent, board member, and board chair. Gay is active in the Milton Early Childhood Alliance, and after a career as a physical therapist, decided to pursue a second career in education. She received her Masters of Early Education degree from UMass Boston in 2011 and has been employed at the Village School since 2008, first as a part-time employee and now as a Lead teacher. Gay feels passionate about sharing her love of science and the exploration of nature with the children in her classroom. In her free time, she likes to read, walk her two dogs, perform yoga and enjoys watching her children participate in their many sports.

Amelia Saba
Teacher
Amelia received a BA in Child Youth and Community with a concentration in Preschool. Prior to joining The Village School in 2012, she was a pre-kindergarten teacher in Newton and before that she was a preschool teacher on the Cape. She is devoted to children and teaching and has served as a member of the Board of Directors at her previous school. In her spare time, Amelia likes to spend time with her husband and their two year old daughter. She and her husband also own a Lebanese restaurant in Jamaica Plain. Her favorite part of working with children is watching them grow up and learn so much throughout the year.

Cristine Thompsen
Teacher
Cristine joined the Village School in 2013. A graduate of Boston College, Cristine has over ten years of teaching experience. Christine lives in MIlton with her husband and two sons. In her spare time Cristine enjoys skiing and hiking with her family and her dog, Pedro. Cristine loves being a part of the Village School family and is passionate about her relationships with her students and their families.

Karen Hainline
Teacher
Karen joined the Village School in 2016. Prior to working at the Village School Karen was an Art teacher. Karen especially enjoys combining her love of art with her love of teaching. Karen lives in Milton with her family, including her three children who all attended the Village School. She is so happy to be back working with this wonderful community! In her spare time, Karen loves to travel with her family and learn about new places, cooking, making fairy houses, practicing yoga and walking her dog. Karen holds a Masters in Education from Bridgewater State University.

Elizabeth O'Reilly
Teacher
Elizabeth and her family have been members of the Village School community since 2013. Besides being a proud parent of two recent graduates, she prides herself as having served as both a board member and as a teaching assistant. She is excited for the opportunity to continue working with an amazing group of children in a nurturing and supportive environment, that which continues to hold a special place in her heart. Elizabeth received a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Education from Assumption College. In her free time she enjoys running, spending time with friends and family and traveling with her husband and daughters.