Teachers

Teachers

Kathy Barnes Director,Owner

Kathy has her degree in Early Childhood as well as her CDA from the NAEYC(National Association for the Education of Young People) and has worked with children for the past 21 years. She has managed such programs as Gymboree Play and Music, Kids U and The Little Gym. Her childcare experience includes teaching young children in a variety of settings including daycare and preschool as well as experience as an assistant director and director, private childcare for multiple families throughout Fairfield County, and Doula for new moms.

Sandy Farber, Teacher

Sandy is a life long Fairfield resident and lives here with her husband and two daughters. While raising her family, she has been an active community and PTA volunteer. She enjoys walking, yoga, the beach and spending time with her family and friends. She has a B.A in Liberal Studies from Southern CT. State University. Sandy has been at Hill Farm Preschool since 2011 and has taught 2's and 3's.

Melissa Barnes, Teacher

Melissa is currently working towards her degree in Early Childhood Development. She has worked at KIDS U, The Little Gym, summer camps, and private childcare. Her childcare experience includes running group activities, teaching young children, and managing parties. She enjoys sharing her love for music with the children. In her free time, she is a member of Connecticut's Champion Choir Harmony on the Sound. Melissa has been at Hill Farm Preschool since 2011 and has taught 2's and Mommy and Me.

Margo Gulemi, Teacher

Margo graduated from Denison University, Granville, Ohio with a triple major in Education, Economics and Art. She has taught Preschool for 20 years, with 16 years at Black Rock Nursery School where she was also the Assistant Director.

Before having her two daughters, Margo taught 7th through 9th grade math for eight years, along with being the Coordinator of the Junior High at Whitby Montessori School in Greenwich, CT. She loves when her girls come home to visit, her oldest daughter is a Dartmouth Grad and is working as an Engineer for General Mills, her youngest is a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University. In her spare time she works with Black Rock Church as a mentor for inner city Bridgeport children, teaches Sunday School and in the summer she is a camp counselor for abused and neglected foster children. Fun fact: Margo use to be a Volunteer Firefighter.

Michelle Maglione,Teacher

Michelle Carretta graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a B.A. in Art Education. She taught preschool for six years at the LEAP School in Lexington, Massachusetts. During her experience at LEAP, she taught toddlers, three year olds and conducted programs with fours and transitional kindergarten students. In addition to teaching, she took on administrative roles at the school including assistant director and curriculum director. She loves creating art with students in the classroom as well as creating on her own at home. Michelle enjoys knitting, beading and anything crafty. She enjoys spending time with her family and has two daughters attending elementary school in Stratford.

Anne Focone, Teacher

Hi my name is Anne Focone. I have been a preschool teacher for 15 years. I am thrilled to be part of Hill Farm Preschool. I can’t wait to get the year started . I’m looking forward to meeting you all-parents and children alike! I live in Fairfield with my husband and son . I also have three adult daughters. I adore working with young children. Looking forward to the growth, the friends and new experience for all of us.