Mary Gardiner ~ Director
Mary is beginning her 28th year at LEDP and 18th year as LEDP Director. Mary received her B.A in Elementary Education and Moderate Special Needs from Curry College in Milton, MA. Since graduating, Mary taught preschool for two years before working as a teacher's aide for special needs students in Lawrence School. She spent many years working as an LEDP Pre-K teacher and as a 4/5/6 teacher.
Mary enjoys music (especially John Denver and Irish & Country music) and Irish Step Dancing. She loves spending time with her family- especially her husband, Paul, her beautiful daughters, Lauren & Bridget and her little puppies, Hope & Faith! Lauren is 25 years old and has just accepted a job as a RN at Boston's Children's Hospital! We are beyond proud of her accomplishments! Bridget is almost 21 years old and is a junior at Bridgewater State University studying Elementary Ed. I'm thrilled to have Bridget working with us in LEDP in the Kindergarten group!
This summer, Mary enjoyed family time relaxing and vacationing in New Hampshire and going on an amazing cruise to Bermuda . She is well rested and looking forward to another year of wonderful memories with your children and lots of smiles and FUN during LEDP!
Janet Harrington ~ Assistant Director
The 23-24 school year will be Janet’s 17th year at LEDP. In her years here she has worn many different hats; 4/5 teacher, 4/5/6 teacher, 2/3 teacher, 3rd grade teacher and then her current position as Assistant Director.
Janet is the epitome of a Brookline Native. She was born, grew up, attended Brookline Public Schools, brought her two sons up in town, and still lives in town; she is the 4th generation of her family to live in Brookline.
Prior to LEDP, until budget cuts became a reality, Janet worked for Brookline Public School with the Title One Program. She has also served as the Director of After-Hours U and was a Homework Club teacher. She has also worked at the Goddard House in Brookline planning and executing activities for the residents in the Alzheimer’s Unit. Additionally, after her husband’s passing, she established and was President of a 401(C)3 for 10 years, raising funds for brain cancer research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
In her free time Janet loves the beach, reading and traveling. She recently checked cruising to Alaska off her bucket list, but Janet is always happiest spending quality time with her four grandchildren Drew, Milly, Duke, and Lola.
Janet is looking forward to working with your families and contributing to the happy memories your child/children will be making in LEDP.
Jackie Rosa ~ K Co-Coordinator
Jackie is excited to be returning for her 13th year in LEDP! She will be returning to the K group with her new teammates Bridget and Josie! Jackie graduated with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development.
Jackie has three children and two grand dogs, Mango & Olaf- all of whom she adores! Summer is her favorite season, she enjoys traveling, loves to explore local trails and bike riding!
Jackie is looking forward to another amazing year in LEDP!
Bridget Gardiner ~ K Co-Coordinator
Bridget is thrilled to be returning for her second year at LEDP! Bridget is a junior at Bridgewater State University, majoring in elementary education and minoring in childhood studies. She is thrilled to be joined again by her teammate Jackie and to welcome Josephine to the K team.
Bridget enjoys listening to music, drawing, painting, playing basketball, traveling, playing with her dogs (Hope and Faith), and spending time with her friends and family.
Bridget is looking forward to another amazing year in LEDP, and can’t wait to see what new adventures Kindergarten brings!
Josie Langan ~ K Teacher
Josephine Langan is excited to become a part of the LEDP team! Hailing from Brookline, Josie is looking forward to returning to her childhood hometown! She completed her bachelor's degree in sociology at UMass Amherst this past Spring.
Josie’s journey into the world of childcare and education began seven years ago while babysitting and tutoring. With each passing year, she has developed a deep rapport with the children she has had the privilege of engaging with. Josie is beaming to meet you all this school year!
During her leisure hours, Josie enjoys attending live music shows, art, culinary explorations, practicing yoga, playing with her dogs, and spending time with family and friends!
Emilia Forsythe ~ 1st Grade Coordinator
This is Emilia's fifth year working in LEDP! She is an avid comic book collector, botanist, and insect enthusiast. Before discovering her passion for teaching, she earned her BFA at the main College of Art majoring in sculpture and literature. Emilia primarily worked in welding and bronze casting but also really enjoyed glass blowing and printmaking.
Being a visual learner, she understands the importance of art as a medium for teaching and reaching out to children. LEDP recognizes creativity is a valuable way to communicate with kids and she is thrilled to be a part of the LEDP team once again!
Gus Lamb ~ 2nd Grade Coordinator
This is Gus’ 2nd year at LEDP, and his 1st as 2nd grade coordinator!
Gus grew up in Jamaica Plain and is an Emerson College graduate. When he isn’t at LEDP, he teaches moviemaking classes at summer camp and does freelance video editing gigs.
Gus loves to play drums and guitar, draw, watch movies and play basketball. He’s looking forward to an amazing year!
Brittney Roberts ~ 2nd Grade Teacher
Brittney is so excited to start her first year in LEDP! Before LEDP, she was a nanny for 6 years, but is ready for a fun and new environment!
Brittney is an animal lover, outside explorer and huge Grey's Anatomy fan. She loves traveling and being with her family whenever she can. Working with children is her passion and she says, "my heart is happiest when surrounded by kids playing and having a good time!"
Sam Mitchell ~ 3rd Grade Coordinator
Sam is the coordinator for the 3rd grade group this year. He has worked in Boston-area public schools since 2009, and he’s been at LEDP since 2017! Sam is a guitarist in a metal band and teaches a rock and roll class with middle schoolers over the summer. He initiated and runs the LEDP Nerd Club, where our older students play role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.
When he’s not creating music and worlds with children, Sam enjoys playing shows with his band, going for walks and biking in the woods (especially enjoys exploring old cemeteries)! Sam is looking forward to another amazing year in LEDP!
Allison Kussman ~ 3rd Grade Teacher
This will be Allison's first year here in LEDP! She is from Milton, Massachusetts and worked in the Milton Public schools pre Covid.
Allison loves working with kids and has experience with first through fifth graders. Allison is a musician and has been since she was four, she loves music such as Pink Floyd and progressive music.
Allison has written her own music since 2018 and has her music out for everyone to listen to. Allison is looking forward to starting this year with the third graders and explore all the fun things to come!
Irene Limlengco ~ 4/5/6 Coordinator
This is Irene's 13th year working in LEDP and for the last 7 years she has run the Peer Mentoring Program.
She has 18 years experience working with children- her background includes working at the Chestnut Hill After School Program and in the summers working in their Creative Arts & Sports Program as their Lower Camp Division Director.
Irene graduated from Emmanuel College with a degree in Psychology where she also participated on the track & field program. After graduating, Irene stayed on as an assistant coach for five years- focusing on sprinting and jumping events! In her free time she loves listening to music, reading, traveling, watching Boston sports and really doing anything active- especially with her pup, Andi! Irene is looking forward to another wonderful year in LEDP!
Aaron Joseph ~ 4/5/6 Teacher
Aaron is happy to be returning to LEDP for his third year. Aaron grew up in Newton and graduated from Framingham State University where he played basketball. He has worked in the Newton and Waltham School Systems and coached basketball at Newton North HS and Thayer Academy.
Aaron plays a ton of pickleball, loves to travel, and spends as much time with friends and family as possible.
He is excited to return to the 4/5 group and have another amazing year in LEDP!-
Natalie M-Casey ~ 4/5/6 Grade Teacher
Natalie is jumping into her first year of LEDP with lots of energy!
Natalie previously worked at Brookline High School for 7 years and now is joining our team with lots of excitement.
In her free time Natalie enjoys exploring new places and traveling around the country. She also loves watching movies and eating spicy foods. Favorite color is teal. Natalie is looking forward to meeting and working with everyone and is thrilled to be joining the LEDP team!