Our Team
Mary Gardiner ~ Director
Mary is beginning her 30th year at LEDP and 20th 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 26 years old and is a RN at Boston's Children's Hospital! We are beyond proud of her accomplishments! Bridget is 22 years old and is a Senior 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 as well as Cape Cod . 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 25-26 school year will be Janet’s 19th year at LEDP. In her years here she has worn many different hats; starting as a 4/5 teacher, moving to a 4/5/6 teacher, then 2/3 teacher, 3rd grade teacher and finally landing in her current position as Assistant Director.
Janet is the epitome of a Brookline Native. She was born and grew up in town, is an alum of the Brookline Public Schools, she brought up her two children in town where they attended FRR (formerly Devotion). Janet still resides here; she is the 4th generation of her family to live in Brookline.
In her work life before LEDP Janet has also worn many hats right here at the Lawrence School! She worked for Brookline Public Schools with the Title One Reading Program, served as the Director of After-Hours U and was a Homework Club teacher. The 24-25 Walkathon for the art program at the Goddard House Alzheimer’s Unit was a full circle moment for Janet, as she 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 from a glioblastoma brain tumor, in appreciation for all the dedicated people who supported them during his battle, she established and was President of a 401(C)3 for 10 years, where she and her family raised funds for brain cancer research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and for research done by, Neurosurgeon Dr. Peter Black at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
In her free time Janet loves the beach, reading, traveling, and all things Boston sports, but Janet is happiest spending quality time with Drew, Milly, Duke, and Lola; her very busy grandchildren. Logging many hours of “Mo” time attending soccer, basketball, flag football games, T-ball games, dance recitals and encouraging and enjoying their love of all the Boston sports team. Janet is also a dedicated “hockey aunt” following her nephew/godchild Glenn as he travels around New England playing hockey.
Janet is looking forward to working closely with your families and connecting with and contributing to the happy memories your child/children will be making in LEDP this year.
Bridget Gardiner ~ K Coordinator
This will be Bridget’s fifth year as an LEDP Teacher! She is excited to be back in kindergarten after working with second grade for a year. Bridget is a senior at Bridgewater State University, studying special education.
Outside of teaching, Bridget enjoys basketball, art, music, my two puppies and family time.
Fun fact about Bridget: she ran her first ever road race this summer for an organization called Tommy’s Place!
Bridget is so excited to welcome all of your kiddos for a wonderful year ahead!
Francesca Galeon ~ K Teacher
Francesca Galeon is excited to be joining LEDP this year as a Kindergarten Teacher. She is currently completing her associate’s degree in Psychology and will be transferring to UMass Boston in one year to continue her studies, with the ultimate goal of becoming a licensed psychologist.
Francesca brings a creative background in musical theatre and dance, which she enjoys incorporating into her work with children to encourage self-expression, movement and confidence. She is passionate about designing therapeutic and imaginative activities that feel a little magical—nurturing the spirit mind, and soul of each child.
She has experience working with early elementary students as both a TA and an after school teacher and she is dedicated to fostering curiosity, kindness and resilience in young learners.
Outside of teaching, Francesca enjoys gaming, dancing, singing, acting and exploring new creative projects. Her goal is to make every child feel seen, supported and inspired each day- while building meaningful connections with her students, families and the LEDP community!
Jackie Rosa ~ 1st Grade Coordinator
Jackie is excited to be returning for her 15th year in LEDP! She will be returning to the 1st grade group with her new teammates Janayda and Diantha! 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 also very passionate about spending time at rescue shelters and supporting rescue needs!
Jackie is looking forward to another amazing year in LEDP!
Diant'ha Rodriguez ~ 1st Grade Teacher
The name “Diant’ha” comes from the flower “dianthus”, and she always thought that was very fitting for her (& what a coincidence that she loves flowers).
Some things that make her feel like a blooming flower in the sun are going to concerts, eating really good food with a friend/family and learning random fun facts.
Diant’ha has worked with children basically since she was a kid herself.
She’s looking forward to the school year and being part of the LEDP team!
Janayda Hernandez ~ 1st Grade Teacher
Hi! My name is Janayda Hernandez, I’m a recent UMASS graduate and earned my B.S degree is Psychology!
I’ve spent two years working with children, including a year of experience working with children with special needs.
A little info about me - I love learning about different cultures, traveling and collecting fun knick-knacks from my travels.
I am excited to meet all of you and look forward learning more as the year progresses!
Janette Birtha ~ 2nd Grade Coordinator
This will be Janette’s 2nd year with LEDP! After wrapping up last year in 1st grade, she is over the moon to be following her previous students into 2nd grade! Janette loves indoor rock climbing, going on long walks, singing and being outside! She is beyond excited to continue working with so many familiar faces, provide even more exciting activities and dive into leadership opportunities.
Janette has over 10 years of experience working with children. Janette began her teaching journey as young middle school assistant dance teacher in her old studio. She later fell in love with summer camp and climbed the ladder from CIT to Assistant Director! Janette holds a degree in Elementary Education and minor in Theatre from Emmanuel College in Boston.
Let’s get ready to rock and roll!
Mia Lamot ~ 2nd Grade Teacher
This is Mia’s first year at LEDP! She has previously worked with elementary school kids at a Newton summer camp, and is very excited to continue working with them this 2025-2026 school year. She also has experience working with infants and toddlers in daycare settings.
Mia graduated this past spring with a BA in psychology from UMass Boston, and is eager to start the new school year—this time as a teacher! She is also a research associate at an organization that specializes in youth mentoring practices and outcomes, and is thrilled to be able to apply her knowledge to practice.
Interests of hers include writing, fashion, scary movies, and traveling. She’s looking forward to
an amazing year ahead!
Allison Kussman ~ 3rd Grade Coordinator
This will be Allison's third year here in LEDP! She is from Milton, Massachusetts and worked in the Milton Public schools pre Covid.
Allison is a fun loving and spunky person. She loves working with kids and bringing out their best potential. She loves bringing her creativity to classes and activities such as music and art, but also loves to play sports!
Allison is excited to start the new year with all the incoming third graders!
Jerard Mayes ~ 3rd Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Jerard Mayes and I’m more than excited to tell you a bit about me! I’m a tall, big ball of energy with a huge heart for not just the youth in our communities, but also for the wonderful folks that raise them. Sports have always played a huge role in my life, which ultimately led me to coaching.
For the last 15 years I’ve been involved in recreational work, giving nothing but my all to past and present
generations of children. My goal when working with children is to ensure that they have the most fun they possibly can alongside learning something new that they can be proud of.
Stepping out of your comfort is one thing I often promote. Respect for yourself and others is the remedy for success!
Irene Limlengco ~ 4/5/6 Coordinator
This is Irene's 15th year working in LEDP and for the last 9 years she has run the Peer Mentoring Program.
She has 20 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!
Christian Silberhorn ~ 4/5/6 Teacher
Hello my name is Christian and this is my first year in LEDP!
I graduated from UMass-Amherst with a degree in Kinesiology. I am an older sibling of two younger twins (brother and sister).
I also have three half siblings of which the closest in age is ten years older than myself. I've played a lot of soccer through the years and almost every other sport. I also wrestled in high school and began Brazilian Jiu-jitsu two years ago!
When I am not busy working or traveling I enjoy waking up early to get to the gym or to exercise in some way to start my days.
Joe Scola ~ 4/5/6 Teacher
This is Joe’s 1st year at LEDP! He has extensive experience as a performance coach, summer camp counselor and recently worked K-5th as an assistant teacher.
Joe is also a magician and enjoys travel, football, hiking/camping, watersports, and video games. He used to travel the USA competing in tournaments (representing New England) for the game “Super Smash Brothers”
“I’m super excited to start and looking forward to this year!!” -Joe