NPNS Teachers
Clare Burns (Director/Teacher)
My name is Clare Burns and I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 25 years. I am committed to building inclusive learning environments that welcome diverse perspectives and promote mutual respect and collaboration. I see parents, children and teachers working alongside each other to develop a community of learners; built on the powerful foundation of play
I was fortunate enough to grow up on a small farm in Africa where I spent an idyllic childhood climbing trees, digging in the dirt, and helping my grandmother collect eggs. I moved to San Francisco in my early twenties and opened a small family daycare. My teaching journey began when I enrolled my oldest son in a parent co-op preschool. I loved the experience so much that when I moved to Petaluma after my second son was born I found another parent co-op where I taught for 4 years, eventually becoming the site supervisor.
My philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and nature-based education. I hold a Site Supervisor permit from the California Department of Education and recently became a mentor teacher for early education students attending Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College. I am passionate about creating wonder-filled spaces that provide opportunities for children to experiment, theorize and form relationships. I love that each child brings with them their own ideas, passions, and interests; resulting in an ever-evolving curriculum.
Laurynn Gould (Teacher)
I have worked with children for the past fifteen years. I studied Music Therapy as an undergrad at Berklee College of Music in Boston and then did an eight month internship at a school for children with Autism just outside of Chicago. After becoming a board certified Music Therapist, I then worked in pediatric hospice as well as childcare centers on the East Coast creating curriculum and leading infant/toddler/preschool music groups. In 2014 my husband and I moved to Novato and I initially shifted to the other end of the age spectrum, first working as the recreation coordinator for the skilled nursing center at The Redwoods retirement community in Mill Valley, then as a Music Therapist in Hospice/end of life care. I missed working with children, so in 2016 I started to teach Music Together classes locally and began a master’s program at SFSU in Early Childhood Special Education. I completed the program in the summer of 2018, obtained my degree and teaching credential, and then in the fall celebrated the birth of my son Elliot who continues to teach me daily about early childhood development and the benefits of a play-based learning environment.
Lindsay Kooker (Teacher)
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My journey in early childhood education began in high school when I worked in my grandmother’s in home daycare. I went on to the University of Central Missouri where I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development. Since then I've run a year-round kids camp, taught English in the Philippines, worked in a variety of different preschools, Reggio, Waldorf, Conscious Discipline, and started a play-based nanny-share collective.
In 2021, my family joined the Novato Parents Nursery School. The following year I joined the board as membership coordinator. I am very honored to be joining the teachers and most excited about connecting with each child and family as we grow, learn, and play together. When I am not in the classroom, you will find me immersed in outdoor play with my two daughters, Moona and Juniper enjoying gardening, bluegrass, tea, dance, and creating community.