.png)
The Directors
Who We Are
Moie Moulton
Founder & Executive
(she/her/hers)
Experience with Children: 15yrs
Moie grew up in Vermont, and has a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Union Institute and University. She started the Neck Of the Woods (formerly MECA) Program in 2012 and has absolutely loved watching the Program and families grow through the years. In her free time she loves reading, singing, playing guitar, yoga, playing soccer and spending time with her sweet family.
Katie DeFreest
Cofounder, School Age Director, and Executive Assistant
(she/her/hers)
Experience with Children: 8yrs
Katie grew up in Pennsylvania, and moved to Vermont in 2018. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Juniata College and is a licensed early educator in the state of Vermont. She began working at MECA in 2018 and assisted Moie in MECA's transition to NOW in 2020. Katie has a bachelors degree in early childhood education, a Vermont teaching license and 6 years of experience working with children. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, reading, and playing field hockey.
Suzanne Gardner
Early Education Director and
Lead Pre-K Teacher
(she/her/hers)
Experience with Children: 25yrs
Suzanne is from the Delaware Water Gap region of New Jersey, and spent the majority of her childhood exploring the Appalachian Mountains and the Jersey shore with her family and friends. She's been Visiting Vermont since 1992, and became a "transplant" here in 2015. She has a bachelor's degree in Education from East Stroudsburg University in PA. Suzanne moved here for a teaching opportunity, and that lead her to finding NOW. In Suzanne's free time she likes to do paper curling, jujitsu, see live music, gardening, and connecting with the Earth.
Larissa Darias
School Age Director
(she/her/hers)
Experience with Children: 7yrs
Larissa was born in Miami, Florida and raised by her lovely adopted family up in Pennsylvania. She moved to Vermont in 2015 where she attended Lyndon State College. She graduated with a degree in Visual Communications. She is attending CCV working towards her ECE degree and directors credential. Larissa has experience working with children as a lead preschool teacher in Pennsylvania, an infant teacher in the Mad River Valley and, most recently, a pod teacher and nanny for a group of families in the Valley. She loves snowboarding, mountain biking and all things art! You can find her seeking adventures with her wonderful husband, sweet son and 3 dogs.
