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After School
Who We Are
Katie DeFreest
Katie grew up in Pennsylvania, and moved to Vermont 2 years ago. 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.
Larissa Darias
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 husband José and their three dogs Paco, Viper and Kona.
Tatum Laliberte
(she/her/hers)
Tatum grew up in Bristol Vt her whole life but spent/spends most of her time in the Mad River Vally. she currently is a sophomore at Norwich University. majoring in Communications and a minoring in psychology. She loves dancing, going to live music, And playing field hockey for Norwich University!
Sydnie Allen
(she/her/hers)
Sydnie is a local Vermont gal born and raised! She attended University Of Vermont class of 2019 receiving her bachelor degree in Animal Science. When She is not leading games and activities at our afterschool program Sydnie works at PEAK Vet in Williston Vermont as a vet tech. In Sydnie's free time you can find her enjoying hikes with her boyfriend Siemen and dogs Billie and Ryder. As well as spending family time on their local dairy farm.
Anna Stegemoller
(she/her/hers)
Anna was raised in Indiana and Minnesota as the oldest girl in a large christian family. After high school, her years were full with hands on employment, plenty of travel, and adventurous outdoor activities. Presently, in her older years, she still thrives with the hands on activities of chores, gardening, and guitar playing. Anna felt encouraged to become a member of the NOW team, because the NOW approach - learner centered and strength based philosophies that support development of multiple intelligences - resonates with Anna. In her free time, she likes to spend time playing outside with her dog and practices yoga/meditation, stretching, skiing, and reading.