The Parkside Preschool of Newton, MA Staff

Sharon Cronin - Director/Lead Teacher

Qualifications and Experience: A Certified professional in early childhood development with a Massachusetts certification as Director. Sharon received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Curry College. She began her career in the public school system teaching grades K through 3 and later focused her attention on the preschool field. She founded the school in 1991.

Gretchen Hunt - Co-Director/Operations Manager

Qualifications and Experience: Gretchen has been a professional in early childhood development and education for more than 20 years. With a teaching degree from Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts, she started with the preschool shortly after it was founded. As Co-Director she also serves as both the operational manager and a teacher at the school. Prior to her involvement with Parkside, Gretchen had a successful career in retail store management.

Lesley O'Shaughnessy - Lead Teacher 

Qualifications and Experience: Lesley has taught at the school since 2004. She attended Curry College and then received her Early Childhood Education qualifications at Mass Bay. She is a state certified Lead Teacher and Director. Lesley has had all three of her children attend Parkside. Lesley also manages the schools Social Media outlets.

Bid Lannery - Assistant Teacher 

Qualifications and Experience: Bid started with the school in 2013. She has had three of her children graduate from Parkside. Formerly a citizen of Ireland where she received her education, she brings a multi-cultural experience to her classes.

Amy Hunter - Teacher/Office Manager 

Qualifications and Experience: Amy started at the school as a student intern in 1992. She has had three of her children graduate from Parkside. Amy graduated from Boston College with a degree in Education. She functions as a classroom teacher and our office manager.