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Meet the Teachers

My name is Leslie Arrowsmith. I am the director of Carmel Nursery School. I have been a part of the Carmel Nursery School family since 2004 when I found the nursery school for my own 2-year-old daughter, Hannah. I loved the family atmosphere of the school and when I had my second daughter, Lily, I enrolled her too. The children were both here until they were 5 years old and graduated, totally ready to go to kindergarten. In 2010 there was an opening for a certified teacher and I became an official member of the staff. I taught the 3-year-old class for 2 years and became the director when Jan Heckman retired. I have been here ever since.

Before coming to Carmel, I taught for the School District of Philadelphia, Graduate Hospital Child Care and Learning Center, and was the director of Treasure House childcare center in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. I grew up in the small town of Forest City in northeast Pennsylvania and graduated from Bloomsburg University with my teaching degree.

I enjoy time with my daughters, scary movies, books, music and baking. You can often find me in the kitchen making some special desserts.

Hi, I’m Kim Bower – your kids know me as “Ms. Bower”. It’s been a pleasure getting a new group of kids each September. Working with them to gain new social and academic skills is always exciting and fun. Having a degree in fine arts, I love any opportunity to do a “messy” art project!

Hi! My name is Dana Gaymon. I am a mom to two beautiful, amazing girls, Jocelyn and Aliyah and one angel baby, Will. We have two purrfect cats and two pawfect dogs. I enjoy reading, sitting on the beach, camping, traveling, and meditating. I have been working with children my entire life. For the last 8 years, I have babysat for numerous local families. I volunteer for Girls on the Run and I am on the board of Copper Beech’s PTA. I graduated with my associate degree in Early Childhood Education in December 2023. I look forward to working with your children and watching them grow!

Hi! My name is Melissa MacFarland (my students call me Miss Melissa). I grew up in the Glenside/Ardsley area and attended Abington schools. After high school, I went to King’s College, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. The 2021-2022 school year will mark my 20th year at Carmel Nursery School. I love teaching Pre-K because I find it both challenging and rewarding.

In my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading, hanging out with my niece and nephew, going to Phillies games and having lunch out with my fellow teachers. I recently learned to crochet. On Sundays, you might find me teaching Carmel Church’s “Children’s Worship” group.

My name is Carolann Woodward and I have been part of the Carmel Nursery School family since September 2015. I am a mom of two teenage daughters who have both attended Carmel. I enjoy spending time at the beach with my family every summer. In my free time I like reading and baking. We like to take our dog to parks, but he would rather be on the couch!

Hi, my name is Miss Tine and I’ve been a teacher at Carmel Nursery for the past 3 years. I have two daughters of my own, Avery (8) and Mila (6), who both went to Carmel as well. Before becoming a teacher here, I worked as a Nanny for multiple families for the past 15 years. I absolutely love working with children and I cannot wait to meet all of you!

My name is Ms. Alicia. I have been at Carmel Nursery School for 9 years. I began working with children at the age of 18. I love what I do! I graduated from Holy Family University and hold certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I have 2 sons who are in Elementary school and I love going on adventures with them and my husband. In my spare time, I also love reading and listening to music.