Child Study Center Staff

The Child Study Center has an expansive full-time staff of experienced, engaged educators. Each classroom has a Lead Teacher, Teacher, and Assistant Teacher who support children throughout the day. As a training institution, we also strive to hire and train several part-time beginning teachers each year - who may be new to the field or find their way to us after other career paths. As a laboratory preschool, we host 20-30 student teachers each semester on regular, part-time schedules who are either enrolled in an education/psychology practicum or looking to learn and train with our master teachers. All teachers at the Center collaborate to prepare an engaging and affirming environment that supports the developmental needs of each child. Interim Faculty Director, Becky DelVecchio, and Program Administrator, Annie Cohen, oversee the staff.

Becky L. DelVecchio, PhD—Interim Faculty Director

Becky DelVecchio is the Interim Faculty Director of the Child Study Center and an early childhood educator with more than twenty years of experience in teaching, program leadership, and educator development. Her work is rooted in a deep belief in children’s curiosity, the power of play, and the importance of creating inclusive, nature-rich learning environments where every child feels seen and supported.

Becky has spent many years at the Child Study Center—first as a teacher and later as Educational Director—building strong relationships with children, families, and the students who learn alongside them. She brings a reflective, relationship-centered approach to guiding children’s growth and supporting the adults who partner in that work.

Beyond the classroom, Becky is an active provider of professional development for both pre-service and in-service early childhood educators. She specializes in nature-based learning, developmentally appropriate practice, educator leadership, and strengthening early childhood programs through thoughtful, collaborative reflection.

Becky holds a PhD in Early Childhood Education and Care from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She is delighted to continue her work at the CSC, where wonder, play, and community are at the heart of the school’s philosophy.

Wendy Gonsenhauser—Lead Teacher, Youngest Classroom

Wendy has been working in Early Childhood Education for over 25 years, directing, teaching, and developing new programs for children ages 2-6. Prior to her time as Lead Teacher in the Youngest Classroom, she was Lead Teacher in the Middles Classroom at the CSC for three years, then Assistant Director for six years. Her experience in independent preschools in the greater Metro West area spans a diverse range of populations. Wendy trains educators through professional development workshops and larger forums, such as NAEYC and MAAEYC conferences. Wendy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from SUNY, College at Buffalo, and her Master’s Degree in Expressive Therapies from Lesley College. She has done post-graduate work in Special Education at SUNY, College at Buffalo, and Early Childhood Education at MassBay Community College. Wendy is married and has two adult daughters. She enjoys family walks with her dog, visiting art museums, traveling, yoga, pilates, and music.

Emily Cooperman—Lead Teacher, Middles Classroom

Emily has been working with young children for over 20 years. She completed her undergraduate and Master's degrees in Child Development at Tufts University. While in graduate school, she worked with hospitalized children in the Child Life Department at Tufts Medical Center, providing play opportunities to normalize their experience and make medical procedures less stressful. Emily taught at Harvard's Botanic Gardens Children's Center before moving on to Lesley Ellis School, where she helped to create an anti-bias curriculum for young children. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, seaglassing, and baking with her two daughters.

Jen Clifton—Lead Teacher, Oldest Classroom

Jen has over 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Education from Smith College. Jen began her career teaching first grade in Portland, Maine. She then became Lead Teacher and Program Manager at the University of Southern Maine Child and Family Centers and Adjunct Faculty in the Early Childhood Education Department at Southern Maine Community College. Jen has been the Lead Teacher in the Oldest Classroom since 2010. In her free time, Jen enjoys reading, traveling, spending time in nature, and being with friends and family.