Lemberg Children's Center

Howie, our executive director, has a 53-year career in early education and care as a childcare provider, university teacher, program administrator, policy analyst, advocate, marriage and family counselor, curriculum developer, mentor-teacher and advisor to government leaders.

In 2012, the National Coalition for Campus Children's Center's honored him as "Director of the Year." A member of several professional associations, he is co-president of the Council of Child Development Laboratory Schools (CCDLA). His career with the Lemberg Children's Center at Brandeis University began with teaching in September 1972. In 1979, he was chosen as director and executive director in 1985. From 1979-96, he taught early education course at Brandeis University, and continues to serve as the Brandeis Education Program's Early Education Coordinator.

In addition to providing professional presentations in the United States, he has been a guest presenter in the UK, Canada, Italy, France and China. Earlier in his career, he chaired several Massachusetts governmental committees charged with writing the first standards of care and was a doctoral fellow of the National Institutes for Health for the study of intellectual disabilities at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University. He also is the director of APA's ACT Raising Safe Kids Boston Regional Center, a part of the Lemberg Center and a Master Trainer for the APA's Violence Prevention Office.

Kristen holds a B.S. in Human Development with a concentration in Early Childhood from Lesley University, an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Worcester State University, and a Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership from Quinsigamond Community College/Worcester State University.

She began her career in 1985, working in every role within center-based early childhood programs, as well as operating a licensed family child care home. In 1998, Kristen joined a small social service agency in Rhode Island, where she trained women to open their own licensed family child care businesses. During this time, she launched a Parents as Teachers home visiting program for new parents and their children, collaborated on the development of a life skills program for teen parents, and directed a federally funded 21st Century Community Learning Center program focused on improving equity in access to health, mental health, social services, and enrichment opportunities for students.

Kristen first joined Lemberg in 2017 in the Navigator Room. After leaving in 2022 to lead the YWCA Rhode Island education programs, she returned in 2024 to join the Adventurers team.

Kristen has been deeply engaged in advocacy and policy work at the local, state, and national levels. Her work includes collaboration with NAEYC; contributing to the creation of Rhode Island’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, BrightStars; helping develop Rhode Island’s preschool curriculum standards; serving as a founding member of the Rhode Island Alliance focused on teen pregnancy prevention and positive maternal and child health outcomes; and supporting cross-sector initiatives in Worcester aimed at reducing trauma and its impacts on children and caregivers.

A seasoned trainer and presenter—including for the ACT Safe Kids program—Kristen has spoken at conferences nationwide. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Worcester State University and Fisher College.

Outside of school, Kristen enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, needlepoint, live music, and spoiling her grandkids rotten.

Patricia Braunegg holds a BA in Romance Languages from Boston College and an MAT from
Tufts University, and spent 19 years teaching French at the high school level, where she loved
sharing French and francophone language and culture with her students, and organized and led
many student exchanges and trips to Quebec and Paris. Over time, realizing that she wanted to
be in a learning environment with a greater emphasis on social-emotional development and
wellness, Patricia made the decision to pursue a Montessori Infant-Toddler certification, and has taught in toddler Montessori and Reggio Emilia programs in eastern and central Massachusetts.

One of the things she loves best about teaching toddlers is that they are absorbing everything
around them, are interested in everything, and are learning from everything and everyone in
their environment. In guiding toddlers in their development, Patricia feels that she and her
colleagues are helping to lay the foundation for the rest of the children’s lives, facilitating their
deepening understanding of the world, themselves, and others. Her ideal classroom is
enriching, mutually respectful, nurturing, and fun!

In her free time, Patricia loves traveling and learning new languages, singing with a local Gospel
choir, practicing yoga, rock climbing, playing Euro-style board games, and spending time with
her family.

My name is Carmen Chu, and I am so excited to be joining the Lemberg community as the new Hummingbird teacher! I grew up in Massachusetts and have lived in Newton since I was in elementary school. I enjoy being close to city life, which led me to attend Boston University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Although Boston is near and dear to my heart, traveling and trying new food are some of my favorite activities; if you have any recommendations, I’m always happy to hear about your experiences!!

I have been working in education since 2019, beginning at a childcare center while I was in high school. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of age groups, from infants to high school students in a math classroom setting. Most recently, I spent a year at Boston Children’s Hospital working with toddlers, and I am now excited to continue supporting toddlers as they grow, explore, and develop.

What I enjoy most about working with children is being a positive influence as they discover who they are and learn about the world around them. I am thrilled to be part of the Hummingbird classroom and to support your children as they learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships throughout the year. I look forward to meeting you and learning more about your families, stories, and interests!

Alexander Collins holds a BA in Developmental Psychology (UT-San
Antonio) and an MS in Human Development & Early Childhood
Disorders (UT-Dallas). Alex has worked professionally in infant and
child day care as a student, and then in early intervention, child
protection, social work, and primarily in early education and care for
over 30 years. This is Alex’s first year at Lemberg Children’s Center and
he is Head/Lead Infant Teacher in the Butterfly Room. Alex has
experience in a Reggio-Emilia program and is most inspired by child-led
curriculum that allows for creativity and flexibility to meet each learner
where they are going to be most successful.

Alex believes that social-emotional competence is the foundation for
life-long learning and for being a resilient individual who can master
challenges and be an valued member of their community and society as a
whole. Alex continues his personal learning through reading, watching
documentaries, listening to the experiences of others, and being an
involved advocate in his local community. Alex resides in Hudson,
Massachusetts with his spouse, 5 children, and pets. Alex is passionate
about the LGBTQ+ community and in supporting others as they find
their way towards a life of authenticity and wholeness.

In those brief moments of spare time, Alex enjoys reading, video &
board games, crochet & painting, trivia nights, traveling and good times
with dear friends.

Karen has been a head teacher in toddler and preschool classrooms for many years and is now director for scheduling and program planning. Hiring, orienting, scheduling and supervising the 50+ Brandeis students who work as teaching assistants are a major part of her job as they are an integral part of Lemberg. She also helps with day-to-day operations of the center.

Having worked with all ages at Lemberg, Karen's skills span many areas. She enjoys working with parents and helping families with the transition between home and school. Mentoring others, supervising student teachers and involvement in outreach programs are a few of the areas she's been involved with.

Her own children attended Lemberg years ago and later returned for a short time as teaching assistants. One of her outside interests has included working with the elderly, especially those with dementia, and helping support family caregivers. She enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, camping and canoeing, and traveling. She's been fortunate to have traveled to many different places and more recently her sons have lived in Australia and Indonesia, wonderful places to visit.

Scott has been a head teacher for the Thunderbirds at Lemberg since October 1993. He loves all aspects of teaching preschoolers, including science experiments, gardening, outdoor games, book making, storytelling, and all creative art and writing activities. He is especially interested in music and movement activities. Scott leads Aloha Friday — Lemberg's weekly, center-wide sing- and dance-along.

Outside of Lemberg, Scott is a writer and performer of songs for children and families. For more than 25 years, he has been entertaining audiences with his upbeat and funky folk songs, rock tunes and stories at libraries, childcare centers, elementary schools, hospitals and town events. Additionally, he leads small music and movement groups for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and offers workshops for teachers and parents to help them incorporate music into their classrooms and homes.

Scott is a member of the Children's Music Network, a national organization that celebrates the positive power of music in the lives of children by sharing songs, exchanging ideas and creating community.

Scott has a BS in early childhood education from the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, and is EEC-certified. He has two children and absolutely loves being a dad.

Sydney is a teacher in the Navigator class and is excited to be starting her first year at Lemberg. She graduated from Ramapo College with a Bachelor's in Literature. Sydney has been motivated to continue advancing her early childhood education with additional schooling and is working on obtaining a director certification. She thrives working within communities to teach autonomy and instill confidence for each person: her background is in special education, geriatrics, and youth of all ages.

Sydney is motivated to create a cozy, inclusive, and inspiring classroom that promotes curiosity, happiness, and friendship. She believes Reggio materials often ignite emergent curriculum and that incorporating music, sensory experiences, and provocations into day to day life enrich the students' connections. She believes in teaching life skills and boundaries in a fun accessible way. Looking ahead, Sydney hopes to be involved in parent and teacher training at Lemberg. 

Outside of work, Sydney is a mom to her son Michael, married to Sarah, and enjoys being a pet mom to Potsticker(our senior tabby cat) with  two leopard geckos(Charmander and Mavis). In her free time, Sydney enjoys indoor rock climbing, hosting storytimes at Maxima Gift & Book Center  & Maxima Hive with her SEL puppet, Lemon, and enjoying life with little family, chosen family, and friends. 

Chandra brings an extensive and diverse background in theater to her role as Lemberg's drama specialist. She has studied theater arts at the Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Chandra earned her BA in theater arts from Brandeis.

As a theater educator, she has worked in classrooms with children from elementary to high school for many years. Along with her part-time Lemberg responsibilities, she is the associate director for education for Boston's City Stage Co. and, during the summers, is the Young Artists at Play director for the Merrimack Repertory Theatre.

Chandra's acting credits include Clara in "The Nutcracker Players" (Boston Area), Alice/Kristy in "Fitkids" (New England and Indiana), The Wife in "The History and Adventures of Tom Thumb" and various roles in "Shear Madness." She has also worked on numerous commercials, industrial videos, independent films and voice-over spots. She is a member of all three acting union: AEA, AFTER and SAG.

Kim is a co-lead teacher in the Navigator class and is starting her fifth year at Lemberg. She
graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with a Master's degree in
Developmental Psychology. Kim has been in and out of the classroom since 1999, working
with children from 2 to 21 years old. Kim worked with students with complex learning and
language needs, as well as challenging behaviors. She also provided ongoing parent and
teacher training and support, as well as vocational training for young adults. She is excited to
refocus on preschool education and is thrilled to be part of the Lemberg community.

Kim believes that every child deserves to feel recognized and valued, and is passionate about
creating joyful, inclusive and safe spaces. She considers acceptance to be vital for children's
readiness to learn and incorporates democratic principles throughout the classroom, to
empower students as active change agents.

Outside of her professional life, Kim is a proud mom to her children, Owen and Maeve, with her
husband, Bob. They share their home with a dog named Oreo and a cat named Sloppy Joe. In
her free time, Kim enjoys running, gardening, traveling, and learning alongside the wonderful
children, teachers, and families at Lemberg!

Michele is a professional actor who originally came
to Lemberg in August of 2020 to “help out” as a TA in the
reopening after Covid shutdown. But once she discovered the
magical world of preschool and realized 3-5 year olds are “her
people”, she took additional college classes (her BA is in
Theater Arts) to become a certified lead teacher.

Michele’s connection to Lemberg was through her friend (and
Voyager Head Teacher) Chandra Pieragostini, with whom she
worked for over a decade as a fellow actor in Shear Madness
in Boston. The two also share a long history of participatory
children’s theater with (the now defunct) City Stage
Company. From the story version of “The Nutcracker”, to
“The Tale of the Three Little Pigs” on KidStage at Boston
Children’s Museum, to touring elementary schools with “Fit
Kids”, the mission of City Stage was always to treat children
with respect and give them the chance to shine.

In her time at Lemberg, Michele has had the great fortune to
help out in every classroom in the building and has marveled
at watching children she knew as babies head off to
kindergarten. Michele has always said she is an actor by trade,
but a teacher by instinct. She and her husband Jim have
identical twin sons. One son lives at home with them in Hull,
MA, while the other works in New York City. Michele
continues to pursue acting opportunities; her film credits are
here. but she equally loves spending her time
playing make believe with her little friends in preschool.

Josh has been working with children since 2000, getting his BA from the University of Massachusett–Amherst in 2006. He started in various after-school and summer camp settings, including the Rowe Camp and Conference Center in the Berkshires, the Easter Seals Goodwill Industries' Family Learning Center in Connecticut, and iD Tech Camps at various locations in New York. While working with youth ages 8-18, Josh has led technical and philosophical workshops that promote creative growth and emphasize acceptance of others.

Josh is an EEC-certified preschool teacher at Lemberg. He has been working in early childhood since 2014, singing songs that he wrote specifically for this profession. Josh plays guitar and leads a group at Lemberg that focuses on mathematical and memory-retaining aspects of music. He builds a positive, creative, fun environment that children look forward to experiencing every day in preschool.

She grew up in Northern New Mexico with her 13 older siblings. She holds a BA in English and Theatre from the University of New Mexico. With 13 years of early childhood experience ranging from infants to pre-K, her journey in education began in New Mexico. In 2021, she moved to Massachusetts and continued her passion for working with children.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her significant other, as well as exploring New England with her partner.

I am a native of the Philippines where I earned my first bachelor in Secondary Education major in English from Sorsogon State University. From year 2006 to 2015, I held the Philippines Professional Secondary Teaching license. I taught English Language Arts, Music and Creative Arts, and Christian Living Education for grade school; and Literature, Grammar and Creative Writing for high school in private schools in the Philippines for six consecutive school years [2006-2012]. I attended graduate courses with a concentration in English Language Teaching at Philippine Normal University for one semester in 2009. I moved to the states in early 2013 and in the later months I started my MTEL prep to teach ELA in Middle School, however I found the right fit in the Early Childhood Education. I started as a Teacher Assistant in the Infant/Toddler group and worked my way to become EEC Lead Teacher for all age groups, as well as get certified Director 2. Last December 2024, I graduated Summa Cum Laude for my second bachelor in Early Childhood Education and Care from Fisher College, Boston. My next professional goal is to earn my masters degree in Education.

My passion for teaching started when I was a teenager working as volunteer aide in my native community’s Sunday church classes. It is a great honor to take part in shaping the mind, body and heart of young developing children. Infant/Toddler has been my first love when I started EEC. When I taught Pre-Kindergarten in the past six years, I thought I would never go back to this young group. What I find Infant/Toddler rewarding is to witness and scaffold children’s development and learning during the critical stage of their lives.

Outside teaching, I enjoy doing arts and I find it therapeutic. I do painting, drawing, calligraphy, fashion styling, listening to music, singing, dancing and doing a little bit of fitness workout. Occasionally, I join in Sunday church choir in my old town. I love reading both fiction and non-fiction. History, literature and the arts interest me, but most of all fantasy and romance books are my comfort. Also, I love traveling and learning about other cultures and languages.

Kumiko has been a Head Teacher in the Butterflies classroom for many years. Kumiko began her academic career by studying biology in her original home, Japan. Seventeen years later, she returned to school to explore her passion in early childhood education. After finishing her studies in education, she worked in infant and toddler classrooms for several years before beginning work with preschoolers, whom she has worked with for the past 13 years.

Outside of Lemberg, Kumiko works with The Genki Spark, a Japanese Taiko drumming group. In addition to performing with the group, she teaches drumming and Japanese folk dancing at schools and universities. Kumiko also has a passion for animals, working at a farm when she was young.

She is very excited to work with the Butterflies group and to introduce Japanese culture to her Lemberg family.

Daisy is a parent with both of her kids who were/are at Lemberg Children's Center. She joined the Lemberg community as webmaster in 2019. Daisy is responsible for planning, developing and managing the school website. She periodically performs regular updates of the pages, provides appropriate technical advice and assistance to the staff in support of curriculum, teaching and learning goals and objectives. She enforces compatibility standards that ensure site accessibility for all users. 

Outside of Lemberg, Daisy works at a high-tech company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She likes hiking, reading and playing tennis with family and friends.

She is very excited to be able to devote some time and energy to Lemberg and be part of its family.

Evelyn is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Massachusetts. She received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA, and earned her Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Art History from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. Evelyn has experience working with the pediatric population across a variety of settings and positions, including educational, childcare, and community-based settings, with ages ranging from infancy to adolescence. She is passionate about providing equitable, holistic, and client-centered care that promotes her clients' abilities to live rich and meaningful lives. In her free time, Evelyn enjoys spending time with friends, doing yoga, crafting, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with her two black cats (Riley and Suki).