About Us

Hello, my name is Dana. I have been a teacher at Little Blessings for 30 years now! My career started in the infant room, then moved to the Preschool classes and back to the infants where I found my calling. I have enjoyed my many years of helping children grow and develop into the people they are today. Many of my students come back as young adults to visit and let me know how they are doing in life and that reminds me that I have made a difference.  In 2020 I became the Assistant Director and as of March 2023 I am the new Director at Little Blessings. I hold my CDA and an Early Childhood Professional Development Credential (teacher level 3 with Infant/toddler endorsement level 1). 

In my free time I enjoy line dancing, kayaking, hiking and reading. I love being on the lake or up in the white mountains exploring nature. 

Bio coming soon!

Hi, my name is Susie Barrow. I have worked at Little Blessings for 11 years. I love helping kids grow and seeing their “light bulbs” going off when they get something new. I graduated from Elmira College in 2007 and Wheelock College with a masters in Education. I also love to ski and have been skiing since I was two years old. I was a ski instructor at Sugarloaf for 10 years teaching 3-6 year olds. I have been fly fishing and playing golf for many years during the warmer seasons. You will still find me skiing or hanging with my family most weekends.  

“Hi there!” My name is Kailyn, and I have been working at Little Blessings since July 2021. I love helping guide children step by step as they develop socially and academically over time. The fact that I am able to help play a role in children’s development is what I love so much about my job. I grew up and have lived in Portsmouth my whole life, and graduated from PHS in June 2022. I have one dog, love to bake/cook, read and love getting to work with kids every day! 

Hi, my name is Kody Carlson. I am a lead teacher in Preschool 2. I have a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies from Endicott College. My favorite thing to do with the kids is read stories and make up fun voices for the characters. I also love to get active with the kids whether it’s stomping around the playground or building castles with them. Most of all, I want my classroom to be a place where kids can have fun and feel welcome each day. No matter what rides their emotions take them on, I want them to know that this is a safe place to talk out their feelings and learn more about why they feel that way. 

Born in Ubon, Thailand in May of 1971. Married to my wonderful wife of many many years Michelle Calder AKA Michelle George a former teacher here at Little Blessings. I came to work here per her suggestion as a cook for the past 11 years. I enjoy cooking and watching the kids grow up mentally and physically over the years, they still tend to surprise me daily. 

I am the father of two grown boys, an avid outdoorsman and I enjoy working on leather and designing and sewing outdoor gear. I hope to be here for a long time to come. The kids here make it enjoyable!

Hi, my name is Samantha Roy and I have been working at Little Blessings since December 2021. I have always loved working with children, throughout my life I have worked in daycares and after school programs, and as a swim instructor. Through all of these jobs my favorite part has been watching the children grow and become the people they are meant to be. In my free time I like to read, spend time with my family, friends and I love to take walks on the beach.  

Hi! My name is Kat and I just started working at Little Blessings in February of this year! I’m from Braintree, Massachusetts and I moved to Durham in September of 2020. I’ve always loved working with children and I feel so lucky to be able to put smiles on their faces everyday! Watching kids grow and helping them along the way is what makes my job so amazing. In my free time I love to write, spend time with my family and friends, and watch Disney movies! 

Hello,

My name is Jamie Buscemi. I have been teaching for a couple of years now but I have been working with children for almost 10 years. I went to Great Bay Community College to get my degree. My favorite thing about teaching is watching children grasp a new concept or even try new things. 

Hello, my name is Rebeca Griffith, I just started working at Little Blessings and I am enjoying working with the wonderful staff and children. I am currently in the process of enrolling in classes in Early Childhood Education to become a kindergarten teacher. I have been working with children since high school where I took a year of ECE and a year of Childhood development. I enjoy loom knitting, hiking with my family and kayaking. I really enjoy working with children and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me working at Little Blessings.  

Little Blessings is also supported by three amazing part-time staff. Emilie, Amelia and Laura bring the energy in the afternoon, support lead teachers and keep the kiddos laughing and happy!