Meet the Teachers
Leah Coughlin
Owner | Director | Teacher | Mama
Leah is a mother to a 11 year old boy named Daniel. She is a photographer and worked as a classroom helper at Mansfield Children's School for 3 years while her son attended the preschool. She also attended the preschool herself as a child. Leah has put a lot of work and tons of heart into making the Mansfield Little School new again and an amazing place for children to learn and grow.
Carla Littlejohn-Booker
Office Manager | Teacher
I started my career in early childhood Education running a FCC out of my home for 7 years. I then worked in the public schools as a special education bus driver, school bus instructor, safety trainer and transportation coordinator for the town until I retired in 2023. My proudest achievement was raising my two sons. I have now been blessed with four remarkable grandchildren. I love working with children just to see their eyes light up when they discover something new. The best part about my job at MLS is knowing we have a helping hand in molding the future.I would love the opportunity to speak with you about your child’s needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with me in person or via email, Carla.LittleSchool@gmail.com.
Susie DesJardins
Co-Director | Teacher
Sue has an associate's degree in early childhood education and has completed coursework in Preschool Administration for certification as a Director of a Preschool.
Susie began her 25-year teaching career at Mansfield Children's School. Susie developed the "Love Bunch" enrichment program and happily has taught with her team for all these years. Susie is more than thrilled that the preschool has re-opened and it's fuller of love and life than it ever was before.
Dana Niosi
Teacher
Graduated from URI with a BS in Human Development and Family studies. After graduating I took on several different jobs in Human Resources and also worked at Curry College in the admissions department for five years. I am a mom of three daughters all who are Mansfield Children’s School alumni. I started working part time at MCS when my youngest entered elementary school. I am so excited to be back at Mansfield Little School!
Patricia Harwood
Teacher
After completing the necessary coursework, I first began working with children in a daycare setting (which changed my life for the better). I had been working as a secretary previously which I determined was not for me. I eventually went back to school full time to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education (k to 3). Upon graduation, I worked as a long-term substitute in a first grade for a full year. The next year I subbed in a third grade classroom for the first half of the year. Next, I was a stay-at-home mom raising my 2 amazing children for a few years.
I eventually began working part time at Mansfield Children’s School for about 13 years. I love working with children, especially carrying on conversations with them. They brighten my days. I am thrilled to be working part time at Mansfield Little School with Leah and my amazing co-workers.
Michelle Gomez
Behavior Therapist and Teacher's Aide
I’m really excited to be starting at Mansfield Little School. Before becoming a Behavior Therapist, I worked in social services, where I gained experience supporting people through different challenges and learned how important patience, communication, and understanding are.
I currently work as a Behavior Therapist in ABA, working one-on-one with children and helping them with communication, social skills, independence, emotional regulation, and everyday routines. Working with children has taught me so much, and I really enjoy being able to watch them make progress, even through the little things.
​I’m also finishing my associate degree in Business Management. I would describe myself as caring, patient, outgoing, and hardworking, and I’m bilingual in English and Spanish. I’m excited to bring my experience here, learn from everyone, and get to know the children and staff!
Veronica Torres
Teacher
My name is Veronica Torres. I’m originally from Puerto Rico, and I’m a proud mom of two. My family is very important to me, and being a mom has taught me so much about patience, love, and understanding. I’m a preschool teacher, and I really enjoy working with children and watching them learn and grow. I love being creative, especially doing arts and crafts, and I enjoy bringing that creativity into my classroom. I’m a caring, patient, and creative person, and I feel very lucky to have a job that allows me to do what I love while making a difference in children’s lives.
Carina Peysere
Teacher
My name is Carina Peysere, a mom of two wonderful grown children and a proud wife of a loving husband with an empty nest. I have been in the educational/caregiving field for over 17 years. I’m experienced in working in teams with teachers as well as managing my own daycare, where I was able to get my CDA in order to do so. I have had such enriching experiences with families and children that have helped shape me into the educator I am today. I also have been able to use my native Spanish speaking skills with the children when needed, with basic and fun activities in Spanish.
I consider myself a patient, empathetic and helpful person. I enjoy craft-making, outdoor activities, and many other things that get the children learning while having fun at the same time.