OUR TEACHERS
Melissa Bernovich - 2's, 2.5/3's and Parent/Tot Teacher
Melissa began teaching at Northpoint in 2009. Both of her children attended classes at Northpoint Cooperative Preschool starting with the Bates Infant/Toddler classes and ending with Pre-K. As an active member of the Co-Op she chaired Membership, Auction and served as a Class Representative. Her most enjoyable experiences were the times spent in the classrooms with the teachers, parents and the kids. In previous years, Melissa worked for Bates as an Early Childhood Educator in their Parent Infant/Toddler classes. In the classroom, she brings stimulating sensory experiences utilizing music and movement activities that keep the younger children interested. Above all, she believes that preschool is a place to practice social interaction and that it truly benefits a child in these early years. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys baking, travel, reading, gardening and watching various sports.
Melissa began teaching at Northpoint in 2009. Both of her children attended classes at Northpoint Cooperative Preschool starting with the Bates Infant/Toddler classes and ending with Pre-K. As an active member of the Co-Op she chaired Membership, Auction and served as a Class Representative. Her most enjoyable experiences were the times spent in the classrooms with the teachers, parents and the kids. In previous years, Melissa worked for Bates as an Early Childhood Educator in their Parent Infant/Toddler classes. In the classroom, she brings stimulating sensory experiences utilizing music and movement activities that keep the younger children interested. Above all, she believes that preschool is a place to practice social interaction and that it truly benefits a child in these early years. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys baking, travel, reading, gardening and watching various sports.
Hilary Madsen - 3’s Teacher
Hilary Madsen joined the Co-Op in September 2020 as the 3’s class teacher. Hilary’s educational background includes a BA in Communication from the University of Hawaii and she’s currently working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education and Development with Bates Technical College. She has over 15 years of child care and early learning experience, including experience at three different cooperative preschools. Most recently she’s been deeply engaged in Northpoint with her two young children, heading our Special Events committee and doing her teaching practicum in the 2’s classes. Hilary’s approach to teaching is play-based, emergent, individualized and multi-sensory, with an emphasis on social-emotional learning. She also has a special interest in nature exploration and sharing a love of literature with her students and their parents. Hilary has one school-aged child and another at Northpoint, and in her free time she enjoys skiing, surfing, gardening, hiking and camping.
Hilary Madsen joined the Co-Op in September 2020 as the 3’s class teacher. Hilary’s educational background includes a BA in Communication from the University of Hawaii and she’s currently working towards an AA in Early Childhood Education and Development with Bates Technical College. She has over 15 years of child care and early learning experience, including experience at three different cooperative preschools. Most recently she’s been deeply engaged in Northpoint with her two young children, heading our Special Events committee and doing her teaching practicum in the 2’s classes. Hilary’s approach to teaching is play-based, emergent, individualized and multi-sensory, with an emphasis on social-emotional learning. She also has a special interest in nature exploration and sharing a love of literature with her students and their parents. Hilary has one school-aged child and another at Northpoint, and in her free time she enjoys skiing, surfing, gardening, hiking and camping.
Megan West - Mixed Age, Pre-K Teacher
Megan West joined the Co-Op in September 2020 as the teacher for the Mixed Age and Pre-K classes. Megan’s educational background includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Washington and a Teaching Certification from UW Tacoma. She brings 16 years of teaching experience with her, having previously taught elementary school in the Franklin Pierce School District and most recently as the Pre-K teacher for Seabury School. Megan’s teaching philosophy is grounded in play-based, hands-on learning with a particular interest in project work guided by the interests of the children. A longtime Browns Point community member and mom of two school-aged children, Megan first got involved with Northpoint when her daughter attended the 3’s and Pre-K program. Her interests outside of the classroom include hiking, running and watching her children play sports.
Megan West joined the Co-Op in September 2020 as the teacher for the Mixed Age and Pre-K classes. Megan’s educational background includes a BA in Sociology from the University of Washington and a Teaching Certification from UW Tacoma. She brings 16 years of teaching experience with her, having previously taught elementary school in the Franklin Pierce School District and most recently as the Pre-K teacher for Seabury School. Megan’s teaching philosophy is grounded in play-based, hands-on learning with a particular interest in project work guided by the interests of the children. A longtime Browns Point community member and mom of two school-aged children, Megan first got involved with Northpoint when her daughter attended the 3’s and Pre-K program. Her interests outside of the classroom include hiking, running and watching her children play sports.