Missy Tucker, Program Director
Missy has been in the field of Early Care and Education since 1999 and has worked in area childcares as an infant, toddler and preschool teacher, as well as an infant-toddler coordinator and preschool coordinator. Missy’s passion is family-school connection and strong connections with each child. She thrives in a nature rich environment and has worked in a 100% spring-fall outdoor early learning center for many years. Missy was thrilled to join the Growing Places family in May 2024 as the Program Director.
Missy holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Hampshire in Family Studies with a Concentration in Child Studies. She holds a New Hampshire Early Childhood Master Teacher 2 credential with an Infant & Toddler Specialist Endorsement, an Early Childhood Administrator 1 credential and an Early Childhood Master Professional credential with Workshop Trainer, Individual Mentor and Program Consultant Endorsements.
Missy resides in Loudon New Hampshire with her husband of 20 years, her 16 year old son and her two dogs; Temperance and Kix. When not working Missy enjoys hiking the NH 48 Four-Thousand Foot Mountains, Kayaking and watching her son play basketball and practice Tae Kwon Do.
Tracey Bateman, Infant Teacher
Tracey began working at Growing Places as a full-time infant teacher in April 2021. Tracey came to us with more than 25 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. She has taught children from infancy through preschool as well as worked as an administrator, but working with infants is truly her passion. Upon learning about Growing Places Tracey quickly fell in love with the philosophy and values. Having two children of her own who thrive in nature she understands the importance of outdoor play and exploration.
Tracey has her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development. She lives in Exeter with her husband Eric and their two boys, Spencer and Shane. Tracey loves animals and currently has a ferret, a guinea pig, and a turtle. She also loves to get outside for hikes in the woods, bird watching, and spending time at her summer cottage on Casco Bay!
Abby Robinson, Infant Teacher
Abby joined the Growing Places team in the Fall of 2023. She has worked in the childcare setting for 4 years and has been taking care of children for 14 years. She is a single mom to a wonderful 6-year-old son Jonas. Originally from Texas, Abby moved to the area 5 years ago and loves it! She loves working with both children and horses and hopes to one day teach children how to ride and give therapy lessons.
Sarah Gilpatrick, Infant-Toddler Teacher
Sarah has worked in the early childhood education field for 8 years, and in various childcare settings for even longer. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education Studies for K-6th Grade, but found her passion lies in educating younger learners. Sarah joined the Growing Places team in the Fall of 2023 when she moved to the area. Originally from Maine, Sarah has moved around a lot due to her wife’s military career and is excited to be back home for a bit.
Meghan Gilpatrick, Infant-Toddler Teacher
Meghan joined the Growing Places team in August of 2024, after moving back to her native Maine after years of living on the west coast in California and Wyoming. She has 13 years of experience in early childhood education and a background and extensive knowledge in special education and behavioral supports. She has worked as a behavioral therapist, ed tech, and a teacher, including working the last 6 ½ years with 0-2 year olds.
Meghan tells us “Early childhood education is my favorite place to be. I love watching kids start to grow into the incredible people they’ll become, and seeing their minds work as they learn new skills. Teaching them and being a part of their journey brings me so much joy, and I’m always learning from them in return!”
When not in the classroom, Meghan can usually be found somewhere outdoors with her dog.
Emily Dyer, Toddler Teacher
Emily has been working with toddlers since January of 2020, and joined the Growing Places team in the Fall of 2024. She has her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Great Bay Community College. Currently, Emily lives in Newmarket with her parents and three cats: Mr. Gray, Casey, and Otto. During Emily’s free time, she enjoys going for car rides, visiting her friends, spending time in nature, drawing or painting with watercolor, and playing games on her computer.
Casey Michaud , Toddler Teacher
Born and raised in nearby Dover, Casey has worked in the early childhood field off and on since high school. Casey earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood education from Great Bay Community College. After trying out various other jobs, she always seemed to go back to working where she is comfortable and happy, and that is working with children.
Casey Joined the Growing Places team in March 2025 and was drawn to the way our programs give children the freedom to explore the outdoors and teach a kindness and respect for nature. She loves watching the children learn new skills and accomplish small tasks that they didn’t think they could and developing strong relationships with children who get so excited to see their teachers each day.
In her free time Casey enjoys being in the woods exploring and going on adventures with her husband and dog Bella. Her favorite season is Fall, and she loves everything about Halloween.
Julie Scadova, Preschool Teacher
Julie joined Growing Places in May 2012. She has seven years prior experience with toddlers and preschoolers. After taking a break from the childcare field and working for a funding company for nearly 13 years, Julie was excited to come back to the classroom. She earned her teaching certification through Great Bay Community College. Julie spent the first eight years as a toddler teacher, and in 2020 moved into the preschool classroom at Pinkham Road.
Julie values the importance of learning through play and watching the children take risks and problem solve in a natural setting. She especially enjoys the outside space in which children have the freedom to explore.
Julie lives in Madbury with her husband and two children. Julie loves the outdoors and in her spare time she enjoys hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, biking and camping.
Gabby Razzaboni, Preschool Teacher
Gabby began working at Growing Places as a teacher aide in 2018 while attending the University of New Hampshire and joined us full time in 2020 while completing her degree. Her career working with children began in 2015 as a summer camp counselor and throughout her years at UNH she worked as youth program staff and a tennis instructor. Gabby graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BS in Women’s & Gender Studies and a minor in HDFS, Sociology and Social Justice Leadership.
Gabby finds teaching very fulfilling and enjoys working with young people, guiding them through the most vital stages of life, watching them learn new skills and develop relationships. Outside of work Gabby enjoys spending time with her family, watching sports, listening to music, and playing tennis.
Stephanie Jarvis, PreK Teacher
Stephanie was born and raised in New England but spent over 20 years in Colorado building her experience and knowledge in education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an Art Emphasis and a Masters in curriculum and instruction. She taught grades K-3 during her years in Colorado. She returned home to New England six years ago to spend more time with family, and began teaching Prek and Kindergarten. She Joined the Growing Places team in the Fall of 2021.
Guiding children to learn about themselves and what they are capable of is what encourages her to always seek new ideas and knowledge. In her free time, Stephanie has always enjoyed getting out into nature snowboarding, backpacking, mountain biking, and bird watching. Jewelry making and resin crafts are some of her other hobbies. She loves to snuggle and spend time with her cats, Vito and Frankie. She has two nephews ages 6 and 8 that inspire her every day to help children learn about the world around them and how they can make a difference.
Clarissa Piecuch, PreK Teacher
Clarissa began working at Growing Places in Fall 2022 as a full-time Pre-K teacher. She studied at Great Bay Community College over 10 years ago. When deciding to return to the field, Growing Places grabbed her attention by being a nature-based program, an environment children tend to thrive in. She looks forward to building genuine connections with the children everyday while learning through exploration and play.
Clarissa believes continuing education no matter how young or old is important to growth. She enjoys Science, exploring the outdoors, and anything sports related. Being active and outdoors is a huge part of who she is. While still finding time to enjoy dancing, music, and art. She resides in Lee with her own 3 children. While she is passionate and educated in childcare, she is also a licensed esthetician and finds skincare and health to be fascinating.
Priya Slingerland, Floating Teacher
Priya joined the Growing Places team in the Fall of 2023, after working in a Montessori school for 3 years. She has experience working with children of various ages, from infants through PreK. She comes from a large family with many siblings, which led to her love for working with children. Priya’s favorite thing about working with children is watching them grow seeing them learn. In her free time, Priya loves to camp in the summer and play in the snow in the winter, while spending time with family and friends. She also has a passion for nature photography, seeking out the beauty in leaves, snow and Ice. Priya lives in Middleton with her partner, his family, 2 dogs and a cat.
