Amanda Toupin, Executive Director
Amanda was born and raised in New Hampshire, however coming from a military family she has traveled throughout the US. Amanda holds a BA in Child and Family Studies and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, both from the University of New Hampshire. Amanda joined the Growing Places team in 2020 with 17 years of experience in the field and a strong passion for the impact that Early Childhood education has on children, families, and communities. The Growing Places philosophy and mission hit at the heart of Amanda’s core values, and she is excited to be back working in the community where her career began. Amanda lives in Dover with her wife and 4 children. She enjoys quilting, baking, gardening, and the beach!
Sarah Nason, Assistant Executive Director
Originally from Southern Maine, Sarah came to New Hampshire to study at Southern New Hampshire University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development. She began working with children at a young age and has always loved to encourage and support them to be their best selves. She enjoys helping them achieve their goals and watching them grow. Over the years Sarah has worked with children of all ages and run multiple programs.
Sarah began working at Growing Places in August of 2010. She started as an Early Childhood Teacher, then moved on to be the School Age Program Director for three years. In 2014 she became the Program/Billing Administrator. Since then, her role has evolved and developed into the Assistant Executive Director position. She manages all the parent billing accounts and staff related responsibilities such as new hire on boarding, insurance, payroll, and many other back-office functions. You may also see her in your child’s classroom from time to time.
Sarah lives in Wakefield with her husband Josh and children Corbin and Bailey. She enjoys skiing, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Emily Kluun, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator
Born in Chicago and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Emily Kluun first came to Durham in 1999 to attend UNH as a marine biology student. She began working for Growing Places the following spring as a teacher aide, and discovered a love for working with young children. Two years later, Emily joined Growing Places full time as an infant teacher. In the time that Emily has worked at GP she has worked with every age group that Growing Places serves. Along with the incredible children and families that she gets to meet, Emily says that her favorite thing about her job is the opportunity to see children experience joy through learning. “I love watching the wonder and amazement in a child’s eyes when they accomplish or learn something new!”
Emily works part time as our Marketing and Outreach Coordinator while also teaching preschool at our Durham location. She has a very calm, happy demeanor in the classroom and her leadership abilities as well as her great sense of humor help children feel safe and secure in her presence. Emily lives in Dover with her Husband Chris, and enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors, especially near the ocean.
