Our Team
Looking Up to Our Leaders
Our teachers and aides possess a wide range of teaching experiences with children and families and are the cornerstones of the Creative Playschool team.
Early childhood teaching is a continuous process of planning and observing. Teachers plan activities and experiences that help children learn. As teachers observe, they learn about the children and can plan new activities and teaching strategies to challenge the children even further. We believe our teachers and aides, working in partnership with you, will enable your child to flourish.
Sarah Patterson
Head Teacher
Sarah received a B.A. in Family Studies from The University of Connecticut and her Teaching Certification and Master's Degree in Education from Sacred Heart University. Sarah joined our staff in 2018. She is currently in her 5th year of teaching pre-k at our school. She is passionate about Creative's cooperative philosophy, and their play-based approach to learning.
Sarah was an active member of the Creative Playschool community from 2006 until 2008, serving as Enrollment Office and Vice President. Her son Mason attended Creative during that time and is currently in 4th grade. When Sarah is not teaching, she enjoys traveling, baseball, movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kimberly Dufrene
Head Teacher
Kim has been in education for for sixteen years. She got her teaching credential from San Diego State, and is currently continuing her education working on her Masters in Reading Literacy.
Kim’s husband is in the Navy, and they’ve lived on both coasts of the country, most recently in Hawaii where Kim took part in starting a cooperative preschool on Hickam Air Force Base.
Kim is happy to be a part of the Creative Preschool Family. Her philosophy on education is that children are natural learners, and should be encouraged to seek and discover through play and exploration base on individual interests. She looks forward to working with Creative preschool and practicing this philosophy.
Kristina Marino
Classroom Aide
After graduating from CCRI with a degree in Criminal Justice, Kristina and her family moved to Connecticut. She had the opportunity to be a stay at home mother and raise her two boys Joey and Adrian. Her youngest son, Adrian attended Creative Playschool from 2020-2022 and graduated from the program. During that time she actively engaged in the Creative Program, volunteering and eventually became a substitute teacher. It was this experience that helped her find her passion for the classroom environment. She is proud to be a part of the Creative Playschool team and is eager to help implement Creative's play based philosophy.
In her free time Kristina enjoys traveling, gardening, and exploring nature with her family.
Melissa Harrington
Classroom Aide
Melissa received both her BS degree in Elementary Education as well as her Masters degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut. She taught first grade for several years in southeastern Connecticut before having four of her own, who all attended and loved Creative Playschool as students.
Melissa spent many years as a member of Creative's Parent Board as well as volunteering and subbing in the classroom. She loves working with our communities littlest learners and watching them grow and thrive at Creative. Melissa has a passion for helping children learn through play and explore the world around them as they begin their first experience at school.
In her free time Melissa loves spending time with her family outdoors, hiking, camping, gardening or just enjoying some fresh air! She also enjoys time with her several pets including her 2 dogs and a pet rabbit named Nugget!
Nicole Yelmini
Office Manager
Nicole serves as the Creative Playschool Office Manager and is often one of the first friendly faces that families encounter. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, organized and supportive environment where both children and parents feel at ease. With strong attention to detail and a heart for service, Nicole helps ensure that they day-to-day operations of the school run smoothly.
Nicole's connection to Creative Playschool began as a parent, with her son completing the preschool program. She has also served on the Executive Parent Board, volunteered in classrooms, and occasionally substitutes when needed. These experiences give her a well-rounded perspective on the school community and strengthen her commitment to supporting students, families, and staff alike.