Our Family | Our Teachers

Susan Anderson
Educational Director
Teddy Bears and Curious Cats Teacher

I am a transplant to the DC area (as many are). Originally I am from Massachusetts where I also attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. For many years I worked in the hotel industry. I was drawn to that work because of the wonderful contact with guests and the many coworkers. It was in a hotel that I met my husband, Douglas. He is a chef and I would marry him again for his creamy mushroom risotto. There were 9 years where we lived in 4 cities before we settled in DC. We have two boys, Grant and Raine, and the three of them keep me on my toes. Our whole family loves reading, stories of all kinds, and being outside.

After I had my own children I realized that I really wanted to spend more time with my family than hotel work allowed and chose to be home for my children’s early years. These years brought me to Glenbrook as a co–oping parent. Once I started at Glenbrook, I never really left. Along with being a co–oping parent, I spent two years working in Glenbrook’s Sibling Nursery program.

I am very excited by the additional insights on working with the whole child that I gained while completing teacher training. I am a firm believer in the play based learning philosophy practiced at Glenbrook Nursery School. As adults, we are tempted to often call their activities play. On closer inspection, their faces will often show a focus and concentration that lets you know that learning is going on. I enjoy children immensely and as my own get a little older, I am happy to have this opportunity to continue using play dough, reading picture books and having outdoor play time. I thank the parents who will let me help nurture and grow their children.

It is with a mixture of joy and humility that I take on the additional duties as Educational Director of Glenbrook.  I look forward to continuing Glenbrook's long history of offering a warm, safe atmosphere for parents, children and teachers to learn and play together.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at susan@glenbrookschool.org.

Michelle Winter
Super Stars Teacher

I am joining Glenbrook as the 4-day 3s Superstars teacher for the 2010-2011 school year. I was a Glenbrook member, as a parent, for the three prior years. I have three children in Montgomery County Public Schools this year: a kindergartener (and Fabulous Fours and Fives alumna from the 2009-2010 school year), a middle schooler, and a high school freshman. My husband is a teacher as well, and he currently teaches Government at Thomas S. Wootton High School. As I join Glenbrook, our family will have five different schools to keep track of this year!

I previously taught first grade in Frederick County Public Schools for eight years, before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I have an undergraduate and graduate degree in Early Childhood Education. After being involved in the preschool experience with all three of my children, I came to realize that the preschool is my favorite age. I am excited to be returning to Glenbrook as a teacher!

Liz Crooks
Fabulous Fours and Fives Teacher

While this is my first year at Glenbrook, I am certainly not new to cooperative nursery schools. All three of my children (9 year old twins and an 8 year old) attended Silver Spring Nursery School. I was first a co-op parent and later worked as their aide, substitute and extended week teacher.

I was drawn to a cooperative preschool for the sense of community. I had three children close together and I found I wanted a place to go outside of the house, but also where I could still be with my children. I think preschoolers naturally want to learn and we, as teachers, can further that by giving them a safe place to learn and lots of things to explore.

I am originally from New Jersey and moved to the DC area after college. I have a BA in English Literature and an MA in Writing. I was the editor for Trade Association and I‘ve done freelance writing and book reviews.

My biggest and most satisfying achievement is raising a family with my husband Mark.