Teaching Staff

Blue Room

Miss Amanda, Teacher

Hi! My name is Amanda Darlack and I am excited to be part of Gordon Conwell Nursery School. Let me tell you a little about myself.

This will be my eighth year teaching preschool. I graduated from Gordon-Conwell in 2004 with a Masters degree in World Missions and Evangelism. I see teaching as a ministry to the children and their families. I love getting to know each child, laughing with them, getting and giving hugs, doing art projects with them, and fostering their love of learning as they soak in the world.

My husband Jim and I like to walk beside the Harbor. Jim is the Reference Librarian in the GCTS Library.

I'm looking forward to getting to know all the students and families, as well as working with this reputable team of teachers!

Miss Deb, M/W/F Assistant Teacher

I came to work at GCNS in 1999. I enjoy spending time with the children…watching them develop and grow; teaching the Bible and sharing the love of God with the children.

My experiences with children have been quite varied. I worked as a camp counselor, tutored at- risk students and taught swimming to children with physical challenges. As part of my nursing training, I worked on a pediatric unit. I have worked in local schools as a teaching assistant for students with special needs, and as a substitute teacher. Over the years, I have taught Sunday School, VBS and lead Pioneer clubs at the church I attend.

My most rewarding (challenging) experience has been parenting my own children. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and kayaking. I take pleasure in learning about colonial and early American history.

Miss Molly,T/Th Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Molly Pecukonis (it’s Lithuanian), and 2012 is my first year at
GCNS. I feel so blessed to be able to work at such a beautiful school with such an amazing staff and incredible kids!

I have a BA in Psychology and worked with severely troubled children in acute settings for several years. I also did community outreach counseling for five years working with troubled children and families in their homes. Working with children has always given me great joy and satisfaction. Preschool is a new setting for me and it is a pure delight to be a part of all our students are learning about working together; using their minds, gifts and talents to engage the world around them; and about the love of God as he reveals himself in creation, the Bible, and in the body of Christ. Being part of the authentic Christian community found here at GCNS is a tremendous encouragement to me.

In my free time, I enjoy soaking in God’s presence, jogging, reading, and doing women’s
ministry. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing community! Thank you all for the warm welcome!

Red Room

Miss Brenda, Lead Teacher

I began working at GCNS in August 2006. I enjoy the diverse community at GCNS and our Christian curriculum. I enjoy sharing good books with children. I believe that early exposure to literacy directly correlates to school success.

Before joining the GCNS, I finished my student teaching at North Shore Nursery School. Prior to that experience, I student taught at Headstart in Beverly. I have an A.S. in Early Education.

When I am not at school I play tennis, hike and play Scrabble. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I live with my three children, Alex, Chris and Jacquelyn and our faithful friend, a black Lab, named, Bear.

Miss Linda T., M/W/F Assistant Teacher

I started as a substitute teacher in 2007 and joined the GCNS staff in January 2008. I take pleasure in getting to know all the children with their unique personalities and talents which God has given them. The staff and parents are wonderful also.

My teaching experiences include working as an elementary art teacher and at a child care center when I lived in New Hampshire. I love to write and draw. My first book will be published in the spring, 2010. Angus MacMouse Brings Down the House, is a chapter book for 7-10 year olds, but is a good read aloud for 4-6 year olds. I’m very excited about the book’s debut!

When I am not writing, or working, I enjoy kayaking. I have a wonderful grown daughter who is married, so now I live with my little dog, Leo and a parrot named, Columbo.

Miss Joyce, T/Th Assistant Teacher

I started a GCNS in August 2009. I enjoy the fellowship and unity among the staff. The love of Christ is very apparent. The children are awesome and their families are wonderful. I raised four daughters and ran and operated a family childcare for ten years.

In my free time I like to sew, knit and do needle felting. Listening to music and spending time enjoying nature are ways that help me relax.

Yellow Room

Miss Celine, Teacher

I started working at GCNS in 2001. I like the diversity among the students who attend GCNS. The campus provides many opportunities for the children to learn about the natural world. The play-based curriculum is enriched with the Bible lessons and monthly worship.

Prior coming to GCNS, I taught preschool for five years at Children’s Workshop in Wenham.

In my free time, I like to read, knit and ride my bike. I love animals; I have a dog, a cat and a rabbit at my home. I am the mother of three children (two daughters and a son). My daughters are graduates of UVM and my son is currently a student there.

Miss Tracy, M-Th Assistant Teacher

I started working a GCNS in October 2006. I enjoy working with the children of diverse cultures, which are unified by this Christian community. We have fun enjoying the beautiful campus in all seasons. I like the sense of closeness between the staff and families, which exists at GCNS.

I received my BA in Education and Educational Psychology from University of Michigan. I was director/owner & lead teacher of Old North Nursery School in Marblehead for ten years.

During my free time, I enjoy reading, knitting, skiing and spending time with my family. I also like to take walks on the beach with my dog, Sophie. My husband and I have been married for 25 years. We have four kids (2 boys and 2 girls). All my children attended GCNS.