Hopmeadow Nursery School

We are proud of our excellent teaching staff. Consistent with our developmental philosophy, our staff is committed to continuing education in early childhood development; all are actively involved in curriculum planning. Our teachers bring a wide variety of life experiences to share with the children, such as music and performing arts, creative arts, and travel abroad. In keeping with licensure requirements of the State of Connecticut, all staff members maintain current certification in American Red Cross Infant/Child CPR and First Aid training. The state also requires criminal background checks on all staff members, as well as signed TB test and health statements.

Betsy Hoople (Director & Teacher, Pre-K)

Betsy has been teaching at HNS since 1998 and was appointed to the position of director in June 2006. She earned her Master of Arts in early childhood/special education from Saint Joseph College in December of 2006. Betsy and her husband Dave have two children and have been Simsbury residents for over 25 years.

Marilyn Kew (Teacher, AM 4s)

Marilyn began teaching at HNS in 1983, 11 years after her oldest son attended as a preschooler. All 4 of her children are HNS alumni! Marilyn holds a Master’s degree in teaching from the University of Hartford, and is head teacher at HNS. One of a large family of singers and musicians, Marilyn sings and plays the bells in her church choir, and teaches piano in the Simsbury home she shares with husband, Jim.

Cathy Barnard (Teacher, AM & PM 4s)

Cathy began her relationship with Hopmeadow when she enrolled daughter Maggie in the 3s program in 1998. She became a teacher in 2000, and loves seeing the world through the children’s eyes. Cathy is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, and a devoted fan of the UConn women's basketball team. She and husband Jim live in Simsbury and have 3 children.

Lisa Hugel (Teacher, 3s & AM 4s)

Lisa subbed for 2 years before joining the teaching staff at HNS in 2000. She is a native of Simsbury and lives with husband (and high school sweetheart) Craig and their 3 children. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, but has enjoyed being full-time mom for many years. She is actively involved in community organizations such as scouting and athletics, and teaches Sunday school at her church.

Lori Fagone (Teacher, 3s & PM 4s)

Lori grew up in Massachusetts, where she received her BA in Psychology. She went on to attain her Master’s in organizational behavior from the University of Hartford. She and husband, Dave, have 3 children. Daughter Christa attended HNS, and Lori started her teaching career with us soon after Christa went off to elementary school. The family love to spend their time skiing in winter and camping in summer.

Lisa MacNeil (Teacher, 3s & AM 4s)

Lisa taught both preschool and kindergarten prior to joining the HNS staff in 2006. She received her bachelor's degree from UConn and her teaching certificate from Southern CT State University. Lisa and her husband, Mark, enjoy sports and scouting activities with their three sons.

Manuela Hanshaw (Teacher, 3s)

Manuela joined the HNS staff in 2007. She received her BS in accounting and French and an MS in taxation. Manuela is an active community volunteer,spending time as Girl Scout leader, church school teacher, and Junior Women's Club member. She, her husband, and their three children have lived in Simsbury since 1990.

Cindi Gatti (Teacher, 3s & Pre-K)

Cindi has many years of teaching experience in both Illinois and Massachusetts. A psychology major in college with an emphasis in child development, Cindi has her teacher certification from the state of Massachusetts. Cindi and family have relocated 9 times, including 2 years in Paris, and 3 moves to Simsbury! She and husband Tullio returned to Simsbury from Andover, MA, in 2003 and are thrilled to be back. They have 3 daughters and two grandsons.