Team
Claudine Taylor
Director
Claudine has been part of the Brown Play School community since the year 2000, when her youngest daughter attended the preschool. In 2002, she joined the teaching staff as Co-Director. Both as a parent as well as an educator, Claudine has always found the school’s Reggio-inspired philosophy very meaningful. Prior to her time at BPS, Claudine owned and operated a state-certified and nationally-accredited family childcare business in her home in Rumford. She enjoys working in an educational environment where there is not only a partnership with the parents, but a committed team of teachers who all believe that working together is the key to the children’s success. Witnessing the incredible growth that happens during these very special and formative years is one of her favorite things about working with this age group. In her free time, Claudine enjoys going for walks, exploring farmer’s markets, as well as spending time with her husband, Jim, and family. Claudine holds a BA in Psychology from Rhode Island College and has also received her RI Early Childhood Teaching Certification.
Greta Skinner
Head Teacher
Greta joined Brown Play School as Head Teacher in the Fall of 2022. While earning her Master’s, she was particularly drawn to the Reggio Emilia philosophy and its focus on each child’s individual and collective curiosities. With BPS’s emphasis on the use of natural materials, Greta knew this was a perfect place for her love of all things outdoors to flourish. Greta has a BS in Hospitality Management from Boston University and spent a decade planning events. During the pandemic she took her detailed planning skills to the education world, earning her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University while working as a teacher’s assistant to classes of 3- and 5-year-old children in Arlington, Virginia. After moving to Rhode Island, she then volunteered and completed her student teaching in the Providence and East Greenwhich School Districts. Greta and her husband, Alex, live in Barrington and recently welcomed their first child, Evie. Greta loves spending her time running, hiking, playing guitar, and cooking big meals with her family.
Keri Lowe
Art Teacher
Keri joined Brown Play School as the Art Teacher in 2022. She has a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Maryland. Always looking to expand her interest in art, Keri has taken many classes in art and design at various colleges in Massachusetts and at Rhode Island School of Design. She is passionate about instilling confidence and joy in children as they create. She loves to watch and listen as children make artistic choices and experiment with techniques. Keri lives in Barrington with her husband, Chris, and 3 children, Jimmy, Teddy and Emilie – all Brown Play School alums! She enjoys taking her dog for walks on the beach and gardening under the watchful eye of her cat. A native New Englander, Keri is happiest near the water and loves boating and fishing whenever she can.
Jackie Courtmanche
Teacher
Jackie has been a member of the Brown Play School community since 2001. After many years of working in various early childhood settings in the greater Providence area, she earned her BS in Early Childhood Education/Science Concentration from RI College along with her RI Teaching Certification. She is proud to be associated with a long-standing establishment in partnership with a dedicated staff and wonderful families. Most of all, Jackie enjoys guiding children as they build a foundation for a life of learning. Jackie resides in Johnston with her husband, Bruce. She spends her free time kayaking, biking, hiking, and gardening.