Team
Claudine Taylor
Director
Claudine has been part of the Brown Play School community since 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, 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 farmers’ 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.
Beth Garrison-Kemp
Head Teacher
Beth joined Brown Play School in August 2025. She recently relocated to Massachusetts from Colorado, where she taught and directed in play-based early childhood settings. Over time, her teaching philosophy has grown to closely reflect Reggio Emilia principles, particularly that children are capable learners who express their ideas in many ways. She is excited to learn alongside the children at Brown Play School and help co-create a curriculum that emerges from their interests and inquiries.
Beth's interest in child development is rooted in her undergraduate research, where she explored how early trauma affects young children's cognitive development. That work continues to inspire her commitment to responsive, relationship-centered teaching.
Outside of school, Beth enjoys walks at the beach, completing jigsaw puzzles, and listening to early childhood podcasts. She also loves spending time with her husband, Bill, and her favorite days are the ones when her daughters are visiting from out of state. Beth holds a BA in Psychology from The College of Wooster and completed early childhood coursework at Pikes Peak State College.
Megan Heinze
Art Teacher
Megan Heinze has been creating for as long as she can remember. She studied at Eugene Lang College and Parsons School of Design, and later found a deep connection to the Reggio Emilia philosophy while volunteering in her oldest child’s Reggio-inspired kindergarten classroom. She has been part of the Brown Play School community since 2015.
In the Studio, Megan guides children as they explore the many languages of expression—through art materials, movement, conversation, and collaboration. Using a wide range of media, from traditional art supplies to natural and recycled materials, children experiment, revisit ideas, and learn to use tools with care and intention.
For Megan, one of the greatest joys of her work is witnessing children’s personalities unfurl. She sees the Studio as a space where creativity, confidence, and a love of learning grow side by side.
Outside of school, Megan enjoys exploring new places with her family, visiting museums and bookstores, taking photographs, and reading and creating 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.
Board of Directors
Matt Wall, President
Rumford, RI
Mike Burns, Vice President
Seekonk, MA
Justin Maistrow, Treasurer
Barrington, RI
Elizabeth O'Rourke, Secretary
Rumford, RI
Hillary Greene Nolan
Riverside, RI
Laura Harrington
Riverside, RI