A bit about our teachers!

Julie Bostrom (Preschool Director/Museum Preschool Program Coordinator) has her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology minoring in Child Psychology.  She actually did her student teaching at the preschool back in 1991.  Julie has worked with children for over 25 years, both teaching Preschool and Kindergarten. She was the lead teacher/assistant director here for 5 years until she took over as the Director. She still likes to go into the classrooms and visit.  Outside of preschool, Julie is an avid football fan (Go Patriots).  She loves going to the games whenever she can!  Julie also loves listening to live music!  Right now Julie is working towards advancing her director’s credential.

Christina Maldonado (Assistant Director, Head Teacher Pre-K) has her Early Childhood Education Certificate from Eastern CT State University. Miss Christina has worked in early childhood for over 12 years. She has worked as a special Ed paraprofessional and a teacher for pre-kindergarten and first grade.  She also has experience teaching English online to young students in China.  She feels passionate about the play-based program at the Children’s Museum Preschool and enjoys seeing them have fun as they grow and learn!  Outside of preschool, she enjoys reading, taking walks and hikes, and visiting with family and friends.

Ivorine Martell (Head Teacher Preschool 1) (known as “Miss Ivy”) teaches in our 3/4 classroom. She did her own student teaching here and loved it so much that she stayed!  Miss Ivy has 12 years of experience teaching preschoolers.  Miss Ivy is Head Teacher Certified through the Office of Early Childhood and has her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood from Capital Community College. She prides herself on thinking up fun, creative crafts, and projects to keep her students actively learning. When she is not working, Miss Ivy enjoys dancing (she even teaches a class), sewing, and cooking.

Rachel Benson (Lead Teacher Preschool 2) Miss Rachel has her degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked with children of all ages! Rachel loves to keep the children active by setting up obstacle courses both outside and inside.

Shannon Nyren (Head Teacher Preschool 3) Miss Shannon has her degree in Early Childhood Education and has been in the field for many years. Miss Shannon loves engaging with her classroom in cooking activities.

Kristen Murphy (Head Teacher TK (Transition to Kindergarten)) has her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Assessment.  Kristen has worked with children for years.  She is a resident of West Hartford for 20 years along with her husband and 2 sons, which both attended The Children’s Museum Preschool when they were young. Now they are in college. Kristen enjoys watching both her boys play football and lacrosse.