A bit about our teachers!

Julie Bostrom (Preschool Director/Museum Preschool Program Coordinator) has her Associates 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 the 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 (Lead Teacher/Assistant Director) 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 (Lead Teacher) (known as “Miss Ivy”) teaches in our 3/4 classroom. She did her own student teaching here and loved it so much 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 Associates 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.

Kristen Murphy (Lead Pre-K Teacher) 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 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.

Liz D’Andrea (Teacher) has her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of CT.  She has had experience working with young children is less formal settings in the community and is very excited to work in a Preschool.  Outside of work she enjoys music and visual arts.  She is an avid reader and will read almost anything!