Meet the Team
Sara Timm-Bane, MS, CCLS
Co-Owner, Captain of Programming
Child Development Specialist
Teaches Child Development Classes
Sara always knew she wanted to work with young children. She discovered her passion for teaching babies, toddlers and their caregivers when she began working at Isis Parenting in Boston. She taught child development and art classes there before she and her husband, Jared, moved to his hometown of Marblehead in 2012. Since then, she has continued to teach her own classes while dreaming of creating a parenting community close to home. In November 2015, Sara became a mom to her little boy, Michael, and she welcomed her daughter Skylar in August 2018.
Sara holds a masters in Child Life & Family-Centered Care from Wheelock College in Boston in addition to a BA in Psychology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara. As a Certified Child life Specialist, Sara helped children and families cope with the trauma of hospitalization and assess each child's developmental needs at Shriners Hospital for Children, Floating Hospital at Tufts & Boston Medical Center. She is also very proud to be a certified playmaker with the Life is Good Playmakers organization. She can't wait to share and grow Marblehead Parenting with the families of the North Shore.
Co-Owner, Captain of Programming
Child Development Specialist
Teaches Child Development Classes
Sara always knew she wanted to work with young children. She discovered her passion for teaching babies, toddlers and their caregivers when she began working at Isis Parenting in Boston. She taught child development and art classes there before she and her husband, Jared, moved to his hometown of Marblehead in 2012. Since then, she has continued to teach her own classes while dreaming of creating a parenting community close to home. In November 2015, Sara became a mom to her little boy, Michael, and she welcomed her daughter Skylar in August 2018.
Sara holds a masters in Child Life & Family-Centered Care from Wheelock College in Boston in addition to a BA in Psychology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara. As a Certified Child life Specialist, Sara helped children and families cope with the trauma of hospitalization and assess each child's developmental needs at Shriners Hospital for Children, Floating Hospital at Tufts & Boston Medical Center. She is also very proud to be a certified playmaker with the Life is Good Playmakers organization. She can't wait to share and grow Marblehead Parenting with the families of the North Shore.
Carisa Cunningham BS PSY
Co-Owner
Tot Club Commodore
Carisa has a BS in Psychology and is originally from WI where she started babysitting at 11yrs old, was a summer nanny, and a lead behavioral therapist for the WI Early Autism Program. Indirectly, the psychology background ended up leading to 15+ years of experience in marketing, project management and business operations, which ultimately brought Carisa to Boston where she met her husband John.
After moving to Marblehead in 2012, Carisa became a small business “special projects” consultant to stay closer to home and focus on starting a family. When her son was born in 2016, Carisa felt the very real challenges of raising a family without her own family nearby and was grateful to have found the invaluable classes at Marblehead Parenting!
As a new mom and an entrepreneur at heart, Carisa daydreamed about creating a clean, baby/toddler safe space in our community where parents and caregivers could just get out of the house to meet up with others and build their own network of support. In her vision, that comfortable place was somewhere you could “come as you are”, whenever you (finally) happened to get there, and somewhere you could feel at home, but without needing to coordinate nap schedules, entertain someone, or clean up!
So naturally, when Sara mentioned she was looking for a larger space, Carisa reached out to see if joining forces might help make both of their dreams a reality!
Co-Owner
Tot Club Commodore
Carisa has a BS in Psychology and is originally from WI where she started babysitting at 11yrs old, was a summer nanny, and a lead behavioral therapist for the WI Early Autism Program. Indirectly, the psychology background ended up leading to 15+ years of experience in marketing, project management and business operations, which ultimately brought Carisa to Boston where she met her husband John.
After moving to Marblehead in 2012, Carisa became a small business “special projects” consultant to stay closer to home and focus on starting a family. When her son was born in 2016, Carisa felt the very real challenges of raising a family without her own family nearby and was grateful to have found the invaluable classes at Marblehead Parenting!
As a new mom and an entrepreneur at heart, Carisa daydreamed about creating a clean, baby/toddler safe space in our community where parents and caregivers could just get out of the house to meet up with others and build their own network of support. In her vision, that comfortable place was somewhere you could “come as you are”, whenever you (finally) happened to get there, and somewhere you could feel at home, but without needing to coordinate nap schedules, entertain someone, or clean up!
So naturally, when Sara mentioned she was looking for a larger space, Carisa reached out to see if joining forces might help make both of their dreams a reality!
The Teachers
Kelsey Madden, MA
Child Development & Babytime Classes
Kelsey has always loved working with young children. She started her professional career in high school as a camp counselor at an overnight camp, providing support and comfort to campers, and continued on track through college with several internships, providing therapeutic services for children, teens, adults, and families. She earned her Master of Arts in clinical counseling with an emphasis in couples and family therapy from the University of Northern Colorado. She completed her graduate internship on the child and family team at a community mental health agency in Colorado, providing individual, family and group therapy to clients from ages 3 and up. After graduating, Kelsey worked as a substance abuse treatment specialist at a behavioral healthcare service provider in Cambridge, MA. Part of her work in Cambridge involved developing and implementing parenting groups for mothers, babies and toddlers.
Originally from west suburban Boston, Kelsey fell in love with the North Shore area, and she is very happy to be a part of the Marblehead Parenting community. She lives with her husband and two kids in Swampscott, MA.
Child Development & Babytime Classes
Kelsey has always loved working with young children. She started her professional career in high school as a camp counselor at an overnight camp, providing support and comfort to campers, and continued on track through college with several internships, providing therapeutic services for children, teens, adults, and families. She earned her Master of Arts in clinical counseling with an emphasis in couples and family therapy from the University of Northern Colorado. She completed her graduate internship on the child and family team at a community mental health agency in Colorado, providing individual, family and group therapy to clients from ages 3 and up. After graduating, Kelsey worked as a substance abuse treatment specialist at a behavioral healthcare service provider in Cambridge, MA. Part of her work in Cambridge involved developing and implementing parenting groups for mothers, babies and toddlers.
Originally from west suburban Boston, Kelsey fell in love with the North Shore area, and she is very happy to be a part of the Marblehead Parenting community. She lives with her husband and two kids in Swampscott, MA.
Marcy Yellin, B.S.E., Therapeutic Recreation
Magic Moments
Marcia (Marcy) Yellin developed a passion for music as a young girl in Queens, NY. With a degree in Education, specializing in Activities Therapy, Marcy motivates and inspires children to learn and development socially and emotionally through music. Through grants provided by the Lappin Foundation, Marcy is delighting nursery school children throughout the North Shore with her music programs, now well known as "Music with Marcy." Recently the program has expanded to include area Hebrew schools, the Integrated Preschool in Peabody, and inter-generational programs between nursery schools and the Aviv Center for the Living where Marcy can be found entertaining the seniors on a regular basis.
Marcy loves the community of children and nourishing souls through music & song!
Magic Moments
Marcia (Marcy) Yellin developed a passion for music as a young girl in Queens, NY. With a degree in Education, specializing in Activities Therapy, Marcy motivates and inspires children to learn and development socially and emotionally through music. Through grants provided by the Lappin Foundation, Marcy is delighting nursery school children throughout the North Shore with her music programs, now well known as "Music with Marcy." Recently the program has expanded to include area Hebrew schools, the Integrated Preschool in Peabody, and inter-generational programs between nursery schools and the Aviv Center for the Living where Marcy can be found entertaining the seniors on a regular basis.
Marcy loves the community of children and nourishing souls through music & song!
Lindsey Kravitz Olson, BA Elementary Education
Yoga Instructor
Lindsey was an elementary school teacher for 10 years and is the mother of three young children. She was certified to teach children’s yoga from Childlight Yoga in 2016 and subsequently certified to teach infant and young toddler yoga in 2017. Lindsey teaches yoga and mindfulness to children in various sites in and around Marblehead. Through working with children and teaching yoga, she loves helping them learn about themselves and their bodies to develop an overall sense of well-being. As a teacher, she strives to help her students find joy and playfulness in yoga, which she hopes they can carry into adolescence and beyond. Lindsey is a former elementary school teacher and mother of three young children. She was certified to teach children’s yoga from Childlight Yoga in 2016 and subsequently certified to teach infant and young toddler yoga in 2017. Lindsey teaches yoga and mindfulness to children in various sites in and around Marblehead. Through working with children and teaching yoga, she loves helping them learn about themselves and their bodies to develop an overall sense of well-being. As a teacher, she strives to help her students find joy and playfulness in yoga, which she hopes they can carry into adolescence and beyond.
Yoga Instructor
Lindsey was an elementary school teacher for 10 years and is the mother of three young children. She was certified to teach children’s yoga from Childlight Yoga in 2016 and subsequently certified to teach infant and young toddler yoga in 2017. Lindsey teaches yoga and mindfulness to children in various sites in and around Marblehead. Through working with children and teaching yoga, she loves helping them learn about themselves and their bodies to develop an overall sense of well-being. As a teacher, she strives to help her students find joy and playfulness in yoga, which she hopes they can carry into adolescence and beyond. Lindsey is a former elementary school teacher and mother of three young children. She was certified to teach children’s yoga from Childlight Yoga in 2016 and subsequently certified to teach infant and young toddler yoga in 2017. Lindsey teaches yoga and mindfulness to children in various sites in and around Marblehead. Through working with children and teaching yoga, she loves helping them learn about themselves and their bodies to develop an overall sense of well-being. As a teacher, she strives to help her students find joy and playfulness in yoga, which she hopes they can carry into adolescence and beyond.
Abbi Lione, BA Art Education, Certified K-12 Art Teacher
Toddler & Preschool Art
Abbi spent ten years teaching pre-k through 1st grade at an after school program at the Lawrence School in Brookline, as well as taking on the role as assistant director for the pre-k through sixth grade program. Abbi has since moved to Marblehead and taken on the role of stay at home mom to her two boys. A certified K-12 art teacher, Abbi’s passion is drawing and painting, she loves fostering children’s creativity and imagination. She believes in focusing on the process rather than the final product and provides her students with the materials to explore, create and express themselves. Abbi has had a passion for Art since she was little, and realized in college her love for art could best be put to use in a teaching position. Once out of college, Abbi taught ski school to 3 year olds, then worked at Beacon Hill Nursery School in Boston and fell in love with teaching young children. Since then, Abbi has continued to work with preschool and elementary aged children, in a wide variety of settings. She loves their limitless imaginations, curiosity and desire to explore. She has a Bachelors degree in Art Education from the University of Vermont. Abbi has exhibited her own artwork in shows in Boston and the suburbs and now finds that most of her art is created with her young boys!
Toddler & Preschool Art
Abbi spent ten years teaching pre-k through 1st grade at an after school program at the Lawrence School in Brookline, as well as taking on the role as assistant director for the pre-k through sixth grade program. Abbi has since moved to Marblehead and taken on the role of stay at home mom to her two boys. A certified K-12 art teacher, Abbi’s passion is drawing and painting, she loves fostering children’s creativity and imagination. She believes in focusing on the process rather than the final product and provides her students with the materials to explore, create and express themselves. Abbi has had a passion for Art since she was little, and realized in college her love for art could best be put to use in a teaching position. Once out of college, Abbi taught ski school to 3 year olds, then worked at Beacon Hill Nursery School in Boston and fell in love with teaching young children. Since then, Abbi has continued to work with preschool and elementary aged children, in a wide variety of settings. She loves their limitless imaginations, curiosity and desire to explore. She has a Bachelors degree in Art Education from the University of Vermont. Abbi has exhibited her own artwork in shows in Boston and the suburbs and now finds that most of her art is created with her young boys!
Diana Aniello, M.Ed.
New Moms Group Leader
Diana is a local mom who holds a B.S. in Psychology and Education & M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Child Development and is Massachusetts Teacher Certified. Her career has been spent educating, supporting and caring for young children and families. She brings experience from her many years as an early childhood educator, nanny, child and family counselor, and most recently, as a mother of three boys. She has a passion for the ages from birth to five years old and supporting parents in the early stages. After having her children, Diana realized that despite having the education and child development background, the personal experience of parenting and the support from other parents was just as important as her education in gaining the confidence to navigate this new experience successfully. This is why she is thrilled to be joining the Marblehead Parenting community to share her knowledge and offer the same support to families.
New Moms Group Leader
Diana is a local mom who holds a B.S. in Psychology and Education & M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Child Development and is Massachusetts Teacher Certified. Her career has been spent educating, supporting and caring for young children and families. She brings experience from her many years as an early childhood educator, nanny, child and family counselor, and most recently, as a mother of three boys. She has a passion for the ages from birth to five years old and supporting parents in the early stages. After having her children, Diana realized that despite having the education and child development background, the personal experience of parenting and the support from other parents was just as important as her education in gaining the confidence to navigate this new experience successfully. This is why she is thrilled to be joining the Marblehead Parenting community to share her knowledge and offer the same support to families.
Heather Wish
Lil Chef’s Club
Through teaching kids to cook, Heather is able to combine both of her true passions: early childhood education and culinary arts. After graduating from Bowdoin College in Maine, Heather attended The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts to peruse a live long dream of going to culinary school. For several years, Heather worked as a pastry cook in restaurants and as a private chef and caterer, until she found a position at Create a Cook in Newton as a culinary instructor. There Heather taught cooking classes to children ages 3 to 16 and also developed the curriculum for the kid’s cooking program for many years. Currently, Heather is concentrating on getting into local preschool classrooms and other education venues to expose young children to the joys of cooking with real, whole food ingredients. She also has a popular Instagram page where she shares healthy recipes and ideas for cooking with your kids at home. Follow her at @heather_kidskitchen.
Heather lives in Swampscott with her husband Kyle and two young sons.
Lil Chef’s Club
Through teaching kids to cook, Heather is able to combine both of her true passions: early childhood education and culinary arts. After graduating from Bowdoin College in Maine, Heather attended The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts to peruse a live long dream of going to culinary school. For several years, Heather worked as a pastry cook in restaurants and as a private chef and caterer, until she found a position at Create a Cook in Newton as a culinary instructor. There Heather taught cooking classes to children ages 3 to 16 and also developed the curriculum for the kid’s cooking program for many years. Currently, Heather is concentrating on getting into local preschool classrooms and other education venues to expose young children to the joys of cooking with real, whole food ingredients. She also has a popular Instagram page where she shares healthy recipes and ideas for cooking with your kids at home. Follow her at @heather_kidskitchen.
Heather lives in Swampscott with her husband Kyle and two young sons.
Debbie Leibowitz, BS Early Childhood Education
Preschool Education Classes
Debbie knew from the age of 4 that she wanted to be a teacher, and years later she continues living out that dream! She is a graduate of Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, and is Director II certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. She is a local early childhood educator and is constantly creating exciting enrichment classes for children at school and in the community. Debbie’s intent is to always challengeand motivate children to not only enjoy their learning, but she tailors her teaching so her students can take their learning ‘out into the real world’, making it so very
relevant and meaningful to them. Debbie and her husband, Len, grew up in Marblehead and still reside here. Having raised 3 children, they are now in the Lucky Grandparent Club with their 4
grandchildren. A most favorite part of her teaching life is when she sees children from her classes at local places like ice cream shops, beaches, playgrounds and community events, and
they smile, hug, and chat about the different things they ‘have learned together’!
Preschool Education Classes
Debbie knew from the age of 4 that she wanted to be a teacher, and years later she continues living out that dream! She is a graduate of Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, and is Director II certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. She is a local early childhood educator and is constantly creating exciting enrichment classes for children at school and in the community. Debbie’s intent is to always challengeand motivate children to not only enjoy their learning, but she tailors her teaching so her students can take their learning ‘out into the real world’, making it so very
relevant and meaningful to them. Debbie and her husband, Len, grew up in Marblehead and still reside here. Having raised 3 children, they are now in the Lucky Grandparent Club with their 4
grandchildren. A most favorite part of her teaching life is when she sees children from her classes at local places like ice cream shops, beaches, playgrounds and community events, and
they smile, hug, and chat about the different things they ‘have learned together’!
Consultants:
Vanessa Quick, Human Development and Learning/Special Education (LD, ID and ED)
Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Well Rested Baby
Email: vhquick@gmail.com
Vanessa's passion for teaching children started at a young age and her desire to teach children has never stropped growing. She is a graduate of Lynchburg College in Virginia, where she holds a degree in Human Development and Learning, with an emphasis in Special Education in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities. Vanessa was a classroom teacher in an elementary school for nine years and has taught a wide range of students and abilities. She loves learning from and getting to know each individual child.
Vanessa grew up in Marblehead, and recently moved back to town with her husband and two young children after living in the Washington DC area. She has recently become a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant with Well Rested Baby, and is extremely excited to be working with the children and families of Marblehead!
Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Well Rested Baby
Email: vhquick@gmail.com
Vanessa's passion for teaching children started at a young age and her desire to teach children has never stropped growing. She is a graduate of Lynchburg College in Virginia, where she holds a degree in Human Development and Learning, with an emphasis in Special Education in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities. Vanessa was a classroom teacher in an elementary school for nine years and has taught a wide range of students and abilities. She loves learning from and getting to know each individual child.
Vanessa grew up in Marblehead, and recently moved back to town with her husband and two young children after living in the Washington DC area. She has recently become a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant with Well Rested Baby, and is extremely excited to be working with the children and families of Marblehead!
