About Us
Hills & Falls strives to provide a quality play-based education in a safe, diverse and nurturing environment with the support of a strong and cohesive parent/guardian and teacher community.
Mission / Goals
• Support the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of children while readying them for kindergarten or their next experience.
• Provide the foundations of academic learning and skill development by engaging children in a variety of fun, hands-on opportunities that foster creative thinking and problem solving.
• Ensure educators have the knowledge, tools, materials and support necessary to meet the needs of our children and have the ability to engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection.
• Partner with parents/guardians in the care and education of their children.
• Embrace diversity and foster an environment in which differences are respected and appreciated.
• Treat all members of our community with care and compassion and encourage open, reflective and supportive communication.
Guiding Principles
In working with children in the classroom, our director, educators and parent/guardian helpers are guided by the following principles:
​
• Foster a love of learning.
​
• Understand that each child is unique.
​
• Observe and gain insight into each child’s individual strengths and provide the tools needed for individual growth, including outside resources when necessary.
​
• Help children understand and appreciate the diversity of people and perspectives in our society by integrating exposure to differences of race, ethnicity, class, gender, family structure, and ability into our curriculum.
We are committed to remaining informed and up-to-date with the latest developments, techniques, and standards in early childhood education.
Programs
Bunny
3 Year old
9:00 am
Arrive at School
​
9:10 - 9:15 am
Morning Circle
​
9:15 - 10:30 am
Open Play and Activity Time
10:30 - 10:40 am
Clean Up
10:40 - 10:55 am
Group Time
10:55 - 11:15 am
Wash Up and Snack
11:15 - 12:00 pm
Playground Time
12:00 pm
Dismissal
Dino
4 Year old
9:00 am
Arrive at School
​
9:10 - 9:45 am
Playground Time
​
9:45 - 10:10 am
Wash Up and Snack
10:10 - 10:30 am
Group Time
10:30 - 11:30 am
Activity Time
11:30 - 11:40 am
Clean Up
11:40 - 12:00 pm
Story and Playground Time
12:00 pm
Dismissal
Rainbow
5 Year old
9:00 am
Arrive at School
​
9:10 - 9:30 am
Playground Time
​
9:30 - 10:30 am
Group Time and Activity Time
10:30 - 11:00 am
Wash Up and Snack
​
11:00 - 11:30 am
Group Time, Calendar
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Playground Time
12:00 pm
Dismissal
Extra Cares
Hills & Falls offers five different opportunities for extra care services in order to meet the needs of our community.
Early Bird Program
What?
Early Bird is an early morning program where children are in a mixed-age group. The program offers a free play period in the morning before school starts.
When?
Early Bird program runs Monday through Friday mornings from 8:00-9:00am. Advanced sign-up of 24 hours is required for 8:00am drop-off; advanced sign-up is NOT required for 8:30am drop-off.
Late Bird Program
What?
Late Bird is an early afternoon program where children are in a mixed-age group. The program offers a free play period on the playground (or inside in inclement weather) immediately after the regular school day ends.
When?
Late Bird runs Monday through Friday afternoons from 12:00-12:30pm. Advanced sign-up is not required.
Stay Day Program
What?
Stay Day is a fun-filled afternoon program where children are in a mixed-age group. Each weekday has a specific theme from cooking to STEM based projects to arts & crafts. Children bring a nut-free lunch.
When?
Advanced sign-up is required and drop-ins are welcome based on space availability. Program offers a 2:00pm or 3:00pm pick-up option.
Fun Friday
What?
Fun Friday is a fun-filled afternoon program where children are in a mixed-age group. Teachers plan a different theme for each Fun Friday. Possible themes include: tie-dye day, pajama party, luau.
When?
Fun Friday program runs several Friday afternoons during the school year. Children may be enrolled for some or all of the Fridays. Te program runs from 12:00-2:00pm and children bring a nut-free lunch. Advanced sign-up is required.
Teachers
Melissa Decina
Director
We are thrilled to have Melissa serving as Director. Melissa previously served as Lead Teacher in the Rainbow and Dino class after joining Hills & Falls in 2007. She has worked with young children since 1994, as both a preschool teacher, at Hanscom Air Force Base, and as a director of a childcare center. Melissa holds an Early Childhood degree from Middlesex Community College. Melissa is excited to return, stating, “It’s the wonderful staff and community that attracts me to Hills & Falls. All of us truly love what we do and are very supportive of each other.”
Mary Ann Wilson
Teacher
Bunny Class
Mary Ann spent 29 years teaching early childhood education prior to joining Hills & Falls in 2016. After 13 years in the Newton Public Schools, she pursued a role as lead preschool teacher in 2000. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Mary Ann is passionate about play based curriculum and loves watching children explore, identify, negotiate and take risks. When not teaching, Mary Ann is busy with her three children and enjoys cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots!
Rebecca Girouard
Teacher
Bunny Class
Rebecca joined Hills and Falls in September 2022, working alongside Mary Ann in the Bunny class. Rebecca has been teaching both three and four year old children in Wellesley since 2013. She became lead teacher certified in 2018. Rebecca enjoys teaching young children and supporting their development throughout the school year. When not at the Hills and Falls, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching her two teenagers play sports, and taking long walks.
Anne-Marie Hayden
Teacher
Dino Class
Anne-Marie has built a career teaching in a variety of school settings in both Great Britain and the U.S. When she became a mom, she took time off to raise her children. Eager to return to teaching, Anne-Marie was drawn to the caring and supportive community at Hills & Falls. In 2013, she joined as a teacher in the five-year-old class and transitioned to Lead Teacher of the four-year-old class in 2016. Anne-Marie’s favorite part of teaching is sharing in the curiosity & eagerness that children bring to new experiences.
Ally Leipzeig
Teacher
Bunny Class
Ally joined Hills & Falls in October 2017 as an assistant teacher in the Dino class. Ally has deep roots at our school, having attended as a child. Her mother, Nancy, has served as a regular substitute teacher at Hills & Falls for many years. Ally graduated in 2014 from the University of Redland, where she played lacrosse. Her passion for the sport has persisted as she currently coaches the Newton South High School JV lacrosse team. Ally’s favorite sports team is the Celtics and her favorite TV show is Top Chef.
Susan Wolff
Teacher
Rainbow Class
Susan began her preschool teaching career many years ago right here at Hills and Falls, after receiving her BA in English from The College of the Holy Cross and her MS in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. After taking time off to raise her three children (all of whom attended Hills and Falls!), she returned to teaching preschool. Susan is thrilled to be back home at Hills and Falls, a place that shaped her as a teacher and as a parent and that confirmed her belief that children learn best through play in a warm, safe, supportive environment. In her spare time, Susan loves to spend time with her family and friends at her cottage in Maine, to read, and to take long walks in the woods with her dog, George.
Erin Comella
Teacher
Rainbow Class
Erin joined Hills & Falls as an assistant teacher in the four-year-old Dino class class and will transition to assistant teacher in our Rainbow class for the 2020-2021 school year. However, she is a familiar face at school, given three of her four children attended Hills & Falls. She has been an active member of the school’s community for many years. Erin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Boston College and prior to starting her family, worked as a social worker. In her free time, Erin enjoys running, reading and yoga.
About Us
Hills & Falls strives to provide a quality play-based education in a safe, diverse and nurturing environment with the support of a strong and cohesive parent/guardian and teacher community.
Mission / Goals
• Support the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of children while readying them for kindergarten or their next experience.
• Provide the foundations of academic learning and skill development by engaging children in a variety of fun, hands-on opportunities that foster creative thinking and problem solving.
• Ensure educators have the knowledge, tools, materials and support necessary to meet the needs of our children and have the ability to engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection.
• Partner with parents/guardians in the care and education of their children.
• Embrace diversity and foster an environment in which differences are respected and appreciated.
• Treat all members of our community with care and compassion and encourage open, reflective and supportive communication.
Guiding Principles
In working with children in the classroom, our director, educators and parent/guardian helpers are guided by the following principles:
​
• Foster a love of learning.
​
• Understand that each child is unique.
​
• Observe and gain insight into each child’s individual strengths and provide the tools needed for individual growth, including outside resources when necessary.
​
• Help children understand and appreciate the diversity of people and perspectives in our society by integrating exposure to differences of race, ethnicity, class, gender, family structure, and ability into our curriculum.
We are committed to remaining informed and up-to-date with the latest developments, techniques, and standards in early childhood education.
Programs
Bunny
3 Year old
9:00 am
Arrive at School
​
9:10 - 9:15 am
Morning Circle
​
9:15 - 10:30 am
Open Play and Activity Time
10:30 - 10:40 am
Clean Up
10:40 - 10:55 am
Group Time
10:55 - 11:15 am
Wash Up and Snack
11:15 - 12:00 pm
Playground Time
12:00 pm
Dismissal
Dino
4 Year old
9:00 am
Arrive at School
​
9:10 - 9:45 am
Playground Time
​
9:45 - 10:10 am
Wash Up and Snack
10:10 - 10:30 am
Group Time
10:30 - 11:30 am
Activity Time
11:30 - 11:40 am
Clean Up
11:40 - 12:00 pm
Story and Playground Time
12:00 pm
Dismissal
Rainbow
5 Year old
9:00 am
Arrive at School
​
9:10 - 9:30 am
Playground Time
​
9:30 - 10:30 am
Group Time and Activity Time
10:30 - 11:00 am
Wash Up and Snack
​
11:00 - 11:30 am
Group Time, Calendar
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Playground Time
12:00 pm
Dismissal
Extra Cares
Hills & Falls offers five different opportunities for extra care services in order to meet the needs of our community.
Early Bird Program
What?
Early Bird is an early morning program where children are in a mixed-age group. The program offers a free play period in the morning before school starts.
When?
Early Bird program runs Monday through Friday mornings from 8:00-9:00am. Advanced sign-up of 24 hours is required for 8:00am drop-off; advanced sign-up is NOT required for 8:30am drop-off.
Late Bird Program
What?
Late Bird is an early afternoon program where children are in a mixed-age group. The program offers a free play period on the playground (or inside in inclement weather) immediately after the regular school day ends.
When?
Late Bird runs Monday through Friday afternoons from 12:00-12:30pm. Advanced sign-up is not required.
Stay Day Program
What?
Stay Day is a fun-filled afternoon program where children are in a mixed-age group. Each weekday has a specific theme from cooking to STEM based projects to arts & crafts. Children bring a nut-free lunch.
When?
Advanced sign-up is required and drop-ins are welcome based on space availability. Program offers a 2:00pm or 3:00pm pick-up option.
Fun Friday
What?
Fun Friday is a fun-filled afternoon program where children are in a mixed-age group. Teachers plan a different theme for each Fun Friday. Possible themes include: tie-dye day, pajama party, luau.
When?
Fun Friday program runs several Friday afternoons during the school year. Children may be enrolled for some or all of the Fridays. Te program runs from 12:00-2:00pm and children bring a nut-free lunch. Advanced sign-up is required.
Teachers
Melissa Decina
Director
We are thrilled to have Melissa serving as Director. Melissa previously served as Lead Teacher in the Rainbow and Dino class after joining Hills & Falls in 2007. She has worked with young children since 1994, as both a preschool teacher, at Hanscom Air Force Base, and as a director of a childcare center. Melissa holds an Early Childhood degree from Middlesex Community College. Melissa is excited to return, stating, “It’s the wonderful staff and community that attracts me to Hills & Falls. All of us truly love what we do and are very supportive of each other.”
Mary Ann Wilson
Teacher
Bunny Class
Mary Ann spent 29 years teaching early childhood education prior to joining Hills & Falls in 2016. After 13 years in the Newton Public Schools, she pursued a role as lead preschool teacher in 2000. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Mary Ann is passionate about play based curriculum and loves watching children explore, identify, negotiate and take risks. When not teaching, Mary Ann is busy with her three children and enjoys cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots!
Ally Leipzeig
Teacher
Bunny Class
Ally joined Hills & Falls in October 2017 as an assistant teacher in the Dino class. Ally has deep roots at our school, having attended as a child. Her mother, Nancy, has served as a regular substitute teacher at Hills & Falls for many years. Ally graduated in 2014 from the University of Redland, where she played lacrosse. Her passion for the sport has persisted as she currently coaches the Newton South High School JV lacrosse team. Ally’s favorite sports team is the Celtics and her favorite TV show is Top Chef.
Anne-Marie Hayden
Teacher
Dino Class
Anne-Marie has built a career teaching in a variety of school settings in both Great Britain and the U.S. When she became a mom, she took time off to raise her children. Eager to return to teaching, Anne-Marie was drawn to the caring and supportive community at Hills & Falls. In 2013, she joined as a teacher in the five-year-old class and transitioned to Lead Teacher of the four-year-old class in 2016. Anne-Marie’s favorite part of teaching is sharing in the curiosity & eagerness that children bring to new experiences.
Susan Wolff
Teacher
Rainbow Class
Susan began her preschool teaching career many years ago right here at Hills and Falls, after receiving her BA in English from The College of the Holy Cross and her MS in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. After taking time off to raise her three children (all of whom attended Hills and Falls!), she returned to teaching preschool. Susan is thrilled to be back home at Hills and Falls, a place that shaped her as a teacher and as a parent and that confirmed her belief that children learn best through play in a warm, safe, supportive environment. In her spare time, Susan loves to spend time with her family and friends at her cottage in Maine, to read, and to take long walks in the woods with her dog, George.
Erin Comella
Teacher
Rainbow Class
Erin joined Hills & Falls as an assistant teacher in the four-year-old Dino class class and will transition to assistant teacher in our Rainbow class for the 2020-2021 school year. However, she is a familiar face at school, given three of her four children attended Hills & Falls. She has been an active member of the school’s community for many years. Erin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Boston College and prior to starting her family, worked as a social worker. In her free time, Erin enjoys running, reading and yoga.
Melissa Decina
Director
We are thrilled to have Melissa serving as Director. Melissa previously served as Lead Teacher in the Rainbow and Dino class after joining Hills & Falls in 2007. She has worked with young children since 1994, as both a preschool teacher, at Hanscom Air Force Base, and as a director of a childcare center. Melissa holds an Early Childhood degree from Middlesex Community College. Melissa is excited to return, stating, “It’s the wonderful staff and community that attracts me to Hills & Falls. All of us truly love what we do and are very supportive of each other.”