Meet our teachers!
Dulin's teachers are degreed, seasoned professionals with years of experience in the classroom who possess a special rapport with very young children. They not only meet but exceed the state licensing requirements for early childhood educators. Our parent Board of Directors is directly responsible for staffing and salary decisions.
Dulin teachers participate in yearly training and enrichment, confer regularly with a child-development specialist, and are First Aid- and CPR-certified.
Our teachers have a unique understanding of the importance of communication with parents, working alongside families to ensure that our children experience the best possible introduction to school during their years at Dulin. In fact, all of our current teaching staff have also been Dulin Preschool parents!
Emily Donovan, 3s and Teacher-Director
Mrs. Donovan may be our new Teacher-Director — but she isn't new to our school. A Dulin parent since 2006, Mrs. Donovan accepted the additional roles of teacher and director in 2008, teaching the 3s as well as working with her fellow teachers, the Board, the church, and the entire preschool membership.
Mrs. Donovan has lived in Falls Church her whole life, venturing only to Harrisonburg for college at James Madison University, where she earned degrees in early childhood education and English. She taught at St. James and in Fairfax County before beginning a stint as a stay-at-home mom. She, her children, and husband Mike live in her late grandmother's house — and next door to her parents in the house where she grew up.
When not at Dulin (and between teaching, co-oping, and directing, that's not often!), Mrs. Donovan enjoys reading, gardening, going to the Maine coast to visit family, and playing outside. "I wanted to work at Dulin because of the amazing experience we have had here," Mrs. Donovan says. "I love the parent involvement. It gives you a view of your child's development that you only get by being in the classroom. I also am a firm believer in the play-based curriculum. Dulin does an incredible job of working with each child to help him or her figure out his or her place in our world."
Jennifer Miller, 4s
Mrs. Miller has been teaching at Dulin Preschool since 2000. She received a degree in early-childhood education from Marymount University and taught for several years at Marymount's preschool and kindergarten, then at a Burke preschool.
Mrs. Miller enjoyed a three-year stint at home with her sons Brett and Dulin grad Joe during which time she became involved with a cooperative preschool and found she appreciated parental involvement in the classroom. A teaching position at Dulin ended up being a perfect fit! The Miller family, which includes husband Ray, the boys, and little sister Alison, lives in Falls Church.
Jackie Bossart, 3/4s
Mrs. Bossart joined Dulin's staff as teacher aide in 2007 and was excited to take on the 3/4s in 2008! She first became involved with Dulin Preschool in 2003 while her daughter Hope was a student, and she was a substitute teacher until taking on her current post. She loves working with young children and believes Dulin is an exceptional preschool because of its philosophy in play-based learning and emphasis on parental involvement.
Mrs. Bossart holds degrees in German studies and international relations from the University of Michigan.
When not working at Dulin Preschool, Mrs. Bossart is actively involved in the Falls Church community as a Scout leader, substitute Sunday School teacher (also at Dulin), and PTA volunteer.
Gretchen Duffett, AM2s and PM2s
"The 2s are my favorite age group," says Mrs. Duffett. "It's such a good growing year!"
No one knows that more than Mrs. Duffett, who has been teaching our 2s since 2007. When Mrs. Pammi, our longtime 2s teacher, was called to India on family matters, Mrs. Duffett jumped right in and has been a fixture in the 2s classes ever since. We are so happy she's part of the team!
Mrs. Duffett hails from the Philadelphia area and has a degree in education from Lynchburg University.
She came to Dulin starting in 2001, when her daughters attended, and was a substitute and Lunch Bunch teacher before signing on as 2s teacher. When Mrs. Duffett isn't telling stories and giving hugs to our 2s, she enjoys cooking and knitting.
Tina Spurlock, Aide
Tina grew up in DC and now lives in Fairfax with her husband Matt. She has four children ages 11,10, 7 and 5, and many pets. Her son Owen is a Dulin alum.
Holly Russell, Music
I found Dulin in 2002 after moving (back) to Virginia from Florida. My oldest two girls enrolled in the 2s and 4s for the 2002-2003 school year. All 4 of my daughters have since graduated from Dulin! I have often felt very blessed to be a part of the Dulin community.
This year will be my third teaching Enrichment, and my first as the official music teacher. I am so excited to start the year with your children! This summer, I participated in a music training program in New Jersey, and have many new ideas and songs to share.
My undergraduate degree is in Studio Art, I completed my Master’s of Education several years ago, and have since continued education in the areas of social and emotional child development, brain development, music therapy, cultural competence, and differences in abilities and learning styles.
Jennifer Gradle, Science
A biology grad from University of North Carolina, Jennifer Gradle shares her love of nature with her own young children. In the fall of 2003, Jennifer volunteered in her son's preschool class with science lessons. The school invited her to become its enrichment teacher for science — and Science Wonders was born!
Today, Science Wonders programs are enjoyed by more than 200 children monthly, promoting curiosity and encouraging discovery of the natural world. Science Wonders programs are designed to encourage young children to discover and explore our wonderful world. Topics change monthly and may include a fun study of the seasons, rocks, or insects, to name a few. A teacher-led discussion opens the class, with opportunities for sharing and learning from one another.
A variety of objects, models, posters, and puppets are used to promote the young child's curiosity. A hands-on activity wraps up the 30-minute class with a project to take home. Each child receives a Science Wonders Highlight summarizing the class, providing an opportunity for parents and children to share Science Wonders together.
