Dover Nursery School Staff

Preschoolers bring a smile to our faces. Our own children are well beyond these years and we have chosen to return to 3-5 year olds in a teaching capacity. Preschoolers are curious, open-minded and creative. As a result, teachable moments are frequent and rewarding. We work well as a team and it is delightful to work with students at DNS!

The student to staff ratio is six to one. Four teachers are available each day for twenty-four students. Parents appreciate four sets of eyes on their children and all teachers know each student. In addition, the staff is certified in CPR annually and in Pediatric First Aid every three years. Continual involvement in early education is required of each teacher through workshops, lectures, conferences and continuing education courses.

Staff Photo Shelley

Shelley Poulsen is the director, owner and a teacher in the classrooms at Dover Nursery School. She began advocating for children many years ago as a social worker and as a school committee member in Dover. After her children left the preschool, Shelley began teaching at DNS because she missed its magic. In 2004, she was given the opportunity to become the school’s fourth owner and she is grateful to her students, families, and her teachers for this wonderful school.



Staff Photo Gita

Gita Coutts is a lead teacher for the older students (pre-k) called the Bears. Gita has been a preschool educator for over a decade and has been at DNS for the past three. Gita’s teaching practices portray the success of introducing a curriculum concept to preschoolers and making it look and feel like play.



Staff Photo Nettie

Nettie Dillon is in her fourth year as a teacher at DNS. Her graduate work was in K-3 education and her son attended DNS. Nettie brings joy to the students and the classroom through her gentle and humorous style and through her creative approaches to teaching.



Staff Photo Sue

Sue Rogers is an assistant teacher who is in her second year at DNS and she works three days a week. Sue has a gift with young children, and combined with her creative wizardry, she makes many a school day merry at DNS.



Staff Photo Lizzie

Lizzie McIntire is an assistant teacher who began at DNS this year and she works three days a week. She comes to us as an artist with the heart of a teacher. Lizzie excels with one-on-one and small group relationships in the classroom.