NCS Staff Biographies

New Country School

Staff Biographies

(Click on a program name to visit its page)

Jennifer Martel-Pettit
Elementary Teacher (Head Teacher)
B.A. Sociology with minor in Music, University of Southern Maine.
Advanced coursework in Child Development and Early Childhood Education.

Jennifer has been working in education as a teacher for 18 years as a nursery school and preschool teacher, NAEYC childcare teacher, teacher of young children with developmental needs, and within the public schools in special education. Jennifer is also a member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). Her special interests and talents include combining the areas of art, science and music for children, creative movement, child language development and literacy. She enjoys encouraging creative writing and storytelling by guiding children to develop their own ideas and imaginations. To Jennifer, childhood is a wondrous time filled with new ideas and "magic," and the role of a teacher or parent is to provide opportunities to discover, explore, play, imagine and create. Jennifer also has a background in music and is a member of several local choral groups and a past member of the University of Southern Maine's choral groups and concert band. She brings her musical background to the classroom in various ways as a tool for learning and universal enjoyment. She lives in Limerick with her husband Jerry, and 9-year-old daughter, Jane, who also attends NCS.

Heather Silvia
Early Childhood Education Teacher
B.A. Humanities with minor in Art History, Florida State University.

Heather worked in Social Services until having her first child had Zoe, who is now 7, and attends the NCS Elementary Program. She then owned her own business representing the disabled in court, fighting for Social Security Disability benefits. When Heather had her second child, Mariella, who is now 4 and attends the NCS Early Childhood Program, she closed her business and was a stay at home Mom/Teacher. In addition to teaching at NCS, she is also a Brownie Leader in Naples. She lives in North Bridgton with her husband, Doug, and their two daughters. Heather enjoys learning to knit, organic gardening, letterboxing with her kids, music and loves animals.

Ryan Lane
Before-Care/After-Care Teacher
B.A. History, University of Southern Maine

Ryan has 6 years experience working in the Human Services field working with people living with developmental disabilities. He has many talents and strengths working with children as well, as he is a father of a 6 year old daughter, Finn (who attends NCS Elementary). His hobbies and talents include, storytelling, juggling, Sudoku puzzles, music and playing the guitar, which he also brings to the before/aftercare classroom. He resides in Brownfield, and is the star attraction of our "After-Karaoke" program.

Leslee Hartwell
Yoga Instructor

Leslee lives in Hiram, with her husband and four children. A former home schooling mom, home school support leader and early childhood educator, she enjoys teaching children of all ages. Her love of yoga started seven years ago when she became a student of Hatha Yoga. She received her certification from Yoga Teacher Training, and began teaching at New Country School school in 2006. Her other experiences with " Yoga for Kids" are sessions held at several public libraries, the annual Portland Peace/Yoga Festival, and classes at the Maine Children's Museum in Portland. She teaches weekly classes at NCS, in both Elementary and early childhood classes, and believes children are natural to physical yoga. Along with yoga postures her " Yoga for Kids" classes incorporate, stillness, focus, and flexibility for both mind and body health. The classes are fun and age appropriate using song, movement and story, and the older kids enjoy learning Sanskrit, the original language of Yoga.