Meet the Team

PNS is fortunate to have a team of experienced teachers with a deep, long-standing connection to the school. Our teachers hold advanced degrees in early childhood education and specialize in play-based learning that supports children’s social and emotional development. Most importantly, they have been part of the PNS community for many years—providing continuity, trust, and a strong sense of stability for children and families.

Kristen Mayo Patrice 

Teacher | joined PNS community in 1996

Kristen grew up in Newburyport, MA, and has a degree in early childhood education from Lesley University. A dedicated teacher with over 30 years of experience, Kristen first taught at PNS from 1996-2000. She took time off to have her two daughters and returned in 2007. Kristen strives to provide an environment where children can practice and develop social and emotional skills. She enjoys facilitating play interactions through storytelling/puppet play to foster children’s imagination and connection with peers.

She currently lives in Cambridge and loves spending time with her daughters, enjoys the outdoors, and being by the ocean. 

Favorite school tradition: making end of the year memory books and giving them out at the June potluck

Gretchen Fonda

Teacher | joined PNS community in 2016

Gretchen Fonda was a kindergarten teacher in New York City public and private schools. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Colgate University, where she majored in Sociology and Anthropology and minored in Education. Gretchen took a break from teaching to be home with her kids, Charlie and Weezy. When Gretchen moved to Cambridge and joined the PNS community, she became active as a parent, an Admissions Chair and a substitute teacher. With a background in progressive education, Gretchen fell in love with the school’s play-based philosophy and took on the role of teacher. She currently lives in Huron Village with her husband, two kids, and dog, Burke.

Favorite school tradition: when the kiddos make their own mailboxes and write notes and cards for their friends in February

Lynne Standish

Director | joined PNS community in 2015

Lynne Standish earned her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology & Management from the University of Rhode Island, followed by her MST in Adolescent Education (Science). She has worked in the fields of Science and/or Education for over 20 years. Her science teaching experience includes formal middle school and high school science classrooms as well as informal classroom settings at institutions such as the New England Aquarium and the Seacoast Science Center. Additionally, she has enjoyed being a part of the Parents’ Nursery School community for over ten years as both a parent and a staff member. She is passionate about the environment, education, volunteering, and caring for her two teenaged children. 

Favorite school tradition:  the butterfly parade in late spring

“To say our son has blossomed at PNS would be an understatement. The play-based structure has helped him to uncover a huge array of interests and to learn to always ask the next question about the world. He is deeply known and seen by the teachers at PNS.”

— The Huberlie Family

“We feel incredibly lucky to have found Parents’ Nursery School for our daughter. After moving to Cambridge from Switzerland, it meant a lot to find a place where she immediately felt comfortable and safe. The teachers are incredibly caring, and the sense of community among the families is truly special.”

— The Aydemir Family