Lauren Holman
Director, Homestead at Lakewood Commons
I have been living in Vermont for the last seven months, having moved here from England at the end of 2024. I have been working in Early Education for nearly ten years, with experience across a range of age groups. My approach to teaching is grounded in the belief that every child should feel safe, valued and free to be themselves and I feel lucky to be a part of each child’s day, supporting their growth and learning through meaningful connections and shared moments.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and new puppy and exploring all that Vermont has to offer!
Ella Judge
Director, The Homestead Preschool Infant and Toddler School
I’ve had the honor and privilege of working professionally with young children since 2016. However, my love and passion for this work began growing when I was a child, inspired by my own mom, an infant/toddler teacher, and her passion for it as well. While I’m a New Hampshire native, I’ve spent time living in Vermont, Maine, and Arizona. I currently live in Winooski with my husband, Charlie, and our dog, Pria.
My approach to teaching is rooted in deep respect, kindness, and empathy for children. I center my practice around social-emotional learning, helping children build confidence, clearly communicate their wants and needs, and navigate developmental complexity with care. Above all, I’m so grateful to be a part of this beautiful community of educators who strive to create warm, inclusive classroom spaces that truly feel like home away from home, where every child feels safe and valued.
Kathleen Schaffner
Director, The Homestead Preschool
My love of teaching began in Merida, Venezuela, during my junior year abroad with St. Bonaventure University; I was an English tutor at a local primary school. After graduation, I traveled to Costa Rica to teach Kindergarten in a bilingual elementary school. In 1997, I came to the University of Vermont to earn my graduate degree in Elementary Education. My first teaching job was as a Title I Reading Specialist at the Warren School in Warren, Vermont. I went on to teach first through third grade at the Renaissance School for seven years. I moved on to Heartworks in Burlington to teach Pre-Kindergarten for three years before becoming the School Director, a position I held for ten years. I currently hold a Level II Elementary Educator’s License from the state of Vermont, and a Level I Early Childhood Director’s Credential.
In my free time I enjoy skiing, running, playing field hockey, reading, traveling, exploring all of Vermont, and spending time with my husband and two children.