Meet Nicole Yousefnia
Founder, Director, Educator/Guide
Qualifications
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Newburyport Youth Asset Builder Award 2023
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Master in Arts, Special Education
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Bachelor's in Science, Elementary Education with Science Focus
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Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher Certificate, Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies,
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Massachusetts Early Education and Care Family Child Care License
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Arts Integration Training, Kennedy Center for the Arts
Affiliations
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Eastern Region of Forest and Nature Schools
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Multicultural Families of the North Shore
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Various Homeschool groups in the North Shore and Seacoast
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Carriage Barn Equestrian Center
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Newburyport Differently Wired Parent Community
Testimonials
"Nicole has the uncanny ability to see things from both a child's perspective and through a highly educated and experienced child development expert's perspective simultaneously. She strikes the perfect balance of validating kids' feelings to obtain comfort and security while also challenging them to learn and grow."
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Dr. Shana Perrucci, Psy.d
Mom and Clinical Psychologist
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"Nicole is the best teacher I know. She is very knowledgeable, passionate, and extremely intuitive. She wants to truly understand any and every child. She will go an extra mile to provide your child with experience that feeds child's hands, heart and head. ""
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Silwia Willcox
Mom and Mindfulness and Nature Based Educator
We loved our time at Sweet Maple Grove and with Nicole. It was an affordable option and I loved the small group/nature setting. There is so much heart in this little preschool.
Stacey Kripp
Sweet Maple Alumni Mama
Nutritionist III at Vermont Dept. of Health
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SMG was an ideal setting for my daughter. Every week my daughter was excited to go to Ms. Nicole's yard, where her imagination thrived. She gained confidence in the woods, felt at peace in the idyllic setting, and absolutely loved visiting and caring for her imaginary woodland unicorn. Nicole is a thoughtful, caring and intentional educator. She creates a space where children thrive. SMG was such a special part of my daughter's early years. I highly recommend.
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Alison Pruna
Mom, Teacher, RPCV
"I have known Nicole for nearly twenty years as a Montessorian, a special educator, a community organizer, a mother, and a friend. Nicole recognizes each child's unique gifts and brings out the best in every person. Her creativity, tireless work ethic, and deep commitment to nurturing children and families is truly an inspiration!"
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Margaret Jarrell, M.Ed.
Mom and Elementary Director, Greenspring Montessori School Auxiliary Trainer in Montessori for Aging and Dementia, Association Montessori Internationale
Sweet Maple Grove provided our son with a safe space to learn to separate from his parents, gain independence, and grow as a little boy. He was able to successfully navigate the learning environment with extra time and support from both Nicole and extended drop-offs. By the end of the year he had gained new social skills and friends. He is now able to separate from us with different adults and feel safe. He is better able to manage his sensory processing from sticky materials to loud noises. He has also gain confidence and ability in his fine motor skills. By the end of the school year our son had grown in the a more confident and independent child.
Kirsten Paulson Neidhart
Sweet Maple Mama
Educator, Gymnastics Coach, Home-school mom, Entrepreneur, SMG Admin. Assistant​
"Nicole has an incredible presence with children. She truly sees them and understands their individual needs. Watching her interact with my two quirky kiddos is like a crash course in teaching - I pay close attention and pick up some skills along the way!"
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Sheila Reardon Spalding, MLIS
Mom, former Newburyport School Committee Member
and Outdoor Educator
Nicole is an avid learner, a trait that obviously spills over into her ever evolving program! She regularly implements new, research-based ideas to encourage a growth mindset in the children and creates novel environments/challenges for them to explore. Best of all, she shares countless resources with the community to promote success for all.
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Angela Anderegg
Mom and PhD. Neuroscience
I don’t have time to tell you all the things I like about ms. Nicole’s.
There’s like 10,000 things!”
Trip Vicente, age 5
Sweet Maple Grove Alumni
Teaching Experiences
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Homeschool mom to and advocate for two amazing bi-cultural children
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​CFCE Early Childhood Advisory Committee
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Registered Behavior Therapist
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Lead teacher in Montessori toddler program
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Public school Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher
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U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer
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