Overview

In 2002, the US federal government launched an early literacy initiative called Good Start, Grow Smart. Administration saw that not all children received adequate early experiences and with this initiative, sought to “help States and local communities strengthen early learning for young children to ensure that young children are equipped with the skills they need to start school ready to learn” (White House, 2002). From this initiative sprouted “Early Reading First”, a national grant given to high-quality preschool programs and their partners to prove that superior early literacy programs could lead to Centers of Educational Excellence which graduate young children with the resources they need to succeed in school.

Little Sprouts has received national recognition from the U.S. Department of Education for the quality of our programs, having been named a Preschool Center of Educational Excellence and awarded the prestigious Early Reading First Grant two times, once in September 2003 for $1.5M and again in September 2006 for $3.49M. Our commitment to quality extends far beyond our curriculum, encompassing the entire Little Sprouts community: children, staff, families, licensors, accreditors, public agencies, our colleagues in early education, and the cities and towns we serve. We are committed to creating socially responsible intentional communities to enrich the lives of all we touch.

Meghan McGinley Crowe
Executive Director of Literacy

I've been with Little Sprouts since: 1998. Since then I've been a counselor at Big Sprouts Summer Camp, a Toddler and Preschool float, an Assistant Director, and Executive Director of School Age Programming. I've also directed the out-of-school youth programming and taught Adult Basic Education courses. I've been leading our literacy projects since 2003.

My educational background is: Bachelor's of Science degree in Geology and Child Development from Tufts University. Master's of Education, specializing in Early Literacy and Literature from Cambridge College.

Fun facts about me: My favorite hobby is playing games. All games! I love games like Texas Hold'em, Cranium, Balderdash and Risk and obscure games like Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride. In my spare time I spend time playing with my two pug dogs and reading, especially science-fiction, dystopian novels, and young adult literature. A fun fact about me is that I love to travel and have visited Ireland and Iceland (both twice!), England, and Russia!

I can be contacted: at Methuen @ Valley Office Park; mcrowe@littlesprouts.com

Nicole Andrea
Early Literacy Mentor and Coach

I've been with Little Sprouts since: 2003.  I started as the Mixed Age teacher and have since been promoted to the Associate Director. 

My educational background is: Bachelor's Degree in Early Education from Fitchburg State.  I'm planning on beginning my Master's Degree later this year. 

Fun facts about me: I have 2 nieces and a nephew and love to spend time with them as well as my friends and family. I also love to golf with my husband and spend time at the beach.

I can be contacted: at Haverhill @ Northern Essex Community College; nandrea@littlesprouts.com

Laurie Medrek

I've been with Little Sprouts since: November, 2007

My educational background is: I have been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 10 years, both as a teacher and an Education Coordinator.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and am licensed through the Department of Education 1st -6th grade and through DEEC Director II.  I have taken several courses at Fitchburg State College towards my Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist. 

Fun facts about me: I have twin boys who are 15 and a daughter who is 12.  My family and I love spending time together riding bikes, hiking at Mount Watchusett and walking our dog.

I can be contacted: at Lowell @ Cross Point Towers; lmedrek@littlesprouts.com

Kathy Hughes
Early Literacy Mentor and Coach

I've been with Little Sprouts since: December 2006.  

My educational background is: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Merrimack College and member of Psi Chi. My graduate studies have been at Tufts University, in the School of Psychology, and most recently I am completing a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from Salem State. I am a State of Massachusetts licensed teacher in preschool through grade 2.

Fun facts about me: My favorite place to vacation is Disney World; I love the enchantment. I spend my free time with my husband and three children. Most likely, we'll be at one sporting event or another. Otherwise, I love to read and do Sudoku puzzles.

I can be contacted: at Methuen @ Valley Office Park

Jennifer Brackett
Literacy Intervention Specialist

I've been with Little Sprouts since: November 2006. 

My educational background is: Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Service/Counseling from Lesley College and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. I have been in the field for 22 years.

Fun facts about me: I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, reading, and vacationing with my husband. My favorite place to visit is Disney World.

I can be contacted: at Haverhill @ Northern Essex Community College

Jessica Todisco
Community Outreach Specialist

I've been with Little Sprouts since: December 2006

My educational background is: I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Early Education from St. Joseph's College of Maine. I am Director II EEC certified and I have been in the educational field since 2003.

Fun facts about me: I enjoy all and any type of adventurous sports. I have been bungy jumping, white water rafting, rock climbing, snow boarding and caving. On my free time I am usually doing one of these activities along with looking for any other "crazy" sport to try.

I can be contacted: at Methuen @ Valley Office Park; jtodisco@littlesprouts.com