Wendy Getchell joins JCA as Director of the Goldman Family Preschool

We are thrilled to announce that after a competitive, national search, Wendy Getchell will join the JCA as Director of the Goldman Family Preschool! Wendy comes to the JCA from Breakwater School, where she has been Director/Coordinator of early childhood Aftercare and Day Programs since June 2016. Wendy has a deep appreciation for the culture and ethos of the Goldman Family Preschool, and we know she will carry on the school’s legacy of service, kindness, and pedagogical excellence.

Wendy had her start in the arts, teaching and directing dance and theater productions with ages toddler through adults. Previously, she was Managing Director of Terpsicore Dance Inc., an early childhood teacher at Breakwater Learning School, and founder and director of Kids Creative: Moving Arts, an afterschool program that provided dance and physical arts for children of all abilities. Wendy is enthusiastic about working collaboratively with families and teachers to develop shared understandings and actions that advocate for the best interest of the child. She has a BA from the University of Southern Maine, served two years on the visiting committee for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the 2020 ECE Policy Leadership Program with MaineAEYC. Wendy enjoys running, nature walks, painting, crochet and is the proud parent of her daughter Egypt, who is currently a sophomore at Bennington College in Vermont.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this process! We know you will join us in warmly welcoming Wendy to the JCA. Her first day at the J will be June 21st, and we will host several virtual and in-person “meet and greet” opportunities with her during the summer for families and community members. As she assumes her role, Wendy will be supported by a strong network of education professionals locally and nationally through the JCCA as well as the mentorship of retiring director Mary Lilly and members of our wonderful hiring committee.