MSCC Staff

Kathleen McKersie, Director

Kathleen’s roots are right here in Cumberland, where she attended Middle/High School. Kathleen then went on to graduate from College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor with a focus in child development, human studies, and nonprofit management.

Before Kathleen joined our team, she was Co-Directing a nonprofit in Portland, and is excited to take her knowledge and experience and apply it to Directing MSCC!

In her free time, Kathleen loves to sew, cook, spend time outdoors, and spend time with her family and friends.

Kelsey Chagnon: Pre-K Teacher

Kelsey was born and raised in Saco, Maine and attended the University of Southern Maine where she first focused on Psychology but finished with a degree in Social Work.

This is her second year as a Pre-K teacher at MSCC! Before she joined our team, she worked with children of various ages in various settings. Kelsey leads with kindness and love and has a deep passion for early childhood development.

Kelsey also loves the outdoors, challenging hikes, running, and being surrounded by friends and family.

Beth Christiansen: Pre-K Aide

This is Beth’s 3rd year with MSCC. She has 3 sons who have all gone to MSCC and she originally worked with us the during the 2018/2019 school year.

Beth studied at the University of Maine where she obtained a business degree. She worked as a real estate agent before becoming a stay at home mom. She has always enjoyed children and has always thought about going back to become a teacher. The preschool ages are her favorite!

While she’s not at school Beth enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family.

Melody Cropley: Pre-K Teacher

Melody attended the University of Maine and studied Psychology and Child Development. She has previously worked as an Ed Tech in special education and has a passion for early intervention.

This is Melody’s second year with MSCC and she is excited to lead her own classroom this year!

In her free time, Melody loves reading, baking, and gardening. She loves to discuss movies and adores things that are spooky, scary, odd/and or Halloween themed! Melody has two cats — Echo & Ghanima, and 2 dogs — Clutch & Snoopy.

Amy Ecker: Pre-K Aide

Amy was born and raised in Upstate New York and attended State University of New York (SUNY) Cortland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in childhood education and minoring in Humanities. 

This is her first year at MSCC! Before joining our team, she spent the last five years being a stay-at-home mom to her two children. She is excited to have her son, Robby attending MSCC in the Saplings room this year. 

In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, cooking, exercising and trying out new restaurants. 

Maddy Cropley: Sapling Lead Teacher

Maddy (Melody’s younger sister!), has always loved spending time with children. Previously, Maddy has taught 5th and 2nd grade, but is exciting to spend time with a younger age group this year!

This is Maddy’s first year with MSCC, and she brings a unique perspective and experience that has enriched our school.

In her free time, Maddy loves spending time outside with her two dogs, Dahlia and Willow. She also loves cooking, baking, and singing!

Laura Perakis: Saplings Assistant Teacher

This is Laura’s first year at MSCC! She grew up in Yarmouth and studied communications at Ithaca College. She’s been working in the graphic design field for the past 10 years, but worked with kids through summer camp, nannying, and guitar lessons on the side. She and her husband Sam moved back to Maine this spring and her work as a nanny this summer inspired her to change directions and pursue early education!

Laura worked at Kingsley Pines summer camp for five years, teaching ukulele, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. This was where Laura learned how much she loved teaching! Laura will bring her music skills to MSCC! She plays guitar, ukulele and loves to sing. When she’s not performing, she’s either reading, hiking or hanging out with her cat, Toast!