Executive Director
Mary Ann E. Ziomek
Being the Executive Director at Cushman Scott truly feels like a dream come true. I have dedicated much of my life to the field of Early Childhood Education since graduating from UMass, and Cushman Scott has been at the heart of that journey. I began my teaching career here during my senior year at UMass in 1984 and stayed until 1997, gaining additional teaching experiences in the Amherst area before happily returning “home” to Cushman.
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I deeply enjoy connecting with the children, families, and staff, and I look forward to many more years with the Cushman community. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, walking with my dogs, cooking, gardening, and being outdoors. I am also a Master Herbalist and enjoy sharing remedies with family and friends. Looking back, I marvel at the path that has led me here—it truly feels like coming home.
Assistant Director
Sara R. Breen
My journey at Cushman Scott Children’s Center began in 2017 as an assistant teacher after completing my degree in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Inspired by the children, my co-teachers, and my mentor, Mary Ann, I returned to school to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education and Care and expanded my certifications in Massachusetts.
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Endlessly curious and guided by my background in psychology, I embrace the unique and ever-changing puzzle that is early childhood. I feel honored to both witness and support each child’s developmental journey during such a formative time in their lives, and I look forward to building strong connections with you and your children.
Being the director at Cushman Scott has been a dream come true. I have spent
the better part of my life in the field of Early Childhood Education since my
graduation from UMass, and Cushman Scott has been a big part of it. I began my
teaching career here during my senior year at UMass in 1984, and remained at
Cushman until December of 1997. I had other teaching experiences in the
Amherst area, and have happily landed back at Cushman. I so enjoy interacting
with the children, families and staff here, and I am looking forward to many years
with the Cushman Community. When not at Cushman, I love being with my
family, and being outside, walking, with my dogs, or at home cooking and
gardening. I am also a Master Herbalist, and enjoy consulting with family and
friends when they ask for a remedy. When I look back, I marvel that it has been a
wonderful journey that I feel has brought me back home!
My journey at Cushman Scott Children's Center started in 2017 as an assistant teacher after completing my degree in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I was quickly inspired by the children, my co-teachers, and my mentor, Mary Ann. I took that inspiration back to school to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education and Care, and further my certifications in the state of Massachusetts. I am endlessly curious, and fueled by my background in psychology, I welcome the unique and ever-changing puzzle that is early childhood. I am honored to both witness and support the developmental trajectory of children as they navigate this momentous time in their lives. I look forward to working with you and your children!