24-25 Enrichment Program Team – Eliot-Pearson Children's School @ Tufts University

Tyler McDowell

Enrichment Teacher

Tyler is the Eliot-Pearson Children’s School’s enrichment teacher specializing in music for all of the classrooms! Outside of EPCS, Tyler is in his second year as a Master’s student in Tufts’ Education Department, focusing on Social-Emotional Learning programs in elementary schools. He spends his time playing guitar, exploring the woods, playing board games, and helping friendships form between people. Tyler’s favorite color is purple and he enjoys all conversation, so ask him anything!

Kassandra Vargas

Enrichment Teacher

My name is Kasandra! I am a professional ventriloquist, children’s author and singer. I have been performing all over Sacramento, California doing puppet shows for kids of all ages! Now I am taking the time to focus on perfecting my craft to make a career out of it! Most of my joy has come from interacting with children! I look forward to meeting your child and having an amazing school year with them

Nikolas Calias

Enrichment Teacher

Nikolas graduated from the Catholic University of America with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He has worked with the Potomac School in Virginia to teach robotics to young campers during the summer. He has had a lifelong love of science and education with a passion for creative learning. Nik is very excited to join the EPCS community this school year!

Audrey Kim

Life Project Teacher

Audrey is a Junior at Tufts University studying Cognitive & Brain Sciences and Child Study & Human Development. She adores working with children in all contexts, from summer camps to developmental research. When not in a classroom, you can usually find her working backstage on a musical, volunteering at the Museum of Science, or riding the MBTA through Boston. Audrey has been a part of the EPCS community over the last few years as a Life Project teacher, and she is thrilled for another year of learning, playing, and growing!

Anna Petti

Life Project Teacher

Anna Petti is a second year Master’s student at the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human
Development. She recently graduated from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Linguistics, and she has previously worked as a TA at the John Winthrop School for Young Children and the Transportation Children’s Center. She loves working with kids and can’t wait to join the Green Room this fall!

Saskia Wong-Smith

Life Project Teacher

Saskia is a second-year Master’s student at Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development. She recently graduated from Bates College in 2022 and has worked in school settings throughout college and after. She loves the creativity and joy children bring to life. Outside the classroom, Saskia loves to swim at Walden in warmer months and in the pool in the winter.

Melissa Rinzler

Life Project Teacher

Melissa recently graduated from Tufts University with a major in Psychology and minor in Child Development. She has worked in Life Project, the Green Room and Summer Camp this past year, and she is very excited for another great year at EPCS!