Tyler McDowell
Head Teacher
Tyler has spent much of his professional career in early childhood classrooms at MIT. He holds a BA in Psychology, with a concentration in Developmental Psychology, from Middlebury College in Vermont, and is set to graduate with a master’s in educational studies, from Tufts, this May. He is passionate about creating immersive, trusting, and collaborative learning experiences, always striving to partner with both children and families. He believes that to truly meet the needs of a child, it is essential to create an environment where their sense of self can flourish. Outside of the classroom, Tyler enjoys writing music on guitar, exploring the outdoors, playing board games, and fostering connections between people.
Beth Dowgert
Assistant Teacher
Beth is very much looking forward to joining the Eliot-Pearson team this fall! She has worked in early childhood for over a decade, first as a childcare provider and then as a preschool teacher. Most recently, she received education and training in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership and PreK-12 School Counseling from Boston College. In addition to supporting children and families, Beth enjoys going to the beach, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Saskia Wong-Smith
Eliot-Pearson Fellow
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
Nádia Carhvalo
Eliot-Pearson Fellow
Nádia is an international student from Brazil with a B.A. in Psychology and a second-year student of the Master’s Program in Child Studies and Human Development. Nádia worked with typical and atypical children in a school context as an assistant teacher. In her free time she likes to travel, discover new restaurants and watch movies. She is excited to experience a new culture, learn about how these differences apply to the learning context and contribute to the development of the children of Eliot-Pearson Children’s School while furthering her knowledge at Tufts.
Jordin Luxenberg
Purple Room Teacher Assistant and Floater Teacher
Jordin has been the floating teacher at EPCS for six years; She holds an M.A. in Developmental Disabilities from the Teachers College at Columbia University. One of the best gems about her job is building relationships with all the children and seeing their growth throughout the year. She enjoys creating art, watching documentaries, exploring new places, traveling, and visiting friends and family in her spare time.
Melissa Rinzler
Floater 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!