Our Team
Claudine Taylor – Director
Claudine joined the Brown Play School teaching staff in 2002 as Co-Director; after her youngest daughter attended the preschool. Previously, she owned and operated a State Certified and Nationally Accredited family child care business in the Providence area. Claudine loves having the opportunity to get to know the children and their families along with watching their developmental growth. Besides her work with children, Claudine enjoys going for walks, reading and spending time with her husband and two daughters. Claudine holds an Associate Degree in Business Management from the Community College of RI, a BA in Psychology from RI College and also received her RI Teaching Certification in Early Childhood in 2006.
Jackie Courtemanche – Head Teacher
Jackie has been a member of the Brown Play School community since 2001. After many years of working in various early childhood settingsin the greater Providence area, she earned her BS in Early Childhood Education/ Science Concentration from RI College along with her RI Teaching Certification. She is proud to be associated with a long-standing establishment in partnership with a dedicated staff and wonderful families. Most of all she enjoys guiding children as they build a foundation for a life of learning. Jackie resides in North Providence with her husband, Bruce, and her children, Kyle and Deanna. She spends her free time biking, hiking, and gardening.
Joanna Braga - Art Teacher
Joanna joined the Brown Play School staff after her oldest daughter, Penny, had a wonderful experience at the school. She has always had had a passion for teaching and taught high school mathematics at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School before her children were born. Since becoming a mother, Joanna realized she also had a passion for interacting with young children. She loves watching kids learn, explore and develop their unique personalities.
Her love of art and the art teacher position is a perfect way to combine both teaching and creating with children. Joanna holds a bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and has completed coursework towards Masters in Guidance Counseling at Bridgewater State. She lives in Rumford with her two best friends, daughters, Penny and Phoebe.