Meet the Teachers

Carolyn Freeman
Owner/Co-Teacher

From a young age I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and I’m so fortunate to be at Pied Piper (where I was once a student!). I received my degree in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph’s College and went on to teach 3rd grade and Kindergarten in both the Windham and Portland School Districts. As much as I loved teaching, I stepped away for a few years to be a stay-at-home-mom before returning to the classroom. Being a mom gave me a whole new perspective on early childhood education and how important that foundation is for a child and their caregivers. I have been teaching at Pied Piper for the past two years learning the ins and outs of preschool. Being part of a child’s first experiences of learning is so rewarding. The preschool years are an important part of a child’s life where they can learn and explore through play. I look forward to providing a loving, nurturing environment where children (and their families) feel safe and supported. Pied Piper holds a special place in my heart so to be back as owner is a full circle moment that I feel so lucky to experience. 

I live in Scarborough with my husband and kids ages 12, 9 and 4.  As a family we love to play outside together, go to the beach and take walks around our neighborhood with our dog, Riley.  Basketball has always been a big part of my life so along with being a mom and teacher, I also coach high school basketball in the winter which I find to be just as rewarding as teaching!

I’m so grateful to be at Pied Piper and I am looking forward to being a part of your child’s learning journey!

Elyse Edwards
Co-Teacher

Hi, my name is Elyse Edwards and I am a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington where I received a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Visual and Preforming Arts. After graduation I went on to teach kindergarten in central maine for 5 years before moving to Boston and the North Shore. There I worked in the North End at a private school for a year before becoming a kindergarten teacher again in Southern Maine for 3 years. I have since moved back to Maine with my husband and have twin boys of my own! I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 6 years. It has been the most rewarding experience to be on the other side, watching my own children learn and grow! I have always been passionate about early childhood education. Preschool is a unique time when children are just starting to dip their toes into their educational experience and making sure it’s a positive and supportive one is so important. This is the time where children are really starting to learn about themselves, learning to be a part of a community of friends and starting to explore the world around them through discovery, curiosity and play. I love to be creative and I love to help children find creativity within themselves. This quote from Fred Rogers is one of my favorites and one that I fashion my own teaching philosophy around. “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood” When I am not teaching, I enjoy being in the sunshine, exploring the world with my family and snuggling with my cats at home! I look forward to a great year at Pied Piper and meeting all the Pied Piper families!