Our Family
Susan Anderson
Educational Director
Teddy Bears and Curious Cats Teacher
I am a transplant to the DC area (as many are). Originally I am from Massachusetts where I also attended the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. For many years I worked in the hotel industry. I was drawn to that work because of the wonderful contact with guests and the many coworkers. It was in a hotel that I met my husband, Douglas. He is a chef and I would marry him again for his creamy mushroom risotto. There were 9 years where we lived in 4 cities before we settled in DC. We have two boys, Grant and Raine, and the three of them keep me on my toes. Our whole family loves reading, stories of all kinds, and being outside.
After I had my own children I realized that I really wanted to spend more time with my family than hotel work allowed and chose to be home for my children’s early years. These years brought me to Glenbrook as a co–oping parent. Once I started at Glenbrook, I never really left. Along with being a co–oping parent, I spent two years working in Glenbrook’s Sibling Nursery program.
I am very excited by the additional insights on working with the whole child that I gained while completing teacher training. I am a firm believer in the play based learning philosophy practiced at Glenbrook Nursery School. As adults, we are tempted to often call their activities play. On closer inspection, their faces will often show a focus and concentration that lets you know that learning is going on.
I enjoy children immensely and as my own get a little older, I am happy to have this opportunity to continue using play dough, reading picture books and having outdoor play time. I thank the parents who will let me help nurture and grow their children.
It is with a mixture of joy and humility that I take on the additional duties as Educational Director of Glenbrook. I look forward to continuing Glenbrook’s long history of offering a warm, safe atmosphere for parents, children and teachers to learn and play together. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at susan@glenbrookschool.org.
Michelle Winter
Fantastic Frogs Teacher
I was a Glenbrook member, as a parent, for several years before joining the staff. I have three children in Montgomery County Public Schools this year: a 3rd grader (and Fabulous Frogs alumna from the 2009-2010 school year) and a high school sophomore and senior. My husband is a teacher currently teaching Government at Thomas S. Wooton High School.
I have an undergraduate and graduate degree in Early Childhood Education. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom I taught first grade in Frederick County Public Schools for eight years. After being involved in the preschool experience with all three of my children, I came to realize that preschool is my favorite age. I am excited to be returning to Glenbrook as a teacher!
I joined Glenbrook as the 4-day 3 year old teacher for the 2010-2011 school year. Last year I also taught our 1-day, 2 year old class. This year I am looking forward to working with our 4 and 5 year old students, the Fabulous Frogs.
I have really enjoyed working with all of the children during my time at Glenbrook but I also enjoying working with and getting to know all of the amazing families. It really is a great community to work and live in.
Yichun Chou
Super Stars Teacher
It’s my privilege to be the Super Stars teacher. I’ve been a part of the Glenbrook family since 2011, when my son joined the Fantastic Frogs class. The following year my daughter started Glenbrook as a Curious Cat. I enjoyed my experience so much as a cooping parent and board member that I continued on at Glenbrook even after my kids ‘graduated’ to elementary school. I became a sitter in the Sibling Nursery program, then teacher’s aide, substitute teacher and lastly the interim Lunch Bunch teacher.
Joining Glenbrook as a parent and taking on auxiliary roles was the perfect complement and transition to becoming a teacher in 2015. It allowed me to get to know the programs, the philosophy and all the wonderful families.
I am originally from Taiwan where I obtained my undergraduate degree. I came to the US in 2001, where I completed a teacher-training program at Mercer University and earned my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at California State University Los Angeles. I now live in Bethesda with my husband and two children, both alumni of Glenbrook. I thank you for letting me join your child’s most important learning journey and look forward to each school year ahead.
Alison Peppelman
Busy Bees, Lunch Bunch & Summer Camp
I am fortunate to have been part of the wonderful Glenbrook community since my oldest son began as a Curious Cat in 2010. During this time, I served on the board and was president for several years. After my youngest son “graduated” in 2015, I was pleased to have the opportunity to stay on as the Extended Day (“Lunch Bunch”) teacher, and in 2017 was delighted to become the Busy Bees teacher as well. Before becoming a stay-at-home mother throughout my boys’ infant-preschool years, I taught Spanish at the Boys’ Latin School and at the Gilman School, both in Baltimore, MD.
I hold a Masters degree in Foreign Languages & Pedagogy (with Highest Honors) from the University of Delaware and a Bachelors degree in Spanish Literature (Cum Laude) from Dickinson College. I enjoy bringing this background into the Busy Bees enrichment program by holding Spanish-language themed Circle Times each week. I am a strong advocate of Glenbrook’s play-based learning philosophies and Glenbrook’s cooperative approach to learning. My children continue to benefit from the strong social/emotional skills Glenbrook provided, and our entire family values the many lasting friendships we formed as part of the community.
