Children's Enrichment on the Cape
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Norah Williamson
Infant Teacher
Caitlin T. Dean (she/her)
Infant Teacher
Caitlin brings over three decades of experience to her role, including 22 years as a teacher with USM Child and Family Services. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Southern Maine is an active member of Maine Roads To Quality's Community Practice, and is CPR/First Aid certified. Before joining Children’s Enrichment in 2014, she also worked as a household manager, deepening her understanding of child development and family support.
Caitlin finds joy in the daily milestones of young children—from first steps to newfound independence. She’s guided by the simple but powerful words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.”
Originally from Eastern Washington, Caitlin spent summers in Maine as a child and made it her permanent home in 1985. She enjoys outdoor life on her wooded property in Gorham and loves camping in her RV, especially with her grandsons, Noah and Nico.
Fun fact: She’s traveled to 47 U.S. states and is always ready for her next adventure!
Mary Smith (she/her)
Infant Teacher
Mary brings over 26 years of experience in early childhood education to her role as Program Floater at Children’s Enrichment. For the past three years, she has been a steady, joyful presence across classrooms—supporting children and teachers alike with care, flexibility, and a deep-rooted passion for learning through nature and play. She is certified in CPR and First Aid.
A proud Maine native, Mary grew up immersed in the outdoors—running barefoot through the woods, exploring fields, and forming connections with the natural world from an early age. (She even once brought field mice home and tucked them into beds she lovingly made in her dresser drawer!) Her childhood sense of wonder continues to guide her work with young children today.
Mary believes that when children are given the space to explore, they thrive. One of her favorite guiding quotes is:
“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” – Thomas Berry
Outside of work, Mary finds peace and energy through outdoor activities including hiking, walking, running, swimming, and spending time at the beach—her happy place in every season
Amy Kaufman (she/her)
Toddler Teacher
Amy has been a dedicated Toddler Teacher at Children’s Enrichment for the past three years, bringing her creativity, calm presence, and deep respect for children’s learning through play. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Clark University and is certified in CPR and First Aid.
With a lifelong passion for education, Amy has worn many teaching hats—including preschool camp counselor, English tutor for grades 2–12, and long-term high school art substitute—before finding her home in toddler education. No matter the age group, her focus has always been on nurturing curiosity and growth through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
A favorite quote that guides her work is:
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson
Originally from New York, Amy was raised with a deep connection to the natural world, inspired by her father’s love for hiking, sailing, and birdwatching. After several years living in the city, she and her husband made the move to Maine to return to a more nature-connected lifestyle.
Outside the classroom, Amy enjoys gardening, swimming, beachcombing, nature walks, stargazing, and camping. She’s also an avid crocheter, a lifelong music lover, and a classically trained pianist—having studied piano from the age of 4 through high school.
Erin Sternfels (they/them)
Toddler Teacher
Erin holds a BA in Studio Art from Hampshire College and is CPR/First Aid certified. Their journey in early childhood education began during college at a Reggio-inspired center, sparking a deep love for working with young children. Since then, Erin has taught toddlers and preschoolers in both Massachusetts and Maine, including at a bilingual French-English school.
Erin loves the curiosity and warmth of toddlers and finds joy in the everyday moments—especially the smiles and hugs that start each day.
Originally from Southern Vermont, Erin grew up immersed in nature—camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Now living in South Portland, they enjoy outdoor adventures like biking, skating, swimming, and backpacking. When indoors, you’ll find Erin crafting, cooking, or spending time with their spunky tuxedo cat, Dusty.
"Each day with young children is full of discovery, joy, and connection."
Caitlin Stahl-Hodgkins (she/her)
Preschool/Pre-K Teacher
Caitlin holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and an MA in Special Education from Simmons University. She is CPR/First Aid certified, a Registered Yoga Teacher, and trained in Collaborative Problem Solving (Tier 1).
Her teaching background includes farm-based, Reggio-inspired preschool programs and inclusive classrooms in Boston Public Schools. After taking time to travel and work in hospitality, Caitlin returned to her home state of Maine and reconnected with her passion for early childhood education at Children's Enrichment.
Caitlin is energized by time outdoors with children and believes early childhood is the foundation for lifelong qualities like empathy, emotional intelligence, and respect for others and the earth.
A Scarborough native, Caitlin has a deep love for the ocean, hiking, and tent camping—often preferring the woods to her own bed! She also teaches yoga and continues to explore mindfulness practices in nature.
Fun fact: Caitlin once lived out of her Prius for nearly a year, traveling and camping her way through state and national parks across the U.S.
Kathy Cole (she/her)
Owner/Director
With over 30 years in Early Childhood Education, I was re-inspired by the movement in the late '90s and early 2000s to embrace play, outdoor exploration, and child-led learning. My interest deepened in 2009 when I began studying the Reggio Emilia approach while at the University of Maine. As I applied these practices in Southern Maine programs, I saw firsthand how the Reggio philosophy—with it's strong community support and a deep respect for children—enriches learning.
In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Study Tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. During this immersive experience, I visited municipal schools, learned directly from teachers, and explored the values and principles that guide the Reggio approach. In 2023, I returned for a second Study Tour, further deepening my understanding and passion for this inspiring educational philosophy.
I’m thrilled to bring this rich perspective into my work at Children’s Enrichment, where we integrate Reggio-inspired practices with our belief in play, exploration, and whole-child development. Sharing this approach with our staff, children, and families brings fresh energy to our classrooms each and every day.
Tara O'Connor (she/her)
Program Floater
Tara O’Connor brings over a decade of warmth, flexibility, and a deep appreciation for nature to her role as a program floater at Children’s Enrichment. A graduate of Southern Maine Community College with an associate degree in Business Administration, Tara blends her professional versatility with a fun and grounded presence in every classroom she supports.
Tara spent many years in the fine dining industry, where she developed a love for food, hospitality, and connecting with people—skills that continue to enrich her work with children today. For four summers, she ran the Children’s Enrichment summer camp, creating joyful, nature-filled experiences that reflected her passion for the outdoors.
Whether she’s walking in the woods, foraging for mushrooms, exploring the beach, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze, Tara brings her curiosity and love of the natural world into everything she does. Her joyful energy, strong relationships, and steady presence make her an invaluable part of the Children’s Enrichment team.