Teachers
Lauren Skaskiw, Founder, Director & Teacher
Lauren has a BS in Science in Early Education with a concentration in English from The University of Vermont. She has her Master of Education from Griffith University in Australia. She was a recipient of a Rotary International scholarship for post-graduate study. Lauren started Plymouth Schoolhouse to fill a need for a childcare center in Plymouth. When she had her own children, she wanted them to have a place to connect with community and form friendships. Lauren has worked with children for many years. She loves watching children delight in exploring the world around them, and creating a welcoming, warm and magical space for children to grow. Founding and directing The Plymouth Schoolhouse is a dream come true for Lauren. She loves being part of such a caring community of families and children. In addition to directing the program, Lauren teaches on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Maddy Cassano, Lead Teacher
Maddy has a BA in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from The University of New Hampshire. Before becoming a lead teacher at Plymouth Schoolhouse, she taught at Penguin Playground Daycare at Jackson Gore in Ludlow and The Little School in Weston, but she began her work as an educator by interning at Plymouth Schoolhouse. She loves working with children and is inspired by their curiosity, kindness and excitement about the world. Maddy lives in Plymouth and enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking and traveling.
Jay Braun, Assistant Teacher
Jay Braun grew up and lives in Rochester, Vermont, and graduated from Sharon Academy in 2024.
Jay worked for years at a bakery in Rochester, Vermont, before starting to work at the Plymouth schoolhouse in 2025 as a teacher’s assistant. Jay brings fun, creativity and peacefulness to the days and the children delight in their time with Jay.
Willow Bascom, Cherished Friend of Plymouth Schoolhouse
Willow is a local artist who contributes to our school community by visiting regularly to do art projects with the children and donating many beautiful works of art for us to enjoy each day. Willow grew up in Saudi Arabia and Panama, and traveled extensively in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Far East. These experiences exposed her to the many diverse ways people use color and design to express their perceptions of the world and themselves.
