KASANDRA DEPAUW - Director

I have been teaching preschoolers and toddlers for 24 years and have been teaching at OBS for 7 years. I graduated from North Shore Community College with a degree In Early Childhood education.  My favorite part of teaching is watching all of the students grow, gain confidence and make new friends. Watching their growth from September to June is amazing and I love supporting them on that journey as they go from toddlers to kindergarten ready.

I grew up in Swampscott and have an amazing husband and daughter.  I love the ocean, boating, yoga, reading outside on my patio and spending time with my family.

I have had the privilege of being part of the OBS family since 2010 and have been teaching preschoolers since 2000. I earned my Teacher Certification through classes at Salem State and North Shore Community College. I feel both proud and blessed to have had the opportunity to work with a team of dedicated, passionate, creative and most of all amazing teachers. I love every aspect of teaching and have come to realize through my many years of working with children, is that they can teach us as much as we teach them.  What I find most rewarding is seeing the excitement in their eyes and on their little faces as they use the skills we have taught them to grow, flourish and succeed. I believe that children learn through play and each child is unique. I love being part of an environment that works hard to allow the children to learn and thrive at their own pace. I look forward to more wonderful years at OBS working with children and their families.

I began teaching at OBS in 2021.  When I received my degree at Bunker Hill Community College in 2015, I had already been teaching for two years and knew that the passion I had for teaching young minds was far greater than any other interests I had considered pursuing. I love building relationships with my students and finding ways to make learning fun so that the classroom is filled with joy and laughter.  I enjoy incorporating activities that help children gain the confidence to express themselves, as well as activities that help build and maintain friendships.  I value positivity and kindness, so I make sure to pass that onto all of my students every chance I get. 

I am very enthusiastic about joining OBS, as teaching has been a significant aspect of my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to continue pursuing my passion. My educational background is diverse, encompassing both public and private school systems, and I have discovered my true calling in early childhood education. I particularly enjoy working with a lively toddler classroom. Several years ago, I retired from nursing and have since dedicated myself entirely to honing my teaching skills. My favorite food is an egg, as the culinary possibilities are truly remarkable. I am also a proud parent of a two-year-old black cat named Little Bear. I find joy in reading, knitting, and various crafting activities. I have resided in this area for over three decades, and the beach holds a special place in my heart. The classroom has always been my second home. I maintain a positive outlook on life, and the children keep me feeling young at heart, which is another blessing in my life. If you happen to see me in the hallways, on the playground, or anywhere else, please do not hesitate to say hello or ask me any questions about myself; I would be delighted to share with you.