Our Staff
Two Year Old Classes
Ashley Wendelboe (Teacher)
I am excited to be joining the ODNS Community teaching the 2 Year Old class. Open Door holds a very special place in my heart. Not only did my two children attend preschool here, but I had the opportunity to serve as the Co-Chair on the Board for several years. I live in the Village with my husband Steve and our two children, Reed and Isla. We enjoy spending as much time outside as possible hiking, skiing and exploring our neighborhood. In my free time I enjoy gardening, reading and snowshoeing.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Mercyhurst University, my husband and I lived in Washington DC and New York City. In 2013 we decided to settle down and call the Village our home. We love the neighborhood and our friends here(many of whom we met at ODNS years ago)! I look forward to seeing your children’s smiling faces and giving your family the same wonderful experience we had!
Jessica Sonnenberger (Aide)
I am so grateful to be a part of the ODNS family! I live in the Village with my husband Eric, our kids Brayden and Casidy, and our dogs Honey and Clyde. In our free time we love camping, hockey, and musical theatre.
I grew up in Rochester and attended SUNY Fredonia for my Bachelors degree. Prior to joining Open Door, I worked at Forest Elementary in an 8:1:1 classroom. I am so excited to work with this age group to build a foundation for learning during a time with so many fun milestones!
Three Year Old Classes
Karen Reynolds (Teacher)
I am pleased to be the teacher of the 3’s class at Open Door Nursery School. I am eager to work with this age group because they are full of wonder and enthusiasm for discovering how things work, and they love to practice new skills.
I received a BS in Special Education and Elementary Education from Buffalo State College and a MEd in Special Education from University of Illinois at Chicago. Over the years, I taught in New York’s Southern Tier and in Chicago before starting a family. Then we settled into life on the South Shore of Boston, and that’s where my children grew up. For several years we were a Foster Family for infants and toddlers. I also regularly volunteered at school and in my community.
My husband and I moved to Amherst in 2021 and enjoy living close to family. In my spare time, I love to cook for family and friends. You might see us exploring the Greater Buffalo Area. I like hiking, kayaking, gardening, reading and crafting.
Lindsay Hannon (Aide)
I’m so grateful to be a part of the wonderful Open Door Nursery School family as a teacher’s aide in the 3’s classroom. Both of my children attended Open Door and I experienced first-hand how truly special this school is. Everyone is so warm and welcoming and they both thrived in the fun and caring environment. We couldn’t ask for a better start to their education!
I received my Bachelor’s Degree from James Madison University. I was born and raised in Buffalo and live in Snyder with my husband Scott, son Connor, and daughter Audrey. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and reading – there’s a good chance you’ll see me at one of our local libraries with my kiddos. I can’t wait to meet your little ones and look forward to a wonderful year of helping them to learn and grow!
Four Year Old Class
Emily Dufrene (Teacher)
I am beyond thrilled to be the 4-year-old teacher at Open Door. I live in the Village with my husband Aaron, our three kids (Finn, Sophia, and Nora) and our two dogs (Jack and Zinnia). I enjoy running, hiking, reading, gardening, skiing and being with my family.
I grew up in Illinois and attended University of Illinois for my undergraduate degree and then Eastern Illinois University for my graduate degree. My husband and I lived in Utah for 1 short year and then settled in Williamsville for his job and have been here since 2007. We love living in WNY!
All three of my kids attended ODNS and loved their time here and are flourishing. I truly believe Open Door gave them a wonderful foundation for learning and playing as I hope to give your children.
Mary Pardo (Aide)
I have been an Aide in the 4-year-old program at Open Door Nursery School since 2009. I have a BS in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia. I worked in the Accounting and Administration field for 14 years before leaving to be a stay-at-home mom. I consider myself so fortunate to be part of the Open Door family where I am blessed to see all of the children’s smiling faces each day!
I was born and raised in Amherst, where my husband and I now reside with our children, Daniel and Bridget. Both of our children attended Open Door and loved every minute of it!
Five Year Old Class
Colleen Wanamaker (Teacher & Director)
I feel incredibly fortunate to spend every day doing what I truly love! I have always dreamed of teaching young minds and I get to do it in such a fun, caring, and wonderful environment! I grew up in Syracuse, surrounded by a family of teachers and caregivers, so working with children is something that comes very natural to me. I attended SUNY Oswego, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education, and a Master’s degree in Literacy Education and Early Childhood Education.
I discovered my passion for educating the pre-K age level when I had the opportunity to teach at a small school in Rochester. After getting married, and settling down in my husband’s hometown of Williamsville, I put teaching on hold so that we could start a family. Now, both of my children are students at Open Door, just like my husband and his siblings were many years ago!
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and love going on camping adventures with them. We enjoy walking around the Village, visiting the Buffalo Zoo, and cheering for the Sabres! We are so grateful to live here and we love being part of the ODNS community!
Kim Reger (Aide)
I am very excited to be joining the Open Door team and to be able to add to the growth and development of the children. In addition to being on the Open Door Board for three years, both of my children attended Open Door and benefited greatly from the experience. I can’t wait to be part of the staff that contributes to the foundational learning of this generation’s Open Door students.
I grew up in Lancaster, lived in the Village of Williamsville for several years, and now live in Clarence with my husband Kevin, our two children and dog. We spend most of our time watching our son play soccer and baseball AND our daughter dance and participate in baton. I enjoy walking our dog Oscar and spending time outdoors. I can’t wait to meet your children!
Enrichment Programs
Michele Wild (Teacher)
I joined the teaching staff at Open Door Nursery School in 2012 and I am happy to be teaching the Literature Day class. I love working with this age group.
Before coming to Open Door I taught at Corner House Nursery School for 17 years. My other teaching experiences include preschool classes at the Heritage Education Program and a primary class at St. Joseph’s School for Exceptional Children. In addition, I did some substitute teaching for Heritage and Corner House during the years I stayed home raising my children.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Bonaventure University and my Master’s degree in Special Education from Ohio University. I live in Cheektowaga with my husband David, and I have three grown sons.
Kathy Hannon (Aide)
I am excited to be working at Open Door. I have had many years of experience working with preschoolers and I absolutely love it!
My husband John is an engineer and we live in Amherst. We enjoy traveling, reading, bike riding and many other activities. We have two grown sons who are married. I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your children!
Ashley Beyer (Teacher)
I am excited to be the Discovery Day Teacher and to be part of the team, here at Open Door. I live in Williamsville with my husband Scott, our three boys (Lucas, Owen, and Cole) and our dog (Easton). I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I have my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood from University at Buffalo and my Master’s in Early and Childhood Education, along with Special Education, from Canisius College. Before joining Open Door, I was a 6:1:1 Special Education Teacher within a preschool setting for 6 years. Also, I have several years experience in a daycare setting teaching within the 2-year-old classroom.