Elissa Calvin

Elissa Calvin is thrilled to be a part of the Boston University Children’s Center team! She grew up in nearby Plymouth, MA and got her undergraduate degree in secondary English Education at Ithaca College.  She then moved to San Francisco, CA where she found her calling in Early Childhood Education at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.  Most of her experience there was as a Preschool Teacher.  She also spent one year as an Administrative Lead Teacher and three years as a Nature Science Resource Teacher, curating an outdoor space with ample gardening, sensory, and STEAM learning opportunities.

Elissa pursued her Masters in Early Childhood Education in 2016 to renew her passion for the field. Her thesis was on how time spent in outdoor natural spaces helps children with their self-regulation.  Since 2019, Elissa has worked at the California based Building Kidz Schools company as a Curriculum Developer and Assistant Director.  Most of her time at that company was spent writing toddler, preschool, and kindergarten curriculum, as well as training, coaching, and supporting Owners, Directors, and Teachers.

Finding ways to help educators bring nature to children is one of Elissa’s primary interests.  She presented on integrating loose parts and natural materials in ECE classrooms at the 2019 Marin Child Care Council’s Striving for Excellence conference and The Children Learning in Nature Conference.  Elissa’s strongest influences in early childhood education are the Reggio philosophy, nature education, and utilizing loose parts in the classroom.

Elissa moved back to her home state of Massachusetts in late 2021 to be closer to her family. Outside of work, Elissa enjoys reading, local history, going to museums and libraries, and traveling near and far.  She lives in Weymouth with her husband.