Denise Terra
Lead Teacher
The first time I visited Acton Barn was for my interview—and I knew right away it was a special place. The children were so deeply engaged in their play, and the teachers were right alongside them, nurturing curiosity and creativity. The activities were open-ended and thoughtfully designed so that every child could participate in their own way. What stood out most was how empowered the children were to make choices in their learning throughout the day. I felt instantly drawn in.
Before becoming a teacher, I spent a decade in public accounting and financial reporting, having earned my B.S. in Accounting from Syracuse University. After my second son was born, I decided to stay home with my children and soon became actively involved in their preschool. I started out as a substitute teacher and quickly discovered how much I loved the joy, energy, and wonder of early learning. I earned my C.D.A. credential to become a Lead Preschool Teacher and never looked back. After five and a half years of teaching, I joined Acton Barn as a Lead Teacher.
One of my favorite things is reading with the class. I especially love books that open up conversations and spark creativity—stories that explore social-emotional learning, like those by Mo Willems or James Dean, or the playful rhymes of Julia Donaldson. I also make it a point to choose stories that reflect the diverse world we live in, so every child feels seen and celebrated.
If I had a superpower, it would be seeing the unique potential in each child. I love meeting children right where they are—learning what excites them, what helps them thrive, and guiding them to grow with confidence. My goal is for every child to come to school excited to learn and play.
What makes the Barn so special, in my eyes, is the people. The teachers here are creative, thoughtful, and deeply caring. We build play-based curriculums that support the whole child—emotionally, socially, and academically. And our families are the heart of our community. Their involvement, support, and care help create a truly nurturing environment where children grow, connect, and flourish. I feel lucky every day to be a part of it.