About us

Hi! Welcome to Lakeside Nursery School! Lakeside Nursery is a family owned preschool by Karen and Matt McDermott. Together, we have 3 wonderful children. Our love for Lakeside Nursery School began when our oldest daughter, Grace, attended the pre-k program run by Sharon and Ray Baker. Grace was a child that was very attached to mom and dad, she loved learning but was nervous and shy with new people. Grace went into Lakeside on her first day crying and she came out skipping with a huge smile. Thanks to the fabulous teachers at Lakeside Nursery, the warm and friendly environment and the joyful community, Grace and her peers thrived in preschool! Everyday at Lakeside after that was the best day ever for Grace. Our goal is that every child who attends Lakeside Nursery feels as safe, loved and learns to love school the way that Gracie does. This is a school where children learn to be independent, confident and where children grow!

I am (Karen) the teacher for both the 3 year old class and the 4/5 year old class. I received my Master’s in the Art of Teaching from the College of Saint Rose and am certified by the State of New York in Early Childhood (Birth-2nd grade) and Childhood Education (1-6 Grades). I taught a range (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd Grade) of grades for 6 years in private and public schools. Once I had my children, I began teaching as an Adjunct Professor at The College of Saint Rose. I taught education classes and supervised student teachers. I have had even more experience as a teacher’s aid, tutor, nanny and most importantly, a mother. I am thrilled to be teaching at Lakeside Nursery and cannot wait to get to know your little one.