Leadership

Barbara Carlson is from Columbus Ohio where she taught first grade for eight years prior to becoming the Director of the Program for Young Children (PYC) at Columbus School for Girls in Columbus, Ohio. It was there that she was first introduced to the world renowned infant toddler centers and preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy and became a lifelong student of the philosophy which at the very heart believes in the capabilities and potential of young children. After nine years as Director of the PYC, she became the Executive Director at The Childhood League Center also in Columbus, Ohio, and was there from 2002 to 2012.

Most recently, she was the Director at Radcliffe Child Care Center in Cambridge, MA, where she happily spent seven years as a fellow researcher with teachers, children, and parents, and together navigated the difficult days of the pandemic. Regardless of her position, it is her JOY and PLEASURE to spend her days in the company of children, teachers and parents and to be a partner-in-learning in order that together we may give value to the precious time of childhood and achieve our shared hopes and dreams.

Evan Merck, joined ITC in this strategically redesigned role, which replaces the former Business Manager position to provide enhanced leadership for ITC’s financial health, HR, and facilities. Evan brings more than ten years of organizational development and business acumen to this new role. Most recently, Evan served as Chief of Staff for Hi-Rise Bread Company and previously managed academic planning and operations at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. He also helped guide the Assabet Co-Op Market through its successful launch.

As a member of our current parent community, Evan is deeply committed to ensuring ITC's continued strength and vibrancy for future generations.

Anne Dugan is excited to be ITC's inaugural Director of Development. With over 12 years of fundraising, development, and event planning experience, she has successfully cultivated diverse donor relationships through strategic relationship building. Her passion for ITC's mission is deeply personal; having grown up on a small farm in Denmark, she shares a profound connection to nature-based learning.

Anne excels at partnering with board members, supporters, and sponsors to achieve organizational goals. Driven by her genuine commitment to early childhood education, Anne is well-suited to build ITC's inaugural development program and support the Master Plan renovation that will help ITC thrive and expand its impact.

Outside of work, Anne enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, and going for long walks in the woods with her dog.