Our Teachers
karen Conrad
Co-Director
Karen Conrad has been a Co-Director at LNS for 12 years and served as Assistant to the Director for seven years. Both of her children attended LNS, and she has been involved in the school for many years, including serving on the Board. Karen also manages office work for Conrad Painting and has lived in Lafayette for over 32 years.
Born in Brownsville, Texas, and raised in Pomona, California, Karen completed her Early Childhood Education units at Diablo Valley College while working at LNS. She regularly attends conferences with NAEYC, CAEYC, and CCPPNS
Karen shares her home with her cat, Coco, and enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, watching movies and shows, trying new restaurants, and following sports like water polo, basketball, and baseball.
When choosing a preschool for her children, Karen was drawn to LNS’s community and the annual Science Day of Discovery. “Once an LNS parent, always an LNS parent,” she says, reflecting on the lifelong friendships she formed through the school.
Terri Lyon
Instructional Aide
Terri Lyon supports Karen and Chandra in the 3s and 4s classes. Born and raised in California, she holds a B.A.S. in Studio Art and Design from UC Davis and has completed the Hanen Program: It Takes Two to Talk and Positive Parenting classes. Her expertise is fostering communication through supportive and enjoyable interactions.
Terri is married with two adult children; her son attended LNS. She values the lifelong friendships and community connections she formed through the school.
In her free time, Terri enjoys time with friends and family, gardening, cooking, storytelling, costume design, movies, Taekwondo, and spending time with her dog and horse.
Chandra Montgomery
Co-Director
Chandra Montgomery started as a parent at LNS and served on the Board before working 12 years as Assistant to the Directors. She was promoted to Director in 2022.
Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Chandra has lived most of her life in the Bay Area. She earned a BA in Theatre Arts from Chico State University and worked in the film industry on projects including The Matrix and at Industrial Light & Magic. She completed Early Childhood Education units at Diablo Valley College and attends conferences with NAEYC, CAEYC, and CCPPNS.
Chandra lives in Lafayette with her husband Charlie, son Tadich, and Great Dane/Husky Nala. She enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, traveling, and cheering for the Warriors.
She especially enjoys teaching the 4–5s class, guiding children to explore, collaborate, and engage with their interests.
