Press Releases

LOWELL, MA - Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) recognized Heather Bussell, a lifelong Ashby resident and Founder and Director of Children’s Garden Nursery School, in her Local Heroes Spotlight initiative for Heather’s unwavering commitment to serving the children enrolled in her child care facility and those now learning from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The past two months have been hard on our students, but they’ve also placed an incredible amount of stress on educators who have had to dramatically change the way they teach our children. Heather has overcome the challenges presented by this public health crisis  and provide much needed stability and joy in her students’ lives. I’m grateful for our local heroes who, like Heather, continue to go above and beyond each day to get their communities through this difficult time,” said Congresswoman Trahan.

Heather was nominated by her colleague Pam, a Townsend resident. Heather founded Children’s Garden Nursery School in Ashby in 1994 and relocated it to their current facility in 2000. She has never closed her doors to families seeking childcare, and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility has continued to provide services as an emergency center for those still in need.

Her ability to connect with students, even remotely, and continue bringing happiness into their lives has been praised by her colleagues. Heather goes out of her way to not only care for the children still at the facility, but also the ones who are now learning from home by providing at-home learning packets, organizing fun Easter surprises, and even setting up a virtual graduation for students who are graduating to Kindergarten. 

Trahan will continue to spotlight heroes who, like Heather, have gone above and beyond to serve their community during this difficult time. Those interested in nominating a hero in their lives can do so by clicking here. Trahan will announce additional Heroes Spotlight awardees each week.

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