About Us
Mission Statement
Once Upon a Story Hour is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to promote the academic, emotional, and social development of children. We present free curriculum-based interactive lessons and activities with a matching read aloud from a historical or literary themed costumed character to daycares, preschools, elementary schools, and libraries in the Mount Washington Valley.
When children are exposed to pertinent information inclusive of hands-on activities and imagination, they blossom with more confidence to explore and learn in the world at large. We aim for all children to enjoy their learning, achieve their fullest potential, and become inquisitive life-long learners.
Ellen Caputo, M.Ed. - Founder
Ellen has been a teacher in the Mount Washington Valley for the past 22 years, and has taught in regular education and special education in all grades from Kindergarten through 12th. She currently teaches a combined 5th and 6th grade classroom at Madison Elementary School. Ellen graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Plymouth State University with a Master's degree in Gifted Education, and received both Special Education and Reading and Writing Specialist Certifications from Granite State College. Ellen has donated her time to several nonprofit organizations, as she is a Founding Member and Past Vice President of the Mount Washington Valley Children’s Museum, Past President of both the Madison Preschool and Madison Elementary PTO, and is a current Board Member of Starting Point.