These animals have lifetimes that last 20 years…
Polar Bear, Beaver, Bottlenose Dolphin, Mountain Lion, Gorilla, & a Porcupine!
As prickly as Eve can be, she carries a passion for life that is special. Eve is a rare human.
I’ve observed Eve’s wild strength as she shouldered the expansion of Nia House, while pregnant with Abraham. I’ve seen her grace and tenderness as she led the community through the tragic loss of Milanca and Xavier, beautifully guiding the planting of the fig tree with the children and Xavier’s grandparents. I’ve seen her fierce care of Nia House families, working tirelessly through Covid, to ensure there was a safety net for those most gravely impacted, and a sense of community, safety and a solid place for all families to return to.
Eve holds the teaching of Dr. Maria Montessori in her heart, leading Nia House with this philosophy is not simply a pedagogical practice, it is a spiritual undertaking. Each and every child in her care has Eve’s unwavering commitment to celebrating their success and nurturing their whole being.
Eve, I bow with deep gratitude for your 20 years of service to Nia House. What a wonderful community to be a part of and what a magnificent person you are to hold the vision and care of our school.
-Stacey Wood, Nia House Assistant Director
I have been lucky enough to have been experiencing Eve's love, support and guidance for just about as long as she has been working at Nia House.
Eve's ability to share wisdom without ever a hint of superiority is one of her most admirable qualities. Every child, parent and peer that meets Eve should count themselves blessed because there is nobody like her. Her empathy, authenticity and patience will change your life.
-Anise Fernandez, NH Alumni, now a junior in college
When Eve first came to Nia House, I would never have predicted that she would be there 20 years. She was uncertain in her goals and uncertain as to where life would take her. As she became more and more a part of the Nia House team and culture it started to grab her in more. I remember when she first decided to take the Montessori training. It was a real challenge on her time and energy. But she was determined and committed to a greater understanding of how to serve the children.
When Lee and I were contemplating who should take over Nia House when he left, Eve was at the top of the list. What made Eve stand out from others was her commitment to the children and to the whole Nia House community. She understood what values were important for Nia House and had the conviction to carry them out. Our only hesitation was that she would only give us a five year commitment. So we took a chance. And what a worthwhile chance it was.
I am so proud of how she has been dedicated to all that Nia House stands for. She brought Nia House into the 21st century and has ridden the ups and downs. She has continued and expanded the Nia House legacy. We all are grateful for her efforts.
So to Eve I say, Thank you very much! Your commitment and love that you have brought to Nia House insures that the Nia House legacy will continue.
-Sandy Krestan, Nia House’s Former Director
I met Eve in 2005, when my son Jasper started at Nia House. I don’t know whether Eve had already shaped Nia House to her image by the time we met her, or if Nia House had always been waiting for her, but from our first day there it was clear that there was perfect alignment between Eve’s heart and the spirit of Nia House. Eve’s practical compassion, unconditional love, and playful joy are hallmarks of Nia House. Nia House’s care for the community, commitment to our children as our future, and passion for justice are reflected in Eve.
-Martin Wagner
Along with supporting the development of Nia House teachers, she's helped many of us family members learn about their children and figure out how to nurture them during the amazing period of growth that happens during the years they're at Nia House.
We would not know so much about mollusks if it weren't for Eve!
-David, Tara & Otto
When our daughter Jesse started at Nia House almost 20 years ago, Eve was already an integral part of the Lee/Sandy/Jeanie team, even though she had only arrived a short time before that.
In our time at Nia House, over the course of 2 kids and several circles around the sun we watched Eve grow even more into her role. She was always there with a ready smile and a supportive hand to patch up an owie or model restorative justice before it was cool. Wise beyond her years, it made so much sense when Lee and Sandy left that Eve would take on their mantle.
Sending Kudos, Congratulations and BIG LOVE for an amazing 20 years. We love you, Evie.
-Jesse, Brooke, Clare and Dobee
In 2002 when we prepared to let our first born out in the world we checked out 4 or 5 preschools in the area. After meeting with the Nia house family we felt honored, intimidated but really happy to be part of the program. Here, in Eve, was a young person who's patient and quick smile, and searching yet comforting eyes was stepping into a position of leadership. Taking the reins from Lee who was a force in and of his own.
I was amazed at how complete a human being Eve was and is. Like a captain of a ship that dealt with storms and turmoils both large and small on a daily basis, Captain Eveie managed the rough waters and made our family feel that being under her gaze was the safest and most wonderful place to be.
Tantrums, fits, screams, and tears about drop offs, inappropriate lunches, pick up, clothing malfunctions, dreaded lice outbreaks, slights on the playground were all dealt with a stern and logical yet honestly caring approach, and these are the parents. As for our children, there was little in the world that Eve managed, that they could not face, understand and overcome. It is for that, that her community and the families of Nia House owe such a debt to Eve Uberman.
I love her with all of my heart and am honored to have her around as we make these trips around the sun.
-José Fernandez
Having a spirited child can be hard, but Eve only ever made me feel like my child was the smartest, funniest, most interesting kid on the planet. And even though I felt like I was barely keeping it together, the biggest compliment I’ve ever received was when Eve said she admired my parenting style.
Eve has a way of making you feel important and interesting even when you’re just ordinary. She is so competent and a great problem solver, so I am always honored when she’s asked for my opinion. I am impressed with the degree of love and compassion she has for the families at Nia House. It’s truly a gift.
Eve is a genuine, lovely, caring person. I’m so grateful to have her in my life.
-Dana Welsh
So much so that my years on the Nia House board of directors were...downright easy. Why? Because Eve's a doer. She came prepared. And we had her back.
A funny memory I have is that I remember for the first few meetings being a bit confused. We'd ask her questions about some issue and she'd respond, "I can't say." And I remember thinking, "Why won't she tell us? We're the board!" It was numerous meetings later when I realized that she can't say because she doesn't know, yet. We have to wait and see. OH! Ha!
Congratulations, Eve, on 20 years of incredible and humble work on behalf of the children and teachers of Nia House. You are a true gem. I'm honored to have worked alongside you for a few lucky years.
-Jeff Vincent, Former Board President
Raising kids together with Eve at Nia House as co-workers from 2002-2007 were some of the best years of my life! There is no one I would have rather learned alongside and I am forever grateful for her friendship and mentorship. I still remember the day she invited me to observe at Nia House. It was a moment that defined my career and set me on a course to a meaningful life.
-Vanessa Callaghan, colleague and friend