Alana, Owner
Hi! I’m Alana Rusin. I’ve been a practicing attorney in Boston for more than a decade, and I live in Fort Point with my husband and our three kiddos: Lucy (8), Liam (5), and Molly (2).
I first discovered Little Lovage Club in 2016 as a client. My Newbies Class, led by Nancy Gair, was a lifesaver, helping me feel sane and supported during the wild ride of new motherhood. I kept coming back—taking Kangas, Here We Go Again with Liam, and other classes. Lovage and its community of young families became near and dear to my heart.
When Lovage temporarily closed during the pandemic, I realized my calling—and took on the role of its new owner. I’m honored and excited to lead Lovage into its next chapter and help it thrive.
My dream is to continue building the most supportive, inclusive community of young families in and around Boston and to make Lovage the go-to resource for families navigating the 0–5 stage in the City.
Gaby, Community Engagement & Weekday Manager
Gaby is an essential part of our team at Little Lovage Club, serving as both Communications/Media and Lovage Manager. She discovered Lovage in 2022 through a friend who worked at the club. Drawn to the welcoming environment and the chance to balance work with her studies, Gaby joined as a part-time team member while studying Business Administration at Emmanuel College.
By the time she graduated in 2024, Gaby’s passion for Lovage had grown significantly. After connecting with Alana, who saw her dedication and enthusiasm, she transitioned to a full-time role. As Communications & Media Manager,
Gaby combines her love for working with children with her talent for connecting with families and building community, helping Lovage continue to thrive and grow as a small business.
Ashley, Weekend & Events Manager
Ashley holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Developmental Psychology from Wheelock College and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood and Special Education from Boston University. After seven years teaching in Boston-area public schools and six years as a fitness instructor at The Handle Bar, Ashley discovered Little Lovage Club as a mom, bringing her daughter Maverick (4) to classes, special events like Lovage Petting Zoo, and Lovage Summer Camp.
Now as Weekend & Events Manager, Ashley combines her passion for working with children and families with her exceptional organizational skills, creativity, and attention to detail to bring joy to the Lovage community.
Maria, Art Teacher
Maria Palkon is a Boston-based artist specializing in hand-cut paper, creating intricate works that transform paper into visually stunning structures. Drawing on her Polish heritage and background in illustration, Maria’s practice blends traditional papercraft, folk art, and her experience as an educator. She holds an MFA in Art Education from Tufts University’s School of the Museum of Fine Arts and a BFA in Illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Maria’s work has been exhibited throughout New England, including at Boston Symphony Hall, the New England Botanical Garden (where one of her pieces is part of the permanent collection), and the Mayor’s Gallery at Boston City Hall. She works out of her studio in Boston’s SoWa Art + Design District, where she regularly participates in open studios and community events.
Maria began at Little Lovage Club teaching Minni Art classes—and she loved it so much that she asked to join our Lovage team! Her creativity, energy, and love for teaching make her a beloved part of our Lovage family.
Lisa, STEM Teacher
Lisa Warren is a museum educator and early childhood specialist with a passion for STEAM education. She works at the intersection of art and science, using hands-on, inquiry-based exploration to spark curiosity, bolster self-esteem, and bring out the inherent potential in every child.
Lisa comes to Little Lovage via the museum world where she spent over a decade creating shows and programs, training and supervising staff and volunteers, and ensuring that programs and spaces are welcoming and inclusive to visitors with and without disabilities. Lisa believes little people accomplish BIG things when they are surrounded by joy, curiosity, and social connection. She seeks to promote STEM skills through interactive, play-based learning that invites everyone to ask questions, make observations, and discover the fun of wondering ‘why?’
Lisa holds a MA in Museum Studies with a focus in Museum Education from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in Human Development and Elementary Education from Connecticut College. She is a licensed early childhood educator and a licensed science educator for grades 1-6. She is kept ever on her toes by her food and travel-loving husband, and their ever-inquisitive daughter, Ellie.
Kara, Parent Group Facilitator
Kara has twenty years of childcare experience starting as a nanny and then as a postpartum doula providing overnight support for new families. Her passion is helping parents get off on the right foot so they can enjoy the newborn stage. She’s excited to help the moms in class get more confident and answer all their newborn questions and especially likes helping with feeding and sleep routines. She’s hoping to help the new mothers really enjoy their time with their new baby and make this stage less stressful and more fun.
Vanessa, Parent Group Facilitator
Vanessa is a South End mom of two children—Fiona (7) and James (4). With a master’s degree in nutrition, she has spent the past 15 years as a dietitian and a certified pediatric specialist, supporting parents on their journey from infant feeding and introducing solids all the way through picky toddlers and body image issues in older children. As the owner of South End Family Nutrition, Vanessa is passionate about guiding parents and families toward healthier, happier lives. She leads virtual classes on Tinyhood and hosts workshops and group sessions throughout the city, supporting families of all kinds. Vanessa finds great joy in creating spaces where parents can connect and learn from each other, witnessing the powerful moments of growth and community that unfold.
Front Desk Team
Ta’Naizha
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General FAQs
- We are a peanut and tree nut free facility. Please do not bring any nuts into our space.
- Caregivers are always free at Lovage. We only charge per child.
- We do not allow shoes in the playspace; children may be barefoot or in socks. We suggest that caregivers wear socks as well. Grippy socks are best!
- Parents/caregivers should always be within arms reach of their children and are responsible for continually supervising their children while in our space.
- We have bathrooms with child-sized amenities and a changing table with extra diapers. Children should never be in the bathroom alone.
- For eating and feeding we have a bottle warmer, filtered water and paper cups, kid-sized tables and chairs, and high chairs. We ask that all food stays in the snack area.
- You may bring your own food and drinks (no nuts please, see above!). Please nurse or feed a baby a bottle wherever and whenever you need to while in our space. You may also use our private feeding room.
- Download our App: We HIGHLY recommend downloading our app! It is the easiest way to build a profile, sign our waiver, search our schedule, book and cancel classes and Open Play, and more. Go here to download on Apple. Go here to download on Google.
- Naming Your Account:The First Name and Last Name on your Little Lovage Club account should be your primary child's name (not your name or another adult’s name). This ensures that your child's name appears on class and open play rosters. The primary child is the one in your family who will most frequently use Little Lovage Club services. You can book additional children using the "Book a Guest" feature for Open Play and Enrichment Classes (see below).
- Reserve in Advance: Please try to reserve Enrichment Classes and Open Play in advance! We can't guarantee availability for walk-ins, and we don’t want you to arrive and find that your preferred program is full.
- Cancellation Windows:We have a 2-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel at least two hours before the start of your class or Open Play reservation, your credit will be returned to your account for future use. If you don't cancel, your credit will be forfeited. We understand that unexpected situations can arise—please email hello@littlelovageclub.com if something beyond your control prevented you from canceling within the window.
- Note: Whether you're a member or non-member, if you have two siblings using Little Lovage Club classes or Open Play, we encourage you to add both children's names to your account through the phone or web app.
- Members Booking a Sibling into the SAME Enrichment Class: Either members need to have a DUO membership or purchase a separate Enrichment Class credit ($25 for member sibling) for another sibling if you have a SINGLE membership. If you have a DUO membership: first, book your primary child into the Enrichment Class using your membership credit, then book your second child as a guest. Make sure to check the box to confirm. If you’re using your new class credit, book your primary child into the Enrichment Class using your membership credit, then book your second child as a guest.
- Members Booking a Sibling into DIFFERENT Enrichment Classes: Either have to have a DUO membership or purchase a separate Enrichment Class credit ($25 for member sibling) for another sibling if you have a SINGLE membership. For either option, you book classes using the primary child’s name, regardless if it’s the primary child vs. the sibling taking the class..
- Non-Members Booking Sibling into the SAME Enrichment Class:If you want to book two siblings into the same class, please make sure to purchase the correct number of credits to book multiple children. First, book your primary child into class using your Enrichment Class credit, then book your second child as a guest using your second Enrichment Class credit.
- Non-Members Booking Sibling into the DIFFERENT Enrichment Classes:If you want to book two siblings into different classes, please make sure to purchase the correct number of credits to book multiple children. First, book your primary child into class using your Enrichment Class credit, then book your second child using the primary child’s name, regardless if it’s the primary child vs. the sibling taking the class using your second Enrichment Class credit.
- Members Booking Sibling into the SAME or DIFFERENT Open Play Session: First, book your primary child into the Open Play session using your Open Play credit, then book second and additional siblings into Open Play using the "Book a Guest" feature. Use a single Open Play credit per child.</
- Non-Members Booking Sibling into the SAME or DIFFERENT Open Play Session:Please purchase enough credits to book all siblings into the same Open Play session. First, book your primary child into the Open Play session using a single credit. Then, book second and additional siblings into Open Play using the "Book a Guest" feature; using a single credit per child.
- Learn about Parent Support Groups: Read more and book your spot on our website.
- Book a Parent Support Group: You can book Parent Support Groups via our website. Go here to view and purchase.
- What are Parent Support Groups? Our Parent Support Groups are designed to foster connection and community among new parents, offering a space to openly discuss the challenges of early parenthood, navigate changes in relationships, and share practical advice on infant sleep, feeding, soothing, and more. Each group meets for 90 minutes weekly over the course of six weeks. Groups are kept small, with 8-12 participants and one facilitator.
- Who are Parent Support Groups for? Postnatal classes are designed for either a mom or a dad (depending on the group) to attend with a young infant rather than for couples. We want to ensure there is space to be really honest about how parenthood has affected your own identity and your relationships. That being said, we celebrate the fact that families grow in many ways and if you have any questions about whether a postnatal support group is a good fit for you, please reach out to hello@littlelovageclub.com.
- Where are Parent Support Groups located? Parent Support Groups are now located at 485 Harrison Avenue in the South End.
- Book a Spot for Every Child: Each child must have their own separate booking for Open Play (see section on booking siblings into Open Play). However, babies under 6 months who are accompanying an older sibling can join for free and do not require a booking.
- Open Play Schedule: Each Open Play booking gives you access to a two-hour session in our play space and amenities. Sessions are available at 30-minute start times during all operating hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm on weekdays, and 9:00 am–1:00 pm on weekends. Please note, there is no discount if you arrive during the last hour of the day. Operating hours may change when Little Lovage Club moves to our new location at 485 Harrison Ave.
- Open Play on the Weekends: Occasionally, Open Play is not available on Saturday or Sunday afternoons due to private parties, but please check the schedule to confirm. Operating hours may change when Little Lovage Club moves to our new location at 485 Harrison Ave.
- Advanced Bookings Recommended: Advanced bookings are highly recommended, especially for our peak morning Open Play from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee a walk-in spot will be available if you do not sign up ahead of time.
- Purchasing Enrichment Class credits: You can either buy a credit for a Single Enrichment class ($35); or you can purchase a Membership for a monthly allocation of Enrichments Class credits. See Membership FAQs above.
- Please Arrive Early: We always recommend arriving at Lovage to check in and get settled at least 10 minutes in advance of your Enrichment Class start time. You are welcome to play in our Open Space for up to 30 minutes until the start of class is announced. After you’ve checked in and your stroller is settled, please move into the Open Play space to make room for others to arrive.
- Open Play Before and After Class: Your Enrichment Class booking includes 30 minutes of free Open Play before the class starts. Please arrive within that window, and make sure to be there at least 10 minutes before class begins. Please note, Open Play is only included before class—not after. If you'd like to stay and play after class, be sure to book an additional Open Play session.
- Book at Spot for Every Child: Every child attending an Enrichment Class must have a separate booking (see section about booking siblings). However, babies UNDER 6 months who accompany an older sibling to a class designed for the older sibling can attend free of charge.
- How to Buy: Go here to purchase a gift card.
- How to Redeem: Sign in to your account or create an account at littlelovageclub.com or via the App. Go to your account / personal information. Under Payment Methods, go to Redeem Gift Card. Type in the Gift Card code. This will add the gift card funds or credits to your account. Then go to the buy page and use these funds to purchase credits and/or apply those credits to classes and/or Open Play via the schedule.
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Parking Lot: A paid parking lot is located across the street at 500 Harrison Avenue.
Rates are as follows:- First hour: $10
- $5 per additional hour
- $30 daily maximum
- Street Parking: There is also 2-hour street parking available on Randolph Street, Washington Street, and Harrison Avenue.