Melissa O’Halloran

Director

 

• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Cortland; Master of Education Degree with a concentration in curriculum and instruction from the University of Scranton

• NYS Department of Education Provisional Teaching Certification in Pre-K, K, and Grades 1–6

• Board of Westchester Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC)

• Joined MCNS in 2012

 

“Children are excited to learn when they have the opportunities to make choices in an environment that is enriching, stimulating and positive.  Here at MCNS parents and teachers work cooperatively to enhance each child’s learning experience and increase a sense of community.  Together we create a culture where every child is treated with respect and dignity.  They feel safe and secure to have opportunities for learning through play, exploration, decision making and social interaction with their peers. We see each child as a unique individual with a great capacity to learn. We enthusiastically support children as they embark on a journey to make discoveries about themselves and the world around them through play and meaningful teacher interactions.

Spending time with my family and getting to know all the families and children at MCNS brings me so much joy. And when I’m not working, I enjoy traveling and going to concerts (I have been to over 400 shows).”

 

Melissa’s professional life has been centered around working with young children. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in art history from SUNY Cortland, where she was inducted in the Honor Society for Education Kappa Delta Pi. Melissa also received her NYS Department of Education Provisional Teaching Certification in Pre-K, K, and Grades 1–6, and holds a Master of Education Degree with a concentration in curriculum and instruction from the University of Scranton.

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Melissa taught third grade in the Ithaca City School District in upstate NY for a year before deciding to return home and pursue her first love, early childhood education. She spent the next two years working at Middletown YMCA as a Head Preschool Teacher for children ages 2–5, and was “Before and After School Childcare Program” Coordinator for two school districts in Orange County, NY.

 

In June 2000, Melissa moved to Westchester, NY, where she spent 12 years working at TimberRidge Family Center in Armonk. She started there as the Lead Teacher of the Pre-K program, and was promoted to the role of Assistant Director of Preschool, Pre-K, School Age, and Summer Camp in 2003. When TimberRidge was acquired by Bright Horizons, Melissa became Executive Director of Bright Horizons at TimberRidge.

 

In August 2012 – ready to embark on a new journey – Melissa joined the MCNS family as Director of the Nursery School. It was a role tailor-made just for her. Her close connections with families and staff, and her love of teaching children are a perfect fit for MCNS. She also serves on the Board of Westchester Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC) – a professional organization which advocates for children birth through eight years old, educating, guiding policy, and promoting early childhood education.