• Associate’s Degree from Mercy College

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I love working at MCNS because of the strong sense of community. The children, families, and staff truly feel like family. The family involvement and support at MCNS is like no other! It is so great to facilitate communication with parents who are so involved and caring. I have a history of billing and bookkeeping at other offices in the community but have never felt at home until I found myself at MCNS! I am an alumni parent and had the pleasure of being a participating parent. When I am not at work I run a candle-making business from my home and enjoy supporting my sons, Paul and Evan, at their football games!

• Associate Degree in Art from Seton College

• Infant/Toddler and Preschool CDA credential; presenter at WAEYC teacher training workshops

• Joined MCNS in 2002, and is an alumni parent

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"I love to watch children’s excitement when learning new things, and being instrumental in their learning process. I enjoy doing art with the children and allowing them to explore, problem solve, and be creative. I feel that it is important for children at this age to learn how to be independent, work cooperatively with peers, and be proud of their accomplishments. When not at MCNS, I enjoy shopping with friends, going to Broadway plays, and spending time with my family.”

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Concordia College in Bronxville

• Joined MCNS in December 2022

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"I find so much joy in being able to assist children while they are navigating their developing emotions and finding themselves. My background in social work makes me gravitate towards helping children to feel safe at school and making MCNS a place for them to learn, grow, and play. My goal as a teacher is to provide children with the opportunity to thrive in a happy environment where they can learn to be kind to their friends and to themselves and knowing that emotions are good things that we can work through! I have found that MCNS’s play based school is the perfect place to do that! When I’m not at school I run a small crafting business from my home and enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and especially my cats!"

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Iona College

• Preschool CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2003

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“As a teacher, I love to see our children learning through fun activities. Each child develops at their own pace and should be encouraged, praised, and seen as their own person. I make sure to give them the opportunity to make their own choices and also the tools that are needed to help them emotionally and socially. I enjoy helping these children develop critical thinking skills and become independent individuals. Teaching has always been a passion of mine – having the opportunity to see a child grow and mature, and playing a part in his/her development is a rewarding factor.”

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Slippery Rock University

• Joined MCNS in 2007, and is an alumni parent

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“I like to include learning elements when the children are playing – counting while building blocks or playing with trucks and trains, and asking what color is this? We also have fun singing and dancing, scarf dancing, and playing instruments. I hope our students will always remember that they had fun, felt safe and were loved while at MCNS.”

• Associate Degree in Business from Berkeley College in White Plains

• Preschool CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 1998, and is also an MCNS alumni

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“I am a parent of two former MCNS students – and was actually an MCNS student myself! That experience showed me how effective and appropriate the MCNS play-based teaching philosophy was. The social and emotional growth that children develop during preschool is the foundation for their success in kindergarten and beyond. Children need nurturing, guidance, and support as well as an environment that encourages play and exploration. One of my goals as a teacher is to nurture the curiosity, creativity, and imagination of the children, and my varied lesson plans strive to meet the needs and levels of all children. One of my favorite activities is releasing the butterflies. It is so exciting for the children to set free the butterflies they have watched change from tiny caterpillars. It also gives me joy to see and hear the children laughing and having fun in my classroom. I get fulfillment from introducing these young children to their classroom experience and being a part of their development."

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from the University of Arizona

• Preschool CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2009 and is also an MCNS alumnus

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“This school is truly a special place to be a part of. Our play-based philosophy keeps teaching creative and enjoyable, allowing us to plan activities based on children’s needs and interests, and allowing the children to enjoy their early childhood years through meaningful, hands-on learning while developing a strong foundation for their future. I believe preschool should provide an extension of home for young learners – a place they feel safe, happy, and loved, where they are given experiences that help them grow and learn, and the confidence to do things for themselves, solve problems, ask questions, be social, and participate. We provide children with a strong foundation, exposing them to literacy, science, math, art, music, and culture, giving them the keys they will need to succeed as their education continues. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they learn through these experiences is my favorite part of each day.”

• Joined MCNS in 2023

"Before finding myself at MCNS, I worked with special needs preschoolers and as a pediatric medical assistant. I am currently working towards obtaining my CDA credential. I love working with young children. I feel we hold such important roles as the adults in their lives and have the honor of teaching them the fundamentals of learning. They are also so much fun at this age! I am very happy to have joined the MCNS family and to have the opportunity to get to know all the kids. When I’m not at MCNS I enjoy spending time with my husband, two daughters and my English Bulldog, MackTruck!"

• Preschool CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2002–09, 2016​, and is a MCNS alumni parent

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“The preschool experience is important in helping children gain confidence and become social with peers. It teaches them how to express their individuality and also how to be part of a group. It’s great to watch the excitement in the children's faces when offering them new activities and experiences to explore. I'd like our students to remember MCNS as a warm, nurturing environment with a teacher who gave them opportunities to have fun, express themselves and feel safe.”

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Empire State College

• Joined MCNS in 2018 as a student teacher and 2019 as a teacher

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"I have always love working with children ever since I was in 5th grade when I helped out in the kindergarten classroom.  I enjoy watching and communicating with children while they learn new things through play and engagement. I feel like they are so independent at this age and capable of doing many things. In addition to MCNS, I work at an afterschool program that ranges from kindergarten through 5th grade and have been babysitting for a Westchester family for almost two years now."

• Preschool CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2002

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“As the mom of three adult children I realize the importance of planning creative activities for the children in my group. I love setting up social scenarios in the housekeeping area that encourage language, sharing, and problem solving.”

• Bachelor's Degree in Business from Pace University

• Joined MCNS in 2022, and is an alumni parent and former Board Member

"Preschool is a time to learn and explore. I love helping our children gain confidence in themselves. Being with them each day to nurture them gives me great joy. I hope this helps to give them confidence in themselves." 

• Bachelor's Degree in Media Studies from Hunter College

• Preschool CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2011, and is an alumni parent

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“My favorite outdoor learning activity to do with the children is gardening! It's so fun to dig, water, and watch the plants to grow. And the children's big smiles bring me such joy, especially when they accomplish something and they know they are very special! But everyone is different, and that makes us all so special! I encourage children to respect other's opinions, ideas, and feelings to build good teamwork skills. I love teaching preschool because I love the children! I am their biggest fan, and it is such a joy to watch them grow. Their honest and pure thoughts nourish me every day. I love arts and crafts, and it has been so nice to see children to grow their skills. And my Japanese heritage contributes to a multicultural environment. I love teaching Japanese culture, songs, and games!”

• Joined MCNS in 2022
   

"I’m happy to be part of such a warm environment with amazing teachers. Working with kids has always been a passion of mine. I come to MCNS with over 20 plus years of experience working with children of all ages. I love being part of their lives and seeing them so happy. Watching their growth year after year has been truly remarkable. I look forward to meeting new kids every year and helping them develop a love for school at such an early age."

• Preschool CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2013-2019, 2023

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"Teaching and helping children learn new skills and being part of their development process brings me so much joy! I love being a mom to my own two wonderful children, Maya & James (and my sweet cat Max) and bring my nurturing nature into the classroom. I strive to create a warm and understanding environment while encouraging independence and creativity."

• Studying Early Childhood Education at Westchester Community College 

• Joined MCNS 2015-2018 as a camp counselor, 2023 as an Assistant Teacher
   

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"As a little girl I always enjoyed helping my mom with the babies and toddlers that she was a nanny to. I went on to volunteer at MCNS when I was 13 and loved everything about it! The staff, Melissa, & Charlie create such a warm and fun place to be. My love and connection with children guided me into the early childhood career path. I’m truly excited about my promotion to assistant teacher! In my free time I enjoy cooking, playing with my cats and doing yoga."

• NYS Certified Early Childhood/Childhood Educator Certification (Birth-6th grade)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood/Childhood Education with a minor in Visual Arts from Iona University

• Joined MCNS in 2020 as a student teacher, 2021 as a Floating Teacher
   

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"I feel that creative activities and the arts are great for a child’s overall development. The extracurricular activities that the children engage in, make the day even more exciting. Seeing their faces light up when they are having fun makes it all worthwhile."

• Bachelor's Degree in Economics from SUNY Albany

• Infant/Toddler CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2020, and is an alumni parent

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"My most cherished memories of my children and the children I’ve cared for over the years are during the toddler to preschool years. I’m always in awe of how much they learn and absorb during this time. I truly enjoy teaching and guiding these young minds and watching their personalities develop. My three sons attended MCNS so I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to pursue my teaching passion at MCNS. During my free time I am an avid reader, love to cook and bake and spend time with my growing family and sweet Puggle Rocky.”

• Infant/Toddler CDA credential

• Joined MCNS in 2021, and is an alumni parent

"I have always had a love for working with children. It began with operating a daycare for 20 years and has now transitioned into the classroom. I love to see their progression throughout the year.  I hope the children at MCNS always feel safe, happy and loved as well as look back with fond memories of their time here."

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and English Education from Iona University

• Joined MCNS in 2019

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“For me, there is nothing more heartwarming than seeing a child smiling from ear to ear when they finally accomplish something that they worked so hard for. Being a part of a child’s skill building and witnessing their successes is my favorite part of being a teacher. I am so grateful that I get to work at MCNS where I am able to cater to each child’s individual needs in a way that works best to help them learn, grow, and reach milestones. When I am not at MCNS, I enjoy cooking, crafting, and especially snuggling up on the couch with my cats.”