• Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Lehman College

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"I’ve always had a love for children and the curiosity to know how they learn and play. I found myself gravitating towards working with young children while pursuing my degree in sociology. I first joined the MCNS community in 2018 as a parent when my own children, Lucious and Emilia, were students. I loved coming in to the school, participating in the classroom, and learning how to setup age-appropriate activities for children. I am excited to share my love for crafting and fun experiments with the children at MCNS!"

• 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 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.”

• 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 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.”

• 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."

• Currently studying Early Childhood Education at Empire State College 

• Joined MCNS in 2015 as a camp counselor, 2023 as a substitute teacher, and 2024 as an assistant teacher

"I began working with children when I was just 15 years old and quickly realized I wanted to be a teacher! Serving as an important role in a child’s life is what inspires me most. MCNS is truly a special place and I’m grateful to work with the best teachers, children, and families. When I’m not at MCNS I enjoy baking anything that my sister, Allie, requests."

• 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!”

• Associates Degree in Medical Assistant Management

• Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science

• Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education

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"Learning thrives when we play, explore, and ask thoughtful questions. I love  designing activities that spark curiosity, invite bright ideas, and invite everyone to join in. With 25+ years of experience, my heart remains rooted in nurturing joyful learning, kindness, and a lifelong love of discovery at MCNS. When I'm not in the classroom, you'll find me at home with my family. We're happiest on road trips, gathering around a Uno or board game, or just enjoying each other's company."

• 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."

• 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."