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teachers
KATHI FORDE has been our kindergarten teacher for five years. Ms.
Forde is a graduate of Lesley University, one of the premier
institutions of higher learning in the country that specializes in all
aspects of teaching and education. She has completed graduate level work
in Literacy at Fordham University, and she is certified in Special
Education. Kathi has taught in the Rye, New York school system and at
Eagle Hill School. With teaching experience that ranges from pre-school
to high school, Ms. Forde is a tremendous asset to the Montessori Center
of Nyack as well as the River School. Kathi is mother of nine-year-old
Daniel, (a Montessori of Nyack grad) five-year-old Sloane, (also a
Montessori Center of Nyack grad) and three-year-old baby Scarlett,
currently a student in the Montessori pre-k class. Kathi has many
hobbies and interests, but she has no time for any of them!
HARRIET TEPLITZKY is the
curriculum coordinator, as well as the technology director, computer lab
teacher, photographer, grants writer, and field trip arranger. A
graduate of SUNY Binghamton with a Master’s degree from Boston
University, Harriet brings her creative talents to the classroom through
the use of diverse technological resources, while at the same time,
insuring that school’s mission statement and subject material are
uniformly implemented. The parent of a former student and a valued
friend, we are all fortunate that she is a driving force in the River
School.
other
staff
BARBARA ISELIN has been teaching
fitness and movement at the River School since it was founded in 1989.
Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, both to children and staff.
She is equally at home teaching square dances to the older students and
obstacle courses to the younger ones. Her presentations, which emphasize
fairness, politeness, and positive self-esteem, are received
enthusiastically by the children.
VINNY CUEVA can be found in many places at
school. Vinny coordinates the pre-school and kindergarten lunch program,
as well as the after school program. Vinny teaches our kindergarten
Spanish class and is a teaching assistant in kindergarten in the
afternoon. Vinny is a graduate of Emerson College with a major in
theater education. Vinny can also be found performing in stage dramas,
or on a movie set acting in motion picture productions.
BARBARA PRESTEGAARD has been our school secretary for eighteen
years. She supplies the friendly voice that answers the telephone and
assists in billing, ordering, purchasing, and other administrative
duties. She shops for school supplies and snacks and knows just where we
can get the most for the least! No matter what role she assumes, Barbara
does it well and adds a feeling of warmth and caring that are especially
her own.
CHRISTINE HWALEK RENSTROM has been our music teacher since 1988.
She is a graduate of Nazareth College and is currently studying for her
Masters in music at Montclair State College. Christine has Orff-Kodaly
training, but draws upon a variety of disciplines, including Montessori,
when presenting her programs to the children. As a member of the
Rockland County Guild of Music Teachers, she offers piano lessons
privately and instructs many of our children.
ELLEN (Cookie) WARNER joined the Montessori Center of Nyack and
River School five years ago as the Director of Admissions. A teacher,
drug and alcohol prevention educator, and experienced administrative
coordinator, Ellen brings an enthusiasm and love for children that makes
her a delightful addition. Her primary responsibilities concern the
admission process, school tours, and outreach programs. Her nickname
makes her very popular with the children!
DOROTHY GOREN has been associated with the Montessori Center of
Nyack since 1987 and founded the River School in 1989. She is a graduate
of Barnard College with a Masters from Manhattanville, and has spent
many years in executive positions before selecting the field of early
childhood as her primary interest. A believer that education is
important for people of all ages, she recently completed her doctorate
in the field of educational leadership.
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