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teachers
KATHI FORDE is our kindergarten
teacher, returning to the River School after a maternity hiatus. 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 seven-year-old
Daniel, (a Montessori of Nyack grad) four-year-old Sloane, and
two-year-old baby Scarlet. Kathi has many hobbies and interests, but she
has no time for any of them!
SUSAN HANS teaches kindergarten Spanish. Susan comes to us with a
background in psychology from Penn State University. Bilingual in
Spanish and English, Susan provides our daily second language
instruction. Susan is the mother of two-year-old Madelyn, a student in
the Montessori Center of Nyack’s Beginnings class.
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.
BROOKE ORTIZ is our art teacher. Brooke has been a part of the
Montessori and River School family since her nine-year-old son, Michael,
was a student with us. This year her four-year-old daughter, Claire, is
a student in the full day class in the Montessori Center. Brooke brings
a background in theater and communication arts to her weekly art class.
She incorporates a study of the great artists into her art program, as
well as teaching the kindergarten children various techniques and
mediums. During 2008-2009, Brooke’s art class will be following our
“Hurt No Living Thing” environmental theme. Brooke’s art class is always
fun, and the children love it!
BRENDA GORMALEY incorporates elements of several different yoga
formats to help our children build strength, increase flexibility,
improve concentration, create mind and body awareness, and enjoy
relaxation. Brenda also teaches Yoga to the students enrolled in the
Universal Pre-Kindergarten program at our affiliated Montessori of Nyack
pre-school. Brenda shows us all the importance of learning to relax and
center ourselves in the harried world of the 21st century.
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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