Deborah Coconis
Ruth Greene
Barbara Mauer
Kay Pecchia
Maureen Sarma
Carolyn Wendover
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Deborah Coconis Director, Lead Teacher 4's Miss Deborah has been on staff at MCP at Grace since 2008 and has been working with school-aged children in preschool, after-school programs, camps and workshops since 1994. She earned her B.A. in Theatre and Studio Arts from Roger Williams University. Ruth Greene Teacher 3's Miss Ruth is the mother of two children and began working in preschool when her daughter was young. “It was a perfect fit for me. What I love most about my job is the excitement in each child’s eyes when they learn something new. Watching them grow from the beginning of their time with us until they leave makes my heart happy. We are part of the foundation of the rest of their lives and I see MCP as continuing to enrich each and every child that we are privileged to teach. I am honored to be a part of this amazing team!!” Barbara Mauer Music and Physical Recreation Music has always been central to Miss Barbara's life. She incorporated music into her 15-year career at Wassaic Developmental Center, where she was head of the Recreation Department. She also served as a children's P.E. teacher at Dutchess County BOCES for 17 years, while creating a chorus and guitar club and integrating music into the P.E. program. Barbara holds a B.S. from Ithaca College in K-12 Physical Education as well as a Master’s in Physical Education and Recreation for the Handicapped. “I love doing music with the children. Music is so important for a variety of reasons, but for me, the sheer joy of music is contagious. I also love doing movement activities with the children. They are just learning how their bodies move and about spacial awareness. I would hope that we are memory builders and facilitators of creating social and creative beings. We create a safe haven where a child can be a child.” Kay Pecchia Lead Teacher 3's Miss Kay has been working with preschool children for 20 years and is a mother of five children and seven grandchildren. “I came to Millbrook Community Preschool after Cardinal Hayes preschool, where I had previously been working, closed. I joined other co-workers from there at MCP, so it was a chance to continue working with like-minded teachers. Four of my grandchildren have also attended MCP. I love working with young children and watching them experience the joy of learning. It makes me glad to see them experience the people and wonders of the world around them. I hope for them to learn to be confident, caring and curious creatures." Maureen Sarma Teacher 3's Before MCP, Maureen studied, lived and worked in Ireland for 15 years. She received her B.A. in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin before embarking on a career with the Irish Department of Education and Science. Maureen headed an initiative to support at-risk children and their families in the country. Upon returning to N.Y., Maureen was thrilled to find MCP. She became preschool director in 2012, and throughout the next four years led the school through a period of growth and renewed vision. She conducted a school-wide renovation with the Bruderhof Community, and engendered a view on early learning as intuitive, hands on, and joyful. Additionally, Maureen believes that education needs to be approached through reflection, responsiveness, and compassion. She advocates for slowing down to create space for children to be seen, heard, and to form connections on their own. She is delighted to continue serving MCP as a member of the teaching staff. She finds herself working and laughing beside who she believes to be the warmest, most creative teachers imaginable, and the most wondrously fascinating little ones! Carolyn Wendover Teacher 4's Miss Carolyn has worked with preschool-aged children for over 20 years. Before joining MCP in 2006, Carolyn worked for Cardinal Hayes Preschool in Millbrook. She also worked as a Teacher’s Assistant with special education students at Webutuck High School. When Cardinal Hayes Preschool closed, Carolyn felt fortunate to arrive at MCP with a fellow teacher and director she had already formed a working relationship with at Cardinal Hayes. “I find it so rewarding to work with small children. To see the delight in them when they learn a new song or finish an art project, find a new friend or recognize letters and numbers. I believe our school will continue to grow because of the compassion our staff have not just for the children but for each other. We are a team….” |