Head 2’s Teacher

Nicky grew up in England where she graduated with a Master’s degree in chemistry from Kings College in London. Nicky worked for many years as an Analytical Chemist at Glaxo Wellcome and Biocompatibles. After she married, Nicky and her family moved to Scarsdale, where they’ve lived since 2003. Nicky is a mother to four children and after taking a career break to raise her children she got the opportunity to work at a preschool initially in a 2s class and then in a 3s class. It was there she discovered that she loves working with young children and gets so much pleasure from their positivity and love of life. Nicky is looking forward to continuing her journey in preschool teaching in the warm and friendly environment at SCCNS.

2’s Teacher

Laura has been a part of the SCCNS family since 2016 (two of her children are SCCNS graduates), and she served on the Board for four years. She substituted at SCCNS (in the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s classrooms) for several years before being hired as a teacher in the 3’s. Laura is currently a 2’s teacher and loves to help children get acclimated to the school environment and learn through a play-based approach. Laura is also a picture book author (she is constantly inspired by the kids at SCCNS!) She is a graduate of the University of Richmond in Virginia where she double majored in Communications and Leadership. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Edgewood with their three children, Avery, Stella and Pierce. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys traveling, walking her dog Clover, reading, and crafting “Pre-school is a special time of exploration, discovery, and confidence-building, and I am so excited to be a part of the 2’s learning journey at SCCNS.”

Head 3’s Teacher

Doreen is no stranger to the SCCNS family, since her son attended the preschool years ago. With a BFA in Graphic Design, she loves engaging her creative side with the children. Doreen has been teaching at SCCNS since 2011 working in both the 3’s and 4’s classes. She enjoys teaching an annual enrichment activity with Chinese New Year where she shares story books and festive props about the unique holiday. Doreen loves teaching the 3’s because, “ Each day is a new experience as I see the smiles on the faces of the children. The enthusiasm that each child brings into the classroom makes me love my job even more.”

3’s Teacher

Loraine did her BBS in Accounting at Fordham University and is a CPA. She took 9 years off from the business world to raise her two children. Her interest in working with young children stemmed from being an active member of the Greenvale PTA where she served as President and several other leadership positions for over 6 years. She is currently an active board member for Eastchester’s SEPTA board. She is looking forward to teaching with Ms. Doreen in the the 3’s.

3’s Teacher

Marisa Critelli, a proud graduate of the Scarsdale school district, holds a BFA in Fashion from the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T) in New York City. With over 16 years of experience in the fashion industry, Marisa cultivated a successful career before embarking on a new path as a dedicated mother and child care advocate. In 2015, Marisa made a significant life change following the birth of her daughter, shifting her focus from fashion to child care. Embracing her new role, she has been actively involved in her daughter's education and development, serving as a class mother for multiple years and taking on the role of a troop leader with the Girl Scouts of America. Marisa’s passion for nurturing and guiding young minds is a tribute to her own mother, who dedicated over two decades as a teacher at the Scarsdale Congressional Church Nursery School. Inspired by her mother's legacy, Marisa is committed to continuing this tradition of service and support in her community.

4’s Head Teacher

Michele has a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and a degree in Early Childhood Education. Michele, who has been teaching preschool since 1998, joined the staff of SCCNS in 2011. Michele loves teaching the 4’s because: “They have the ability to see themselves as unique individuals. While keeping that in mind, my goal is to tap into that uniqueness and provide enriching learning experiences, so that each child can be successful, while having fun doing so!”

4’s Teacher

A graduate of Columbia University and a veteran marketing research professional, Lauren found her passion for preschool education when she took time off to raise her two boys. After 6 years as a mom at SCCNS, Lauren brings her inquisitive nature and creative spirit to the school as a teacher in the 4’s. As a parent, valued substitute at the school and Inchworm teacher, she has found ways to weave learning experiences into fun and inventive projects. Her nurturing approach and love of celebrating the seasons and holidays brings great enrichment to the program. Lauren’s top priorities for the 4’s include readiness for kindergarten and parent-teacher communication. Lauren lives in Edgewood with her husband, Jayme, and their sons, Alexander and Miles. She is an active member of the Edgewood PTA and enjoys exploring the outdoors, baking and reading in her free time. Lauren says, “I have always been excited by the curiosity and enthusiasm of the children.”

4’s Teacher

Nancy LaBoy is an alumni of the Scarsdale School District and graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor in visual and performing arts. She has had 10 years of experience as a color stylist in the home furnishings textile industry. After having her third child she decided to stay phome and spend time with her three lovely children. It was from that time she developed a love to teach children art. As time went on Nancy developed and taught an after school program at Heathcote School called Exploring Art where her heart continued to grow to nurture children in their creative development. Nancy says, “I love to watch the children develop into their own as they discover their skills and creative ideas.”

Spanish Teacher

Esther was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain where she attended ESERP University of Barcelona and studied Business and Management. She moved to New York in 2005 with her son and two daughters. Esther speaks English, Spanish and Catalan.

She has taught Catalan to preschoolers at Instituto Cervantes in New York City. She has also taught English to PreK through 4th grade at summer camps in Spain. In addition to teaching, she leads her daughter’s Girl Scouts troop.

“I love all preschoolers because they are little sponges that learn so much and so fast including languages. It’s truly amazing.” She enjoys teaching Spanish through dynamic play, crafts, and music.

Musical Theater Teacher

Anne Cavaliere Conneely is a graduate of the Hart School of Music where she earned her BFA in Music Theater. Anne has worked professionally in children’s theater throughout NYC as well as an entertainer aboard Carnival Cruise Lines and various other theatrical productions. Anne has written, choreographed, produced and performed 3 one-woman cabarets in NYC. She currently fronts two live music bands in the styles of music theater/jazz and rock/pop. She is also currently teaching music classes at Gymboree of Scarsdale and loves working with all the budding singers and dancers there. Anne is a mother of two, both SCCNS alumni and she is thrilled to be a part of such a nurturing school community.

Mini Monets Enrichment Teacher

Cynthia did her BA studies at Manhattanville College before raising her own family. Her interest in working with young children developed out of her experiences raising her own disabled child. She has been teaching preschool since 1995. She joined the SCCNS staff in 2006 as a 4’s teacher, then worked as our Head 2’s teacher for many years, and is now joining our 3’s! Cynthia loves teaching young children because, “It is especially exciting to watch them explore a wider world and a joy to share their sense of discovery, wonder and accomplishment.”