It is such a privilege to be Director of Montclare Children’s School. I work with a wonderfully warm and knowledgeable staff supporting children and families through relationship building, intentional practice and humor.
I have been in early childhood education since 1994. First as a teacher for 9 years and then in school leadership. I began my career in Westchester NY and was lucky enough to come to Montclare in 2016 as the Associate Director. After 2 years at another independent preschool in New York I was lucky enough to return to Montclare as the director in 2023 . I studied sociology at the University of Wisconsin and went onto Teachers College at Columbia University where I earned my MA in education and obtained my teaching certification. I am also a member of the Hunter College faculty working as an adjunct professor and mentor for students pursuing their degree in education.
Born and raised in New York City, I have a firsthand understanding of city life and all the unique opportunities it offers families. I am the proud mother of two children now in their mid-twenties and enjoy spending time with my family going to live music events, hiking, running and sailing, along with a variety of other outdoor pursuits.
I am delighted to be the Education Director for Montclare Children’s School. Prior to becoming the Education Director, I had been a teacher and member of the Montclare community for fifteen years. In that time, I worked with multiple age groups ranging from the youngest two-year-olds all the way up to the oldest four-year-olds. I earned my Master’s Degree in Education from Hunter College and hold professional teaching certification in Early Childhood Education.
As an educator, I have always believed that children learn in many ways and it is essential to expand and adapt teaching philosophies in order to inspire many types of learners. As Education Director, it is my pleasure to work with students and families while supporting the ever-evolving best practices in classroom curriculum.
I am looking forward to meeting your family at the start of your Montclare journey and continuing to get to know you all the way through the end!
I am thrilled to be at Montclare Children’s School as Director of Admissions. Born and raised in upstate NY, I spent many years in Boston where I earned an M.Ed in Guidance and Counseling from Boston University and a BA from Brandeis University. Over the past 20 years, I have worked as a professional and volunteer in educational institutions and non-profit organizations. I taught children with traumatic brain injuries and have directed student services, admissions and public relations, most recently at a NJ private school for toddlers through eighth graders. I am the proud mother of four daughters and I served on the board of trustees and as PTO president at the private school they attended. Please feel free to reach out any time – and share with me what you love about MCS!
When I came to Montclare in 2007, I knew I found a home. I was drawn to the spirit of community and impressed by the commitment to provide the best possible learning foundation for all students. After six years as a head teacher in the Panda Room, I took on my current role in Exmissions.
I began my teaching career in a parochial school on the Lower East Side, and then spent seven years teaching at a private school on the Upper East Side. With a focus on literacy, I became certified in Elementary Ed at St. Peter’s University. In Jersey City, I worked with learning-disabled children in under-served communities. My experience led me to children with communication disorders, especially those on the autistic spectrum, teaching at Learning Spring Elementary and The Rebecca School.
As a head teacher, I was privileged to team with a host of talented educators and related-service providers. At that time I also did private work and collaborated with psychologists to help children with attentional issues and anxiety disorders meet success in the classroom. After a decade of special needs work, I returned for my Masters in Early Childhood at Hunter College.
It is now my privilege to help Montclare families find the right fit for their children as they pursue their educational life in the ongoing schools.
Having been raised on the Upper West Side and educated in Manhattan throughout my childhood, I have deep roots in this vibrant community. I hold a BA in Drama from Kenyon College. In my spare time, I enjoy attending theatre performances, reading books, discovering new restaurants, and lip-syncing.
Mike Zimmerman
Operations Manager
I am delighted to begin my second year with the inspiring teachers and dedicated staff here at the Montclare Children's School. You could say I started my Early Childhood Education career by following in my young son's footsteps – the first school I worked at was his. Ever since then, I have always enjoyed a parent's perspective while observing the children's experiences as they progress through the changing seasons of a school year.
Montclare is the third school where I've been fortunate to work. I'm particularly impressed by the enthusiastic involvement of parents, both individually and through the MPA. My son's (and my) first school was on the Upper East Side, and then I enjoyed five years at a school on Roosevelt Island where I was a frequent flyer on the Red Tram.
As a boy I was an Air Force brat, with our family following my father from base to base – Florida, Tennessee, Colorado and upstate New York. Because my high school and undergrad years were in the San Francisco Bay Area, that's where it feels like I'm "from". But I've now been living on the Upper West Side long enough that I almost never say 'dude' anymore.