| The co-op is fortunate to have a talented and dedicated teaching
staff whose enthusiastic and supportive approach helps children
develop self-esteem and respect for others. The director and
teaching staff also have a special relationship, as many of
the staff’s children attended the co-op as well.
One certified and experienced teacher leads each class, with
the assistance of a teacher-assistant in the 3’s and 4’s
classes, as well as one or two parent helpers in the classroom.
Each teacher conducts a meeting with parents at our “Back
to School Night” at the start of the school year to
make them familiar with the classroom and with class policies.
Parent conferences are held mid-year but can be requested
at any time. Communication between parents and teachers is
always welcome and encouraged.
Christine Braden, Preschool Director
Now in her 23rd year at the co-op, Christine serves as the
co-op director and as church liaison. Christine graduated
from Heidelberg College with a undergraduate degree in Elementary
Education. Christine is also the mother of three co-op alumni and is the director
of Jersey Jubilation, a local community handbell choir.
Mary Ellen Sabatino, Head Teacher, 4’s Teacher
Mary Ellen is currently in her 17th year at the co-op, and has previously taught
preschool at the Cooperative Nursery School in Fair Lawn. Mary Ellen earned her degree in Early Childhood
Education at Glassboro State University. All three of her children are co-op alumni.
Lisa Haase, 4’s Teacher Assistant
Lisa is a former co-op parent and is in her 2nd year as a co-op teacher assistant. She
previously served on the Co-op's board as parent advocate. A mother of three (all co-op alumni), Lisa
and her husband have been hosting newborns in foster care for the past three years.
Marianne Cordes, 3’s Teacher
Now in her 15th year at the Co-op she received an A.A.S. from Bergen Community College with a major in Early Childhood Education. She has 3 children, one of whom attended the co-op and 2 grandchildren.
Peggy Bonaccorsi, 3’s Assistant
Peggy is in her second year at the co-op as a classroom aid. She has two children who are co-op alumni.
Vjollca Ndreu, 3’s Assistant
Vjollca is a wonderful addition to staff as the 3's afternoon classroom aid. She has two sons, one is currently a student at the co-op.
Jan Emmett – 2’s Teacher
Jan is currently in her 10th year at the co-op. She earned
her degree in Textiles, Sociology, Psycholgy and English from
SUNY Plattsburgh. A mother of two, Jan's youngest child also graduated from
the co-op.
Marlene Pillow – Music Teacher
Marlene has been the music teacher at the co-op for 8
years. Her daughter Charlotte and son Evan both attended
the co-op. Graduating from the Eastman School of Music with
a major in voice, and from the New England Conservatory with
a Master’s Degree in Voice, Marlene is also a much-loved
piano teacher, offering lessons from her home in Ridgewood.
Anna Haworth – Physical Education Teacher
Anna is entering her third year at the co-op as our gym teacher.
Two of her three children attended the co-op as well. She
received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education,
and her Master’s Degree in Elementary Language Arts,
from William Paterson College.
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