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The co-op is fortunate to have a highly trained, 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. 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.
Denise DeAngelis, Director
As Director for the 2011-12 school year, Denise DeAngelis is joining the Co-op Nursery School staff! She has a BA from Lehigh University, and has extensive knowledge about the Co-op from her years of Committee and Board experience as Secretary, Registrar, Fabulous Fall Festival Chairperson, Administrative Assistant, and Co-President. She also was the school's Interim Co-Director in 2010. Denise has been a Co-op parent for over 7 years, having had all three of her children attend. She is looking forward to working for the Co-op that she holds so dear to her heart!
Mary Ellen Sabatino, Head Teacher, 4's Teacher
Mary Ellen is currently in her 21st 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.
Laurie Kane, 4's AM Aide
Laurie is a former co-op mom (2 of her 3 children attended the co-op). She joined the co-op teaching team four years ago. Laurie has a BA in Communications and English from Villanova and an MA in Journalism from New York University, and worked in radio and television prior to having her children. Laurie is also a Ridgewood resident.
Caroline Liston, 2's AM Aide and 4's PM Aide
Originally from Ireland, Caroline has worked in the childcare field for more than 15 years. She joined the co-op four years ago as one of the "Lunch & Play" facilitators. This year, she will be assisting Mrs. Emmett in the morning 2's classes, and Mrs. Sabatino in the afternoon 4's class.
Marianne Cordes, 3's Teacher
Now in her 19th year at the Co-op she received an A.A.S. from Bergen Community College with a major in Early Childhood Education. She also worked at the Maywood Co-op before coming to the Ridgewood Co-op. Marianne had 2 children attend the Co-op, and she now has 4 grandchildren.
Beth Ann Caruso, 3's Aide
Beth Ann went to Berkeley College and worked in business before having her three children. Beth has been active in the community as a volunteer at Hackensack Medical Center, with the Junior Women's Club, St. Martin's Soup Kitchen and with Meals on Wheels. Beth Ann joined the co-op staff four years ago.
Jan Emmett, 2's Teacher
This will be Jan's 14th year teaching our 2's program. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Plattsburgh State University College. Her major concentration of four was in Textiles (English, Psychology and Sociology). Jan worked in the Fashion Industry for 15 years before starting her family. Her youngest child, Jennifer, graduated from the Co-op. Jan still uses her creative talents not only in the classroom, she also teaches sewing to children in the community.
Marlene Pillow, Music Teacher
Marlene has been the music teacher at the co-op for 12 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, Kindergarten Enrichment and Physical Education Teacher
Anna is entering her 7th year at the co-op as our gym teacher. Anna will also be teaching our Kindergarten Enrichment program this year, and is so excited to do so! Her three children all 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.
Diana Mazza, Extended Day Teacher and Discovery Fridays Teacher
Diana is happy to be a part of the coop and is returning for her third year. Diana has her A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education and has had diverse experiences working with preschool-aged children.
Nicole Torielli, Mommy and Me Teacher
Nicole is joining our Co-op Staff this year! She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and a Master's degree in Special Education, both from Clemson University. Nicole also has a Master's degree in Supervision and Administration from Seton Hall. She has taught 1st and 4th grades at Ridgewood's Travell Elementary School, and she has also taught 2nd grade, for a total of 7 years teaching. She has been an Adjunct Professor at William Paterson University, and a University Supervisor for Elementary and Special Education Student Teachers. Nicole currently has twins in the 3's class, an older child that graduated from the Co-op, and a younger future Co-op student in training.
Michele Jenkins, Discovery Fridays Teacher and Extended Day Aide
Michele is joining our Co-op Staff this year! Michele has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Saint Anselm College, and a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University. She has worked with children as a school social worker in both elementary and high school settings, and has taught Music at Gymboree in Prince William County, Virginia. Michele also assists Ms. Diana in our Extended Day program. Michele has two children, one who is currently in the 3's, and one who recently graduated from the Co-op.
Rory Kelsch, Discovery Fridays Aide
Rory is joining our Co-op Staff this year! She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and a Minor in Theatre with a teaching certificate from Siena College. Rory has enjoyed a variety of careers including Pre-School Teacher at the Learning Choice (Carmel, NY) CPR Instructor, Tour Guide, Off-Off Broadway Actress, Special Events Project Manager, Freelance Writer, and more! Rory has a child in the 3's and another child who is a Co-op graduate.
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