Faculty & Staff
MCNS staff work together to create stimulating, welcoming learning environments in all areas of the school. Teachers form genuine relationships with the children, developing curriculum around the children’s interests and social interactions. All teachers meet or exceed New York City licensing requirements for early childhood teachers. Teachers with advanced knowledge in Science, Music, Art and Spanish enhance the regular program through weekly classes or collaborative work in the classroom. We share our collective knowledge to create and maintain an emotionally responsive, reflective teaching practice.
Who We Are
The faculty participates in ongoing professional development, focusing on topics such as Art & Self Expression, and Children’s Work as a Window into Learning. During the fall of 2023, all MCNS staff were certified in Positive Discipline. This year, we are discussing Restorative and Reflective Practice in a Preschool Environment.
Tricia Pool - Director
MSEd, Early Childhood General Ed, Bank Street College, 2006
MA, Secondary Education, Integrated Language Arts, Webster College, St. Louis, 1987
BA, English, University of Texas at Austin, 1982
NY State Certification, Early Childhood Education
Tricia became the Director of MCNS in July 2019, brining 30 years of experience with preschoolers, both in the classroom and in administration. Tricia’s philosophy and practice as a progressive educator are informed by the works of John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, Jonathan Kozol, Erik Erikson, bell hooks, Michael O. Weiner, Lesley Koplow, and The 10 Principles of Burning Man.
Veronica Vazquez - Explorers Group Teacher
Ed.M, Teachers College, 2022
NY State Certification Early Childhood and Special Education, Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Veronica has extensive experience with toddlers and preschoolers in an emotionally responsive, play based environment. Prior to joining the MCNS faculty, Veronica spent over 10 years as a teacher of two, three and four year olds at The Weekday School, where she also assisted children an atelierista trained in Reggio Emilia. She taught kindergarten for two years at Amber Charter School in East Harlem.
Diomara Perez - Explorers Assistant Teacher
When Diomara joined the MCNS faculty in 2019, she already had over ten years experience with 2 and 3 year olds, and additional experience with elementary students. Diomara holds a Play First certification from Fairy Dust Teaching and is certified in Positive Discipline.
Aliyse Fernando - Explorers Assistant Teacher
Aliyse spent several years as an aide and an assistant in the Tendercare program at the West Side YMCA. She provided support to students in a DOE Learning Lab for the children of essential workers prior to joining MCNS in the spring of 2021. In addition to her work in Explorers, Aliyse provides warm, individualized care to children who stay at school until the early evening.
Patty Lederer - Pathfinders Group Teacher, Art Instructor and Science & Nature Specialist
MSEd, Early Childhood Education, Bank Street College
NY State Certification, Early Childhood
A master gardener as well as master teacher, Patty enjoys introducing children to the natural world through outdoor education as well as the art studio. With nearly 15 years experience as a lead teacher of 2, 3 and 4 year olds, as well as several years as a Kindergarten teacher at Calhoun, Patty’s deep understanding of child development enhances the school experience for children individually and collectively.
Patty welcomes all classrooms into the Art Studio weekly, where children primarily work with clay.
Katya Spiro - Pathfinders Assistant Teacher
AA, Liberal Arts, Landmark College, Putney, VT specializing in teaching studnents with Learning Differences.
Katya has worked with preschoolers for over 12 years, initially in her home state, Arizona. Most recently, she has taught at schools on the Upper West Side and in Baltimore. Katya is part of the team of empathetic, energetic teachers who care for children who stay until 6:00pm.
Louise Rogers - Trailblazers Co-Lead Teacher, Music Specialist
BA in Music, with specialty in teaching, University of New Hampshire
A creator of Be-Boppin’ Tots, and co-author of Jazzy Fairy Tales:A Resource Guide for Introducing Jazz Music to Young Children, Louise joined the MCNS faculty as the Music teacher in 2010 after working as a teaching artist in elementary schools. She is the early childhood coordinator for the Jazz Education Network and has had training in World Music and Drumming for Children. Louise published a children’s book, Miles Davis was His Name – So What? in 2024. She is currently working on a book about Ella Fitzgerald.
In addition to leading weekly music classes for all the children at MCNS, Louise is a founder of Jazz WaHi and frequently performs in Upper Manhattan.
BA in Psychology with Early Childhood Education, Lehman College
AA in Early Childhood Education, Hostos
NY State Certification, Early Childhood General & Special Education
Before joining the MCNS faculty, D’Keyah worked with preschoolers for five years in Harlem and the Bronx. She also spent a semester with second graders at Success Academy. With background and training in psychology and inclusive teaching, D’Keyah is committed to each child’s social and emotional growth using methods that encourage problem solving.
Shani Douglas - Pathfinder Assistant and Substitute Teacher
BA, Social Work, San Jose State University
Shani has been working with children in various capacities for over 20 years. She has been a Social-Emotional Learning Coordinator, a Restorative Justice Coach, and she is currently a Teaching Artist with The Moth NYC & Greater USA. She has several years experience with infants, toddlers and kindergarteners at Renaissance Church in Harlem.