FacultY and 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.

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 studying Michael O. Weiner’s book, Interpreting and Responding to Classroom Behaviors: A Guide for Early Childhood Educators. More information about our Professional Development can be found near the bottom of the FAQ page.

Tricia Pool

Director
MSEd, Early Childhood General Ed, Bank Street College, 2006
MAT, Integrated Language Arts, Webster College, St. Louis, 1987
BA, English, University of Texas at Austin, 1982
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 Dual Certification Early Childhood, 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.

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.

Patty Lederer

Pathfinders Group Teacher
MSEd in Early Childhood from Bank Street
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.

Araralie Calcano

Pathfinders Assistant Teacher
AAS, Hospitality, Monroe College, with continuing coursework in Early Childhood at CCNY
Ara spent several years in childcare on the Upper West Side before joining the Pathfinders classroom in 2020. We were excited to mark her 20th year as a teacher in 2021.

Fei Zhu

Trailblazers Group Teacher
MA Early Childhood Education, California State University, Los Angeles
Fei began her career in Early Childhood Education in the Bay Area. She has been a lead teacher in preschools for over ten years in New York City, and was the founding director of a child care center in Queens. Additionally, Fei worked for many years as a bilingual mental health worker providing support services to families recently immigrated from China. She has a lifelong interest in literature and literacy.

Louise Rogers

Trailblazers Group Teacher, Music Specialist
Bachelor’s in Music, University of New Hampshire; Masters in Early Childhood in process at CCNY
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. Louise’s book on Miles Davis, So What?, will be published in the fall of 2024.

Sheila Sevilla GonZales

Assistant Teacher, Late Day
Sheila is finishing her degree in Early Childhood Education at BMCC. Before joining the MCNS faculty in 2023, Sheila worked with elementary students privately and as a camp counselor. She has a natural affinity for very young children and forms genuinely warm, playful relationships with the children.

As a Columbia Affiliated program, the MCNS faculty is part of the Columbia Community Health Compact.