Summer Program

Our Summer Camp Staff

Abigail Willmington   joined the Central Park Montessori School in 2023.  Abigail has more than seven years of experience in early childhood education with experience working with both toddlers and early childhood children. She is earning a Bachelor of Arts in Family and Child Development and has recently obtained a Child Development Associate Certification (CDA). She enjoys spending time in nature and being creative and loves cultivating these values within her students.

Agnes Hall   joined Central Park Montessori School in February 2023. Agnes has an Early Childhood (2.5 - 6 years) Montessori Teaching Diploma from the Prepared Montessorian Institute (PMI), and completed the AMI 0-3 years Orientation training as well as the PMI Montessori in the Home training. Agnes was born in Poland, has a B.A. in Economics from the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, and spent 10 years working within HR in a multinational corporation. Agnes is a mother of three children and has always enjoyed working with young children through volunteer work, leading summer camps and teaching languages. Agnes is also a qualified yoga instructor, loves the diversity of NYC, healthy food, and being outdoors. Agnes is passionate about living the Montessori philosophy and inspiring and fostering independence in children.

Alondra Mata   joined Riverside Montessori in Fall 2023. She is an experienced child educator and caregiver.  Alondra has a Bachelor’s Degree in sociology, with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College.  Alondra is also an amazing baker who makes beautiful cakes.

Ami Utaminingsih   joined Riverside Montessori School in 2013. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from City College and is a certified AMS Infant/Toddler Montessori Teacher. Her experiences include teaching in an early childhood weekend program, and volunteer work as a Team Leader in a non-profit organization, Rice Grains Inc., with the Youth program (10-19 yrs old) distributing food and care packages to those in need. 

Anany Johnson    has been at Park West Montessori since 2000 and received her Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification from CMTE/NY. She received her Child Development Associate Credential from Touro College. She has worked with the Toddler community as a head teacher as well as an intern supervisor. She also has worked with our Early Childhood students.  Anany has one daughter who is a Park West graduate. She enjoys spending time with her family.

Arakinatou Bagayoko   has been an early childhood educator since 2021, specializing in infants and toddlers.  She has worked at Goddard, Manhattan Schoolhouse, and Bright Horizons prior to coming to Twin Parks. Arakinatou has an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood education.  She is excited about joining the Twin Parks community.

Ariana Giraldo   has been an infant/toddler teacher at Twin Parks Montessori since 2013. Ariana works as the Infant/Toddler coordinator at Park West. She has a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood from the Bank Street College of Education, a bachelor's in Psychology from Hunter College, and a Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) from CUNY.   She also has her AMS Infant Toddler credential.  Before joining Twin Parks, Ariana worked with infants through five-year-olds for over five years at the Bellevue Child Care Center. She is the proud mom of her son, Henry, and her daughter, Abigail, former Twin Parks students.

Aubrey Barlett   is an assistant teacher. She has worked as a classroom assistant teacher in a preschool, as a nanny and babysitter, and as a theater camp counselor in Make your Own Movie Camp. Aubrey has a bachelor's of arts degree from Sarah Lawrence. Fun fact: she knows stage combat! We are so happy Aubrey will be teaching this summer.

Aura Sapera M.Ed.   joined Park West in February 2022. Prior to that, she was a teacher with the Montessori Family School of Manhattan for 11 years, and was a teacher with NYS DOE. She is a multilingual teacher (Romanian, English, Spanish and French) who likes to include language and cultural studies in her classroom. Aura has a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of New Rochelle and a Masters in Cultural Studies from Romania.  She is Montessori credentialed in Early Childhood and has her NYS certification in Early Childhood.  Prior to her work in early childhood education, Aura was a teacher in Romania in elementary and middle schools. Aura has two children, who were educated in Montessori environments. She loves art and poetry, and has published two poetry books in Aromanian, her native language.

Brianna Dennis   worked at the Queens Botanical Garden as an Assistant Camp Counselor and shortly after she became a Forest Explorers Instructor.  As a Forest Explorers Instructor, she organized outdoor guided exploration for toddlers and preschoolers.  Brianna holds an Associate of Science in Digital Art and Design.  Presently, she is continuing her studies at Hunter College and pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art. During Brianna’s freetime, she loves to create illustrations, paintings and simple arts and crafts. When asked, what brings you joy? Brianna says, What brings me joy is teaching. Being able to create with others and being able to teach what I know to anyone who would love to join in, is amazing. With my art,  I want to give back and show children and adults that they can be artists in their own way, whatever that means to them.

Carynne Haye-Martin   is a native New Yorker and has recently discovered her passion for teaching while teaching English abroad. Upon moving back to New York, she has had the amazing opportunity to work at Park West in the late care program. She is excited to not be working as an Assistant Teacher and to use her creativity, energy and passion to provide a wonderful learning experience for the new learners. Carynne has her Bachelors in Psychology from SUNY Oneonta and a Masters in Health Administration from Ashford University. She loves to read, take her dogs to the park and visit local museums. 

Cen Chen   joins Twin Parks from Guidepost Montessori where she was a lead teacher for the past three years.  Prior to her Montessori experience, Cen worked as an assistant teacher for 5 years.  She has her Montessori certification and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. 

Cesarina Oliviero   joined Park West Montessori in September 2021. She is a dedicated childcare professional with 19+ years of experience in working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. She worked at Bright Beginnings before coming to Park West. Cesarina is certified with her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification.

Chris Villavicencio   joined Central Park Montessori in 2023. Chris has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Minor in Language and Literature from City College of New York. Chris joins us with more than eleven years of experience in childcare both in private childcare settings and in public schools. Chris is passionate about education and providing a positive learning environment.

Daniela Solano   has been at Twin Parks since 2007 working with all of our age groups. She completed her Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification from the Center For Montessori Teacher Education in 2013. She has her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College, and is currently enrolled in a Master’s program with a focus in Early Childhood Education. Daniela has a special place in her heart for infants and toddlers and enjoys working with our young students. She enjoys being a part of the Central Park parent community with her son at CPM!

Dian Sitepu   joined Riverside Montessori School in October 2015. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Management from Trisakti University in Indonesia. Dian has several years experience working as a childcare provider.

Diana Mendez joined Central Park Montessori School in 2024. Before joining us, Diana worked as a Spanish language teacher in Colombia and has many years of experience as a childcare provider. Diana has a bachelor's degree in communication from Los Libertadores University in Colombia. During her free time, Diana enjoys spending time in nature and reading!

Erin Cahalin joined Twin Parks Riverside in the 2024-25 school year working with infants and young toddlers.  Erin has worked as a nanny and at Basic Trust in early childhood education.  Erin has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Pace University. 

Fella Zitouni joined Central Park Montessori in 2024. Originally from the south of France, she moved to NYC as an au pair. During this time she developed a passion for education and working with children. With over seven years of experience with kids of different ages, she decided to pursue a career as a teacher. She is fluent in French and English and can hold conversations in Spanish. In her free time, she practices her passion for cooking and loves trying out new activities, from ice skating and self-defense classes to karaoke, painting, and cooking workshops.

Fitri Salampessy is a dedicated educator having received her bachelors in biology from Hunter College while teaching children for over 8 years. Fitri looks forward to contributing to a supportive and engaging Montessori classroom environment. Fitri is fluent in both Bahasa Indonesia and English. 

Gemma Conanan   joined Park West in 2007. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines and her Montessori Teacher Certificate from O.B. Montessori Center, also in the Philippines. She has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from The City College of New York and holds a New York State Teacher Certificate in Special Education. Gemma has taught and held other administrative positions in Montessori and Special Education for over 30 years. 

Hannah Matte   is a passionate educator who grew up in the Bronx. Her teaching journey began with a degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology, and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College. During that time, Hannah also spent ten years working for the First Tee, a non-profit organization teaching children life skills and golf skills. In 2019, Hannah’s passion for teaching led her to South Korea, where she taught English to middle schoolers for four years. While there, she also assisted students with debate skills and TOEFL. In addition to being passionate about teaching, Hannah also enjoys photography, learning new languages, traveling, and is so excited to become a part of the team!

Jessenia Cedeno   joined Twin Parks Montessori in 2018. She is an Infant-Toddler Montessori certified teacher with over 25 years of experience.  Her experiences in the Montessori environment has thrived through many activities and include teaching young children movement (dancing) and Spanish language. She believes these activities help create an environment that supports and encourages the love for learning from a young age.

Katherine Martinez has been a late day part time teacher and substitute at Park West this past school year. She is passionate about learning all she can about child education and applying what she learns to her experience in the classroom.

Kiara Arellano   has worked as an assistant teacher for four years before coming to Park West.  She comes from a family of educators stemming from her great grandfather, who founded a University (University of Luzon) in the Philippines. Her maternal grandmother also founded one of the first Montessori schools in the Philippines called Mother Goose and is still in operation, 50 years later. Her mother, aunts, and uncles, are also involved in running their own Montessori schools in different parts of the Philippines so it does not come as a surprise that she is drawn to working with children. Kiara graduated from University of Asia and the Pacific with a bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurial Management. She loves photography, tennis, and travel.

Khali Nix was an assistant teacher in a toddler room at Central Park Montessori prior to coming to Park West. Before coming to Twin Parks, Khali worked both in the classroom with children of all ages, as an after school teacher, as well as a family child care provider.  Khali has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in Fabric Styling from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

Laura Sands joined the Twin Parks community in 2015, after returning from living abroad in Taiwan, Korea, and Colombia, teaching English. She holds a Masters Degree in General and Special Education from Concordia College, is state licensed, and has a B.F.A. in Photography from SUNY @ Purchase. She has her Montessori certification in Early Childhood through AMS. Growing up among a family of teachers and artists, she is excited to return to the classroom after taking a year to raise her son. He is enrolled in our school too, in a Toddler classroom. In her free time, Laura is passionate about spending time with family and friends, in nature, traveling, eating delicious food, and viewing visual and performing arts.

Leksi Bunnell   joined Central Park Montessori School in 2021. She is an AMS infant toddler credentialed teacher.  She is originally from a small town in Pennsylvania, and moved to New York after high school to pursue culinary arts, which led her to recently win Food Network’s “Chopped” cooking competition! While being a chef, she led a full career as a nanny for 9 years. When not cooking or caring for family, she loves to spend her free time camping and hiking, swimming, and vacationing. Leksi has a one year old daughter, Scarlett, who attends Central Park Montessori.

Mariana Poenaru   has been with Park West Montessori since 2006, working with Early Childhood, Toddler and Infant students. She received her Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification at CMTE/NY. She is originally from Romania where she worked with preschool children in traditional and summer camp programs. Mariana also worked with foreign students visiting Romania in the Exchange Experience Program.

Maki Rodriguez   has been part of our school community since 2016. She has worked both with the Early Childhood children at our Central Park Campus, and for the past three years as a late day teacher at our Park West Campus. Maki is also a paraprofessional at PS6 in NYC where she has worked for the past three years. Maki has a bachelor's degree from Hunter College.

Migela Cara   was born in Albania. She graduated from the University of Tirana, with a master's degree in teaching. Migela spent 10 years as a primary school teacher. During this period, she earned her teaching license and enjoyed ongoing training. Migela’s little boy, Brian, will be joining our toddler community! She likes to spend her free time with her family and enjoys reading, going for walks and listening to music. She is excited to welcome each child with love, and will offer them her best. Working with children has always been a great pleasure for Migela.

Miosotty Hernandez   joined Riverside in March 2022. She has a passion for working with children and helping them become independent and loves learning.  Miosotty is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has a daughter who attends Riverside.

Nadia Flores   is from Queens, New York. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the City College of New York in 2021. Since then, she has worked as both a teacher's assistant as well as a teacher in the Pre-K and upper school settings. She enjoys reading and watching movies in her spare time. 

Omaira Suescun is excited to join our team, bringing a diverse background and a passion for learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the Pedagogical University of Colombia and a master’s degree in Geography from the University of Sevilla. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in understanding both societal dynamics and the natural world.

With experience as a classroom teacher, private tutor, and childcare provider, Omaira has developed a versatile skill set tailored to meet the varied needs of students. Her practical experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of child development. In her free time, Omaira enjoys staying active through biking, hiking, and running. She is also an avid reader and is constantly seeking new knowledge.

Paola Castillo   has been a part of the Twin Parks community since 2004.  She has worked with children 3 months to five years old. She attended Lehman College for two years and holds her Infant/Toddler Montessori certification from the American Montessori Society. She is also fluent in English and Spanish. Paola enjoys sharing her passion for music and art with the children, especially her children, Zoe, Chloe, and Lukas (Central Park graduates)!

Paula Ortiz   began working at Twin Parks in 2022, first as a substitute and then full time as an assistant.  She is nurturing and loving to our infants! Paula has worked with young children for 21 years. Paula enjoys art, reading, and nature. She loves learning about children’s development and participates in workshops whenever possible. Paula’s sister Yesenia is also a TPMS assistant teacher.

Romina Mustafallari was born in Albania and came to live in the United States five years ago. She has a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. Romina loves working with kids because she feels that teachers have an important impact on their lives; we help them grow and we can also learn from them. She has a daughter, Sierra, who is excited to be part of the Park West Montessori School community. Family means everything to Romina. She loves to spend time with her  little family and also loves to ride her bicycle.

Ruth Gonzalez brings many years of early childhood experience to Twin Parks and joined the Central Park faculty in 2016. She completed her Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification in 2021. Prior to this, Ruth taught at the Goddard Riverside Head Start for 17 years. Ruth obtained a license in Business Administration from the Dominican Republic, where she is originally from. After enrolling her children in an early childhood program, she realized teaching was her passion. Ruth has completed her Child Development Associate degree, teacher training at the Diller-Quaile School of Music and child development courses at Bank Street College in addition to her Montessori training.

Sadie Mossa was born and raised in a small community in CT, 45 min out from New York City. She will be entering her junior year at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, MA, but decided to take a semester off to explore and experience new things and gain a different perspective. She has always found joy in helping people, especially kids. Spending most of her summer at a summer camp, she taught kids ages 3-11 years old how to cook, garden, and craft. In her free time, Sadie loves to create art, specifically collages and is a huge photographer. She finds inspiration from going out into nature and walking the streets of NYC with her film camera. She’s always loved working with kids and wants her own someday. She’s so excited to join our school community and welcome each kid with love and kindness!

Sakinah Mahri joined Park West in 2021 as an assistant in the Infant program.. Prior to that she was an assistant teacher for 10 years, both in the classroom at the El-Behr Islamic School and at the Hikmah Saturday School in Long Island City, NY. She studied at the Akademi Bahasa Asing (Academy of Foreign Languages) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Sandy Servedio joined Riverside Montessori in 2007. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kutztown University, Pennsylvania and NYS Certification. She is currently working on completing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood education.  Sandy is a certified Montessori (AMS) Infant Toddler teacher.  Sandy has worked in all age groups at Riverside Montessori School.  She is an avid runner and has completed several marathons. 

Silvia Gonzalez was born in Colombia. She graduated from the University of Pamplona in Colombia and worked as an English and French teacher. Before coming to the U.S., she was a volunteer at the Colombian Red Cross, working with diverse communities and projects related to peace and social coexistence. Silvia has experience in primary and secondary school with children and teenagers of different ages. She came to the U.S. on an exchange program to work with children in 2014 which allowed her to acquire more experience and understanding of other cultures and ways of learning. She considers herself patient, friendly and a cat and dog lover. She also loves to cook and spend time with her family. She feels so excited and lucky to be part of this wonderful Montessori community and she wants to give the best of herself for the benefit of others.

Tania Aristizabal is currently pursuing her AMS Infant/Toddler Montessori teacher certification. With over six years of experience working with children, she is passionate about fostering young children’s growth and development. She is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, and enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and river visits. She also loves expressing creativity through art, which she brings into her work with children.

Tiffany Lewis joined Central Park in 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Mercy College. Tiffany is working towards her Master’s at Mercy and will be certified to teach Pre-k through 2nd grade. She has been working with children for more than eight years. Tiffany enjoys exercising, discovering new places in the city, and spending time with her family. She is thrilled to be a part of Twin Parks parent community as her daughter graduated from CPM!

Tina Scales joined Riverside Montessori School for the 2024-25 school year! Tina has over 20 years experience caring for and teaching young children, and has completed training specific to early childhood and infants.  A native New Yorker with a profound respect for the child-centered approach that Montessori education embodies, she is eager to contribute her expertise in creating a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to follow their natural curiosity and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Valeriia Alexeeva   is credentialed as a Montessori teacher for children 0-3 years old.  She has a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics and is currently enrolled in an Early Childhood Master's program at College of Mount St. Vincent. Prior to her work at Guidepost, Valeriia was a teacher in an Early Childhood program in Guangdong, China, and worked as a tutor in Moscow.

Vida Myftiu has finished her second year here at Park West. She is from Albania. Vitorina has a bachelor's and master's degree in Counseling Psychology. She came to the US in 2019. Vitorina has three years of previous experience in the education field. She loves working with children and is excited to be spending the summer at Central Park!

Yesenia Ortiz joined Park West in 2007. She has an Associate Degree from Boricua College. She has many years of experience working with young children and is the proud mother of three.  Her mother, Maria, worked at Park West for fifteen years. Yesenia enjoys music---especially jazz and Spanish music.

Zongqin (Zun-chin) Yang   joined Central Park in 2011. She graduated from Beijing Normal University majoring in Early Childhood Education in 2000. Since then, she has been a teacher in China, Indiana, Texas and New York. She received her Early Childhood Montessori certification from Dallas Montessori Academy in 2011.  Zongqin earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at Concordia College and holds her New York State Certification in Early Childhood and Special Education.  Zongqin has experience teaching art and movement activities in our Enrichment Program.  In her free time, Zongqin enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with her family.

Our Administrative Staff

Susan Kambrich 

Dr. Susan Kambrich has been a Montessori educator since 1989. Prior to coming to Twin Parks Montessori Schools, she was Head of School at Woodland Hill Montessori School in Rensselaer, NY for 20 years.

Susan began her career as a teacher. She taught in the Lower Elementary program as Head Teacher at the Montessori School of Albany from 1995-2000.  While at MSA, Susan also served as Elementary Education Coordinator and Teacher Board Representative. Susan also taught as an Upper Elementary teacher at Hudson Montessori School in Hudson, Ohio, and as a Primary teacher Susan Kambrich at Woodland Montessori School in Madison, Wisconsin. She has taught public school kindergarten and a toddler program, and taught at a Montessori summer program at Fairbanks Montessori in Alaska.Susan has a Master’s of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University, a certificate of advanced studies as School Building Leader from the College of Saint Rose, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Sage Colleges. Susan trained to be a Montessori teacher at Washington Montessori Institute in Washington, DC. She is AMI Montessori certified to teach ages 6-12 and AMS certified as a Montessori Administrator.

Susan has served on several boards including NYSAIS, American Montessori Society, the HVCC Teacher Education Advisory, and the Albany Institute of History and Art. She has presented at regional and national Montessori conferences and serves on Accreditation Teams for Middle States of Colleges and Schools, NYSAIS, and AMS. Susan has also been on the faculty for CME|NY’s Administrator Course. Susan and her husband Jim have two daughters Caroline and Katie who were Montessori students through middle school.

Candace La Douceur

Candace joined Riverside in 2006 as Educational Director and oversees admissions and exmissions. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY and a Master’s Degree from St. John’s University and holds NYS N-6 Permanent Certification. Candace is also Montessori Certified and taught for over ten years in a NYC Montessori school. Her experience also includes teaching for a Montessori Teacher Education Program and various other educational administrative roles.

Ellen Wengen 

Ellen is passionate about Montessori and Early Childhood education in her work as an educator. Ellen was a teacher at Park West for 11 years, working with the 3-6 age group. In addition to classroom experience, Ellen also taught after school classes and was a camp supervisor. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Birth-Grade 2 Education from SUNY Oneonta, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Montessori major from the College of New Rochelle. Ellen has her Montessori credential in Early Childhood and is NYS certified as a Birth- grade 2 teacher.

Matti Tuuri

Matti was a beloved teacher at Central Park Montessori for nine years prior to going to West Side Montessori this past year.  We are very happy to have her return and look forward to a great year ahead.  Matti has a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State, a Master's in Education from St. Catherine's University in Minnesota and her American Montessori Society credential in Early Childhood.  She is currently pursuing an additional Master’s in Special Education.  Matti was a Montessori child herself and her mother ran a Montessori program in Michigan. Her toddler son, Finn attends Central Park Montessori. Matti and her husband Andrew have two other sons too- Teddy and Winston who were also Twin Parks students! 

Natasha Gordon

Natasha joined Riverside in 2022 as our Administrative Coordinator.  Natasha previously worked in the tourism industry, working as the office manager at Gray Line New York Tours.  Natasha is also active in community gardening and is working on getting her certificate in horticulture from the New York Botanical Garden. In addition to gardening, Natasha enjoys running and being outdoors.   Natasha has Associate degrees in Legal Assistant Studies from NY City College of Technology, and in Travel and Tourism from Taylor Business Institute in NYC.  Natasha is originally from Trinidad and came to NYC when she was a teenager. 

Jeanny Jorge

Jeanny joined the Twin Parks community in 2017 as a Lead Toddler Teacher at the Riverside campus. In 2019, she joined the Park West campus as Director of Admissions. She has her Masters in Early Childhood Special and Bilingual Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her New York State teaching license (Birth-2nd Grade) in general and special education, and her Montessori credentials at the Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood level. She has been part of the Early Childhood field for over 20 years working in various school settings in different roles in NYC. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and three children, two were Twin Parks students!

Jim Gaines 

Jim joined Central Park Montessori in 2022. He began his education as a Montessori child in Europe, where he also learned to speak French. After receiving his BA Degree from Vassar College, Jim moved to California and earned a Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential. Ten years in the classroom were followed by school leadership roles, including heading the Resurrection Episcopal Day School (REDS) in New York City, and the Terra Linda Montessori School in Marin County, CA. After successfully managing his family's business, Jim turned his attention to business development, communications, and marketing in schools, and for 15 years has served as the Admissions Director and Director of Marketing at schools in California and New York. He lives on Long Island’s North Shore with his wife, Terryl, and enjoys playing and listening to music, golf, movies, and travel. Jim’s most rewarding role is being a stepdad to Ian (18) and Lila (16).

Judith Kineke

Judy has been Park West Montessori’s administrative coordinator since 2002. She feels privileged to be part of Park West Montessori’s community of lifelong learners and enjoys working with the families and staff. Before Park West Montessori, Judy worked in finance. She received a BA in Music from Oberlin College and has sung with various choral groups throughout the city.

Typical Daily Schedule