Our Faculty

Margaret—affectionately known as Ms. Margaret—joined the ECC in July 2014. She has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 30 years, including over two decades in a director role. Margaret earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Mercy College and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of New Rochelle.
She loves working with young children, families and faculty members. Her hobbies include reading, walking by the Hudson River, exploring nature, talking with children, and acquiring new skills. She is passionate about spending time with friends and family, community service projects and learning anything new in the field of education or special education.

Her favorite quote: “Children are miracles. Believing that every child is a miracle can transform the way we design their experiences. When we invite a miracle into our lives, we cleanse our thoughts of everything but the love inside us. We make it our job to create, with reverence and gratitude, a space that is worthy of a miracle. Action follows thought. “

-Anita Rui Old

Her favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are

Silvia joined the ECC in 2008. She earned an A.A. at the College of Westchester and a C.D.A. (Child Development Associate). Before taking on the role, Silvia was in the classroom, working with the Threes and Fours teams. She loves to interact with the children and enjoys seeing the excitement on their faces when they are heading off to class and their love of school shines through.
Her favorite children’s book: Goodnight Moon

Ms. Soledad began at the ECC as a student teacher from Westchester Community college. She earned her A.A. in Early Childhood Education there before officially joining the faculty in 2012. Her favorite part of being a preschool teacher is watching the children learn who they are as individuals and build friendships. . She also enjoys observing the children's interests and supporting them by bringing in different materials and changing the environment.
Her favorite children’s book: Fish is Fish

Deb is a passionate early childhood educator and certified nature-based teacher dedicated to providing all children with meaningful, nature-inspired learning experiences. With a valued role at the ECC teaching the 4s since 2008, and years as a summer camp Director, Deb brings a wealth of experience to her educational approach. Through creative loose parts play, music, and open-ended activities, Deb fosters a dynamic indoor and outdoor classroom where children explore, imagine, and collaborate. By building a community of friends and strengthening social-emotional skills, Deb encourages problem-solving and physical development in a supportive, playful environment. Committed to literature and outdoor learning in all weather, Deb ensures that each child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and connect with the natural world.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”

Her favorite children’s book: Outside In

Ms. Tran graduated from Manhattanville University in 2007 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Psychology. She began her teaching career at the ECC in 2008, starting as an assistant in the 4s before becoming a lead teacher. Kim is passionate about play-based curriculum, believing in fostering social-emotional growth and problem-solving skills through imaginative play. After her two children entered elementary school, she pursued a master’s degree in Literacy in Lehman College. Kim is dedicated to creating a calm and loving environment in her classroom, teaching meditation and nurturing a sense of tranquility. Her extensive collection of children’s books inspires students to craft their own stories and explore their creativity through words and pictures.

Her favorite children’s book: Stand Tall Molly

Ms. Kiara joined the ECC in 2018. She obtained her BS in Psychology from Lehman College. Ms. Kiara loves interacting with the children and listening to them share their stories.

Her favorite children’s book is:The Grinch

Ms. Lilibeth joined the ECC in 2021. She obtained her Associates Degree from Westchester Community College. MS. Lilibeth loves being able to observe children as they learn new things and loves being able to learn with them.

Her favorite children’s book is: If You Give A Mouse a Cookie

Mrs. Colombo has been with the ECC since 2017. She had studied Law and Education at the University of Torino in Italy. Mrs. Colombo loves being around preschool children. They are spontaneous and always learning. She loves playing with them and hearing their laughter.

Her favorite children’s book: Goodnight Moon

Ms. Kiyomi joined the ECC in 2023. Kiyomi graduated from Buffalo State with a degree in PK- 12 Art Education. For Kiyomi, the prospect of working with children resonates deeply within her due to the genuine joy and inspiration they bring into every interaction. Children possess an innate authenticity and unfiltered perspective on the world which she finds refreshing and enlightening. I am enthusiastic about fostering a safe and encouraging space where children can explore, learn, and develop their personalities. Guiding them through challenges, witnessing their milestone, and contributing to their early experiences is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact on their lives and contribute positively to our society’s future.

Her favorite children’s book: The Lunch Box Surprise

Ms. Cheryl joined the ECC in September 2017.

She holds a B.F.A. in Art and Psychology where she concentrated in Art Therapy. She also earned a M.S.in Studio Art (Design/Illustration) from the College of New Rochelle.

Her favorite part of working with preschoolers is that they are always questioning things in their world. They are like sponges absorbing everything around them. They help keep me feeling young. Her hobbies include nature and its beauty, creating new things out of old, capturing images (photography) and helping others.

Her favorite children’s books are: Go Dog Go and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

Ms. Yomaira joined the ECC in 2024. She obtained an Associate degree in Early Childhood from Westchester Community College.  She loves how children are naturally curious and full of wonder, always eager to explore the world around them.  Their joy and energy make every moment fun and rewarding.

Her favorite children’s book:  I’ll Love You Forever

Mrs. C. has been at the ECC since 2002. She earned an Infant/Toddler C.D.A. (Child Development Associate) and an A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Westchester Community College. Mrs. C. enjoys watching each child learn and grow in his or her own creative way and especially loves to see the children come into school each morning with big smiles on their faces, ready and eager to start playing with their peers.
Her favorite children’s book: The Carrot Seed

Mrs. Convey has been at the ECC since 2007. She earned a C.D.A. (Child Development Associate) through the Child Care Council of Westchester. She enjoys knowing that she is making a difference in each child’s life and her favorite part of the school day is watching the children express themselves through art, when their imaginations and feelings emerge through their work.
Her favorite children’s book: The Gruffalo

Mrs. Garro has been at the ECC since 1990. She earned her C.D.A. (Child Development Associate) and her A.A.S. from Westchester Community College in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite part about being a preschool teacher is to nurture, teach and help children grow in a happy and fun way and she most enjoys interacting with the children during free play and finds delight in watching their curiosity and enthusiasm grow.
Her favorite children’s book: I’ll Love You Forever

Mrs. DiBetta been at the ECC since 1989. She earned a C.D.A. (Child Development Associate) at the Child Care Council of Westchester. Her favorite part of being a preschool teacher is watching children discover themselves and she especially enjoys engaging with the children in play, in the classroom, on the playground and during an art or cooking project.
Her favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree

Mrs. Markowitz began at the ECC in 2006. She earned her C.D.A. (Child Development Associate) at the Child Care Council of Westchester. She enjoys being present as the children grasp a new idea while learning through play. Mrs. Markowitz likes playground time with the children as she helps them to take on new challenges.
Her favorite children’s book: Strega Nonna

Ms. Creaturo began at the ECC in 2015. She earned her degree from The University of Bridgeport. She loves seeing the world through the eyes of the children. They make her smile and brighten her day.

Her favorite children’s book: The Gruffalo

Ms. Laura began at the ECC in 2020. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. John’s University. Ms. Laura loves how enthusiastic children are in everything that they do. They are always so joyful and it brightens her day.

Her favorite children’s book: The Pout, Pout Fish

Mrs. Gardner has been with the ECC since 2009. She earned her A.A. in Early Childhood Education at Westchester Community College. As a preschool teacher, Mrs. Gardner enjoys observing the curiosity and excitement of children as they learn something new. Her favorite part of the day is circle time, when the children sing and listen to stories.
Her favorite children’s book: The Napping House

Ms. Katherine has been with the ECC since 2015. She formerly worked as a Director for Bright Horizons and was a Pediatric RN at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. Ms. Katherine loves working with young children because of their laughter. She also loves watching children master new skills.

Her favorite children’s book: The Kissing Hand

My name is Sara and I have been with the ECC since April 2024,but my relationship with them began in 2021 when my granddaughters joined it.

Now my grandson is a part of it as well. I was born and raised in  Israel and before I came to the USA, I worked with kindergarten students. I also helped raise my seven grandchildren. I love working with  children and am happy to be a part of the ECC.

My favorite children's book: The Color Monster.