Meet the Love of Learning Staff
cami thompson, co-founder and upper elementary teacher
years at lol: all of them
experience: AMS Elementary 6-12 credential from cmte/ny, ams elementary 6-9 credential from cmte/ny, ami 3-6 credential from wmi, transvaal teachers’ higher diploma from johannesburg college of education, ba in history and ba honors in literacy from university of the witwatersrand
When did you start teaching? I started way back when the world was new I tell the kids iVe been at it for 167 years.
what is you favorite part? I love to see the kid who finally gets it.
Denise brazeau, Director of Programming and enrollment
Years at LOL: 11 years
Experience: AMS EARLY CHILDHOOD CREDENTIAL in 2004 FROM CMTE/NY, BA IN ENGLISH LITERATURE FROM WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, 11 WONDERFUL YEARS AS AN EARLY CHILDHOOD LEAD TEACHER at LOVE OF LEARNING. PRIOR EXPERIENCE AS A STAFF SUPERVISOR AND OFFICE MANAGER IN A LARGE LAW FIRM. CURRENT ADULT INSTRUCTOR FOR RISING MONTESSORI TEACHERS.
AS DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING AND ENROLLMENT, I WILL PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT TO STAFF AND FAMILIES WHILE GUIDING DEVELOPMENT AND WELCOMING NEWCOMERS.
I CHERISH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ON THIS PROPERTY AND THE PEOPLE WHO COME TO WORK AND LEARN HERE. MY CHILDREN ATTENDED LOVE OF LEARNING FROM PRE-K THROUGH 6THGRADE. I APPRECIATE LOVE OF LEARNING’S LONG HISTORY OF HIGH-FIDELITY MONTESSORI PROGRAMMING GUIDED BY LOVING, INTELLIGENT STAFF. WE ARE ABLE TO HELP CHILDREN GROW IN CONFIDENCE, JOY AND WONDER.
Early Childhood Teachers
Maria D'Amico, Early Childhood Teacher
years at lol: 16 years
experience: ams preprimary credential from cmte/ny, NYS teacher certification, ms in education from hunter college, 34 years in a classroom, 30 as lead teacher
Elizabeth sciubba, early childhood teacher
joining us for the 2019-2020 school year
Working with children has been my love ever since I was a child myself. I was always so inspired by their wonder and eagerness to explore their world. Becoming a part of that process is a realized dream of mine. I have worked in a traditional school setting as well as several Montessori classrooms including Our Lady of Grace in Manhasset and I am thrilled to become a part of the Love of Learning community.
My personal philosophy in the classroom is that first and foremost it is important that the children can claim ownership of their exploration in learning. The hope is that in doing so they gain confidence, independence and a continued drive for curiosity and discovery. Uncovering what these children are capable of is one of the most beautiful evolutions to witness and is a privilege I honor completely. Our classroom is a community of kindness, curiousity and creativity and there is no place I would rather spend my days.
Soo-Jung Kim, Early Childhood Teacher
years at lol: 10 years
experience: ams early childhood credential from west side montessori school’s teacher education program, ba in english language education from korea university, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher certification in Korea
Elementary Teachers
Arli harlan Angello, Upper elementary Teacher
YEARS AT LOL: 2 YEARS
EXPERIENCE: MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN CREATIVE WRITING FROM ADELPHI UNIVERSITY; BACHELOR’S IN ENGLISH FROM ADELPHI UNIVERSITY; 7 YEARS AS AN ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AT ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE; MONTESSORI LOWER ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATION FROM NORTH AMERICAN MONTESSORI CENTER (NAMC); I AM ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO ENROLLING INTO AN AMS UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM AFTER APPRENTICESHIP WITH MRS. THOMPSON!
WHEN DID YOU START TEACHING? I HAVE BEEN TEACHING SINCE 2011, BUT I HAVE BEEN WITH LOVE OF LEARNING SINCE 2017
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART? I LOVE READ TO SUCCEED. IT IS SO LOVELY SEEING CHILDREN FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW BOOK, AND THEN GET DRESSED UP AS A CHARACTER!
Sarah Hodgkinson, Elementary Teacher
years at lol: 3 years in the classroom, 3 years running little learners
experience: Bachelor of Science (BSc) Psychology, Post Graduate Certificate in Education specializing in the middle years (7-11 year olds), 10 years teaching as Lead teacher - 7-11 year olds in the UK, AMS Montessori Certification - Elementary I - 6-9 years from mettc.
what is your favorite school lunch? every family hot lunch - It is a wonderful sight to see the happiness and pride of children and their families serving each other.
What is your favorite LOL tradition? the end of year celebration concerts. Watching the very youngest children in the school performing their songs with such enthusiasm and pride and then seeing the enormous growth of the 6th grade graduates who speak and act with such confidence. A Montessori Metamorphosis right in front of our eyes! Then they all sing 'This Montessori Light of mine...". Just beautiful.
GRACE LEE, ELEMENTARY TEACHER
YEARS AT LOL: 11 YEARS
EXPERIENCE: MASTERs DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND GENERAL EDUCATION FROM CONCORDIA COLLEGE; AMS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CERTIFICATION FROM WEST SIDE MONTESSORI TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM. UNDERGOING AMS LOWER ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATION FROM WEST SIDE MONTESSORI TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MONTESSORI MATERIAL? TEST TUBE DIVISION! THIS WORK FORMS THE BRIDGE TO ABSTRACTION FOR DECIMAL SYSTEM DIVISION. ALSO, CHILDREN LOVE TO DO THIS WORK WITH THEIR FRIENDS. THEY LEARN TEAMWORK FROM COMPLETING THIS UNIQUE ACTIVITY.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOL TRADITION? BEACH DAY IS MY FAVORITE TRADITION AT LOL. IT IS FANTASTIC TO HAVE FUN WITH LOL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. EVERYONE PLAYS BEACH GAMES AND HAS A DELICIOUS LUNCH TOGETHER ON THE BEAUTIFUL CENTERPORT BEACH. CAN’T WAIT !!
Assistant Teachers
Toni DiNunzio, Assistant Teacher
years at lol: 14 years
experience: 24 years experience working with children, 21 years in the classroom
Atsuko Inoue, Assistant Teacher
years at lol: 15 years
experience: 18 years classroom experience
Jami Doria Goleski, Assistant Teacher
years at lol: 2 years
experience: undergraduate degree in Elementary Ed and a Masters in Special Ed, over 15 years of early education teaching
What do you do when you're not teaching? I'm a hula hoop dancer and a crafter! I love sharing my passion of creative art & movement with all who are interested.
Jeannette Smith, Assistant Teacher
years at lol: 8 years
experience: bs with a concentration in early childhood and visual arts from dowling college, 17 years experience working with children
Carolyn Rice, assistant teacher/administrator
years at lol: 7 years
experience: AMI Elementary Assistant Certification
Jane Neithardt, Assistant Teacher
years at lol: 11 years
experience: NYS permanent public school teacher certification, ms in education from dowling college, 26 years classroom experience
Administrative Staff
courtney Thaler, administrator
years at lol: 9 years as a parent, 2 years as PTA president, 3rd year as administrator and head of our nutrition program
experience: teaches dance, ukuele, drama and cooking, certified birth and post-partum doula. experienced in catering. 8 years as a television field producer and audio tech. Vocalist and Board member in Huntington choral Society. Vocalist in Bella Voce intergenerational women’s Choir and c.w. post women’s choir.
first aid and cpr certified
julie anne meixsell. administrator
years at lol: all of them
experience: ams primary credential from cmte/ny, 35 years of teaching experience
bill fauth, accountant
keri puglisi, office manager
YEARS AT LOL: 8 YEARS AS A PARENT, 5 1/2 YEARS AS PTA PRESIDENT, 7 YEARS AS ANCILLARY TEACHER OF KNITTING, SEWING, DRAMA AND ART. 1ST YEAR AS OFFICE MANAGER
EXPERIENCE: TEACHES KNITTING AND SEWING AT EMMALOOPS CRAFT STUDIO, NEST ON MAIN IN NORTHPORT AND HARBORFIELDS HACEF SUMMER CAMPS. TEACHES DRAMA AND ART AT POSEY DANCE IN NORTHPORT. DEVELOPED CURRICULUM FOR TECHNICAL DESIGN MAJOR AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. DEVELOPED AND WROTE TWO COURSES FOR FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING WRITING AND PUBLISHING COMPANION BOOK FOR PRODUCT DATA MANAGEMENT CLASS, WHICH IS STILL BEING TAUGHT AT THE SCHOOL.
15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS PROCESS REENGINEERING, USING TECHNOLOGY AND BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE BUSINESS PROCESSES FOR DOZENS OF COMPANIES.
FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFIED
Specials & Ancillary Teachers
Liz Gray, Extended Day
ERIKA WAISER, GYM TEACHER
YEARS AT LOL: FIRST YEAR
EXPERIENCE: 16 YEARS OF COACHING EXPERIENCE. REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF NINJA PROGRAMS FOR ALL 6 GOLD MEDAL GYMNASTICS CENTER LOCATIONS. BOYS USAG JR. OLYMPIC TEAM DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH AT GMGC HUNTINGTON. 2016 NYS MENS COMPULSORY GYMNASTICS COACH OF THE YEAR. DIRECTED NATIONAL COMPETITION TEAM FOR SPORT MARTIAL ARTS. MANAGE MY OWN PRIVATE TRAINING BUSINESS WHICH INCLUDES MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS, MARTIAL ARTS, SELF DEFENSE, DRY LAND TRAINING FOR DIVING, TUMBLING, ACRO FOR DANCE, STRENGTH TRAINING, SPEED AND AGILITY TRAINING, FLEXIBILITY, AND SPECIAL NEEDS.
Alma Carr, Spanish Teacher
years at lol: 12 years
experience: 12 years
what is your favorite thing about teaching? I am always amazed when I casually speak in spanish outside the classroom and the kids respond .... they are always paying attention!
Tony Formosa, Maintenance
what is your Favorite school Activity? the Biking and hiking field trips.
what is your Favorite Lunch? Hot lunches prepared by LOL families
fun fact: My daughter, Melanie, an lol alum helps me maintain our school and provide assistance with other LOL activities.
lisa dipaola breen, art teacher
years at lol: 2 years
experience: UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES IN FINE ARTS AND FASHION DESIGN FROM THE FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, WORKED AS A FASHION DESIGNER IN NEW YORK CITY’S GARMENT DISTRICT FOR A LEADING CHILDREN’S WEAR MANUFACTURER, STARTED HER OWN SMALL BUSINESS DESIGNING CUSTOM BRIDAL VEILS, ACCESSORIES AND FLOWER GIRL DRESSES. ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MONTESSORI AND THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH
sarra geiersbach, music teacher
Experience: BM in Music Education with a concentration in Voice from LIU Post, student taught general music and chorus for Kindergarten through 8th grade, counselor for Park Shore Day Camp, music teacher for Happy Campers Day Camp, gives private voice and piano lessons.
What is your favorite part? I love to be there for the moment that a student understands something that they have been struggling with. It is so rewarding to watch a student succeed in something that they want to do and know that you played a part in it.
First Aid and CPR certified.
lille craig, Board Member
Years at Lol: 5 years
experience: AMI Elementary teaching certification from WMI, Ma in History from the University of St Andrews and masters in education from Loyola, 19 years experience working with children, 4 years program director/office manager for crystal lake camps, 4 years curriculum assistant for simmons college graduate school of library and information science, 3 years as senior instructor for red cliff ascent (wilderness therapy for troubled teens)
fun fact: I graduated from love of learning in 1991. the Thanksgiving feast, which is my favorite lol tradition, was the same!