PRIMARY TEACHING STAFF

JACQUELINE WILTON is our kindergarten teacher. Miss Wilton is a certified Montessori teacher, having attended the School of Modern Montessori in London, England. She also holds a degree in Early Childhood Educational Studies from Empire State College, and has extensive background in early child development. Jackie has over ten years of varied teaching experiences, including positions in the UK, Finland, and here in the United States. She comes to the River School kindergarten after six years of teaching in our ages 3-6 classroom in our affiliated pre-school program at the Montessori Center of Nyack. Jackie has traveled the world, especially France, Holland, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Estonia, and Alaska!

HARRIET TEPLITZKY is the curriculum coordinator, as well as the technology director, computer lab teacher, photographer, grants writer, and field trip arranger. A graduate of SUNY Binghamton with a Master’s degree from Boston University, Harriet brings her creative talents to the classroom through the use of diverse technological resources, while at the same time, insuring that school’s mission statement and subject material are uniformly implemented. The parent of a former student and a valued friend, we are all fortunate that she is a driving force in the River School.

OTHER STAFF

RENE CALDERON teaches kindergarten Spanish and the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program at our affiliated pre-school, the Montessori Center of Nyack. Rene is a second generation teacher! Her mom is a retired teacher and principal from the New York City Public Schools. Rene graduated from S.U.N.Y Oswego as an education major, and then received her Master’s Degree in Education from C.U.N.Y. Lehman. With over ten year’s teaching experience that ranges from pre-school through fifth grade, Rene is a tremendous asset to the Montessori Center of Nyack and the River School. Rene is mother of five-year-old Sean and two-year-old Alex. She has many hobbies and interests, but doesn’t have time for any of them!

BARBARA ISELIN has been teaching fitness and movement at the River School since it was founded in 1989. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, both to children and staff. She is equally at home teaching square dances to the older students and obstacle courses to the younger ones. Her presentations, which emphasize fairness, politeness, and positive self-esteem, are received enthusiastically by the children.

ANNETTE KISSINGER, the “Yoga Lady”, incorporates elements of several different yoga formats to help our children build strength, increase flexibility, improve concentration, create mind and body awareness, and enjoy relaxation. Our teachers were so excited about her program that we now offer an after school version for them as well. We welcome Annette and recognize the importance of learning to relax and center ourselves in the harried world of the 21st century.

BARBARA PRESTEGAARD has been our school secretary for seventeen years. She supplies the friendly voice that answers the telephone and assists in billing, ordering, purchasing, and other administrative duties. She shops for school supplies and snacks and knows just where we can get the most for the least! No matter what role she assumes, Barbara does it well and adds a feeling of warmth and caring that are especially her own.

CHRISTINE HWALEK RENSTROM has been our music teacher since 1988. She is a graduate of Nazareth College and is currently studying for her Masters in music at Montclair State College. Christine has Orff-Kodaly training, but draws upon a variety of disciplines, including Montessori, when presenting her programs to the children. As a member of the Rockland County Guild of Music Teachers, she offers piano lessons privately and instructs many of our children.

ELLEN (Cookie) WARNER joined the Montessori Center of Nyack and River School four years ago as the Director of Admissions. A teacher, drug and alcohol prevention educator, and experienced administrative coordinator, Ellen brings an enthusiasm and love for children that makes her a delightful addition. Her primary responsibilities concern the admission process, school tours, and outreach programs. Her nickname makes her very popular with the children!

DOROTHY GOREN has been associated with the Montessori Center of Nyack since 1987 and founded the River School in 1989. She is a graduate of Barnard College with a Masters from Manhattanville, and has spent many years in executive positions before selecting the field of early childhood as her primary interest. A believer that education is important for people of all ages, she recently completed her doctorate in the field of educational leadership.

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