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.

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.

Ariana Giraldo has been an infant/toddler teacher at Twin Parks Montessori for ten years. Ariana 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.

Belkis Juliao  joined the Park West team in 2021.  Belkis has worked as an assistant teacher for many years, nine of them at the Lycee Francais of New York in the Kindergarten program. She also worked as a tutor and is experienced in caring for young children.  Belkis has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University with a concentration in Child Psychology.

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. 

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 currently working on 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.

Dile Sima studied at University of History and Philology in Tirana, Albania and has a Master’s degree in Education. She worked as a history teacher in Albania before coming to the U.S..  Prior to coming to Park West, Dile worked at Magnolia Day Care and as an after school teacher for children who have autism. Dile is excited to begin her Montessori Training this summer. She loves nature and walking in the park.  She also likes cooking and eating healthy!

Ellie Boateng is a New York City native, who got her start in childcare babysitting for friends and family. While earning her BA in Creative Writing and Communications from SUNY Potsdam, Ellie spent four years as an assistant at the SUNY Potsdam Child Care Center. Following her time at Potsdam, she ​earned an ​MS in Television from Boston University and spent her summers between grad school working as a counselor with the YMCA. She has a passion and love for working with babies, with whom she has been working with at Park West for 2 years. 

Eve Frederick has been at Park West Montessori since 2001 and has worked with Infant, Toddler, and Pre-school children in the Park West community. She received her Infant and Toddler Montessori Credential through CMTE/NY. Eve continues to work on her degree in Education and Social Work at Hunter College. She is a devoted mother of two boys.

Gabriela Martinez  joined Park West Montessori in 2006 and has been working with young children since 1989. She is originally from Mexico and received her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Universidad Nacionale Autonoma de Mexico and her Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification from CMTE/NY. Gabriela has also been a preschool through elementary Spanish teacher. Gabriela is a mother of twins, both Park West graduates. 

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 the last 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!

January Guerrero joined the Park West Montessori community in September 2015. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Paul’s College of Manila in the Philippines in 2000 and has begun her Master of Arts degree in Special Education. She recently graduated from the Westside Montessori training program. January is a ‘Montessori’ child and graduated from Southernside Montessori High School. She is thrilled to be opening a new classroom this year! January is very patient, giving and gentle, and loves working with the toddler community. 

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.

Julia West joined Central Park Montessori in 2024. Julia has a bachelor’s degree in youth development and education and a minor in adventure education from Plymouth State University. Julia previously worked as a nanny, a teacher in a nature-based homeschool program, and most recently led a summer program with an emphasis on outdoor learning. During her free time, she enjoys gardening and caring for animals.

Khali Nix has worked as an assistant teacher in a toddler room at Central Park and 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.

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.

Laura Russo is a Certified Montessori Teacher for children ages 2 to 6 and has experience working in both Toddler and Early Childhood classrooms. When her own children went to a Montessori school she quickly fell in love with the philosophy and was soon on her way to become a certified teacher. Laura also has a Bachelor’s Degree from Plattsburgh University. She started working at the Riverside campus in 2008 and joined Central Park in 2013. Laura is an avid runner who has completed many marathons.

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 love learning.  Miosotty is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has a daughter who attends Riverside. 

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)!

Patricia Arias joined Central Park Montessori School in 2023. Before joining Twin Parks Patricia spent many years mentoring and tutoring children while also working as a medical assistant. Patricia is currently working towards her degree in child psychology.

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. 

Robyn Bradley joined Riverside Montessori School in September 2023.  Originally from Scotland, Robyn moved to New York City in 2022 to start her Montessori training with West Side Montessori TEP. Over the last eight years she has worked as a teaching assistant/co teacher, and led small groups in  literacy, math and reading, as well as a Nursery practitioner. During this time she also ran outdoor survival and art clubs. 

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 Calimlim joined Park West Montessori School in September 2021. She earned her BA in psychology from De La Salle University in Manila. She comes from a family of Montessori educators, including her grandmother, who started the first Montessori program in the Philippines over 50 years ago. She has been in Montessori classes all her life, both as a student, and a teacher. 

Sonia Hoyos joined our Park West Community this year. Before moving to the United States from Colombia, South America, she obtained a bachelor's degree in the area of health and a master's degree in safety and quality of care. She really enjoys working with infants and loves teaching Spanish to children under 2 years of age. She spent time as a Spanish teacher to young children, working one on one or in small groups. She loves art, nature and caring for the environment.

Tiffany Lewis joined Central Park in 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Mercy College. Tiffany is working towards her Masters at Mercy and will be certified to teach Pre-k through 2nd grade. She has been working with children for over 7 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 continues at CPM!

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. 

Vongai Jhamba completed the West Side Montessori TEP Program for Early Childhood. She did her Montessori Internship at Twin Parks in the 2017-18 school year. Vongai has also subbed in our toddler and early childhood environments. She joins us with experience working at the United Nations World Food Program in South Africa, and has extensive experience as an HIV/AIDS Learning Coordinator. Vongai has a BA in Sociology from the University of Zimbabwe. She truly enjoys working with children in a Montessori environment. 

Wendolyn Anderson is  an AMS Infant-Toddler certified Montessori teacher and has worked at all three locations of the Twin Parks network, beginning in 2007. Wendolyn has also held a lead teacher position at Williamsburg Montessori School. She has an Associates Degree in Hospitality Management and is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Asworth College. In her free time, Wendolyn enjoys spin class.

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 was born in the U.S., but began his early education in a Montessori school in Belgium, from aged two through his lower elementary years. After receiving his BA Degree from Vassar College and California Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University, Jim began his career in education with ten years teaching at the preschool and elementary level. He then moved to New York City and into school leadership as the founding Head of Resurrection Episcopal Day School (REDS), a Montessori school, and then as Head of the Terra Linda Montessori School and Assistant Head of East Bay French American School back in California. After a break from education to run his family’s guest ranch business, Jim returned to education in admissions roles, most recently as Director of Outreach at Garden School in Jackson Heights and Director of Admissions and Marketing for Green Ivy Schools in Manhattan. Jim is also a Co-founder of the Children’s Arts Guild, a NY-based non-profit dedicated to helping young children “harness their creativity to transcend limiting expectations…”. Through creative arts education, the Guild serves under-resourced communities promoting self-expression, empowerment, and social-emotional skills. Jim’s most rewarding role is being a stepdad to Ian (15) and Lila (13). He lives on Long Island’s North Shore with his wife, Terryl.  The hiring committee was very impressed with Jim's energy and enthusiasm, his vast knowledge and passion for Montessori education. 

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