Meet our
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Director
ANN HIRSCH
I am so excited to start my tenth year at CCNS, Rye. It does not feel like work when you have the pleasure of spending your days with outstanding teachers and families. Having spent over 30 years working in this field, it is the greatest pleasure to watch children grow into their very best selves and to support them on their journey. I am committed to the parent-teacher relationship, so together we can create the best experiences for your children. I am committed to helping my teachers learn and grow and bring the best to their classrooms every day. I am committed to the children so that they can learn and grow in a stress-free, fun, challenging program that supports their age-appropriate development. I will always push for Christ's Church to deliver the best nursery school experience possible, and we will, of course, have many laughs and smiles along the way.
Admissions Director
ERIN COLAGIOVANNI
Erin is thrilled to welcome new families to CCNS! A Rye resident for more than 13 years, she lives with her husband, their three children, and their lovable Bernedoodle, who keeps everyone on their toes. Erin earned her Bachelor's degree in Young Child/Family Studies and Early Childhood Education, as well as her Master's in Elementary and Special Education, from the University of New Hampshire. She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Educational Study (CAES) in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. After spending 12 wonderful years teaching Kindergarten, Erin knows just how magical the early years can be. Her passion for children and families extends beyond the classroom; she has served as a class parent, participated on interview panels, chaired school committees, helped shape curriculum initiatives and more. Whether she's greeting prospective families, cheering on young learners, or helping children find the perfect place to grow, Erin brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a welcoming smile to the CCNS community.
Administrative Assistant
DARCEY PINEDA
dpineda@ccnsrye.org
Returning for her eighth year at CCNS, Darcey wears many hats. She mans our main office, works as our administrative assistant, is our bookkeeper and so much more. Darcey is a beloved grandmother and loves working with young children. She is the welcoming voice on the end of the line or the person you can reach out to with most questions. Darcey enjoys both getting to know our new families as well as reconnecting with all of our returning families and their children. She is ready to assist in any way she can.
TEACHING STAFF
Meet our
Lynn Yusi
HEAD TEACHER, ONES CLASS
RAINBOW ROOM
1’s
Lynn holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Manhattanville College. She brings a rich background in education, having taught both special education and third and fourth grades. In addition to her classroom experience, Lynn has spent several summers working at a day camp, further nurturing her passion for working with children. A devoted mother of four, Lynn lives with her family and their beloved cockapoo. She brings warmth, energy, and a deep commitment to helping young children grow and thrive in the classroom.
1’s
Poliana De Camargo
ASSISTANT TEACHER, ONES CLASS
RAINBOW ROOM
Poliana holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a Specialization in Dance and Body Awareness. She brings her warm experience in education from teaching dance to children and adults for many years. She has also worked at Rye's Kiddy Camp, with children ages 3-4. Poliana is a devoted mother of two kids. She loves to spend time with them, helping them to grow, thrive, and pursue their dreams. On the weekends, she likes to go hiking with the family.
Lynn Yusi
HEAD TEACHER, TWOS CLASS
RED ROOM
2’s
Lynn holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Manhattanville College. She brings a rich background in education, having taught both special education and third and fourth grades. In addition to her classroom experience, Lynn has spent several summers working at a day camp, further nurturing her passion for working with children. A devoted mother of four, Lynn lives with her family and their beloved cockapoo. She brings warmth, energy, and a deep commitment to helping young children grow and thrive in the classroom.
2’s
Poliana De Camargo
ASSISTANT TEACHER, TWOS CLASS
RED ROOM
Poliana holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a Specialization in Dance and Body Awareness. She brings her warm experience in education from teaching dance to children and adults for many years. She has also worked at Rye's Kiddy Camp, with children ages 3-4. Poliana is a devoted mother of two kids. She loves to spend time with them, helping them to grow, thrive, and pursue their dreams. On the weekends, she likes to go hiking with the family.
Vicky Betzig
HEAD TEACHER, TWOS CLASS
YELLOW ROOM
2’s
Vicky Betzig grew up in Larchmont and has lived in Rye for 25+ years. She is married with two adult daughters and a Labrador Retriever named Penny Lane. Vicky attended Providence College, where she earned a BA in Humanities and subsequently received her Master's degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from The College of New Rochelle. Her career started at The Horace Mann School in First and Second Grades. She also taught at St. Eugene's School, Resurrection School, and Sts. John and Paul. After raising her children, Vicky returned to teaching at the preschool level, where she taught in the twos program at The Nursery School of Westchester. Vicky enjoys spending weekends at her house in Vermont, cooking with her daughters, and lazing on the family boat on warm summer days. She is very excited starting her second year at CCNS.
Kathy Moran
ASSISTANT TEACHER, TWOS CLASS
YELLOW ROOM
2’s
Kathy is a lifelong resident of Westchester and one of our longest-tenured teachers, having joined CCNS in 2003. She holds a BS in Elementary Education from lona College and an MS in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle. Before CCNS, Kathy taught at Central School and Mamaroneck Ave Pre-k. Spending time around her reveals that her students truly benefit from her passion for teaching and working with children. Her outside interests include reading a good book, spending time at the beach, and enjoying time with her four daughters and grandchildren.
2’s
Maria Denti
ASSISTANT TEACHER, TWOS CLASS
YELLOW ROOM
Maria came to CCNS in 2019. Maria has been working in the early childhood field for over 25 years and holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children of many different ages, from birth to four years of age. Her outside interests include teaching religious education and assisting with bible camp at her parish in Tuckahoe.
Roseanne Lovallo
ASSISTANT TEACHER, TWOS CLASS
YELLOW ROOM
2’s
Ro is a lifelong resident of the Sound Shore and came to CCNS in 1999! Roseanne holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and has worked with every age group at our school. Her compassionate and kind nature has endeared her to our many new and long-time families!
Christina Giordano
HEAD TEACHER, THREES CLASS
GOLD ROOM
3’s
Christina begins her second year in our full day 3s classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and English Education, as well as a Master of Professional Studies in Literacy. She is a two-time nominee for the New York City Big Apple Teacher Award. After 10+ years at a Bronx charter school, she joined our teaching team and has become an amazing part of our school community. Christina resides in West Harrison with her husband, a New Rochelle firefighter, and their two small boys. She understands the importance of these early years for a child's development.
Erica Kinstel
ASSISTANT TEACHER, THREES CLASS
GOLD ROOM
3’s
Erica is excited to start her fourth year at CCNS! She previously worked as a teacher aide at Osborn for grades 1-3 and as a head counselor at the Rye Recreation Kiddy Camp for children ages 3-5. Erica feels she has found her calling and truly enjoys helping her young students do their best and grow from their early educational experiences.
Myrna Kara
HEAD TEACHER, FOURS CLASS
BLUE ROOM
4’s
Myrna holds a BA in Language Arts and French Literature from Damascus University in Syria. Myrna joined the faculty of CCNS in 2012 and has been a dedicated and inspiring teacher at CCNS. Myrna is very passionate about teaching and inspiring children to love to learn.
Jenna Yusi
ASSISTANT TEACHER, FOURS CLASS
BLUE ROOM
4’s
Jenna graduated with a B.A. in Sports Studies and Psychology and is working towards her Master's in Physical Education. She has spent a number of years babysitting kids of all ages and has truly grown to love being part of their learning and development. For the past five+ years, Jenna has spent her summers working at the Westchester Country Club Beach Club, where she enjoys creating a fun environment for children as a camp counselor and activity instructor. Jenna is strongly committed to working with young children, helping them gain confidence, learn valuable life skills, and discover what makes them unique.
Andra O'Brien
HEAD TEACHER, FOURS CLASS
PURPLE ROOM
4’s
Andra is a lifelong resident of Westchester. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Science in Education from The College of New Rochelle. Andra is a certified teacher with 15-plus years of teaching experience. Before staying home to raise her family and bring up her children, Andra previously taught at Midland School in Rye for seven years.
Jaime Tanaka-Boulia
ASSISTANT TEACHER, FOURS CLASS
PURPLE ROOM
4’s
Jaime holds a Bachelor of Science from NYU in Studio Art, including coursework in Art Education and History. After a career in advertising, she began working with children in daycare and taught an after-school art program at Daniel Warren in Rye Neck before joining CCNS in 2018. She has cared for infants and children up to four years old, and truly enjoys all ages. Jaime is a native Californian who enjoys the outdoors, swimming, painting, and traveling with her wonderful children and husband.
Vicky Betzig
HEAD TEACHER, FOURS CLASS
SILVER ROOM
4’s
Vicky Betzig grew up in Larchmont and has lived in Rye for 25+ years. She is married with two adult daughters and a Labrador Retriever named Penny Lane. Vicky attended Providence College, where she earned a BA in Humanities and subsequently received her Master's degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from The College of New Rochelle. Her career started at The Horace Mann School in First and Second Grades. She also taught at St. Eugene's School, Resurrection School, and Sts. John and Paul. After raising her children, Vicky returned to teaching at the preschool level, where she taught in the twos program at The Nursery School of Westchester. Vicky enjoys spending weekends at her house in Vermont, cooking with her daughters, and lazing on the family boat on warm summer days. She is very excited starting her second year at CCNS.
Maria Denti
ASSISTANT TEACHER, FOURS CLASS
SILVER ROOM
4’s
Maria came to CCNS in 2019. Maria has been working in the early childhood field for over 25 years and holds an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked with children of many different ages, from birth to four years of age. Her outside interests include teaching religious education and assisting with bible camp at her parish in Tuckahoe.
Natalie Ballone
HEAD TEACHER, FIVES CLASS
ORANGE ROOM
5’s
Natalie continues to bring her passion for working with children at CCNS. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Elementary Education, pre-k to 6th grade, and a Master's of Science degree in Education. Natalie previously worked at Rye Country Day School and Resurrection. She is excited to continueto plan and teach our Pre-K fives full-day programming this Fall.
Jamie Depauw
ASSISTANT TEACHER, FIVES CLASS
ORANGE ROOM
5’s
Jamie is a lifelong resident of Rye and has worked in early childhood education for the past five years. Although she has a degree in Pharmacology, Jamie has focused on her true passion, working with children. Jamie enjoys spending time with young children, guiding and nurturing them as they learn and grow. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family and their dogs.
