Teachers

Administrators

A figure sits on a vibrant, multi-colored stack of padded shapes, wearing a dark graphic t-shirt and light pants, with their head down, focused on their footwear. Another figure kneels beside them on a textured brown wood chip surface, adjusting the laces of sturdy yellow boots. Surrounding the scene is lush greenery with sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating dappled shadows on the ground. The atmosphere is casual and engaging, showcasing an interaction in a natural setting.

Carol Garboden Murray, Executive Director WNS and ITC

Carol Garboden Murray, M.Ed., is the Executive Director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School. Carol holds a NYS Teaching Certificate and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Early Intervention. She worked directly as an early interventionist, infant, toddler, preschool and kindergarten teacher for many years before becoming a program director and leader in the field. Carol has led campus-based children’s programs and community programs for over 20 years. Carol is the author of more than 30 articles published in professional magazines for early childhood educators and she is also the author of two books, Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities (Exchange Press, 2021) and Simple Signing with Young Children (Gryphon House Press, 2007). Carol has served as a program consultant, mentor, and adjunct instructor. She has conducted regional and national workshops for early childhood educators, parents, administrators. She has an interest and expertise in a constructivist approach to education, emergent curriculum development, play, change theory, and care ethics.

A figure sits on a large rock, holding a child facing them. The child, in a light blue shirt, appears inquisitive, with wide eyes directed slightly off-camera. The adult figure, wearing a dark tank top and light-colored pants, has long hair cascading over one shoulder and a gentle posture. In the background, a playground is visible, with children playing and sunlight filtering through lush green grass, creating a lively outdoor atmosphere.

Beth Serwatka, Site Director of Wimpfheimer Nursery School

BethAnn Serwatka is the site director at Wimpfheimer Nursery School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She has worked at Vassar College for 13 years and has held a number of roles between the Infant Toddler Center and Wimpfheimer Nursery School. BethAnn’s philosophy in working with children is deeply rooted in the belief that the early years of childhood need to be preserved by allowing play, choice, and expression. She believes it is an honor to be a part of these fundamental years of a child’s life! BethAnn gained her experience learning and working in laboratory nursery school settings and values being able to continue that work in her career.

When Beth isn’t at Wimpfheimer she enjoys watching or participating in sports of any kind, especially the ones that her children, Madelyn, Albert, and Oliver are involved in. She loves being outdoors, listening to music and attending concerts, and running with her dog, Ozzy.

A figure sits on a patterned rug, wearing a black outfit, with one arm cradling an infant dressed in a white shirt and dark shorts. The figure leans slightly forward, gazing down at the infant, who is looking up with a relaxed expression. In the background, a green play structure is partially visible, surrounded by lush foliage that hints at an outdoor setting. The scene is softly lit, suggesting an overcast sky, with natural textures from the wooden porch and greenery enriching the composition.

Nicole Bonelli, Site Director of the Infant Toddler Center

Nicole is the Site Director of the Infant Toddler Center and has been part of the Wimpfheimer and Infant Toddler Center community since 1997 when she began at Wimpfheimer as an Assistant Substitute Teacher at 17 years old. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education but found herself longing to be back in Early Childhood after teaching second grade for a few years in public school. Nicole has worked in all roles across Wimpfheimer and the Infant Toddler Center before becoming the Site Director of ITC in 2005.

Nicole has a deep respect for infants and toddlers and views them as whole, unique and competent humans. She has a strong commitment to working with families, viewing them as an extension of the children in her care. Nicole recently completed the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) Foundations: Theory and Observation course and has been inspired to continue learning about this work while applying the RIE principles at ITC and in life. She also sits on the Friends Of RIE Community Engagement (FORCE) Planning Team which provides resources, networking, and opportunities for continual growth towards caring for infants with respect.

When Nicole is not at ITC, she is very busy running her children, Greyson and Everly around to their various activities. Nicole and her family, including her husband Ben and their dog Rocco, enjoy sports, spending time outside and just being together. Nicole is an avid reader who enjoys trying new restaurants and frequenting old favorites. She finds laughter and humor an integral part of leading a happy and fulfilled life.

Educators

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Laura Antonio-Perez, WNS Assistant Teacher 3/4s Class

Laura has a degree in social work and has recently tapped into her interest in child development by joining the WNS teaching team. Growing up in a hispanic household, she brings her love of the Spanish language and cultural heritage to Wimpfheimer.

The image features a person with long dark hair and glasses, smiling directly at the camera. They are dressed in a green top, paired with a textured scarf that has a light pattern. In the background, geometric hexagonal shelves display various plants and decor, adding a natural element to the scene. The lighting is soft and even, creating a warm atmosphere accentuated by the neutral wall.

Kayla Appleholm, ITC Assistant Teacher

Bio to be posted.

A smiling figure is centered within the image, wearing a black sweater adorned with large white floral patterns. The background features a light-colored wall with hexagonal shelves containing small plants and decorative items, creating a structured contrast. Soft, diffused lighting illuminates the scene, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere. The overall composition is balanced and symmetrical, drawing focus to the figure in a friendly and welcoming manner.

Mireya Cedillo-Rosales, ITC Assistant Teacher

Bio to be posted.

A person with long, dark hair stands smiling in a warmly lit room. They are wearing a navy blue cardigan with buttons, and the background features several colorful watercolor paintings pinned to a wall. Natural light filters through the nearby window, illuminating a potted plant on a table. A sign above the paintings indicates that they are created using primarily liquid watercolors.

Gabi Cooper, WNS Assistant Teacher 3/4s Class

Gabi has 5 years experience teaching young children in a variety of local settings and she fell in love with the Wimpfheimer approach during her student teaching practicum. She is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She has a special interest in sports (softball) and brings a love of movement and play to WNS.

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Sarah Eckelman, WNS Lead Teacher 3/4s Class

Sarah holds a Master’s degree in early childhood education and part of her graduate work included traveling to Italy and learning about the renowned approaches to early childhood education in Reggio Emilia. She brings her love of being outdoors, gardening, and working with clay to Wimpfheimer. She worked previously as a children’s librarian and she is passionate about quality children’s literature and the stories children tell.

Mary Guarnaccia, WNS support and substitute teacher

Mary has been working at Wimpfheimer for 12 years. She has always lived locally with her husband and they are the parents of three grown children. Her first grandchild attends Wimpfheimer. She brings a love of reading and travel and has a special art of connecting to others.

A figure sits in a warmly lit room, wearing a gray sweater. The hair is long and straight, falling over the shoulders. In the background, a wooden playhouse structure with multiple colors and shapes adds a playful element to the scene. Natural light filters in through a nearby window, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Skyler Hoystrad, WNS Co-teacher 3s Class

Skyler holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Dutchess Community College. She enjoys spending time with family and her many animals including dogs, cats, and horses and sharing her love of nature with children.

A figure sits in a warmly lit room, smiling, with long hair partially tucked behind their ear. They wear a patterned black and white shirt with a loose collar, complemented by simple jewelry. In the background, colorful children's artwork is displayed on the walls, featuring abstract smudges of blue and green paint. Wooden tables and various items suggest an artistic environment, contributing to a vibrant and creative atmosphere.

Kate Inserillo, WNS Mentor and Support 3s Class

Kate has many years experience in early childhood education and has been at Wimpfheimer for 15 years. She has three grown up children of her own and seven grandchildren. She says she is continually learning from children and especially enjoys the 2s and 3s and sees this time of life as particularly magical and full of wonder. Kate has a gift for using her experience to mentor and care for new teachers at Wimpfheimer.

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Katlyn Janicik, WNS Lead Teacher, Toddler Class

Katlyn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and is a RIE certified Educarer. Katlyn’s specialty is with our youngest children. She has been key in helping WNS and ITC connect and participate in continuity of care, following with the children in her care from birth to age three. She is currently here at WNS in our Young Toddler Room. Katlyn is a mother of two and she enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, reading and baking in her spare time and with her family.

Kristin Jezsu, ITC Lead Infant Teacher

Bio to be posted.

A person smiles in a warmly lit indoor environment, featuring wooden cabinetry and soft, natural light filtering through large windows. The individual has curly hair adorned with jewelry and is wearing a ribbed, brown top, which contrasts with the light-colored backdrop. In the background, various colorful artworks and photographs are displayed, adding visual interest to the setting. The overall composition conveys a sense of creativity and warmth within a welcoming space.

Janaya Lindsey, WNS Co-teacher, 3s Class

Janaya has been teaching in the field for 9 years and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She is also a lifeguard and swimmer. Her favorite thing to do is travel around the world with her son. She brings a passion for art and sensory play to Wimpfheimer.

A person stands smiling in front of a light-colored wall adorned with hexagonal shelves. The individual wears a beige, textured sweater and a delicate necklace. Above, the shelves hold small potted plants, contributing to a natural aesthetic. The soft indoor lighting enhances the overall warmth of the scene, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Kayleigh Maltais, ITC Lead Little Ones Teacher

Bio to be posted.

A person, Tara Nelgia, stands smiling in front of a textured stone wall, which features a mix of light and dark stones creating a natural pattern. They are wearing a white shirt with a subtle ribbed texture and a lanyard that has a dark maroon color and repeating text. Warm, diffused light from an off-camera source highlights their features and adds a gentle glow to the stones. The overall composition includes the figure centered against the rugged backdrop, creating a harmonious visual contrast.

Tara Neglia, WNS Lead Teacher 2s/3s Class

Tara has been working at Wimpfheimer for 12 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is RIE certified (Resources for Infant Educators). She has three children of her own and says her favorite part of working with 2s is watching them experience their “firsts”.

A person is seated in a cozy indoor space, framed by large, diamond-patterned windows that let in natural light, creating a warm ambiance. They wear a striped sweater in shades of gray, with a necklace featuring wooden and colorful beads resting against their chest. In the background, potted plants are visible on a windowsill, while a hint of autumn foliage peeks through the glass, adding vibrant color. The setting conveys a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, suggesting a personal or creative environment.

Kaitlin Ortolano, WNS Co-Teacher, 4/5s Class

Kaitlin holds a bachelor’s degree in education and worked as a 2nd grade teacher for three years. Her devotion to teaching doesn’t end in the 4/5s classroom, she is also a dance teacher and she brings her love of movement, music, and play to WNS.

Sara Petit, WNS support and substitute teacher

Sara has many years experience working with children and families in nursery school and UPK in the Hudson Valley. She is a mom of two children and brings her passion for connecting, caring and nurturing others to WNS.

A person is smiling, facing the camera with a pleasant expression. They are wearing a black and white patterned sweater with a high collar and layered underneath a black top. The background features a light-colored wall with a small shelf displaying bright objects, contributing to a well-lit atmosphere. Soft, natural light enhances the warmth of the scene, creating a welcoming environment.

Stephanie Pruss, ITC Assistant Teacher

Bio to be posted.

Candy Reyes, WNS Assistant Teacher 2s/3s Class

Candy has a special interest in toddler education and has been working with this age group for three years. She brings her passion for being outside (camping) and building (Legos) and art (scrapbooking) to the work of early education.

A person, Kimberly Reyes, is positioned in the foreground, facing the viewer with a slight smile. Long, dark hair flows over one shoulder, contrasting with a light, patterned top that features horizontal stripes. They wear a coral cardigan and a lanyard with the word "Vassar" printed on it. The background includes a textured stone wall and windows that add architectural detail, with natural lighting enhancing the scene's clarity and warmth.

Kimberly Reyes, WNS Assistant Teachers 4/5s Class

Kimberly has many years experience working with young children in a variety of settings around the Hudson Valley. She is currently working on her degree in education. Growing up in Poughkeepsie, in a Spanish speaking home, she brings her love of language and culture to WNS.

A person smiles directly at the camera with a broad smile. Their hair is styled in braids, with some sections pulled back, while they wear a light blue sweatshirt. The background features a wooden surface partially obscured by soft, off-white fabric. Soft indoor lighting creates a warm atmosphere, highlighting the facial features and the texture of the sweatshirt.

Shade Routier, WNS Assistant Teacher, Toddler Class

Shade holds an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Dutchess Community College. Shade spends lots of time caring for her twin toddler nephews and she travels to New York City frequently to visit family and friends.

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Karen Scaduto, WNS Co-Teacher, 4/5s Class

Karen holds a Masters Degree in education and NYS certification. She has many years of experience teaching preschool through 2nd grade. Karen has experience with RDI (Relationship Development Intervention). Karen says she “loves being in the moment with children, sharing their wonder, curiosity, play and joy”.