Cassandre Hall - Primary Head Teacher

chall@woodlandhill.org

Cassandre holds a B.S. from Cornell University and a M.S. in Early Childhood Education Montessori (AMS) from Barry University. Her previous experience includes work as an assistant teacher for 1 1/2 years in a Florida Montessori Preschool and as a Kindergarten Teacher at Pine Hills Montessori Day Care for three years.

 During her third year at Pine Hills, Cassandre served as the Interim Director.

 

Kristen McDermott

In  2006, she had her first child to stay home.  She has recently decided to work again and has rejoined our staff.

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Liz Cahrenger - Primary Head Teacher

lcahrenger@woodlandhill.org

Liz Cahrenger has been a teacher at MSA since 1988. With a B.S. in Education from SUNY Cortland, Liz was Montessori certified in 1995. During her tenure, she has been a Primary Head Teacher, Primary Coordinator, and Board Representative. She has presented workshops for the Greater Capital District Teachers Series at HVCC and at the College of St. Rose. In December 2002, Liz was chosen as "Educator of the Week" on Newschannel 13.

Liz has also been a gymnastics teacher and daycare administrator. Liz's daughter was an MSA student for seven years
 

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Emmy Cole - Primary Head Teacher

ecole@woodlandhill.org

Emmy Cole works in our primary program. Emmy worked as Noreen Cadieux's assistant at Blossoms Montessori, where she learned the wonder and magic of the Montessori method. Prior to Montessori, Emmy worked in several roles at the Academy of the Holy Names. Emmy has a Master's Degree in Montessori Childhood Education from Endicott College in Massachusetts and is certified as both an teacher in New York and as an AMS Primary Teacher. s and is certified as both an teacher in New York and as an AMS Primary Teacher.

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Diane Lanci

dlanci@woodlandhill.or

Diane is working with Emmy Cole in our primary program. Diane recently competed her Montessori Training.

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  Nancy Hillengas - Primary Head Teacher

nhillengas@woodlandhill.org

Nancy Hillengas has a diverse and well-rounded background in education. She holds a B.A. in Art history from Skidmore and a M.S. in Education from University of Pennsylvania. Upon completion of her Master's of Science in Education in 1993, Nancy taught at the Albany Academy for Girls, first as a primary science teacher, then as a third grade homeroom teacher. Nancy came to MSA as an assistant teacher in February of 1998, where she sustained a positive and nurturing learning environment for the primary students. She continued to practice the Montessori philosophy through her work as both a primary and elementary teacher at the Montessori Magnet School in Albany. Nancy received her Primary Montessori Certification from Northeast Montessori Institute, and brings her enthusiasm and experience to the position of Head Teacher.

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Julia Hughes - Primary Head Teacher

jhughes@woodlandhill.org

Julia Hughes first came to MSA as an assistant teacher in 1995. She subsequently attended Montessori training at Northeast Montessori Institute, did an internship year at MSA, and received her Montessori certification in 1998. Prior to teaching, Julia was an electro-mechanical engineer in Russia, her native home. She holds a Master's Degree in Engineering from the Moscow Institute of Aviation. She is also a skilled classical pianist. Julia's passion for life and love of children are evident in her daily work.

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Marion Newton

mnewton@woodlandhill.org

Marion Newton works with Nancy Hillengas as an assistant teacher. Marion has been an early childhood educator for over 25 years. Her prior experience includes early childhood teaching and administration at Temple Israel Early Childhood Center, SUNY System Administration, Skidmore College Child Care Center and Pierce Hall Daycare. Marion has a B. S. in Early Childhood and an    M. S. in Infant and Toddler behavior and development, with additional advanced work in day care administration. Over the years, Marion has become more involved with our school community, and is very excited to continue learning more about the Montessori Method.

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Julie Murphy will be assisting Julia in the Primary classroom. Julie has worked as a teacher’s aide at St Catherine of Siena Elementary with the first grade class and at the Circle of Friends preschool in Delmar.  She has also worked for the City of Albany for the Youth Employment Program in the summers for the past three years. Julie is a graduate from the School of Nursing at Maria College. She is very excited to return to work in the classroom.

Lourdes Ortega

lortega@woodlandhill.org

Lourdes Ortega is the assistant teacher in Cassandre's class. Lourdes is an excellent teacher with over seven years of experience in the Montessori classroom. Having received her Montessori training from Princeton Montessori Center in New Jersey, Lourdes serves as our summer director and continues her role as our School Care and Enrichment Director.

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