Primary Faculty
Cassandre holds a B.S. from Cornell University and a M.S. in Early Childhood Education Montessori (AMS) from Barry University. She joined the staff of WHMS in 2006. 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.
Lourdes Ortega – Primary Assistant Teacher
Lourdes Ortega received her Montessori training from Princeton Montessori Center in New Jersey. Lourdes joined WHMS in 2003 as a summer camp instructor. Lourdes also acted as our School Care and Enrichment Director for five years. Currently, she is the assistant teacher in Cassandre’s class and serves as co-director of our summer program.
Liz Cahrenger – Primary Head Teacher
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. Liz also served as a field consultant for CMTE and NMI. In December 2002, Liz was chosen as “Educator of the Week” on Newschannel 13.
Kristen McDermott – Primary Assistant Teacher
Kristen McDermott holds an A.A.S Degree in Early Childhood and is in the process of obtaining her Bachelors Degree. Kristen works as Liz Cahrenger’s teacher assistant. Kristen has been working at WHMS in 2004. She began working in the summer program continuing with us as a substitute and then receiving a part time assistant position with Olga Swick.
Emmy Cole- Primary Head Teacher
Emmy Cole holds a B.S. Degree from Southwest Missouri State University, a Master’s Degree in Montessori Childhood Education from Endicott College in Massachusetts and is certified as an AMS Primary Teacher. She joined the staff in 2004 and works in our primary program. Previously Emmy worked at Blossoms Montessori. Prior to Montessori, Emmy worked at the Academy of the Holy Names as and assistant in Pre-K -3 and as a Pre-K-3 science and social studies teacher.
Diane Lanci - Primary Assistant Teacher
Diane Lanci holds a B.A. in Business Administratin from College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. She joined our staff in 2008. Diane attended Montessori Training at CMTE and NMIand currently works with Emmy Cole in our primary program. She has been an active volunteer at WHMS. As a child, Diane attended a Montessori School in Lima, Peru.
Nancy Hillengas – Primary Head Teacher
Nancy Hillengas holds a B.A. in Art history from Skidmore and a M.S. in Education from University of Pennsylvania. Nancy came to MSA as an assistant teacher in 1998. She received her Primary Montessori Certification from Northeast Montessori Institute, and brings her enthusiasm and experience to the position of Head Teacher. Nancy previously taught at the Albany Academy for Girls, first as a primary science teacher, then as a third grade homeroom teacher and as both a primary and elementary teacher at the Montessori Magnet School in Albany.
Marion Newton – Primary Assistant Teacher
Marion Newton 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. Marion works with Nancy Hillengas as an assistant teacher. She 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.
– Primary Head Teacher
vang@woodlandhill.org
Valerie Ang
Valerie Ang graduated with honors from the University of Toronto in psychology and sociology. Valerie is Primary AMS Certified and previously taught at Kew Park Montessori School before joining the WHMS staff in 2004. She is returning as primary Head Teacher after assisting in Lower Elementary.
Julie Murphy – Primary Assistant Teacher
Julie Murphy is a graduate from the School of Nursing at Maria College. She 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.