lille craig, director Years at Lol : 5 years experience: AMI Elementary teaching certification from WMI, Ma in History from the University of St Andrews and masters in education from Loyola, 19 years experience working with children, 4 years program director/office manager for crystal lake camps, 4 years curriculum assistant for simmons college graduate school of library and information science, 3 years as senior instructor for red cliff ascent (wilderness therapy for troubled teens) fun fact: I graduated from love of learning in 1991. the Thanksgiving feast, which is my favorite lol tradition, was the same! find me at harborside campus l.craig@lolmontessori.org

lille craig, director

Years at Lol: 5 years

experience: AMI Elementary teaching certification from WMI, Ma in History from the University of St Andrews and masters in education from Loyola, 19 years experience working with children, 4 years program director/office manager for crystal lake camps, 4 years curriculum assistant for simmons college graduate school of library and information science, 3 years as senior instructor for red cliff ascent (wilderness therapy for troubled teens)

fun fact: I graduated from love of learning in 1991. the Thanksgiving feast, which is my favorite lol tradition, was the same!

find me at harborside campus

l.craig@lolmontessori.org

 
“The child is not an empty being who owes whatever he knows to us who have filled him up with it. No, the child is the builder of man. There is no man existing who has not been formed by the child he once was.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
“The child who concentrates is immensely happy.”
— -Dr. Maria Montessori
cami thompson, co-founder and upper elementary teacher years at lol: all of them experience: AMS Elementary 6-12 credential from cmte/ny, ams elementary 6-9 credential from cmte/ny, ami 3-6 credential from wmi, transvaal teachers’ higher diploma from johannesburg college of education, ba in history and ba honors in literacy from university of the witwatersrand When did you start teaching? I started way back when the world was new I tell the kids iVe been at it for 167 years. what is you favorite part? I love to see the kid who finally gets it. Find me at harborside campus

cami thompson, co-founder and upper elementary teacher

years at lol: all of them

experience: AMS Elementary 6-12 credential from cmte/ny, ams elementary 6-9 credential from cmte/ny, ami 3-6 credential from wmi, transvaal teachers’ higher diploma from johannesburg college of education, ba in history and ba honors in literacy from university of the witwatersrand

When did you start teaching? I started way back when the world was new I tell the kids iVe been at it for 167 years.

what is you favorite part? I love to see the kid who finally gets it.

Find me at harborside campus

“It is surprising to notice that even from the earliest age, man finds the greatest satisfaction in feeling independent. The exalting feeling of being sufficient to oneself comes as a revelation.”
— Dr. Maria Montessori
julie anne meixsell. assistant director years at lol: all of them experience: ams primary credential from cmte/ny, 35 years of teaching experience

julie anne meixsell. assistant director

years at lol: all of them

experience: ams primary credential from cmte/ny, 35 years of teaching experience

Early Childhood Teachers

 
 
Denise brazeau, incoming toddler program Years at LOL: 11 years Experience: AMS Early Childhood Credential from CMTE/NY , BA in English Literature from Wesleyan University, Enrolled in West Side Montessori School's Infant/Toddler Teacher Education Program After 11 fantastic years teaching Early Childhood at Love of Learning, I will help create a Toddler Program for the 2019-20 school year. Find me at Top of the Hill Campus

Denise brazeau, incoming toddler program

Years at LOL: 11 years

Experience: AMS Early Childhood Credential from CMTE/NY, BA in English Literature from Wesleyan University, Enrolled in West Side Montessori School's Infant/Toddler Teacher Education Program

After 11 fantastic years teaching Early Childhood at Love of Learning, I will help create a Toddler Program for the 2019-20 school year.

Find me at Top of the Hill Campus

Maria D'Amico, Early Childhood Teacher years at lol: 16 years experience: ams preprimary credential from cmte/ny, NYS teacher certification, ms in education from hunter college, 34 years in a classroom, 30 as lead teacher find me at harborside campus

Maria D'Amico, Early Childhood Teacher

years at lol: 16 years

experience: ams preprimary credential from cmte/ny, NYS teacher certification, ms in education from hunter college, 34 years in a classroom, 30 as lead teacher

find me at harborside campus

Elizabeth sciubba, early childhood teacher joining us for the 2019-2020 school year Working with children has been my love ever since I was a child myself.  I was always so inspired by their wonder and  eagerness to explore their world. Becoming a part of that process is a realized dream of  mine. I have worked in a traditional school setting as well as several Montessori classrooms including Our Lady of Grace in Manhasset and I am thrilled to become a part of the Love of Learning community.   My personal philosophy in the classroom is that first and foremost it is important that the children can claim ownership of their exploration in learning. The hope is that in doing so they gain confidence, independence and a continued drive for curiosity and discovery.  Uncovering what these children are capable of is one of the most beautiful evolutions to witness and is a privilege I honor completely.  Our classroom is a community of kindness, curiousity and creativity and there is no place I would rather spend my days.  Find me at Top of the Hill Campus

Elizabeth sciubba, early childhood teacher

joining us for the 2019-2020 school year

Working with children has been my love ever since I was a child myself.  I was always so inspired by their wonder and  eagerness to explore their world. Becoming a part of that process is a realized dream of  mine. I have worked in a traditional school setting as well as several Montessori classrooms including Our Lady of Grace in Manhasset and I am thrilled to become a part of the Love of Learning community.  

My personal philosophy in the classroom is that first and foremost it is important that the children can claim ownership of their exploration in learning. The hope is that in doing so they gain confidence, independence and a continued drive for curiosity and discovery.  Uncovering what these children are capable of is one of the most beautiful evolutions to witness and is a privilege I honor completely.  Our classroom is a community of kindness, curiousity and creativity and there is no place I would rather spend my days. 

Find me at Top of the Hill Campus

Soo-Jung Kim, Early Childhood Teacher years at lol: 10 years experience: ams early childhood credential from west side montessori school’s teacher education program, ba in english language education from korea university, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher certification in Korea find me at haborside campus

Soo-Jung Kim, Early Childhood Teacher

years at lol: 10 years

experience: ams early childhood credential from west side montessori school’s teacher education program, ba in english language education from korea university, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher certification in Korea

find me at haborside campus

 

Elementary Teachers

Arli harlan Angello, Upper elementary Teacher YEARS AT LOL : 2 YEARS EXPERIENCE : MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN CREATIVE WRITING FROM ADELPHI UNIVERSITY; BACHELOR’S IN ENGLISH FROM ADELPHI UNIVERSITY; 7 YEARS AS AN ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AT ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE; MONTESSORI LOWER ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATION FROM NORTH AMERICAN MONTESSORI CENTER (NAMC); I AM ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO ENROLLING INTO AN AMS UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM AFTER APPRENTICESHIP WITH MRS. THOMPSON! WHEN DID YOU START TEACHING? I HAVE BEEN TEACHING SINCE 2011, BUT I HAVE BEEN WITH LOVE OF LEARNING SINCE 2017 WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART? I LOVE READ TO SUCCEED. IT IS SO LOVELY SEEING CHILDREN FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW BOOK, AND THEN GET DRESSED UP AS A CHARACTER! find me at harborside campus

Arli harlan Angello, Upper elementary Teacher

YEARS AT LOL: 2 YEARS

EXPERIENCE: MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN CREATIVE WRITING FROM ADELPHI UNIVERSITY; BACHELOR’S IN ENGLISH FROM ADELPHI UNIVERSITY; 7 YEARS AS AN ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AT ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE; MONTESSORI LOWER ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATION FROM NORTH AMERICAN MONTESSORI CENTER (NAMC); I AM ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO ENROLLING INTO AN AMS UPPER ELEMENTARY PROGRAM AFTER APPRENTICESHIP WITH MRS. THOMPSON!

WHEN DID YOU START TEACHING? I HAVE BEEN TEACHING SINCE 2011, BUT I HAVE BEEN WITH LOVE OF LEARNING SINCE 2017

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART? I LOVE READ TO SUCCEED. IT IS SO LOVELY SEEING CHILDREN FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW BOOK, AND THEN GET DRESSED UP AS A CHARACTER!

find me at harborside campus

Sarah Hodgkinson, Elementary Teacher years at lol: 3 years in the classroom, 3 years running little learners experience: Bachelor of Science (BSc) Psychology, Post Graduate Certificate in Education specializing in the middle years (7-11 year olds), 10 years teaching as Lead teacher - 7-11 year olds in the UK, AMS Montessori Certification - Elementary I - 6-9 years from mettc. what is your favorite school lunch? every family hot lunch - It is a wonderful sight to see the happiness and pride of children and their families serving each other. What is your favorite LOL tradition? the end of year celebration concerts. Watching the very youngest children in the school performing their songs with such enthusiasm and pride and then seeing the enormous growth of the 6th grade graduates who speak and act with such confidence. A Montessori Metamorphosis right in front of our eyes! Then they all sing 'This Montessori Light of mine...". Just beautiful. find me at harborside campus

Sarah Hodgkinson, Elementary Teacher

years at lol: 3 years in the classroom, 3 years running little learners

experience: Bachelor of Science (BSc) Psychology, Post Graduate Certificate in Education specializing in the middle years (7-11 year olds), 10 years teaching as Lead teacher - 7-11 year olds in the UK, AMS Montessori Certification - Elementary I - 6-9 years from mettc.

what is your favorite school lunch? every family hot lunch - It is a wonderful sight to see the happiness and pride of children and their families serving each other.

What is your favorite LOL tradition? the end of year celebration concerts. Watching the very youngest children in the school performing their songs with such enthusiasm and pride and then seeing the enormous growth of the 6th grade graduates who speak and act with such confidence. A Montessori Metamorphosis right in front of our eyes! Then they all sing 'This Montessori Light of mine...". Just beautiful.

find me at harborside campus

Grace Lee, Assistant Teacher, incoming Lower El Teacher Years at Lol: 10 years Experience: Master degree in Special Education and General Education from Concordia college, Early Education Montessori certification from West Side Montessori Teacher Education Program. upcoming: will be doing her Lower Elementary Montessori certification, also through West Side Montessori Teacher Education Program, this summer. find me at top of the hill campus

Grace Lee, Assistant Teacher, incoming Lower El Teacher

Years at Lol: 10 years

Experience: Master degree in Special Education and General Education from Concordia college, Early Education Montessori certification from West Side Montessori Teacher Education Program. upcoming: will be doing her Lower Elementary Montessori certification, also through West Side Montessori Teacher Education Program, this summer.

find me at top of the hill campus

 

Assistant Teachers

Diana Bennencase, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 6 years find me at top of the hill campus

Diana Bennencase, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 6 years

find me at top of the hill campus

Toni DiNunzio, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 14 years experience: 24 years experience working with children, 21 years in the classroom find me at harborside campus

Toni DiNunzio, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 14 years

experience: 24 years experience working with children, 21 years in the classroom

find me at harborside campus

Jami Doria Goleski, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 2 years experience: undergraduate degree in Elementary Ed and a Masters in Special Ed, over 15 years of early education teaching What do you do when you're not teaching? I 'm a hula hoop dancer and a crafter! I love sharing my passion of creative art & movement with all who are interested. find me at harborside campus

Jami Doria Goleski, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 2 years

experience: undergraduate degree in Elementary Ed and a Masters in Special Ed, over 15 years of early education teaching

What do you do when you're not teaching? I'm a hula hoop dancer and a crafter! I love sharing my passion of creative art & movement with all who are interested.

find me at harborside campus

 
Atsuko Inoue, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 15 years experience: 18 years classroom experience find me at harborside campus

Atsuko Inoue, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 15 years

experience: 18 years classroom experience

find me at harborside campus

Jane Neithardt, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 11 years experience : NYS permanent public school teacher certification, ms in education from dowling college, 26 years classroom experience find me at harborside campus

Jane Neithardt, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 11 years

experience: NYS permanent public school teacher certification, ms in education from dowling college, 26 years classroom experience

find me at harborside campus

Sandy Ramalho, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 3 years experience: 20 years working with children find me at top of the hill campus

Sandy Ramalho, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 3 years

experience: 20 years working with children

find me at top of the hill campus

 
Carolyn Rice, assistant teacher years at lol: 7 years experience: AMI Elementary Assistant Certification find me at harborside campus

Carolyn Rice, assistant teacher

years at lol: 7 years

experience: AMI Elementary Assistant Certification

find me at harborside campus

Jeannette Smith, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 8 years experience: bs with a concentration in early childhood and visual arts from dowling college, 17 years experience working with children find me at harborside campus

Jeannette Smith, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 8 years

experience: bs with a concentration in early childhood and visual arts from dowling college, 17 years experience working with children

find me at harborside campus

Hui-wen Yen, Assistant Teacher years at lol: 3 years experience: 32 years of experience teaching music to children, 28 years of classroom experience, 19 years of montessori classroom experience find me at top of the hill campus

Hui-wen Yen, Assistant Teacher

years at lol: 3 years

experience: 32 years of experience teaching music to children, 28 years of classroom experience, 19 years of montessori classroom experience

find me at top of the hill campus

Administrative Staff

 
courtney Thaler, administrator years at lol: 8 years as a parent, 2 years as PTA president, 2nd year as administrator and head of our nutrition program experience: teaches dance, ukuele, drama and cooking, certified birth and post-partum doula, experienced in catering from 8 years as a television field producer and audio tech first aid and cpr certified find me at harborside campus admin@lolmontessori.org

courtney Thaler, administrator

years at lol: 8 years as a parent, 2 years as PTA president, 2nd year as administrator and head of our nutrition program

experience: teaches dance, ukuele, drama and cooking, certified birth and post-partum doula, experienced in catering from 8 years as a television field producer and audio tech

first aid and cpr certified

find me at harborside campus

admin@lolmontessori.org

Specials & Ancillary Teachers

 
keri puglisi, office manager YEARS AT LOL: 8 YEARS AS A PARENT, 5 1/2 YEARS AS PTA PRESIDENT, 7 YEARS AS ANCILLARY TEACHER OF KNITTING, SEWING, DRAMA AND ART. 1ST YEAR AS OFFICE MANAGER EXPERIENCE: TEACHES KNITTING AND SEWING AT EMMALOOPS CRAFT STUDIO, NEST ON MAIN IN NORTHPORT AND HARBORFIELDS HACEF SUMMER CAMPS. TEACHES DRAMA AND ART AT POSEY DANCE IN NORTHPORT. DEVELOPED CURRICULUM FOR TECHNICAL DESIGN MAJOR AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. DEVELOPED AND WROTE TWO COURSES FOR FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING WRITING AND PUBLISHING COMPANION BOOK FOR PRODUCT DATA MANAGEMENT CLASS, WHICH IS STILL BEING TAUGHT AT THE SCHOOL. 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS PROCESS REENGINEERING, USING TECHNOLOGY AND BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE BUSINESS PROCESSES FOR DOZENS OF COMPANIES. FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFIED find me at harborside campus admin@lolmontessori.org

keri puglisi, office manager

YEARS AT LOL: 8 YEARS AS A PARENT, 5 1/2 YEARS AS PTA PRESIDENT, 7 YEARS AS ANCILLARY TEACHER OF KNITTING, SEWING, DRAMA AND ART. 1ST YEAR AS OFFICE MANAGER

EXPERIENCE: TEACHES KNITTING AND SEWING AT EMMALOOPS CRAFT STUDIO, NEST ON MAIN IN NORTHPORT AND HARBORFIELDS HACEF SUMMER CAMPS. TEACHES DRAMA AND ART AT POSEY DANCE IN NORTHPORT. DEVELOPED CURRICULUM FOR TECHNICAL DESIGN MAJOR AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. DEVELOPED AND WROTE TWO COURSES FOR FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING WRITING AND PUBLISHING COMPANION BOOK FOR PRODUCT DATA MANAGEMENT CLASS, WHICH IS STILL BEING TAUGHT AT THE SCHOOL.

15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS PROCESS REENGINEERING, USING TECHNOLOGY AND BEST PRACTICES TO IMPROVE BUSINESS PROCESSES FOR DOZENS OF COMPANIES.

FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFIED

find me at harborside campus

admin@lolmontessori.org

 
jennifer vomvas, bookkeeper find me at harborside campus accounts@lolmontessori.org

jennifer vomvas, bookkeeper

find me at harborside campus

accounts@lolmontessori.org

Liz Gray, Extended Day & Camp Co-Director fall, winter, and spring: Find me at harborside summer: find me at top of the hill camp@lolmontessori.org

Liz Gray, Extended Day & Camp Co-Director

fall, winter, and spring: Find me at harborside

summer: find me at top of the hill

camp@lolmontessori.org

Maggie Cotignola, Music Teacher What is your Favorite school lunch ? thursday hot lunches that are served by students and their families. the enthusiasm and pride that the serving students have in sharing their favorite meal with their classmates and teachers is a pleasure to witness. What is Your Favorite LOL Tradition? Thanksgiving - Each class brings something to eat that is shared with the whole school. There is music, a hike, hot chocolate and marshmallows to end the festivities; all components for a perfect afternoon for adults and children! You can find me making music most frequently at Harborside, and one day a week at Top of the Hill

Maggie Cotignola, Music Teacher

What is your Favorite school lunch ?thursday hot lunches that are served by students and their families. the enthusiasm and pride that the serving students have in sharing their favorite meal with their classmates and teachers is a pleasure to witness.

What is Your Favorite LOL Tradition?Thanksgiving - Each class brings something to eat that is shared with the whole school. There is music, a hike, hot chocolate and marshmallows to end the festivities; all components for a perfect afternoon for adults and children!

You can find me making music most frequently at Harborside, and one day a week at Top of the Hill

Tony Formosa, Maintenance w hat is your Favorite school Activity? the Biking and hiking field trips. what is your Favorite Lunch? Hot lunches prepared by LOL families fun fact: My daughter, Melanie, an lol alum helps me maintain our school and provide assistance with other LOL activities. find me at harborside campus

Tony Formosa, Maintenance

what is your Favorite school Activity? the Biking and hiking field trips.

what is your Favorite Lunch? Hot lunches prepared by LOL families

fun fact: My daughter, Melanie, an lol alum helps me maintain our school and provide assistance with other LOL activities.

find me at harborside campus

lisa dipaola breen, art teacher years at lol: 2 years experience: UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES IN FINE ARTS AND FASHION DESIGN FROM THE FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, WORKED AS A FASHION DESIGNER IN NEW YORK CITY’S GARMENT DISTRICT FOR A LEADING CHILDREN’S WEAR MANUFACTURER, STARTED HER OWN SMALL BUSINESS DESIGNING CUSTOM BRIDAL VEILS, ACCESSORIES AND FLOWER GIRL DRESSES. ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MONTESSORI AND THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH

lisa dipaola breen, art teacher

years at lol: 2 years

experience: UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES IN FINE ARTS AND FASHION DESIGN FROM THE FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, WORKED AS A FASHION DESIGNER IN NEW YORK CITY’S GARMENT DISTRICT FOR A LEADING CHILDREN’S WEAR MANUFACTURER, STARTED HER OWN SMALL BUSINESS DESIGNING CUSTOM BRIDAL VEILS, ACCESSORIES AND FLOWER GIRL DRESSES. ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MONTESSORI AND THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH

 
Alma Carr, Spanish Teacher years at lol: 12 years experience: 12 years what is your favorite thing about teaching? I am always amazed when I casually speak in spanish outside the classroom and the kids respond .... they are always paying attention! find me at harborside campus

Alma Carr, Spanish Teacher

years at lol: 12 years

experience: 12 years

what is your favorite thing about teaching? I am always amazed when I casually speak in spanish outside the classroom and the kids respond .... they are always paying attention!

find me at harborside campus