Cornwall Young Naturalist Preschool Program Staff
Our preschool staff includes Classroom Teachers, an Office Administrator, Lead Teacher, and several Nature Museum Educators. Our lead preschool teachers are college-trained professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in working with young children. With a teacher/child ratio of 1 to 8 for 4-year-olds, and 1 to 7 for 3-year-olds, each student is given the individual attention they need to thrive and the opportunity to explore their surroundings in a safe, secure setting.
Program Manager & Lead Teacher: Kerry Kopf - kkopf@hhnm.org
Kerry has been with the Museum since 2001 and worn many hats, as an assistant teacher and lead teacher for the 3's as well as her past roles as Assistant Director and a lead teacher for the 4's. She is at the heart of a classroom where the children are, and feel, loved and respected, and they reflect that back out to the teachers and each other. It is not uncommon for Young Naturalist alumni to joyfully recognize Kerry years after they've left the program, such is her incredible impact with the children and families in her classes
Program Administrator: Michelle Mindicino - mmindicino@hhnm.org 845-534-5506 ext 204
Young Naturalist Teachers:
-Irene Bellis - ibellis@hhnm.org
Irene joined the Young Naturalist staff in 2017 as an assistant, and has since taken on additional lead teaching duties. Her creativity and easy bond with the children is evident all over the classroom, from the crafts they do to the gifts they make and receive during the year and the kindness they show one another.
-Bridget Carty: bcarty@hhnm.org
Bridget began as a YN parent in 2016 and on staff in 2021 after several years as a parent-sub. She brings a willingness to engage the children where they are and a practical approach to the classroom that builds trust quickly as well as the children’s excitement for their day.
-Catherine Chimento - cchimento@hhnm.org
Catherine has been with the Museum since 2018. In her role as assistant teacher and quasi-official child whisperer, she has helped many children transition into their first school experience, and you never know when a new plant or a fantastic "freecycle" item for the classroom will come to school with her.
-Katie Guers: kguers@hhnm.org
Katie became part of the YN staff in 2019 after first being the parent of a student. She has worked as a lead teacher, assistant teacher, and Lunch Club play facilitator, and everywhere she goes her keen engagement and attention to the children's individual personalities, needs, and styles goes with her.
-Amanda Merritt - amerritt@hhnm.org
Amanda started at the Museum in 2015, teaching what is now Knee High Naturalists before joining the Young Naturalist staff. She has been an assistant as well as a lead teacher for all ages at the preschool. In her current role as a lead teacher for 4's classes, Amanda creates great rapport with the children and any time she speaks to them is a masterclass in how it's done.
-Kate Parsons: kparsons@hhnm.org
Kate's time with the Museum began in 2019 as an assistant in the 3's, where she now leads. In addition to her work with the YNs, Kate is part of the Backpack Naturalists afterschool program for students in K-2. In either setting, her calm and engaging approach, appreciation of nature as part of the classroom, and her ever-growing flow of ideas and activities, invites the children to explore and take deep dives into learning.
Warwick Young Naturalist Preschool Teaching Staff
Nicole Porter- lead teacher: Nporter@hhnm.org
I come from a background of teaching little's from the day care age group to the elementary years. I have always found learning from children, as they grow & develop something inspiring. I have acquired my bachelor's in early childhood education and am certified. I've had hands-on experience in kindergarten setting after graduating, to teaching last year in a local Preschool classroom.
I have a love of the natural world around us and aspire to share that passion with others as much as possible. One thing I have found to be true, is “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” Phil Collins said it and I truly believe when we give children space to grow they can show us amazing things. I am very much looking forward to this school year and to meet all of you!
Cathy Hoekzema- Assistant teacher: Choekzema@hhnm.org
"I have been working with children for many years from tutoring and mentoring inner city youth to being a nanny to working in a daycare setting to the children’s department at the Albert Wisner Public Library. I have an 11 year old son just starting Middle School who shares my love of all animals. We are often going on walks with our dog looking for creatures and checking out cloud shapes. We both love insects, so I am especially excited for our first unit. My favorite season, however, is winter. I think snow is the most beautiful and fun thing nature gives us. I am so excited to spend this school year getting to know each of your kids!"