Alison MacLarenDIRECTOR

Alison MacLaren has been part of our school for the last seventeen years as a parent, board member and, since 2011, as our director. She also teaches the French Language Enrichment Program to all children at HWCNS. She has a Masters Degree in Modern Languages (French, German and Spanish) from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from the University of Warwick in England. She has taught pre-school classes at the French Academy of Bilingual Culture in New Milford and French and Spanish to young children at the Wyckoff Family YMCA. She worked as the Registrar and President of the HWCNS School Board from 2007-2010. She lives in Ho-Ho-Kus with her husband and four children and enjoys swimming, hiking, reading and cooking.

 

Melinda Mason4's TEACHER

Nita Bachani has been associated with HWCNS since 2004 when her children joined the nursery school.  In 2016 she came back to HWCNS as a teacher's aide for the 4s Class. She has also been the 4s Class Afternoon Enrichment teacher for Reading & Writing and the Friendship Club. Nita has a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Master's Degree in Computer Applications from the University of Mumbai, India.  She also holds a Child Development Associate Certification.  Nita lives in Upper Saddle River with her husband and two kids and enjoys travelling, arts and crafts and spending time with family and friends.

 

 

Nicole Fennell

4's TEACHER

Karen Williams has over 18 years of preschool classrooom experience. Karen first came to HWCNS in September 2016 as a parent volunteer and then as a teacher's aide in the 4s Class and afternoon enrichment programs. Karen holds a BS in Nutrition from the College of Saint Elizabeth and went on to earn her MS in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Teachers College, Columbia University. From 2010-2020 Karen taught elementary school age children the importance of healthful eating and exercise with her own program called Power Kids. Karen believes that giving the children a good educational foundation in preschool will help them feel confident and ready for their elementary school experience.  Karen resides in Hawthorne with her husband and 2 children.  She enjoys playing tennis, biking and cooking with her family.

 

Katie Devitt

3's TEACHER

Julia Rosenfeld is a former HWCNS parent and board member whose children began attending the school in 2009. She has experience as an elementary school teacher and holds an MA in elementary education from Simmons College.  Julia attended Boston University and received a BA in Economics before deciding to pursue a career in education.  She enjoys volunteering, arts and crafts and DIY projects. Julia lives in Ho-Ho-Kus with her husband and there children. 

 
 
 
 
 

Melissa Ewen3's TEACHER

Suzanne Ferraioli has been with the HWCNS for many years as a parent volunteer, board member, teachers-aide, Toddler and Me teacher, and the Transitional 2’s teacher. Starting in the fall she will be our 3’s class teacher. Suzanne graduated from Mount Saint Mary College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications. Suzanne currently lives in Ho-Ho-Kus with her husband and 3 children. She enjoys reading, cooking, walking her dog Nala, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

 

 

Katie Devitt

2's TEACHER

Sarah Harris Sarah Harris first became associated with HWCNS when she enrolled one of her children in the 2’s class in 2002. Once all her children graduated she became a teacher’s aide. For eleven years she had the incredible opportunity to assist in the classroom at every age level and under the guidance of several experienced teachers. The vast majority of her time as an aide, was spent in the 2s class, where she developed a love and understanding for this age group. Sarah received her BA from Principia College and then received an additional degree from New York University in Business Management. Sarah also holds her Child Development Associate Certification and taught the 3s class for six years and is now excited to be teaching the 2s class again. She lives in Ho-Ho-Kus with her three sons. Besides teaching at the school, Sarah enjoys hiking, reading and above all spending time with family and friends.

 

Ho-Ho-Kus Waldwick Cooperative Nursery School (HWCNS)TODDLER & ME TEACHER

Shannon Blanz started with HWCNS as a sub in a variety of classes this past year.  Starting this Fall, she will be our Toddler and Me teacher and she will also teach the 3s Tues/Thurs Afternoon Enrichment Program. Shannon graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.  She is currently working towards her Child Development Associate Certification. Shannon lives in Ho-Ho-Kus with her husband and 4 children.  She enjoys crafting, DIY projects and spending time with her family and friends.

 

                                                                                                                             

 

Ho-Ho-Kus Waldwick Cooperative Nursery School (HWCNS)AIDES

We have a wonderful group of kind, nurturing, enthusiastic and energetic aides who work with the teachers and cooping parents in the classroom. The aides are invaluable members of our team; they help to prepare and implement daily activities and alongside the teachers, assist and guide the children throughout the day. 

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

  • Kara McIlvaine, President
  • Emily Spatz, Vice President, Fundraising
  • Christine Beideman, Vice President, Fundraising
  • Colleen Green, Vice President, Fundraising
  • Kristin Rypkema, Vice President, Membership
  • Tara Harrington, Vice President, Publicity
  • Sarah Brown, Assistant Treasurer
  • Michael Lewis and Theresa Ehrline, Vice Presidents, Buildings & Grounds
  • Anne Marie Glavey, Corresponding Secretary
  • Casey Gorman, Recording Secretary
  • Michelle Kelly, Trustee
  • Gloria Stak, Registrar and Treasurer (Non-Board Position)