The Riverdale Nursery School and Family Center sees the charge of educating young children as a partnership between the family and school with ongoing collaboration between the child’s significant adults and the child’s educational professionals. A skilled and experienced faculty work together to provide a positive and enriching preschool experience for each child and to support parents in the task of nurturing their children. Each class is conducted under the guidance of a skilled, well-qualified teacher, SEITs (special education teachers) and an appropriate number of assistant teachers to maintain an excellent staff-child ratio. Staff members have specialized training in child development and early childhood education. Professional expertise is enhanced through attendance at conferences and workshops, ongoing in-service training and collaboration with other educational institutions. In addition, a roster of professional consultants are available to lend guidance in support of the child, allowing the school to accept a diverse group of children that will benefit from placement in a mainstream educational setting. Unique to RNSFC is the counseling and preparation for post nursery school placements done by the Director and staff. Ongoing communication is maintained with the Riverdale and Manhattan Independent Schools, as well as local and specialized public schools.
• The Staff •
Dacota Pratt-Pariseau, Director
Dacota is thrilled to be joining RNSFC as the director. Previously, she taught for 7 years as a lead preschool teacher and transitioned to Assistant Director at Philip Berley School of the Arts. Born and raised in Vermont, Dacota holds her master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College, as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Gender, Sexuality, and Women Studies from the University of Vermont, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from New York University. She is passionate about inquiry and project-based learning, supporting creativity and child-led interests, and creating nurturing environments.
Dacota loves art, reading, writing, and spending time with loved ones. On the weekends, she can be found baking, exploring her neighborhood, reading in the park, and spending time with friends and family.
Maria Bonilla, Administrative Assistant
Maria is delighted to return to RNSFC this year, joining the administrative team. Last year, she led our Twos Program and previously has been in Early Childhood Education for 8 years. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. In addition to her dedication to education, she is a doula, providing support and guidance to expecting parents and families during and after the journey of childbirth.
Her favorite pastimes include spending quality time with loved ones, exploring new destinations through travel, and savoring the joys of trying new foods from around the world.
• Teachers •
This is Erin’s 13th year teaching and she is so excited to be back with the 4s at RNSFC. Erin began her career teaching 3s at the Madison Playgroup. She taught kindergarten through 4th grade with The GO Project, and UPK at John Paulding School in Tarrytown. Erin has a master’s degree in childhood education from Hunter College and holds NY State certifications in both childhood and early childhood education. Despite teaching various ages, her goal remains the same for all of her students; for them to feel safe to explore, take risks, and have fun. Her classroom culture is rooted in kindness and inclusion, where students can realize their importance as individuals and as part of a larger community. Erin is busy keeping up with three toddlers of her own, but when she has some free time she loves art and watching a good movie.
Michelle is delighted to return for her fourth year at RNSFC as a head teacher. With over 10 years of experience as a teacher, it has been her dream to work with the early childhood demographic. Michelle has a Master’s Degree in Education and holds current certifications both in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education. Her passion for teaching has led her to work with 4–5-year old children. This is the age where exploration, connections and learning develop in all aspects of everyday life. Her joy is seeing every child grow and be nurtured and is happy to see this develop at RNSFC this school year.
Amy is so excited to return to the RNSFC staff for her fourth year. Amy has over 15 years of teaching experience. She worked at The Early Childhood Center at Sarah Lawrence College, Young At Art Workshop, Riverdale Country School and Solomon Schechter of Westchester with children ranging in age from 2-8 years old. Amy is licensed in NY state and has a Master’s Degree in Education from Sarah Lawrence College and an undergraduate degree from Vassar College. She is an extremely caring and patient educator. Providing an environment where children feel valued and are confident to share their unique talents and abilities is extremely important to her. Amy enjoys hiking, biking, cooking and spending time with her 2 children and her dog.
Marcella Lugo, Assistant Pre-K Teacher
Marcella is so excited to return to the RNSFC community for her third year. Marcella has 14 years experience as a child care provider and is gifted with children. Her greatest passion is helping children be imaginative, creative, explore and, most of all, be themselves. When Marcella isn’t teaching, she is spending time with her toddler, who is also a member of the RNSFC family, or attending night school.
Latoya Johnson, Assistant Pre-K Teacher
Latoya has been working with children for the last nine years, returning to RNSFC for her fourth year. In the classroom, she is attentive and warm, while also supporting children to become independent problem solvers and thinkers. She strives to ensure that every child feels safe, valued, and enjoys their time in school. Latoya enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.
Holly Durham, Assistant Pre-K Teacher
Holly, originally from South Carolina, has been living in New York for over 20 years. She has been working with young children for over 15 years as an assistant teacher and nanny. In the classroom, she fosters an environment of cooperation and mutual respect, utilizing her sense of humor and patience. She prioritizes reaching children on their level, while also nurturing and appreciating their individuality.
Danya Katok-Ahlbin Head 3KTeacher
Danya is thrilled to join RNSFC as a lead 3s teacher. A professional singer and early childhood music educator for the last 14 years, Danya holds graduate degrees in Voice Performance & Pedagogy from Peabody Conservatory and The CUNY Graduate Center and has taught on the faculties of Brooklyn College and Hunter College. She is currently in her final year as a student at Hunter College pursuing a MSEd in Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families. Danya values every child’s unique and individual needs and is excited to create an inclusive and loving classroom, filled with music, kindness, and mindfulness.
Karina Gonzalez, Assistant 3K Teacher
Karina has been working with children for eight years and has experience working with infants through age 6. She graduated college with an Associate degree in graphic design and is currently enrolled in school pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and currently holds her Assistant Teacher Certificate (NYS ATAS). She believes that every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere to grow in.
Outside school she enjoys reading, drawing, and playing soccer. She also has a passion for helping animals and volunteers at her local animal shelter.
Monika was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary. She has been working with children for more than 10 years, primarily as an assistant teacher in preschool and a head teacher in an infant toddler classroom. She holds her Assistant Teacher Certificate (NYS ATAS) from Lehman College and Child Development Associate (CDA) Credentials. As a teacher, she is dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and providing the best care and love that all children deserve. She believes that children can teach us as much as we teach them, so she strives to honor each child’s unique needs and interests and meet them at their individual level. She is returning for her fourth year on the RNSFC teaching team and is looking forward to a fantastic year.
Outside of school she enjoys bike riding, taking nature walks, cooking, baking, and fishing with her 17 year old son. On Saturdays she teaches Hungarian to Preschoolers. There, she is able to combine her passion for working with children and the love of her mother language, culture and heritage.
Monica Wong, Assistant 3K Teacher
