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A message from Head of School David Egolf and Assistant Head of School Mansi Vasa.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Learn about Corlears School's history, educational philosophy, mission, core values, and more.

Meet our faculty and staff and explore the directory.

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Everything prospective families need to know about Corlears admissions.

Outlining the admissions processes for each of our academic programs, from toddlers through fifth grade.
Visit our campus and go inside the curriculum with school leadership. 

Changing the paradigm from financial aid to equitable tuition level-setting for all families.
Quick Links
Viewbook flatlay

Everything you need to know about Corlears School in one handy booklet. Follow the link to receive a digital copy in your inbox.
Early Childhood Division
The Roots program for ages 16–24 months celebrates the way toddlers learn best: through the art of play and wonderment. 

The Seedlings nursery program fosters the natural wonder and curiosity of 2- and 3-year-olds.

Empowering children to become even greater participants in their learning and school community.
Elementary Division
As Corlears students enter the all-important elementary years, it’s all about making connections and building independence.

Building the foundation kids need to fall in love with learning and gain confidence for everything to come.

Comprehensive, individualized support for all Corlears graduates.
Auxiliary Programs
Classic summer fun with plenty of outdoor play, arts and crafts, and fun with friends. Led by Corlears teachers. Open to all.

All about the before- and after-school care available to families enrolled at Corlears.

Free family activities available on select Saturdays throughout the school year.
Meet the volunteer Board of Trustees and learn more about the committees and structures that govern Corlears School.

Events, holidays, and school closings.
Corlears families are important members of our school community, and we offer a number of ways to get involved.

How to get connected and stay involved with Corlears School's alumni community.
Corlears is a small school, but our community has a big heart — and many ways to get involved.

Every dollar has a lasting impact — not just on  students attending Corlears today, but on all children who come through our doors.

There are a variety of opportunities available for current and alumni community members to get involved by volunteering their time. 

A TRANSFORMATIONAL VISION
The Corlears 50th Anniversary Campaign

In 2018, Corlears celebrated its 50th anniversary. In honor of this significant milestone, Corlears School embarked on a 5-year, $4 million campaign that goes beyond our physical structure; this campaign is focused on our heart. Over the past five years, Corlears has been building a truly innovative and transformational vision that is growing a new model for what a private school made just for young children can be.

Corlears School building exterior April 2023

Faculty and Staff Bios

Learn more about Corlears School's faculty and staff. Sorted alphabetically by last name. To see photos, view our complete directory.

Trevor Allen

School Librarian

Trevor Allen is the Librarian at Corlears School. He holds a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Trevor has a passion for exploring the connections between books and art forms that have a basis in literature, like the dramatic arts and music. He loves working on projects with students that allow them to use the Library as a tool and create something that is uniquely theirs.

 


 

Jacqueline Alpern

PreK Associate Teacher

Jacque is an associate teacher in the PreK classroom. She has worked at public and specialized schools as a one-on-one for neurodivergent children and as an associate teacher. She is devoted to helping every child learn in a way that is comfortable for them. Nature and projects play an essential role in her teaching style. She loves assisting children in discovering and learning about their wonderings.

 


 

Alyssa Anker

Second Grade Head Teacher

Credentials:
Bowdoin College, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Arts

Teaching Since: 2012

At Corlears Since: 2014

What I love about Corlears: The community of teachers.

 


 

Betty Baez

Seedlings Associate Teacher

Credentials:
Pan American School, Associate Degree

Teaching Since: 1989

At Corlears Since: 1989

What I love about Corlears: Everything! The community, teachers, and most of all, the children and seeing their growth.

 


 

Lauren Baker

Administrative Support and Reception

 


 

Brian Billings

PreK Head Teacher

Credentials:
Crane School of Music, SUNY, Bachelor of Arts
Manhattanville College, Masters of Professional Studies

 


 

Henna Billings

PreK Associate Teacher

Henna Billings is a PreK teacher at Corlears School. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching for Early Childhood Education. Henna loves using music, felt stories, books and games in the classroom. She also enjoys being a parent to two young children of her own.

 


 

Zachary Brewer

Educational Technology Specialist

Credentials:
Connecticut College, Bachelor of Arts
Columbia University Teacher's College, Master of Arts

Teaching Since: 2005

At Corlears Since: 2012

What I love about Corlears: Helping kids use technology to express their creativity!

 


 

Samantha Campbell

Seedlings Head Teacher

Credentials:
CUNY Hunter College, Master of Science in Early Childhood Education
CUNY Hunter College, Master of Science in Literacy Studies
SUNY New Paltz, Bachelor of Arts

Teaching Since: 2012

At Corlears Since: 2012

What I love about Corlears: How lucky I am to be in a job I so deeply love.

 


 

Nashali Castillo, RN, BSN

School Nurse

Credentials:
University at Buffalo, Social Science Interdisciplinary - concentration in Early Childhood
SUNY Downstate, Bachelors of Science in Nursing 

At Corlears Since: 2022

 


 

Silvia Castillo

Silvia Castillo is the Spanish Teacher at Corlears School. She holds a Bachelors in Social Communications and a Masters in International Education. Originally from Peru, Silvia believes that children learn a language best in a fun, interactive, and achievable way, while learning about the culture of the language allows them to develop their intercultural communicative skills. 

 


 

Benna Cheung

Seedlings Head Teacher

Credentials:
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bachelor of Arts
University of Cambridge, Master of Education
Bank Street College of Education, Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Teaching Since: 2010

At Corlears Since: 2017

What I love about Corlears: The amazing curiosity and sense of wonder that young children have as they explore and discover the world around them. The warmth, friendliness, and camaraderie of a small school community.

 


 

Jessica Ciosek

Jessica Ciosek is an Assistant Teacher in the Roots program. She holds a bachelors degree from Michigan State University. Jessica loves viewing the world through the eyes of toddlers for whom all is new and wonderful. When not singing Wheels on the Bus or making worms with homemade play-doh, Jessica also writes adult novels.

 


 

Chelsea Coussens

Math Coach

Credentials:
Michigan State University, Bachelor of Arts
Michigan State University, P-B T.C.I.P.
New York University, Steinhardt School of Education, Master of Science

Teaching Since: 2006

At Corlears Since: 2008

What I love about Corlears: I have always loved the connection and community at Corlears. The experiences here are driven by our collective passions, interests, and needs. It's so special to be part of an intimate community within and surrounded by all of NYC.

 


 

Brenda A. Daniels

Credentials:
Columbia University, Bachelor of Arts
Brooklyn College, MSEd
Bank Street College, EdM

Teaching since: 2005
At Corlears since: 2022

What I love about Corlears: I love the small tight-knit community, our focus on the whole child, and our commitment to social justice.


Elliot Davila

Facilities Support

At Corlears Since: 2019

What I love about Corlears: The whole staff has been friendly and welcoming since day one. It makes me feel like I've been here for longer.

 


 

Kelvin DeSilva

Facilities Director

Credentials:
Connecticut College, BS in Ethnobotany and Environmental Studies

What I love about Corlears: I love working with bright and talented people who are passionate about improving the education experience of our city's children. I love how welcoming this community has been, how incredible (and funny) the students are, and how driven the staff is.

 


 

David Egolf

Head of School

Credentials:
Pratt Institute, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fordham University, Master of Science in Education

Teaching Since: 1993

At Corlears Since: 2014

What I love about Corlears: I love watching the children grow into young leaders, and it is a true pleasure to work with such a thoughtful, dedicated, and passionate staff.

 


 

Robert Fantauzzi

Director of Business, Finance & Human Resources

Credentials:
College of St. Rose, Bachelor of Science
SUNY Albany, Master of Arts
Excelsior College, Master of Business Administration
SHRM-Senior Certified Professional

At Corlears Since: 2007

What I love about Corlears: Everyone is so friendly!

 


 

Jennifer Florez

Music Teacher

Credentials:
University of North Texas, Bachelor of Music
University of North Texas, Master of Music Education

Orff certification, Levels I, II, III

Teaching Since: 1996

At Corlears Since: 2021

What I love about Corlears: I am thrilled to be part of such a vibrant community where the Arts are valued as an integral part of children’s education. 

 


 

Susan From

Roots Associate Teacher

Credentials:
Hunter College, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Early Childhood Education

At Corlears Since: 2021

What I love about Corlears: The genuine, positive feeling towards each other. The support and respect it brings to the community. The collegiate environment.

 


 

Alex Gelman

Director of Educational Program Operations

Credentials:
Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science

Teaching Since: 2009

At Corlears Since: 2016

What I love about Corlears: The loving community of children, teachers, and families.

 


 

Colleen Goddard, Ph.D.

Early Childhood Division Director

Credentials:
Empire State College, Bachelor of Arts & Education
Pacific Oaks College, Master of Arts, Human Development with a Specialization in Early Childhood Studies
Fielding Graduate University, Master of Arts, Organizational & Human Development
Fielding Graduate University, PhD, Human & Child Development
Adjunct Faculty, Brooklyn College, Hunter College, Touro College & NYU
New York State Certification in Childhood Education

Teaching Since: 1994

At Corlears Since: 2021

What I love about Corlears: It’s a place of wonderment, joy, compassion, and generosity of spirit.

 


 

Ariel Grossman

Roots Head Teacher

Credentials:
Bank Street College of Education, Master in Early Childhood General Education
New York State and New Jersey State Teaching Certification
Artistic/Executive Director Ariel Rivka Dance

Teaching Since: 2006

At Corlears Since: 2018

What I love about Corlears: Children are the most honest humans around and the community at Corlears is supportive, educational, and helping to change the world!

 


 

Megan Guttersohn

Communications Director

Credentials:
Wayne State University, Bachelor of Arts, Journalism

At Corlears Since: 2019

What I love about Corlears: Corlears is such a warm and welcoming community! It's inspiring to watch the children of Corlears learn and grow.

 


 

Olympia Hamlor

Kindergarten Head Teacher

Credentials:
Utica College, Bachelor of Science
Walden College, Master of Science in Education

Teaching Since: 2013

At Corlears Since: 2018

What I love about Corlears: Inspiring children to be creative!

 


 

Lindsay Higgins

Learning Specialist and Literacy Coach

Credentials:
Gettysburg College, Bachelor of Arts
New York University, Master in Childhood Education & Special Education
Orton-Gillingham Level 1 Certified

Teaching Since: 2011

At Corlears Since: 2018

What I love about Corlears: I love the warm, tight-knit community of parents, staff, and children!

 


 

Nyesha Hunt

Seedlings Associate Teacher

Credentials:
Bachelor of Science

Teaching Since: 2015

At Corlears Since: 2016

What I love about Corlears: I love that I can make a difference in the lives of children as an educator of color.

 


 

Brian Jailall

Computer Support Specialist

At Corlears Since: 2015

What I love about Corlears: The community.

 


 

Jameel Johnson

First Grade Associate Teacher

Credentials:
Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Teaching Since: 2005

At Corlears Since: 2020

What I love about Corlears: That could be a LONG list, but I truly enjoy guiding students to “EUREKA!” moments of discovery, awe, and understanding. Nothing brings me more joy than helping a child discover something new!

 


 

Amy Kiplok

Director of Development and Alumni Relations

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Sasha Krantz

Kindergarten Associate Teacher

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Francesca Lawless

Francesca Lawless is the Third Grade Associate Teacher at Corlears School. Francesca holds a Bachelors in Early Childhood & Childhood Education and is now pursuing her Masters in General Education & Literacy at Bank Street. Francesca encourages students to discover their unique strengths as learners and individuals. She is passionate about students becoming advocates for themselves and others, within the Corlears community, and beyond.

 


 

Theresa Law

Science Teacher

Theresa has experience with our 2s through 10s as a substitute teacher, an after-school teacher, a Camp Corlears Counselor for 4s-6s, and as the former Corlears Plus STEAM Teacher for 7s-10s. Theresa looks forward to focusing on the health and wellness of our students while connecting concepts from Science class to everyday life through observations and experiments that spark children’s natural curiosities.

 


 

Sandra Lewin

Physical Education Teacher

Credentials:
Brooklyn College, Bachelor of Arts

Teaching Since: 1997

At Corlears Since: 1997

What I love about Corlears: Our community and core values.

 


 

Lena Lin

Seedlings Associate Teacher

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Michelle Malakoff

Seedlings Head Teacher

Credentials:
University of Delaware, Bachelor of Arts
Hunter College, CUNY, Master of Science

Teaching Since: 2010

At Corlears Since: 2016

What I love about Corlears: Our wonderful community.

 


 

Istoda Mulladjanova

Seedlings Assistant Teacher

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Sara Nixon

Studio Art Teacher

Credentials:
Middle Tennessee State University, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science

Teaching Since: 2011

At Corlears Since: 2018

What I love about Corlears: The wonderful community!

 


 

Meredith Orloff

Admissions Director and Enrollment Relations

Credentials:
Union College, Bachelor of Arts

At Corlears Since: 2017

What I love about Corlears: I love welcoming people into our vibrant community!

 


 

Yris Osoria

Facilities Support

 


 

Joshua Penn

Fifth Grade Head Teacher

Credentials:
Northeastern University, Bachelor of Science
Master of Science in Education

Teaching Since: 2017

At Corlears Since: 2016

What I love about Corlears: Getting to work with such a warm and friendly community, and of course, our absolutely amazing students!

 


 

Denise Prieto

School Psychology Intern

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Nyasha Quinones

Employee Relations Manager, Human Resources Associate

Credentials:
Adelphi University, Bachelor of Arts

At Corlears Since: 2016

What I love about Corlears: The smiles I see every day!

 


 

Amanda Quinn Banks

Admissions Associate

This page is under construction; bio coming soon!

 


 

Dr. Keba M. Rogers

School Psychologist and Leading Community Life Team

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Sylvia Jane Sackheim

Seedlings Assistant Teacher

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Sabrina Scattoni

Sabrina Scattoni is an Associate Teacher for the Red Seedlings. She has a Bachelor's in Italian Studies and has been working in the childcare field since 2015. Sabrina enjoys working with young children and helping them grow to be the best versions of themselves they can be!

 


 

Shanna Scott

Third Grade Head Teacher

Credentials:
University of Georgia, BSED Early Childhood Education
Piedmont College, MAT Early Childhood Education
Piedmont College, EdS Curriculum and Instruction
Certified NYS Early Childhood Birth to Grade 2 and Childhood 1-6

Teaching Since: 2000

At Corlears Since: 2020

What I love about Corlears: The thing I love most about being a teacher is my students! Building relationships and creating communities of learners is the best part of teaching!

 


 

Ilana Sherman

Ilana Sherman is currently the Second Grade Associate Teacher at Corlears School. She holds a Bachelors in Marketing and is obtaining her Master’s degree in both Childhood Education and Special Education. She is focusing on Learning Disabilities and obtaining her Masters through Hunter College. She is dedicated to providing a learning environment in where every child feel successful.

 


 

Rachel Sherman

First Grade Head Teacher

Credentials:
Hofstra University, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (with a concentration in Linguistics)
Hunter College, Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
New York State Early Childhood Certification

Teaching Since: 2015

At Corlears Since: 2019

What I love about Corlears: The small and warm community.

 


 

Amanda Steiner

Director of Marketing and Engagement

Credentials:
McGill University, B.A. Psychology

At Corlears Since: 2021

What I love about Corlears: I’m so grateful to work in a child-centered, nonprofit environment that places a heavy emphasis on social justice, equality, and inclusion. The community has been beyond welcoming, and it’s heartening that my work will help prospective (and current!) families see the magic in our special school.

 


 

Janil Tejada

Outplacement Consultant

This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!

 


 

Mansi Vasa

Assistant Head of School and Director of Equity and Inclusion

Credentials:
Barnard College, Columbia University, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Arts
New York State Certification in Childhood Education
New York State Certification in Teaching Literacy

Teaching Since: 2004

At Corlears Since: 2019

What I love about Corlears: Being in spaces that foster kindness, creativity, courage, and community!