Preschool & Toddler Program Director
203-624-5189 x 23
cmissakian@nmsnewhaven.org
Christine Missakian joined the NMS Preschool as a teacher in 2004, and after six years in the classroom, moved to the role of Director. Her more than 30 years’ experience in the field of child development and early childhood education includes positions as head teacher at the Yeladim Childcare Center at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge, where she established and served as program coordinator for their half-day preschool, and teaching positions at Leila Day Nursery School.
Christine is a hands-on director who not only supports and guides the teaching staff but interacts closely with the children and their parents as they all work together through the important early years of education and development. Christine graduated from Central Michigan State University with a BS in early childhood education and attended graduate school at Southern Connecticut State University. All three of her children attended the Preschool at NMS.
Instructor
shatch@nmsnewhaven.org
Children are active learners, approaching new experiences with curiosity, wonder, and joy. As a preschool teacher, Serena Hatch finds it a privilege to be a part of their world and help guide them through their daily journeys.
From dance classes to voice lessons and Audubon Arts in the summers, Lia Koski has been a part of the NMS community since childhood. Lia is excited work in the Toddler Room, supporting children as they explore the classroom throughout the school year. She enjoys reading stories, singing songs, and doing art projects with the kids! Lia holds a BA in Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood from the University of Connecticut.
Maureen McLeggon’s experiences range from twenty years homeschooling her four children, then teaching third grade at St Francis School in New Haven, and nine years as a teacher in the Preschool at Hamden Hall Country Day School. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from the University of Bridgeport.
Instructor
dnutile@nmsnewhaven.org
Denise Nutile has been with the NMS Preschool since 2006. She joined the Toddler Room in 2013. She greatly enjoys working with young children and providing them with opportunities to openly explore, learn, and grow through hands-on art and music experiences.
Erica Sapp came to NMS via the Audubon Arts summer program in 2001. She has been a Drama Director at the program every summer since, where she guides children through creative movement, music, and storytelling.
Erica taught in the Toddler Room for 10 years before moving to the Preschool classroom. She enjoys reading stories to and drumming with the children, as well as sharing messy, sensory play experiences with them. Erica brings her passion for drama and theater to the Preschool, creating exciting and engaging play spaces in the classroom.
Her coursework includes early childhood classes at Gateway Community College and performing arts and social justice at Hampshire College.
