Faculty and Staff

Executive Director of Education

Lynn has been in education for the past 25 years. She holds a B.S. in Early and Middle Education from Radford University and graduated from New Jersey’s Directors Academy in the fall of 2013. Lynn joined the Union Cong Nursery School community, predecessor of the Cooper School, in 1998 as a parent, served on the Nursery School Leadership team, and later joined the faculty in 2008. She has taught Kindergarten and a multi-age loop classroom of Kindergarten/1st grade at a progressive public school in Chapel Hill, NC. Lynn serves on the Board of the NJEEPRE and is actively involved in the Montclair Directors Network. She is passionate about how children construct knowledge and the Reggio Philosophy Approach to educating children.

Director

Susanne’s connection to our school community spans generations. She joined the school more than a decade ago, following in the footsteps of her mother, who taught at Union Cong Nursery School, predecessor to the Cooper School, for more than 20 years. Susanne’s own children also attended Union Cong Nursery School, making the school a meaningful part of her family’s story for decades. Susanne holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Trenton State College and has more than ten years of experience as an elementary educator in the local community. She is passionate about creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children can learn and thrive.

Lead Teacher, Extended Day Coordinator

Judith joined Union Cong Nursery School, the predecessor to the Cooper School, in 2008. She holds a B.F.A. in Theatre from Montclair State University, with a minor in Mathematics, and went on to earn her Preschool–Third Grade teaching certification from William Paterson University. With a background in theatre and a passion for the arts, yoga, and movement, Judith loves bringing creativity and self-expression into the classroom. She especially enjoys sharing her love of the arts with young children and creating opportunities for them to explore, imagine, and grow.

School Nurse

Kristy holds a B.S.N. in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She spent 10 years as the charge nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), bringing extensive experience in patient care, leadership, and teamwork. Her most rewarding role, however, has been being a mother to her two boys, both of whom proudly attend Cooper School.

Studio Teacher

Ginger joined Union Cong Nursery School, predecessor to the Cooper School, in 2008. She has a B.A. in Advertising Design from Trenton State College (now known as The College of New Jersey). She was an American delegate for the Reggio Emilia Study Tour in 2018. Ginger has extensive experience as a Graphics Designer and does mural work. Ginger has worked with children as a counselor and has used her creative skills and graphic arts experience to teach specialty classes. In addition, she has studied puppet production and performed shows for children ages 3 to 7.

Studio Teacher/Spanish Instructor

Liz has a B.A. from Goddard College and Graduate coursework in Special Education from New Jersey City State University. She joined Union Cong Nursery School, predecessor of the Cooper School, in 2015. She is bilingual and was the Spanish teacher for the Montclair Cooperative School for many years. Her progressive teaching techniques align beautifully with the Reggio Emilia approach.

Lead Teacher

Kathy grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Bucknell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. For more than 18 years, Kathy has taught in various local public and private schools in Ohio and New Jersey, working with students from Pre-K through third grade. Her experience also includes two years working in special education.

Lead Teacher

Jennifer holds her B.A. from Montclair State University, where she concentrated on Family/Child Studies. Jennifer also has her N.J. State certification in Elementary Education. In addition, she has nearly 20 years of teaching experience in various public and private school settings.

Lead Teacher

Lauren is a certified elementary school teacher in New Jersey, with more than 20 years of private and public school experience in New Jersey, New York, and California. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and has extensive expertise in early literacy, with a particular focus on helping young learners build strong foundational reading and writing skills.

Lead Teacher

Cathy has a B.A. in Art History from Cornell University and an M.S. from Bank Street College in Museum Education. She has worked in Central Park, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Cathy was an American delegate for the Reggio Emilia Study Tour in 2016. She joined Union Cong Nursery School, predecessor of the Cooper School, in 2008.  

Lead Teacher

Emma joined the Union Cong Nursery School faculty, predecessor of the Cooper School, in 2004 and received her M.S. in Educational Psychology from Montclair State University. She has also studied at William Paterson University and was an American delegate for the Reggio Emilia Study Tour in 2016. She was first acquainted with Union Cong Nursery School as a parent, when her daughter started attending the Young Three program.

Lead Teacher

Katie began her teaching career 30 years ago at Union Cong Nursery School, the predecessor to Cooper School. She has more than 10 years of experience teaching in both private and public schools in Montclair. She holds a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. While raising her two “adult-ish” children, Katie also pursued her passion for health and wellness as a fitness instructor and personal trainer.

Lead Teacher

Malia holds a B.A. in Art History from Fordham University. After several years working in the design field, she returned to graduate school and earned a dual certification and master’s degree in Early Childhood Education (Preschool–3rd Grade) and Special Education from Montclair State University. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, where she teaches and mentors future educators. Most recently, she completed a professional development certification in the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education at Reggio Children in Italy.

Lead Teacher

Lizzie graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Psychological and Brain Sciences, and earned master’s degrees in Childhood and Special Education from Brooklyn College. Before moving to Montclair, Lizzie taught elementary school in Brooklyn for twelve years.  As a parent, Lizzie was drawn to the joy and curiosity inherent to the Reggio Emilio approach. She is thrilled to bring her experience and passion the Cooper School.

Support Teacher

Patsy has over 30 years of experience with young children as a family daycare owner, preschool teacher, and professional R.E.I. Nanny. She joined Union Cong Nursery School, predecessor of the Cooper School, in 2022. Patsy studied Early Childhood Education at Woolwich College, London, England, and Child Development at the State University of New York. In addition to being a certified Music Together Teacher, she is pursuing a Birth/Postpartum Doula certification. Patsy has been involved with the school since 2012, leading Kid Chats and coordinating caregiver connections.

Support Teacher

Kristen brings more than 15 years of early childhood education experience to Cooper School, including 10 years as a lead Pre-K teacher. She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through Ellis College and has a strong foundation in NAEYC standards and developmentally appropriate practice. After taking time away from teaching to raise her two children, Kristen returned to education, working in an ABA classroom in a local school district. Outside of the classroom, Kristen has a passion for health, wellness, and movement.

Support Teacher

Marcie has an extensive background as an early childhood teacher, which began in 1985 when she started teaching music, dance and art in NYC. She subsequently taught English in Paris, Kindergarten at Grace Church School in Manhattan, PreK at The Montclair Community PreK, and 2nd grade at both Seth Boyden School in Maplewood and at Bradford School in Montclair. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kean University. She is also a NJ Licensed Prek-3 Teacher.

Support Teacher

Ailis holds a B.A. from Montclair State University. Ailis taught middle school in N.J. Schools and was a permanent sub for Union Cong Nursery School, predecessor of the Cooper School, for many years before joining our faculty in 2015. In the community, Ailis has coordinated service learning projects and is an avid volunteer for the Montclair Public Schools

Support Teacher

Emily holds a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College, where she focused on Childhood Special and General Education. She is certified to teach elementary and special education students in New Jersey and New York. With over six years of teaching experience, Emily has worked in various educational settings, including elementary schools, ABA classes, and as a private tutor. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Cornell University, focusing on social and personality development.

Support Teacher

Andrea received her B.A. from Princeton University in 2008 and began her teaching career in 2011, gaining experience in public and independent schools. She is passionate about nurturing young children’s natural curiosity through play and hands-on exploration while fostering respect and understanding for themselves, their communities, and the wider world. Andrea earned her degree in Psychology in Education in May 2023 from Teachers College, Columbia University. Additionally, Andrea is a certified Yoga and mindfulness instructor.

Support Teacher

Meg is passionate about creating a supportive classroom environment where children are encouraged to explore, engage, and learn through hands-on experiences. She brings six years of experience as an assistant teacher in public school classrooms and holds a degree in Special Education. Meg is currently pursuing further studies in Child Advocacy and Policy at Montclair State University. She strives to create a classroom where every student feels valued, happy, and empowered to grow.

Support Teacher

Anne holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University, along with a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. She brings more than a decade of experience working with children in a variety of settings, including Inclusive Movement Center, bloom Childcare & Coworking, and Bloomfield Public Schools, where she was a member of the Child Study Team.

Support Teacher

Kathy received her B.S. degree from Providence College in 1988. Her career in early education began at a local early learning center, where she worked for 18 years before joining Cooper School. She has been an active volunteer at her children’s school, serving on various committees and coordinating the after-school Enrichment Program. Kathy is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.

Support Teacher

Eileen has been on the staff at Union Cong Nursery School, predecessor of the Cooper School, since 1995, when her children attended the school. In May 2003, she received her C.D.A. from Montclair State University and completed Recreation Therapy coursework.

Music & Movement Educator

Brandi is a passionate children’s advocate and dynamic music entertainer with over 15 years of experience nurturing young learners’ social and emotional development. She has worked as a nanny and early childhood educator. In addition to her work with the Cooper School, “Miss Bee” also leads the Explorers Playgroup EduPlay program, a local early childhood music and movement enrichment experience designed to foster emotional confidence and independence through shared activities.

Communications/Technology

Kate joins the office staff with a focus on communications and marketing. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from Indiana University and brings more than 15 years of experience in communications and marketing, with a passion for creating meaningful connections and engaging audiences.