Christine Markovits (Director)
Christine came to Community Nursery School as Executive Director in 2007. Prior to this, she was a Director and a preschool teacher for fifteen years. Christine earned a B.F.A. in art education and jewelry design/construction, but quickly realized that her passion is early childhood education. Christine returned for further education and holds certifications in Early Childhood Education and Leadership as well as a Connecticut Directors Credential. Christine has served on the northwest Accreditation Facilitation Project and received a citation from the State of Connecticut General Assembly in recognition of her achievements in the field of early childhood education. One of Christine's first accomplishments was guiding us through the reaccredidation process of the NAEYC. Community Nursery School was among a select few schools in Connecticut to achieve reaccredidation under the new rigorous system. Christine's vast knowledge of all aspects of early childhood education and her personal standards of excellence have made her an invaluable asset to Community Nursery School.
Lynn Pokorny (Assistant Director)
Lynn's inside-out knowledge of the school and its community is an invaluable resource. Lynn holds a B.A. in Spanish and International Relations from Bucknell University, has an Early Childhood Education head teacher certificate is currently working towards earning the Connecticut Director's Credential. She has been working in the school office since 2006. Earlier, both her children attended Community Nursery School. During that time, Lynn was on the Board of Directors for three years and subsequently taught for two years.
Sue Bambach
Sue has been teaching at Community Nursery School since 2002. Prior to that, Sue taught kindergarten at Kings Highway Elementary School in Westport. She earned a B.S. and M.A. of Education from Smith College. Sue's love of literature is apparent when you visit her classroom and see firsthand how she introduces books to match with the children's individual interests.
Lauren Beusse
Lauren began teaching at Community Nursery School in 2007. She comes to us from Creative Castle, which was an art and cooking program in Westport. Lauren has a B.S. in Art Medium from Ithaca College. Lauren brings art to life and her creativity fosters experimentation in the classroom. Both her daughter and son attended Community Nursery School.
Sue Fredrickson
Teaching Toddler/2's at Community Nursery School since 1999, Sue has a B.A. in Marketing from Fairfield University. She is currently working towards her Early Childhood Certificate. With Sue's many years of experience with this age group, she has developed a true understanding of separation and how to ease this transition.
Michelle Fulton
Michelle joined Community Nursery School in 2009, but has been teaching preschool since 2001. Michelle has a B.A. in Psychology from Russell Sage College; additionally, she has earned her Child Development Credential Associate (CDA). Michelle's innovative ideas and love of nature is evident everyday in her approach to education.
Linda Gilmore
Linda has been part of the Community Nursery School team since 2005. Linda has an A.A. from Norwalk Community College. Linda's ability to help out any teacher in any classroom is a huge asset to Community Nursery School. Both of Linda's children attended Community Nursery School.
Kristi Hill
Kristi has been teaching Toddler/2's at Community Nursery School since 2002. She has a B.A. in Social Sciences and holds an Early Childhood Education head teacher certificate. Kristi brings her enthusiasm and knowledge of movement andexercise to her classroom.
All three of Kristi's children attended Community Nursery School.
Mary Beth Laux
Mary Beth began teaching at Community Nursery School in 1999. She has a B.A. in Political Economics from Fordham University and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Mary Beth's love of art is obvious in the creative experiences she provides her students.
Kate Luedtke
A preschool teacher at Community Nursery School since 2002, Kate earned an A.A. Degree in Early Childhood Education, a B.A. in Psychology, a Masters in Elementary Education, and the Connecticut Director's credential. Kate's love of nature drives her to bring the outdoors inside her classroom every day.
Wendy Melnick
Wendy started teaching at Community Nursery School in 2009. She holds a B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and is currently working towards a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Wendy's enthusiasm and communication skills have made her an immediate asset to the school.
Nancy Morris
A preschool teacher at Community Nursery School since 2006, Nancy holds a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Lafayette College and an Early Childhood Certificate. Her nurturing demeanor combined with her knowledge of the early childhood education field makes her an extraordinary teacher.
DeeDee Scanlin
DeeDee started working in Community Nursery School's educational office in 2003. Prior to that DeeDee worked in office administration for 25 years. Her love of children led her from the office to the classroom, where, as of 2009 she is a Toddler/2's teacher. DeeDee's empathy and patience make her a natural fit in the classroom. DeeDee is currently working on obtaining her certificate in Early Childhood Education.
Anne Stewart (RN,C)
Anne is Community Nursery School's Health Consultant, with over 40 years of pediatric experience, 18 of which with preschool programs. Anne has extensive knowledge and experience in acute care and rehabilitative pediatrics. Additionally, Anne works for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association providing pediatric home care and running well child and flu clinics. She visits Community Nursery School weekly and is available to the staff and the parents for questions anytime.
