Teachers

MEET OUR TEACHERS

COLLEEN SHARIF (DIRECTOR AND LEAD TEACHER)

Colleen completed her Master of Arts in Teaching Early Childhood Education from Manhattanville College. She also embraced teaching our Terrific Toddler class with warmth, creativity and dedication. Prior to raising her two children and teaching at PCC, Colleen taught at several local preschools and child care centers. Most recently, she was the Professional Development Coordinator at the Child Care Council of Westchester where she taught teacher training courses in topics such as curriculum and childhood development, health and safety and program development. While at CCCW, she taught an extensive Child Development Associate (CDA) credential course to help child care providers gain essential knowledge and incorporate best practices. In addition, Colleen executed grants to help programs increase quality. She was instrumental in helping to launch the QualityStarsNY pilot program- a quality improvement and star rating initiative in which she assessed child care centers using Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) and established improvement plans for programs to meet their goals. Colleen believes strongly in developmentally appropriate practice for young children that includes a purposeful, mindful and guided approach to child-centered play.

REBEKAH LAVIGNE (LEAD TEACHER)

Miss Rebekah is our treasured lead teacher of the Precious Preschoolers class. Rebekah graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. Prior to being a stay at home mother for 16 years to her three daughters, Rebekah led a 3 year old preschool classroom, taught both 3rd and 4th grades in New Hampshire, and was the director of a corporate backup childcare center in New Jersey. She values creativity, socialization and inclusivity through play- the way young children learn best! Her goal for the preschool class is to immerse children in interest-based, play-based themes while guiding them on a journey to fall in love with literacy, math, STEM concepts, and 21st century skills such as empathy, kindness and teamwork.

ERICA TUMSCITZ (LEAD TEACHER)

Miss Erica is our lead teacher of the Thrilling Threes and an assistant in our Terrific Toddler class. Erica graduated from Pace University right here in Pleasantville with a Bachelor’s and Masters degree in Childhood Education and Special Education. She continued to get additional certification in Early Childhood at Iona College. Erica taught for 10 years in the city in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. She became a stay at home mom for a few years to her three children. She worked for an agency providing Early Intervention to children from birth-4 years old for seven years as well. Her belief is to provide a developmentally appropriate classroom that feels safe and warm, kind and engaging! She is thrilled to be part of the PCC community!

SONIA VARSHNEY (ASSISTANT)

Miss Sonia is our wonderful Assistant Teacher in our Thrilling Threes class. A graduate with a Masters Degree in Fine Arts and Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts, Sonia has worked as a Graphic Artist and Visual Effects Artist in both India and New York. After working with the Haldane Central School District in Cold Spring and teaching at Westchester Community College, Sonia has spent time raising her twin first graders. She is thrilled to work with the wonderful children at PCC!

STACIE ALLEN (ASSISTANT)

Miss Stacie happily assists our Terrific Toddlers and Thrilling Threes classes. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, both from Adelphi University. Before joining our PCC staff, Stacie worked as a clinical social worker at the Kennedy Child Study Center as part of a treatment team for preschool-aged children with developmental disabilities. She enjoys spending time with her son and two daughters (PCC alum!) and volunteering with the Pleasantville High School Friends of the Performing Arts and the Artistry Dance Project.

SHWETA SINGHAL (ASSISTANT)

Miss Shweta joined the PCC staff in 2022 as an assistant in the Precious Preschoolers class. Prior to spending several years home with her two boys, she was a Pharmacy Technician. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pune in Pune, India. Now that she has supported her youngest on his journey to Kindergarten and beyond, she is excited to continue to foster those pre-k skills with the children in the Precious Preschoolers!

TESS MATHEWS (ASSISTANT)

Miss Tess is an assistant in the Precious Preschoolers. She was raised in Pleasantville and is currently raising her family here as well. Prior to Covid she worked for almost 25 years as a Recreational Therapist at an Adult Daycare Center for clients with Alzheimer’s/Dementia and other related health issues. Most recently, she was a house manager/babysitter for an amazing little girl and has assisted the toddlers and three year olds during the PCC Summer Program. She is very excited to be a part of PCC’s preschool class!

JILLIAN KRAUS (ASSISTANT)

Jillian is a PCC alum and currently an undergraduate student at SUNY Oswego, majoring in Education with a minor in Mathematics. She has always had a passion for working with children, starting from a young age when she helped care for her siblings. This love for nurturing young minds grew as she began babysitting at 12 and has only deepened through her work at our preschool during summers and school breaks. Jillian enjoys creating a warm and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive. Her dedication to education and her natural ability to connect with kids make her a valuable part of our team.

ENRICHMENT TEACHERS

PCC welcomes several enrichment teachers to work with the children on a regular basis during the school year. Mr. Randy (Music), Miss Kathryn (The Critter Caravan), and Miss Tasia (Rebel Yoga) are all treasured parts of our curriculum.

All teachers are certified in CPR/First Aid and regularly attend Professional Development workshops to stay up-to-date on current research and recommendations in the field of early childhood education and best practice.