Teachers

MEET OUR TEACHERS

COLLEEN SHARIF (DIRECTOR AND 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.

ANGELA RIINA (TEACHER)

Miss Angela loves her role as the Thrilling Threes Teacher. Angela joined the PCC staff in 2014 and has also taught our Enrichment program and summer camp program. Her goal for the three-year-old classroom is to facilitate socialization, learning, development and friendships in a fun and nurturing environment. Angela holds a Master of Science in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Mercy College and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Pace University. Prior to joining the PCC staff, Angela taught ESL to Kindergarteners and first graders and other various elementary grades. She then took a hiatus from teaching to raise her two daughters. She enjoys working with preschoolers because of their natural curiosity and excitement as they explore and discover new things.

ALLISON CLANCY (TEACHER)

Allison Clancy is our wonderful lead teacher of the Fantastic Fours class. She has been a part of the PCC family since 2013 and for the last few years she has taught our 3 year old science enrichment class in the afternoons. She is a knowledgeable and experienced Early Childhood Educator. Allison holds a Master of Education in Literacy from Fordham University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Manhattan College. Prior to teaching preschool, she taught kindergarten and fifth grade at Liberty Elementary in Nyack and earned her tenure. She is passionate about establishing kindergarten readiness while simultaneously creating and maintaining a secure and loving preschool environment that values friendship, compassion and inclusivity. When she is not teaching she is enjoying her time with her two sons.

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 excited to work with the fantastic 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.

REBEKAH LAVIGNE (ASSISTANT)

Miss Rebekah is a treasured assistant to Miss Allison in the fours 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.

SHWETA SINGHAL (ASSISTANT)

Miss Shweta is excited to join the PCC staff as an assistant to Miss Allison. 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, she is thrilled to help foster those pre-k skills once again with the children in the Fantastic Fours!

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.