Shanna Pargellis (MA, Bank Street) has over 25 years of teaching experience. She is one of the founders of the Mustard Seed School. She is the director of The Nest and advisor of staff development.

Sue Ellen Castillo is a student at Montclair State Univ. majoring in elementary education with a minor in music. She is teaching the “Trees” class this year and is fluent in Spanish.

Lorna Henkel (BA, Miami Univ.) is the Admissions Director of The Nest. She co-ordinate the Mustard Seed School for 16 years. She is a grandmother of four and active in community outreach programs.

Filgia Norman (BA, Mount Saint Mary Univ.) teaches the “River” class. She also teaches in the Lower School at the Mustard Seed School. She taught in other locations for four years, including a Montessori program. She is fluent in Spanish.

Alix Hilary North (American Musical and Drama Academy of New York) is a returning Nest teacher. She will teach the “Rocks” and “River” classes. She has experience teaching cooking, art and drama to children. She is Red Cross certified in CPR and first aid.

Beth Piazza (BA, Drew Univ.) is the Nest administrator. She served on The Nest working committee last year.

Cinthia Santos is an experienced preschool assistant and childcare giver. She has cared for children of all ages, but is most interested in young children. She will teach in the “Rock” and “River” classes this year and is fluent in Spanish.

Leonor Silva (MS Ed. Northwestern Univ.) teaches the “Trees” class. She assisted in the kindergarten class at Trevor Day School and volunteers with Mustard Seed School.

Emily Sytsma (BS, Syracuse) teaches the “Rocks” class. For eight years she taught either 2nd or 8th grade at the Mustard Seed School. She is a trained doula.

Our program is led by a committee which includes the director of The Nest, the head of Mustard Seed School, a Mustard Seed School mom, three mothers with children in the program, a Mustard Seed School mother and assistant, and a member of the Mustard Seed School Board. We are based on the model of the Mustard Seed School.

Our desire is that our students reflect the rich diversity of Hudson County. Children of all races, religions and socioeconomic status are welcome into the program. Each class will be limited to 16 students.