Amanda Ciardi

Director of Early Childhood Education

My name is Ms. Amanda and I’ve been working at Earthplace since the summer of 2018. I have my undergraduate degree from Northeastern University in Environmental Science with a concentration in Marine Science. I’ve recently completed my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Bridgeport. Working at Earthplace is a perfect merger of the two things I’m so passionate about; Education and the Environment.

I have fond memories of taking nature walks with my father when I was a child.

Morine Gaitors

Nurse Consultant

Barbara Buongiorno

Lead Teacher, Blue Jays

I’ve worked at Earthplace for eight years. I have a CDA in Early Childhood Education from NCC.

My favorite childhood memory is of always playing outside with my neighborhood friends.

Whitney Cusa

Assistant Teacher, Blue Jays

My name is Whitney Cusa and I am the assistant teacher for the Blue Jays class this year.  I have been a substitute teacher here at Earthplace for the last two years.  I’m a lifelong resident of Westport and have raised 4 children with my Husband.  My youngest is now at Staples High School and was an Earthplace graduate.  I was a volunteer at Westport EMS for more than 20 years and have a passion for helping others. 

Ursula Allen

Assistant Teacher, Blue Jays

Ashley Gradia

Lead Teacher, Full Time Chickadees

I have worked at Earthplace for seven years. I have my Associates in Early Childhood Education and am currently in school for my Bachelors in Child Studies.

My favorite childhood memories are going on vacations every year with my family as well as spending quality time with my large family.

Susan Paster

Assistant Teacher, Full Time Chickadees

A moment in nature that really had an impact on me was recently when I was in Florida, by the pool, I glanced from my lounge chair to see a very large, fearless iguana strolling by. Two days later, I looked up into a tree by the pool only to see this giant creature! Another iguana but over a foot long!
I’ve been coming to Florida for thirty years and have never seen iguanas longer than 8”. The reason, I’m told, is this part of Florida hasn’t had a freeze in a number of years. Climate change?

Brittany Lyons

Co-Lead Teacher, Meadowlarks

Morgan Mullins

Co-Lead Teacher, Meadowlarks

Hey there, my name is Ms. Mullins and I have had the privilege and honor to have worked with and encourage infants to school-aged children for the better part of a decade now; and what a blessing it has been. We as adults not only remember our childhood experiences, but our very thoughts, actions, and even our characters are greatly shaped by them. I believe everything we say and do as adults in the lives of children brings forth fruit in its season; this is why teaching holds such an important place in my heart.

Celine Girouard

Assistant Teacher, Meadowlarks

My name is Celine Girouard and I am an assistant teacher in the Meadowlarks. I have 3 grown children with my husband and we live in Fairfield. I have a love for children, animals and good food!

Emily Nuzzo

Lead Teacher, Part Time Chickadees

I started working at Earthplace in January of 2019 after graduating from the University of South Carolina where I received my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education.

I would have to say my favorite childhood memory is probably all the time I spent as a student here at Earthplace! I was in the two’s, three’s, and four’s programs way back when. To this day I remember how much fun I had playing and exploring all around this amazing school!

Claire Tetenbaum

Assistant Teacher, Part Time Chickadees

Jane Feder

Assistant Teacher, Part Time Chickadees

My name is Jane and I started with Earthplace in 2023. For more than a decade, I have been exploring the world through education, work, and travel. I am lucky to have had many memorable moments in nature. My favorite by far has been seeing nature through my daughter’s eyes. It doesn’t matter where she is, there is always magic outside to see, and it is a lovely reminder that there is something to explore anywhere that we go.

Charlotte Perkins

Assistant Teacher, Part Time Chickadees

Hi there! My name is Charlotte, and I am a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with an MS in Clinical Nutrition and a BA in Environmental Studies. Being outdoors is where I am happiest and have worked in a variety of outdoor education programs from Vermont to Hawaii. I have held many roles in summer camps for over 10 years in CT, ME, and VT. My favorite childhood memories would be hiking the high peaks in the Adirondacks or playing with my neighbors in the woods behind our houses.  

Kelly Russo

Lead Teacher, The Nest ; Supervisor of Infant Toddler Teacher Training

I’ve been at Earthplace for over eight years. I have an A.S. in Early Childhood Education, B.S. in Child Studies, Infant/Toddler Care Credential, CT Director’s Credential, Early Childhood Teaching Credential for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool, CT Certified Head Teacher, and CT Certified Youth Camp Director.

My favorite childhood memory was going to Vermont with my family and staying in my godfather’s cabin in the woods.

Nicole Naples

Assistant Teacher, The Nest

I’ve worked at Earthplace, in the Nest, since 2018. My favorite childhood memory is visiting Salem, MA every Halloween to trick or treat with my family.

Markieta McCray

Assistant Teacher, The Nest

Yamila Marrero

Assistant Teacher, The Nest

Lisa Geter

Lead Teacher, Barn Owls ; Supervisor of Preschool Teacher Training

I’ve worked at Earthplace since 2010. From 2012 to the present, I have been a co-lead teacher in the Falcons. Since 2018, I’ve been the director of our After School Enrichment Program.

In addition to being the mother of three children, I love to travel and to teach. “To teach is to touch a live forever.” -Unknown.

Rachel Carusone

Assistant Teacher, Barn Owls

Angel Panton-Lula

Co-Lead Teacher, Orioles

Marcus Charles

Assistant Teacher, Orioles

Hello, my name is Mr. Marcus.  I am an assistant teacher here, at Earthplace. Some of my fondest and most inspiring memories as a child are of my school’s annual field days. I remember the joy of being outside and being active. I was able to experience camaraderie and learn lessons of cooperation and teamwork, which I hope to pass on to a new generation. My philosophy is to educate, entertain, and encourage.

Mecca Khalid

Assistant Teacher, Orioles

Linda Kalish

Assistant Teacher, Little Wreckers Preschool

Abigail Kelly

Assistant Teacher, Little Wreckers Preschool

“I like working with kids because I love helping them learn and grow”

Mim Hurley

Assistant Teacher, Little Wreckers Preschool

Susan Reichman O’Brien

Parenting Specialist

Potty-training, sleep, nutrition, anxiety and discipline. Strategies in young children

Rosalie Witt

Early Childhood Education Consulting

As an early childhood professional, I believe in preparing and educating a workforce that is knowledgeable, curious, and passionate about their future. My time in higher education solidified for me that my place is in the classroom training future and current teachers. Influencing those who will impact future generations is my driving force. Understanding the adult learner and new trends in higher education such as distance learning, asynchronous classrooms, mobile technology, and Universal Design for Learning are expanding the opportunities for students to engage successfully in the learning process. My experiences in higher education to date have allowed me to participate and even contribute to this new learning experience. Beyond the college classroom, teachers who subscribe to the role of life long learners are eager, and in need of practical and tangible support. Interactive and engaging professional development and coaching enhance their practice and continue to promote higher quality experiences for the children in their care.

I consider myself a leader and advocate for children and families. I strive to motivate our profession to take on the challenge of providing high-quality experiences for all children. Through advocacy and participation in community efforts that support children and families, I model the role early childhood professionals have in making change happen and creating awareness of best practices.

Rosalie Witt – Purple Ladder, LLC (purpleladderllc.com)