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. and 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.

Sandra Smith

Preschool Coordinator

Nadine Asaad

Summer Camp Coordinator - Includes Vacation Day Camps

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 an assistant teacher in the Blue Jays class .  I’m a lifelong resident of Westport and have raised 4 children with my Husband.  My youngest is now in college and was an Earthplace Preschool graduate.  I was a volunteer at Westport EMS for more than 20 years and have a passion for helping others. Earthplace is a special place and I love being a part of helping children grow and learn.

Ursula Allen

Assistant Teacher, Blue Jays

Marcus Charles

Assistant Teacher, Blue Jays

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.

Markieta McCray

Lead Teacher, Part Time Chickadees

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.  

Nicole Naples

Assistant Teacher, Part Time Chickadees

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

Celine Girouard

Assistant Teacher, Part Time Chickadees

My name is Celine Girouard. 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, Meadowlarks

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Nuzzo (Miss Emily to our students) and I’ve been a teacher at Earthplace since 2019. I have a B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in General Education and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, as well as my CT Head Teacher Credential. Earthplace holds a special place in my heart because I attended preschool here myself, and it truly is so meaningful to me watching our students enjoy many of the same experiences I look back on so fondly.

Maya Troisi

Assistant Teacher, Meadowlarks

Jane Feder

Assistant Teacher, Meadowlarks

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.

Quinn Vo

Assistant Teacher, Meadowlarks

Jayteshia Minick

Co-Lead Teacher, Full Time Chickadees

Aliyah Soto

Co-Lead Teacher, Full Time Chickadees

Claire Tetenbaum

Assistant Teacher, Full Time Chickadees

Roxana Garrido

Assistant Teacher, Full Time Chickadees

Yamila Marrero

Lead Teacher, The Nest

Indiana Goodman

Assistant Teacher, The Nest

Hi. My name is Indi Goodman. I am 22 years old and a part-time college student at Norwalk community college. I am working towards my degree in early childhood education, I adore kids! I love animals- especially marine mammals such as killer whales- they are my absolute favorite! I am looking forward to a wonderful time here at Earthplace.

Wendy Vo

Assistant Teacher, The Nest

Lisa Geter

Lead Teacher, Barn Owls ; Supervisor of Preschool Teacher Training

I’ve worked at Earthplace since 2010. I am the lead teacher in the Barn Owls classroom.

CT Certified Head Teacher

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.

Brittany Lyons

Assistant Teacher, Barn Owls

Mary Rose Julian

Assistant Teacher, Barn Owls

Linda Kalish

Co-Lead Teacher, Orioles

My favorite childhood memories include building forts in the woods, making things in the kitchen & at the workbench, and camping.  I enjoy gardening, hiking, kayaking, volunteering, and spending time with my family.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood & Elementary Education, I spent 13 years teaching in the Infant & Kindergarten rooms at a college-based childcare center. Later, for 20 years I created and implemented programs for a youth serving non-profit.

I began working at Earthplace in 2022 and am thrilled to be able to help young children explore and learn in a natural setting like Earthplace!

Mecca Khalid

Assistant Teacher, Orioles

Amy Pham

Assistant Teacher, Orioles

Elizabeth Kelly aka Nurse Liz

Nurse Consultant

Christina Torres

Social Services Consultant

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)

Val McElaney

Gym & Music Specialist / Substitute Teacher