3s Teacher, Director of CCNS
Barbara Swason
3s Teacher, Director of CCNS
I was born and raised in Croton, and enjoy living in a small town. I received an Associate Degree in Human Services from Westchester Community College, a Bachelor of Psychology from Iona College and Certification from Mercy College. I have been working in the summer camp program for the past 30 years and have been teaching at CCNS for the past 24 years. In 1997 I took over the position of Director. I have always known I wanted to work with young children and cannot imagine doing anything else. Teaching at CCNS is a unique opportunity. One not only gets to know each child, but the family as well. The honesty that the children bring to the classroom opens one’s eyes to the reality of life. Although not everything in life may go as we would like, a child’s innocence can warm one’s heart through both the good times and the bad. As one of my students this year tells me in her words: “Have I told you that I love you today?”
4s Teacher
Ann
4s Teacher
I remember vividly many, many years ago sitting at the CCNS orientation for the first time with my husband. As we listened to each presenter, we were very impressed at how everyone referred to the CCNS community as their CCNS “family”. Our precious daughter was just two years old and sending her off to “family” seemed much easier than sending her off to “school”. After orientation we were both anxious and very excited. We were looking forward to what we hoped would be a wonderful experience for all of us. The next five years proved to be just as terrific as we had expected. Our family easily became part of the CCNS family. We all met some of our closest friends during those years at CCNS. Returning to CCNS in this new capacity of teacher is like coming “home”. I look forward to working with both the children and their parents. I know what a fabulous place CCNS is, and I’m thrilled to once again be a part of this wonderful CCNS “family”.
Assistant Teacher (4s class)
Karen
Assistant Teacher (4s class)
In the summer of 2008, after ten years of working in a nursery school in Bedford, New York, I went looking for a new job at a new school. I remember coming to CCNS for my interview as a teacher’s assistant, pulling up to the little red school house and thinking, “Wow, this school looks so lovely. I hope I get this job”. From the moment I walked through the door until now, I have loved working here. Everyone is so friendly and easy to get along with. Thank you for the opportunity to share my day with you and your children.
2s Teacher
Laura Burnett
2s Teacher
I am thrilled to be part of the CCNS family as a happily enrolled parent and now as a classroom teacher as well! I remember how comfortable I felt dropping my children off for their first days at CCNS, knowing that they were loved, cared for, and respected as unique individuals. One of my favorite things about CCNS is the school’s focus on letting children be little, allowing them to develop and find their own path at their own pace. I am so excited to welcome both new and returning faces to the 2s class in the fall and can’t wait to make special memories with them! I have a BA in Psychology from Vassar College, and an MS from Fordham University in Early Childhood Special Education and General Education, and have experience at both the preschool and elementary level. I can’t wait to get to know your beautiful children and to help them play, learn, and have fun!
Assistant Teacher (2s class)
Heidi Berisha
Assistant Teacher (2s class)
I love Croton Community Nursery School. I have been involved since 2019, first as a parent, and now as an assistant teacher. My husband and I live in Croton with our daughter, and we were looking for a good nursery school for our precious little one. I remember walking down the street to CCNS with a million questions in my mind, but when we arrived and met both the teachers and some of the families, I immediately felt comfortable. All my questions were answered. My daughter loved attending CCNS and called it “My red school”. As a parent, and now an assistant teacher I saw my daughter and her peers building confidence and learning with each other through play. Children here are not just filling a slot – they become part of the family. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to help little ones get off to a wonderful start at school.