Miss Misa - Director of Open Arms Preschool
Misa was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has lived in Mamaroneck, NY, for the last 25 years. She is married and has six children, ages 15 - 32 and 4 grandchildren. Misa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies from Empire State College, and holds a Master of Science degree in Education from the College of New Rochelle, earning an Academic Excellence award for perfect grades, with concentrations in Early Childhood and Special Education. She holds NY Teacher Certification in Birth–6th grade, in both General Education and Students with Disabilities. She has over 25 years teaching experience from several nursery schools. She believes in early education and strongly advocates Early Intervention.
Misa is an avid reader and has organized book clubs for children and adults, and enjoys reading about anything she can get her mitts on! Story time is her favorite time of day and she wants all children to enjoy reading as much as she does. Misa loves children and wants to see all children have access to a safe and nurturing school environment where they can build a strong foundation for all future learning.
Miss Isabel -Assistant Director/Teacher
Isabel graduated from Oberlin College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. With a particular interest in early learning and development, she has a strong academic background and experience in various settings working with young children. In the past, Isabel has worked as an assistant preschool teacher, head preschool teacher, and dance therapy instructor for children with special needs. Isabel also has extraordinary language abilities, being fluent in Hebrew, French and Spanish. She is thrilled to join the Open Arms family and provide a safe and stimulating environment to help kids fall in love with school and learning!
Miss Erica- Teacher
Hello, my name is Erica Calderon. I have over 23 years of experience as an early childhood educator. I am a proud mother of four children. Watching them grow has been my greatest joy in life, and teaching young learners is my passion. I love getting to know each child as an individual and guiding them through the challenges and achievements of early life. My goal is to provide a safe and engaging environment where toddlers fall in love with school and learning! I am currently enrolled in Grand Canyon University where I will be obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education. I am very much looking forward to teaching all the little kiddos in the Purple Room this year!
Miss Mia- Assistant Teacher
Hello, my name is Mia Willis. I have about 25 years of experience working with children ranging from preschool to high school students. My first job was working as a summer camp counselor. Then I progressed into working as a assistant program manager for a skateboarding organization as a mentor. I was then a recreational assistant in a family shelter. I have an Associates Degree in Preforming Arts from CUNY Queens Borough Community College . I’m currently pursuing my Bachelors at CUNY Hunter College in Education, and am also minoring in Sociology with hope of becoming either a gym teacher or a guidance counselor. In my free time, I enjoy skateboarding, playing sports, and dancing. Working with children has brought me so much joy! I can honestly say I look forward coming into work everyday, making a difference, and seeing the amazing milestones our students reach at Open Arms. I’m so blessed and happy to be apart of the team!
Miss Janira - Assistant Teacher
Hi, my name is Janira Suarez. I have been in the early childhood education field for over 10 years. I am a positive person who has an enthusiastic outlook in life. I truly love what I do, and I get such a great sense of achievement seeing all kids that I have met develop and grow as individuals. I love to interact with children and get down on the floor and play on their level. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my toddler, exploring and making beautiful memories with him. I’m so pleased and excited to be a part of this amazing team and having this great opportunity with everyone in the Open Arms family.
Miss Hanna- Playgroup Teacher
Hi my name is Miss Hanna. I grew up in the south and have lived in new York for the last five years. I am a full-time college student at Hunter College, studying early childhood. I have a background in culinary arts and in childcare which are two of my most favorite things! I am excited to be joining the team at OAPS! I look forward to helping children increase their confidence and promote creativity in my classroom.
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