Meet Our Staff
“When the untapped potential of a student meets the liberating art of a teacher, a miracle unfolds.”
Mary Hatwood Futrell
“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”
Confucius
“It takes a village to raise a child” might be considered cliché, but we sincerely view our students and their families as vital members of the greater Anne Brower School community. This community is not just precious to us, it also supports our students with the love and encouragement they need to truly thrive.
We'd love to get to know you, your little one(s), and your family. But first, we thought you might want to know a little more about us.
Below you’ll find a short introduction to the warm and caring people who make up The Anne Brower School. Please get in touch with us should you like additional information, or to schedule a tour of our campus.
Meet Our Administrators
My dream has always been to run my own private school that children in the community and their families would be proud to be a part of.
In the few years since I’ve come to own The Anne Brower School, we’ve not only updated the campus facilities, classrooms, and playgrounds, we’ve also enhanced our curriculum to reflect innovations in early education theory.
I’m committed to getting to know each one of our students, supporting the development of their unique skills and abilities, and to ensuring that preschool is a treasured memory that establishes a lifelong love of learning.
If you’d like to learn more about me, please click here.
I am a strong believer in Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory, which, rather than basing intelligence solely on I.Q., sees every child as intelligent in his or her own way. I think it’s crucial to keep in mind that children learn optimally when they’re given the freedom make use of their particular gifts, move at their own pace, and access a variety of materials.
It is my goal here at The Anne Brower School to allow the children to tap into their creativity and highest potential through exploration and play, while also providing a structured learning experience where children at similar developmental stages can learn together in small groups.
I married my high school sweetheart, and together we have three wonderful children, two handsome boys and a beautiful girl. We enjoy bowling, bike riding, beach days, and cuddles—as much as the kids are willing to give!
I am truly honored to be a part of this amazing school.
At Dowling College, I studied Psychology with an emphasis on Early Childhood. Since that time, my career has focused on managing the many moving parts crucial to running a warm, innovative, and successful school where students have fun learning. These experiences have also primed me to serve as the New York State Compliance Specialist for our school.
I enjoy working with children of all ages, but I find working with students at an early age especially rewarding. Their exuberance for life is palpable, and I love ensuring that every milestone is not just achieved, but celebrated. I am committed to creating a positive educational experience for every child and family that enters our doors.
My husband and I live in West Islip with our 3 young children. Becoming parents has been a wonderful adventure that allows us the opportunity to learn daily. We enjoy spending time together, whether it’s attending a sporting event, appreciating the great outdoors, or just hanging out at home.
I look forward to your family joining our Anne Brower family!
Meet Our Teachers
As the saying goes, “It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.” What unites all of the teachers at The Anne Brower School have in common is their warm and open hearts. They really care about each one of their students and go out of their way to make every day special.
Our teachers are also distinguished educators who excel at making learning fun for little ones. They help the children sing, dance, and play their way into mastering the foundational knowledge and skills that foster a lifelong love of learning.
Below, get to know the wonderful educators who support our students during circle time, story time, nap time, play time, and any time.
“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.”
Colleen Wilcox
To see more of The Anne Brower School, visit our Gallery.
Felicia Antunes
Pre-K Team
“Being a teacher means making learning fun—both for the kids and for myself! A day doesn’t go by where I don’t learn from one of my students.”
Favorite children's book:
The Gerald and Piggie series by Mo Willems
 | Most likely to be sponsored by Target, where Mrs. Felisha loves to bargain hunt! |
Kelly Galligan
Pre-K Team
“There were so many wonderful teachers in my life and I love being able to give back. It's so rewarding to watch my students learn and grow.”
Favorite children's book:
The Country Bear and the Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward
| Renaissance Mom (Miss Kelly loves soccer, fishing, arts, cooking, and being a mom!) |
Kerri Harkins
Toddler Team
“What I love the most about teaching is seeing my students grow from the beginning of the year through to the end of the year.”
Favorite children’s book:
The Little Critter series by Mercer Mayer
| Most likely to bust a move on the monkey bars (Miss Kerri is also a gymnast!) |
Katerina Khan
Toddler Team
“Seeing my students grow, introducing them to new materials, and supporting them as they learn to express themselves is a true privilege.”
Favorite children's book:
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
| Most likely to create a masterpiece using only string, paint, and a glue gun |
Kaitlin Kroll
Nursery Team
“It's so exciting to teach a child how to be kind to others, spell their name, and recognize numbers. I love giving them tools and techniques they’ll use for the rest of their lives.”
Favorite children's book:
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Beckler
| Fastest puzzle solver, whether in a video game or IRL |
Victoria LaMendola
Nursery Team
“The best part of teaching is watching my students’ knowledge, self-confidence, and social skills grow—and knowing that I was a part of that.”
Favorite children's book:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
| Best horse whisperer (Miss Victoria is our resident equestrian!) |
Ariadna Lopez
Pre-K Team
“I love supporting my students as they transition from nursery school into Pre-K, and then nurturing their development and growth.”
Favorite children's book:
Anything by Mo Willems!
| Best fashion sense (Miss Ariadna even creates hair accessories for young girls in her free time!) |
Marilyn Maggio
Nursery Team
“My favorite things to do with my students are music, movement, and sports. I love teaching kids—they keep me young!”
Favorite children's book:
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
| Most likely to rescue a lost puppy (Miss Marilyn is a Vet Tech in her spare time!) |
Bianca Martinez
Pre-K Team
“I absolutely love teaching because I get to make a positive impact in young people’s lives every day.”
Favorite children’s book:
A Ticket Around the World by Natalia Diaz and Melissa Owens
| Most likely to shoot a cover photo for National Geographic |
Kerin McElhenney
Art Director, Camp ABC
“All children are born artists! While increasing self-confidence and motor skills in the kids, I get to renew my love of art and life with each new masterpiece my students create.”
Favorite children’s book:
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
| A smash-ing success! (A 6-year-old Ms. Kerin beat out 5-year-old John McEnroe in a tennis match!) |
Donna McKenna
Pre-K Team
“I love connecting with my students and knowing that I’m helping them build a strong foundation for the years of learning to come.”
Favorite children’s book:
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
| Most likely to write her own bestselling cookbook |
Maggie Quigg
Toddler Team
“I love creating a fun classroom environment that facilitates learning and feels homey and safe—a place where my students love to come every day.”
Favorite children’s book:
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff
| Most likely to host a new show, "Classroom Design Trends," on HGTV |
Jane Tassan
Toddler Team
“Watching my students’ faces is my favorite thing about teaching—when they can’t wait to start the day, when they light up with understanding, and when they beam with pride after learning a new skill.”
Favorite children’s book:
Tell Me Something Happy Before I Go to Sleep by Joyce Dunbar
| Fanciest footwork in and out of the ring (Miss Jane’s hidden talent is boxing!) |
Stephanie Tullo
Pre-K Team
“My favorite thing about teaching at The Anne Brower School is the relationships that develop between the teachers and each and every child.”
Favorite children’s book:
Pinkalicious by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann
| Most likely to swim with a dolphin (Miss Stephanie’s secret talent is paddleboarding!) |