Catherine Bucci, Nursery School Director
Catherine Bucci has been the director of St. John’s Nursery School since July 2010 when her family relocated to New York from the Boston area. She is also currently teaching the 3's afternoon class. Catherine studied Early Childhood Development and Education and graduated from Tufts University. She has had extensive teaching and administrative experience in the preschool setting. Catherine and her husband live in Pelham with their dog, Clyde. They have two children attending college. [read more...]
Gilda Blaistin, 2's Teacher
Gilda Blaistin is teaching in our 2's program and earned her teaching degree from Argentina with additional graduate studies in Education at Tel Aviv University. She has worked in area schools and is also currently tutoring Spanish to children of all ages. Gilda has lived in Larchmont for the last 15 years and has a son and daughter. Together they enjoy the many activities the community has to offer. [read more...]
Elisha Collin, 3's & 4's Teacher
Elisha Collin has worked at St. John's Nursery School since 2007. She currently teaches the afternoon 3's and morning 4's classes. Elisha previously worked in the design field and has degrees in both Art & Design and History. Her graduate work in education includes a fellowship as a New York City Teaching Fellow. Elisha lives in Larchmont with her husband Bernard and their dog Lulu. They have two grown children who live in New York City and California. [read more...]
Pamela Kernie, 3's Teacher
Pam Kernie joined the morning 3's team in 2017. A graduate of Stanford University and the University of Washington School of Law, Pam spent many years as a litigator, law firm administrator and hospital development officer. Since moving to Larchmont from Dallas six years ago, Pam has been an active volunteer in the Mamaroneck School District - particularly in support of the district's special education programs - and with the development office of Columbia University Medical Center. She and her husband Steve have three children: their oldest daughter is in medical school, another daughter attends college and the youngest son attends Mamaroneck High School. Pam and her family love to travel, explore New York City and cook together. [read more...]
Maggi Lanni, 4's Teacher
Maggi Lanni is thrilled to join St. John's Nursery School team to teach the afternoon 4's class. Maggi previously taught the 3's and 4's programs for 10 years at Larchmont Temple Nursery School. She is a graduate of the Child Development Institute at Sarah Lawrence College and holds degrees from Marywood University and the Fashion Institute of Technology where she majored in business. Maggi has lived in Larchmont for the past 26 years with her husband Joe and three sons, and dog, Amber. Maggi enjoys going for walks with her husband, dancing and gardening. [read more...]
Christine Lefler, 4's Teacher
Christine Lefler has been a teacher in the 4 year olds classroom since September 2013. She enjoyed working with Pre-K children as a substitute teacher in several schools before joining the St. John's staff. Christine has a Master of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She has served in many community volunteer postions including Middle School Soccer Commissioner, volunteer mathematics tutor at Mamaroneck High School, and MHS National Honor Society tutoring program coordinator from 2011-2017. Christine lives in Larchmont with her husband Steve and their rescue greyhound, Harold. Their two sons attend college in the Boston area. She loves to dance and to stop and smell the flowers.. [read more...]
Anita Leslie, 2's Teacher
Anita Leslie has been teaching our 2's program since 2015. She brings a diverse background to our school. Anita studied at the Parsons School of Design and earned her BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She spent seven years working as a Senior Designer for Deskey & Associates. Anita has also been an active volunteer in our local schools. She lives in Larchmont with her husband Stuart and dogs, Bailey and Monk. Her son and daughter have both graduated from college and embarking on successful careers. [read more...]
Ashley Matlow, 2's Teacher
Ashley Matlow is very excited to join St. John's Nursery School as a teacher in the 2's program. Ashley has lived in Larchmont for 10 years with her husband Dave, and four young children. She is very familiar with our school, as her daughter currently attends the 4's program after having truly enjoyed the 3's program last year. Ashley's youngest son is also a happy graduate of SJNS. Ashley holds an economics degree from Harvard and Masters in Early Childhood Education from Colombia Teachers College. Her passion is teaching young children. Ashley and her family love to take bike rides to Manor Park and going on nature hikes with their dog, Happy. [read more...]
Kate Spader, 3's Teacher
Kate Spader has been teaching at St. John's Nursery School since 2001, working in both the 3's and 4's programs. Kate received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Boston College. Kate is a lifelong resident of Larchmont where she lives with her husband David. She has four grown children, all graduates of St. John's Nursery School. Kate loves spending time with her grandsons and swimming, sailing and kayaking on Long Island Sound. [read more...]
Beatrice Weinberger, 3's Teacher
Beatrice Weinberger has been teaching the 3’s class at St. John’s since 2004. She is a graduate of Vassar College where she majored in art history; she also studied art at the New York Studio School. In addition to teaching at St. John’s, Beatrice is an environmental educator at the Sheldrake Nature Center where she leads school trips and works at the summer camp. Beatrice has three grown children and lives in Larchmont with her husband. She is an avid runner and sea kayaker. [read more...]