The North/Toddler Classroom Our North/Toddler Classroom is cozy and inviting with ample space to explore art activities, Montessori materials and manipulative work. It even contains a Loft which acts as a dress-up/fantasy play area (for kids only!) This classroom houses our North Class (3-day, Mornings, Monday/Wednesday/ Friday) for 15 two- and three-year-olds, as well as our Toddler Class (2 day, mornings, Tuesday/Thursday) in which 12 two-year-olds gain their first taste of school. Also, any younger children (under four) who need an Extended Day option use this classroom in the afternoons as a nap room (1:30-3:00) and with our Afterschool Center. Alexandra Martin - Head Teacher Alexandra (known to most of us as Alex), our new Toddler/MWF Class head teacher, is a native New Yorker, lives on the upper West Side and worked in a day camp - Camp Ramapo. Alex’s background, however, is in art & art education, having graduated from Marymount with a degree in studio art/art history and a minor in art education. Alex’s student teaching was at the Lower Lab School, and she was an art education intern at the Queens Museum of Art. For the last four years Alex has been running the after-school art program at the Guggenheim Museum, and last year she entered the Master’s program at City College. Also last year, Alex gave birth to her son Sebastian, an exceedingly cute & happy baby. Delia Rivera - Teacher Delia arrived at Morningside in 1988 and has established herself as a creative and sensible teacher in the Toddler/North Classes. Delia was born in NYC. She has a husband, Richie, and four children. She brings in many wonderful art project ideas as well as Language activities which keep the room dynamic. Delia's experience is an invaluable benefit to her fellow teachers and to the children. Lisa Achufusi - Montessori Teacher Lisa has been the Montessori teacher in the North classroom since 1992. She has her Montessori Certificate and brings a wealth of knowledge to both the Toddler and North Classes. Lisa was born in NYC and grew up in Houston. She has a husband, Ike. Lisa's intuitive grasp on child development/psychology and her tremendous understanting of Montessori methods and materials help to keep the children busy and engaged. Cheryl Hontz - Afterschool Center Teacher Cheryl came to Morningside in 2003 and she has quickly established herself as a favorite of the children with her caring, but firm, demeanor. Cheryl is originally from Philadelphia. She has one son. Cheryl keeps the Afterschool Center humming along smoothly with engaging activities and a wealth of experience. Tina Ferrone - Afterschool Center Teacher Tina has been with Morningside since 1982. She has been a classroom teacher and is now a priceless addition to our Afterschool Center. Tina is originally from Italy. Tina's vast experience with young children and her gentle caring make her an adored member of the staff in the eyes of the children.

The North/Toddler Classroom

Our North/Toddler Classroom is cozy and inviting with ample space to explore art activities, Montessori materials and manipulative work. It even contains a Loft which acts as a dress-up/fantasy play area (for kids only!)

This classroom houses our North Class (3-day, Mornings, Monday/Wednesday/ Friday) for 15 two- and three-year-olds, as well as our Toddler Class (2 day, mornings, Tuesday/Thursday) in which 12 two-year-olds gain their first taste of school.

Also, any younger children (under four) who need an Extended Day option use this classroom in the afternoons as a nap room (1:30-3:00) and with our Afterschool Center.

Alexandra Martin - Head Teacher

Alexandra (known to most of us as Alex), our new Toddler/MWF Class head teacher, is a native New Yorker, lives on the upper West Side and worked in a day camp - Camp Ramapo.

Alex’s background, however, is in art & art education, having graduated from Marymount with a degree in studio art/art history and a minor in art education. Alex’s student teaching was at the Lower Lab School, and she was an art education intern at the Queens Museum of Art. For the last four years Alex has been running the after-school art program at the Guggenheim Museum, and last year she entered the Master’s program at City College.

Also last year, Alex gave birth to her son Sebastian, an exceedingly cute & happy baby.

Delia Rivera - Teacher

Delia arrived at Morningside in 1988 and has established herself as a creative and sensible teacher in the Toddler/North Classes.

Delia was born in NYC. She has a husband, Richie, and four children.

She brings in many wonderful art project ideas as well as Language activities which keep the room dynamic. Delia's experience is an invaluable benefit to her fellow teachers and to the children.

Lisa Achufusi - Montessori Teacher

Lisa has been the Montessori teacher in the North classroom since 1992. She has her Montessori Certificate and brings a wealth of knowledge to both the Toddler and North Classes.

Lisa was born in NYC and grew up in Houston. She has a husband, Ike.

Lisa's intuitive grasp on child development/psychology and her tremendous understanting of Montessori methods and materials help to keep the children busy and engaged.

Cheryl Hontz - Afterschool Center Teacher

Cheryl came to Morningside in 2003 and she has quickly established herself as a favorite of the children with her caring, but firm, demeanor.

Cheryl is originally from Philadelphia. She has one son.

Cheryl keeps the Afterschool Center humming along smoothly with engaging activities and a wealth of experience.

Tina Ferrone - Afterschool Center Teacher

Tina has been with Morningside since 1982. She has been a classroom teacher and is now a priceless addition to our Afterschool Center.

Tina is originally from Italy.

Tina's vast experience with young children and her gentle caring make her an adored member of the staff in the eyes of the children.