3 Pound Ridge Road
Pound Ridge, NY 10576
ph: 914-764-4360
alt: 914-764-9000
director
Our Staff
The teachers at the Play School work as a dedicated team to provide an excellent preschool experience for all children.
Director
Kirstin Townsend- Zarras is the director of the Pound Ridge Community Church Play School. Kirstin holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois. Kirstin resides in Pound Ridge with her husband, Dean and their three children Alexia, Ben and Tim, all students at Fox Lane High School. When she is not at the Play School, Kirstin can be found driving her children to various activities around Bedford and Mount Kisco! Kirstin is an active member of the Pound Ridge Community Church. She also enjoys reading, cooking and traveling.
2s' program
Mary Pat Harrington McCarthy has her BS in business from Marymount College. Early in her career she worked for the NFL Management Council until the birth of her son, Luke. For over twenty years Mary Pat has dedicated her career to working as the head teacher in the 2s' program at the Play School. She also created and teaches a crafting and cooking program for the Pound Ridge Parks and Recreation Department called, "Kids in the Kitchen" for preschool and elementary age children. Don't get confused if you think you see two of Mary Pat, as she does have an identical twin sister! Her interests include cooking, reading and gardening.
Nina Scuderi is a graduate of Rockland Community College. She started working at Pound Ridge Community Church Play School in the 2s' program in 1998. Nina has also worked for the Pound Ridge Recreation Department with the Toddler Art Program and currently the "Kids in the Kitchen" program with fellow teacher, Mary Pat. Nina loves working with children! She has lived in Pound Ridge for over 20 years with her husband, Angelo and their three children. Her oldest daughter Nicole is married and her younger daughter, Elise, and son, Marc are both attending college. Nina enjoys cooking, especially trying new recipes. Most of all, Nina loves spending time on the beach in Florida with her family.
Lorraine Murphy-Starr is in her ninth year as a teacher in the 2s' program at Pound Ridge Community Church Play School. She was a substitute teacher for several years prior to coming on board full time. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Geneseo College, part of the State University of New York system. Lorraine lives in Pound Ridge with her husband and son and their very active Jack Russell Terrier, Bart. When not at work, Lorraine enjoys going to the gym, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Laura Henry has been a substitute teacher at Play School for the past 7 years and is looking forward to teaching in the AM 2s' program this year. Laura resides in Pound Ridge with her two daughters, Charlotte and Molly. She runs two local Girl Scout troops and is on the board of directors of the Pound Ridge Library Foundation. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Religion from Colgate University. In her spare time, Laura enjoys reading and hanging out with her family
3s' program
Gerrie Coleman, who is starting her 18th year of teaching at Play School, is looking forward to sharing new experiences with the children, their parents, and her colleagues. Gerrie begins the school year with the understanding that each child provides her with opportunities for the joy of discovery and wonder through young eyes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Niagara University and a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University. Her primary interests include reading, antique and vintage jewelry collecting, and traveling. Over the past few years Gerrie and her husband, Jerry, have spent more travel time on trips to California, where her daughter, Erin, is a translator in Los Angeles.Barbara Pagan-Nasti is happy and excited to be joining the Play School this year in the 3s' program and also the new enrichment program and 3/ 4s' afternoon class. She comes to us with ten years experience as a preschool educator, as well as three years of teaching at Jodi's Gym. Barbara has also volunteered as a mentor in the elementary school system. She feels working with children is incredibly rewarding. Barbara lives in Yorktown with her husband and three college age sons. She loves spending time with her family, enjoys reading, hiking, and going to the beach.4s' program
Debbie Roberto is a teacher for the AM 4s' program. She is eager to begin her 15th year at Play School. As an undergraduate, she received her certification in Elementary Education, as well as a BA in English. She also holds an MS in Early Childhood Education. Debbie resides in Katonah with her husband John. They have three daughters. In her spare time, Debbie can be found in the kitchen cooking or curled up reading a good book.Kathy Knapp is starting her 14th year with the AM 4s' at Play School. She is a graduate of Nazareth College of Rochester and also holds an MBA from Pace University. Working at Play School has been a wonderful second career after spending time in the banking industry. Kathy lives in Katonah with her husband, Tim and has 2 daughters, Jen and Erin, a student at Holy Cross.Barbara Ryan (Pellechi) is very excited to be joining the 4s' program this year. She has taught both a 3 and 4 year old class at a like-minded nursery school, and is thrilled to be with this age group again. Barbara lives in Pound Ridge with her husband and two older children. Pre-children, Barbara had a career in advertising following a B.B.A from Pace University. After a summer of travel, books and barbecues, she is so looking forward to spending her time on the floor and in tiny chairs!
3 Pound Ridge Road
Pound Ridge, NY 10576
ph: 914-764-4360
alt: 914-764-9000
director
