Meet Our Teachers
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Tina Summers
DIRECTOR
Tina has been at PIV since 2004, teaching in the pre-k and Caterpillar programs, before becoming the Director in 2016. She brings years of supporting child development and a previous background in business management to this role, and often shares a love of singing and yoga in the classrooms. Tina is grateful for the Board of Directors and dedicated staff who make PIV such a special place every day. Her dog, Lucca Beau, is a frequent visitor who spreads smiles and comfort. Tina's favorite book to read aloud is Epossumondas Saves the Day by Coleen Salley.
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Elizabeth Konish
BUMBLEBEE PROGRAM LEAD
Elizabeth believes that children's innate curiosity and wonder make them natural scientists, and she truly loves to support their exploration of the world around them. Elizabeth's favorite book to read aloud is, Owl Moon by Jane Yolen.
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Carrie Forleo
BUMBLEBEE ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Carrie believes children learn best in a nurturing environment where they can explore, experiment, and be creative. She feels it's important to meet children where they are in their development and provide opportunities to enhance growth and learning. Carrie's favorite book to read aloud is Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae.
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Mandy Durie
CATERPILLAR PROGRAM LEAD
Mandy is excited to bring her experience as a special education teacher to the Caterpillar classroom! As a teacher and an alumni parent, she knows that all children can learn given the proper supports each individual needs. She enjoys watching children discover interests, friendships, and independence through play-based activities and hands-on discovery. Her favorite book to read aloud is I Will Surprise My Friend! by Mo Willems.
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Rebecca Hagedorn
CATERPILLAR ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Rebecca is an active member of the community, volunteering her time over the years on the PIV Board of Directors, the Mont Vernon Village School PTA, and as a substitute teacher. She brings organization skills and a background in psychology to the classroom, as well as familiarity with our philosophy and school routines. Rebecca is excited to join our teaching staff and provide children with a safe and supportive learning environment to explore and grow. Rebecca’s favorite book to read aloud is The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach.
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Diane Smith
DRAGONFLY PROGRAM LEAD
Dianne has seen the importance of social and emotional development, hands-on experiences and play, as basic foundations for growth and learning during her many years of teaching. Dianne's favorite book to read aloud is Owl Babies, by Martin Waddell.
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Aila Harnish
DRAGONFLY ASSOCIATE TEACHER
Aila enjoys working with young children and loves being a part of their childhood development, helping them learn through play and hands-on experiences in the classroom. She is currently working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite book to read aloud is The Good Egg, by Jory John & Pete Oswald.
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June McGrath Coronis
OWLS PROGRAM LEAD
June believes strongly that it is her job to provide interactive learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate, and that allow children to grow at their individual rate within a safe, loving environment where each of her students can shine! June's favorite book to read aloud is The Five-Dog Night, by Eileen Christelow.
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Gretchen Davis
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Gretchen is a huge advocate for communication development! She strongly supports language learning in the early years of rapid brain growth, when children are most open to learning from enriched experiences. Gretchen's favorite book to read aloud, and make her laugh EVERYTIME, is The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak.
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Janet Smith Hamele
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Janet keeps the PIV office running smoothly, maintaining registration records and tuition accounts. She is an extra pair of eyes and hands in any classroom or on the playground and enjoys helping children select books from the library. If you have a question about PIV, Janet has the answer!
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Lucca Beau
COMFORT DOG
Lucca LOVES children. He is a gentle, quiet dog who likes to be surrounded by a group of children all talking to him or stroking his soft coat. He especially likes meeting a child at drop-off for a “Breakfast Date”, a special way to start the school day! (Lucca is not a Doodle; he is a Spinone Italiano.)