Leadership and Teachers
Our Team
Columbus Pre-School is led by a group of dedicated educators. Members of our teachers and leadership not only love engaging with students and families, but truly understand early childhood development.
Leadership And Administration
Samantha Perez
Admin
Samantha is so excited to join Columbus Pre-school as the new Music specialist! For the past 2 years she has worked as a Board Certified Music Therapist for students with developmental disabilities.
Robin Giesler
Teacher
Robin has a bachelors degree in psychology from The George Washington University. This is her second year working as an assistant teacher at Columbus Pre-School.
Brielle Lavanture
Teacher
Hi class, it’s so nice to meet you all! My name is Brielle, and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year. A little about me. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, with my mom and three siblings.
Ederle Castro Wilson
Teacher
Hello I’m Ederle, I graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelors Education degree in the year 2018 and I have been teaching ever since. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education birth – grade 2 at Brooklyn College
Laurie Markiewicz
Teacher
This is Laurie’s second year as a lead teacher in Columbus Pre-school. I have a MSEd from Bank Street School of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and a BA from The New School.
Jerusha Trotman
Teacher
My name is Jerusha! This will be my first year at Columbus and I’m so excited to meet everyone. As a musician, I’m even more excited to share and play music with you all!
Sara Massoudi
Teacher
Sara Massoudi (she/her) is thrilled to be in her 2nd year at Columbus Pre-School teaching in the 2’s room. Sara earned her BFA in Acting with minors in Directing and Children’s Theatre from Oklahoma City University…
Tatiyana Colon
Teacher
Tatiyana Colon is an aspiring Teacher who has always dreamed of being in the education sector. Being Certified as an Assistant Teacher and having a background of working with children of special needs…
Melanie Sirota
Teacher
Melanie is excited to be joining Columbus Preschool after receiving her Masters Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street this year.
Venice Beckford
Teacher
Ms. Beckford has over 20 years experience in early care and education. As a seasoned educator Mrs. Beckford has served in independent settings, Montessori and progressive education settings as well as the New York City Department of Education.
Taylor Callahan
Teacher
Taylor Callahan joined the Columbus Pre-school community in March 2024, taking over a maternity leave position. Her passion for Early Childhood education grew after working in a preschool with children aged 2-5 for 3 years.
Tserry Myers
Teacher
Tserry has worked at Columbus since she was a summer teaching intern year ago. She’s now an assistant 3s teacher here while pursuing her degree in early childhood education and psychology.
Travis Gluck
Teacher
Hi! My name is W. Travis Gluck. This will be my 12th year working as a teacher at Columbus Pre-School. My first several years at Columbus I worked as an assistant teacher in a 2/3s classroom.
Michelle Piccolo
Assistant Director
Michelle is in her 16th year at Columbus as part of the Admin team. Michelle focuses on exmissions (kindergarten placement), but has a hand in all things administration.
Marisol Vazquez
Teacher
Marisol is in her 4th year at Columbus working with 2s and 3s. Before joining, Marisol was the lead teacher at Little Sprouts, a childcare facility in Hudson Heights where she worked for 8 years.
Maggie Davis
Teacher
Maggie joins the team at Columbus Pre-School with extensive experience, having worked with children for the past 17 years in many different capacities.
Laura Crisostomo
Teacher
Laura joins us after years of teaching and serving others! Laura began her career in healthcare and health services and found herself always gravitating to her youngest patients.
Emily Vazquez
Teacher
It’s Emily’s second year as a 4s/5s teacher at Columbus Pre-school, and spends her summer in our 4s class during our summer program. Emily is enthusiastic about making her classroom bilingual, and brings Spanish education into all aspects of the program.
Jadeah Norris
Gymnastics
It’s Jadeah’s first year at Columbus Preschool, but she’s always worked in gym or studio settings because physical exercise is where her passion lies.
Marvin Myers
Gymnastics
Coach Marvin has been at Columbus for 20 years, teaching thousands of our students (and non-students) the important skills that gymnastics entails in all developmental areas.
Samantha Gluck
Teacher
Samantha Gluck has been a preschool teacher for 12 years. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education, and after 7 years at the Medical Center Nursery School, is very excited to be joining the Columbus Pre-School community!
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 14th year working at Columbus. She started as an assistant teacher just out of college after gaining a BA in Sociology with a minor in Art History from Hartwick College.
Julie Kandall
Director
Julie Kandall worked for thirteen years as a teacher before joining Columbus Pre-School as the educational director in 2011.
Samantha Perez
Admin
Samantha is so excited to join Columbus Pre-school as the new Music specialist! For the past 2 years she has worked as a Board Certified Music Therapist for students with developmental disabilities.
Robin Giesler
Teacher
Robin has a bachelors degree in psychology from The George Washington University. This is her second year working as an assistant teacher at Columbus Pre-School.
Brielle Lavanture
Teacher
Hi class, it’s so nice to meet you all! My name is Brielle, and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year. A little about me. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, with my mom and three siblings.
Ederle Castro Wilson
Teacher
Hello I’m Ederle, I graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelors Education degree in the year 2018 and I have been teaching ever since. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education birth – grade 2 at Brooklyn College
Laurie Markiewicz
Teacher
This is Laurie’s second year as a lead teacher in Columbus Pre-school. I have a MSEd from Bank Street School of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and a BA from The New School.
Jerusha Trotman
Teacher
My name is Jerusha! This will be my first year at Columbus and I’m so excited to meet everyone. As a musician, I’m even more excited to share and play music with you all!
Sara Massoudi
Teacher
Sara Massoudi (she/her) is thrilled to be in her 2nd year at Columbus Pre-School teaching in the 2’s room. Sara earned her BFA in Acting with minors in Directing and Children’s Theatre from Oklahoma City University…
Tatiyana Colon
Teacher
Tatiyana Colon is an aspiring Teacher who has always dreamed of being in the education sector. Being Certified as an Assistant Teacher and having a background of working with children of special needs…
Melanie Sirota
Teacher
Melanie is excited to be joining Columbus Preschool after receiving her Masters Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street this year.
Venice Beckford
Teacher
Ms. Beckford has over 20 years experience in early care and education. As a seasoned educator Mrs. Beckford has served in independent settings, Montessori and progressive education settings as well as the New York City Department of Education.
Taylor Callahan
Teacher
Taylor Callahan joined the Columbus Pre-school community in March 2024, taking over a maternity leave position. Her passion for Early Childhood education grew after working in a preschool with children aged 2-5 for 3 years.
Tserry Myers
Teacher
Tserry has worked at Columbus since she was a summer teaching intern year ago. She’s now an assistant 3s teacher here while pursuing her degree in early childhood education and psychology.
Travis Gluck
Teacher
Hi! My name is W. Travis Gluck. This will be my 12th year working as a teacher at Columbus Pre-School. My first several years at Columbus I worked as an assistant teacher in a 2/3s classroom.
Michelle Piccolo
Assistant Director
Michelle is in her 16th year at Columbus as part of the Admin team. Michelle focuses on exmissions (kindergarten placement), but has a hand in all things administration.
Marisol Vazquez
Teacher
Marisol is in her 4th year at Columbus working with 2s and 3s. Before joining, Marisol was the lead teacher at Little Sprouts, a childcare facility in Hudson Heights where she worked for 8 years.
Maggie Davis
Teacher
Maggie joins the team at Columbus Pre-School with extensive experience, having worked with children for the past 17 years in many different capacities.
Laura Crisostomo
Teacher
Laura joins us after years of teaching and serving others! Laura began her career in healthcare and health services and found herself always gravitating to her youngest patients.
Emily Vazquez
Teacher
It’s Emily’s second year as a 4s/5s teacher at Columbus Pre-school, and spends her summer in our 4s class during our summer program. Emily is enthusiastic about making her classroom bilingual, and brings Spanish education into all aspects of the program.
Jadeah Norris
Gymnastics
It’s Jadeah’s first year at Columbus Preschool, but she’s always worked in gym or studio settings because physical exercise is where her passion lies.
Marvin Myers
Gymnastics
Coach Marvin has been at Columbus for 20 years, teaching thousands of our students (and non-students) the important skills that gymnastics entails in all developmental areas.
Samantha Gluck
Teacher
Samantha Gluck has been a preschool teacher for 12 years. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education, and after 7 years at the Medical Center Nursery School, is very excited to be joining the Columbus Pre-School community!
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 14th year working at Columbus. She started as an assistant teacher just out of college after gaining a BA in Sociology with a minor in Art History from Hartwick College.
Julie Kandall
Director
Julie Kandall worked for thirteen years as a teacher before joining Columbus Pre-School as the educational director in 2011.
Samantha Perez
Admin
Samantha is so excited to join Columbus Pre-school as the new Music specialist! For the past 2 years she has worked as a Board Certified Music Therapist for students with developmental disabilities.
Robin Giesler
Teacher
Robin has a bachelors degree in psychology from The George Washington University. This is her second year working as an assistant teacher at Columbus Pre-School.
Brielle Lavanture
Teacher
Hi class, it’s so nice to meet you all! My name is Brielle, and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year. A little about me. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, with my mom and three siblings.
Ederle Castro Wilson
Teacher
Hello I’m Ederle, I graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelors Education degree in the year 2018 and I have been teaching ever since. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education birth – grade 2 at Brooklyn College
Laurie Markiewicz
Teacher
This is Laurie’s second year as a lead teacher in Columbus Pre-school. I have a MSEd from Bank Street School of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and a BA from The New School.
Jerusha Trotman
Teacher
My name is Jerusha! This will be my first year at Columbus and I’m so excited to meet everyone. As a musician, I’m even more excited to share and play music with you all!
Sara Massoudi
Teacher
Sara Massoudi (she/her) is thrilled to be in her 2nd year at Columbus Pre-School teaching in the 2’s room. Sara earned her BFA in Acting with minors in Directing and Children’s Theatre from Oklahoma City University…
Tatiyana Colon
Teacher
Tatiyana Colon is an aspiring Teacher who has always dreamed of being in the education sector. Being Certified as an Assistant Teacher and having a background of working with children of special needs…
Melanie Sirota
Teacher
Melanie is excited to be joining Columbus Preschool after receiving her Masters Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street this year.
Venice Beckford
Teacher
Ms. Beckford has over 20 years experience in early care and education. As a seasoned educator Mrs. Beckford has served in independent settings, Montessori and progressive education settings as well as the New York City Department of Education.
Taylor Callahan
Teacher
Taylor Callahan joined the Columbus Pre-school community in March 2024, taking over a maternity leave position. Her passion for Early Childhood education grew after working in a preschool with children aged 2-5 for 3 years.
Tserry Myers
Teacher
Tserry has worked at Columbus since she was a summer teaching intern year ago. She’s now an assistant 3s teacher here while pursuing her degree in early childhood education and psychology.
Travis Gluck
Teacher
Hi! My name is W. Travis Gluck. This will be my 12th year working as a teacher at Columbus Pre-School. My first several years at Columbus I worked as an assistant teacher in a 2/3s classroom.
Michelle Piccolo
Assistant Director
Michelle is in her 16th year at Columbus as part of the Admin team. Michelle focuses on exmissions (kindergarten placement), but has a hand in all things administration.
Marisol Vazquez
Teacher
Marisol is in her 4th year at Columbus working with 2s and 3s. Before joining, Marisol was the lead teacher at Little Sprouts, a childcare facility in Hudson Heights where she worked for 8 years.
Maggie Davis
Teacher
Maggie joins the team at Columbus Pre-School with extensive experience, having worked with children for the past 17 years in many different capacities.
Laura Crisostomo
Teacher
Laura joins us after years of teaching and serving others! Laura began her career in healthcare and health services and found herself always gravitating to her youngest patients.
Emily Vazquez
Teacher
It’s Emily’s second year as a 4s/5s teacher at Columbus Pre-school, and spends her summer in our 4s class during our summer program. Emily is enthusiastic about making her classroom bilingual, and brings Spanish education into all aspects of the program.
Jadeah Norris
Gymnastics
It’s Jadeah’s first year at Columbus Preschool, but she’s always worked in gym or studio settings because physical exercise is where her passion lies.
Marvin Myers
Gymnastics
Coach Marvin has been at Columbus for 20 years, teaching thousands of our students (and non-students) the important skills that gymnastics entails in all developmental areas.
Samantha Gluck
Teacher
Samantha Gluck has been a preschool teacher for 12 years. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education, and after 7 years at the Medical Center Nursery School, is very excited to be joining the Columbus Pre-School community!
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 14th year working at Columbus. She started as an assistant teacher just out of college after gaining a BA in Sociology with a minor in Art History from Hartwick College.
Julie Kandall
Director
Julie Kandall worked for thirteen years as a teacher before joining Columbus Pre-School as the educational director in 2011.
Lead Teachers
Samantha Perez
Admin
Samantha is so excited to join Columbus Pre-school as the new Music specialist! For the past 2 years she has worked as a Board Certified Music Therapist for students with developmental disabilities.
Robin Giesler
Teacher
Robin has a bachelors degree in psychology from The George Washington University. This is her second year working as an assistant teacher at Columbus Pre-School.
Brielle Lavanture
Teacher
Hi class, it’s so nice to meet you all! My name is Brielle, and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year. A little about me. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, with my mom and three siblings.
Ederle Castro Wilson
Teacher
Hello I’m Ederle, I graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelors Education degree in the year 2018 and I have been teaching ever since. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education birth – grade 2 at Brooklyn College
Laurie Markiewicz
Teacher
This is Laurie’s second year as a lead teacher in Columbus Pre-school. I have a MSEd from Bank Street School of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and a BA from The New School.
Jerusha Trotman
Teacher
My name is Jerusha! This will be my first year at Columbus and I’m so excited to meet everyone. As a musician, I’m even more excited to share and play music with you all!
Sara Massoudi
Teacher
Sara Massoudi (she/her) is thrilled to be in her 2nd year at Columbus Pre-School teaching in the 2’s room. Sara earned her BFA in Acting with minors in Directing and Children’s Theatre from Oklahoma City University…
Tatiyana Colon
Teacher
Tatiyana Colon is an aspiring Teacher who has always dreamed of being in the education sector. Being Certified as an Assistant Teacher and having a background of working with children of special needs…
Melanie Sirota
Teacher
Melanie is excited to be joining Columbus Preschool after receiving her Masters Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street this year.
Venice Beckford
Teacher
Ms. Beckford has over 20 years experience in early care and education. As a seasoned educator Mrs. Beckford has served in independent settings, Montessori and progressive education settings as well as the New York City Department of Education.
Taylor Callahan
Teacher
Taylor Callahan joined the Columbus Pre-school community in March 2024, taking over a maternity leave position. Her passion for Early Childhood education grew after working in a preschool with children aged 2-5 for 3 years.
Tserry Myers
Teacher
Tserry has worked at Columbus since she was a summer teaching intern year ago. She’s now an assistant 3s teacher here while pursuing her degree in early childhood education and psychology.
Travis Gluck
Teacher
Hi! My name is W. Travis Gluck. This will be my 12th year working as a teacher at Columbus Pre-School. My first several years at Columbus I worked as an assistant teacher in a 2/3s classroom.
Michelle Piccolo
Assistant Director
Michelle is in her 16th year at Columbus as part of the Admin team. Michelle focuses on exmissions (kindergarten placement), but has a hand in all things administration.
Marisol Vazquez
Teacher
Marisol is in her 4th year at Columbus working with 2s and 3s. Before joining, Marisol was the lead teacher at Little Sprouts, a childcare facility in Hudson Heights where she worked for 8 years.
Maggie Davis
Teacher
Maggie joins the team at Columbus Pre-School with extensive experience, having worked with children for the past 17 years in many different capacities.
Laura Crisostomo
Teacher
Laura joins us after years of teaching and serving others! Laura began her career in healthcare and health services and found herself always gravitating to her youngest patients.
Emily Vazquez
Teacher
It’s Emily’s second year as a 4s/5s teacher at Columbus Pre-school, and spends her summer in our 4s class during our summer program. Emily is enthusiastic about making her classroom bilingual, and brings Spanish education into all aspects of the program.
Jadeah Norris
Gymnastics
It’s Jadeah’s first year at Columbus Preschool, but she’s always worked in gym or studio settings because physical exercise is where her passion lies.
Marvin Myers
Gymnastics
Coach Marvin has been at Columbus for 20 years, teaching thousands of our students (and non-students) the important skills that gymnastics entails in all developmental areas.
Samantha Gluck
Teacher
Samantha Gluck has been a preschool teacher for 12 years. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education, and after 7 years at the Medical Center Nursery School, is very excited to be joining the Columbus Pre-School community!
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 14th year working at Columbus. She started as an assistant teacher just out of college after gaining a BA in Sociology with a minor in Art History from Hartwick College.
Julie Kandall
Director
Julie Kandall worked for thirteen years as a teacher before joining Columbus Pre-School as the educational director in 2011.
Teachers
Samantha Perez
Admin
Samantha is so excited to join Columbus Pre-school as the new Music specialist! For the past 2 years she has worked as a Board Certified Music Therapist for students with developmental disabilities.
Robin Giesler
Teacher
Robin has a bachelors degree in psychology from The George Washington University. This is her second year working as an assistant teacher at Columbus Pre-School.
Brielle Lavanture
Teacher
Hi class, it’s so nice to meet you all! My name is Brielle, and I’m so excited to be your teacher this year. A little about me. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, with my mom and three siblings.
Ederle Castro Wilson
Teacher
Hello I’m Ederle, I graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelors Education degree in the year 2018 and I have been teaching ever since. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education birth – grade 2 at Brooklyn College
Laurie Markiewicz
Teacher
This is Laurie’s second year as a lead teacher in Columbus Pre-school. I have a MSEd from Bank Street School of Education in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and a BA from The New School.
Jerusha Trotman
Teacher
My name is Jerusha! This will be my first year at Columbus and I’m so excited to meet everyone. As a musician, I’m even more excited to share and play music with you all!
Sara Massoudi
Teacher
Sara Massoudi (she/her) is thrilled to be in her 2nd year at Columbus Pre-School teaching in the 2’s room. Sara earned her BFA in Acting with minors in Directing and Children’s Theatre from Oklahoma City University…
Tatiyana Colon
Teacher
Tatiyana Colon is an aspiring Teacher who has always dreamed of being in the education sector. Being Certified as an Assistant Teacher and having a background of working with children of special needs…
Melanie Sirota
Teacher
Melanie is excited to be joining Columbus Preschool after receiving her Masters Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street this year.
Venice Beckford
Teacher
Ms. Beckford has over 20 years experience in early care and education. As a seasoned educator Mrs. Beckford has served in independent settings, Montessori and progressive education settings as well as the New York City Department of Education.
Taylor Callahan
Teacher
Taylor Callahan joined the Columbus Pre-school community in March 2024, taking over a maternity leave position. Her passion for Early Childhood education grew after working in a preschool with children aged 2-5 for 3 years.
Tserry Myers
Teacher
Tserry has worked at Columbus since she was a summer teaching intern year ago. She’s now an assistant 3s teacher here while pursuing her degree in early childhood education and psychology.
Travis Gluck
Teacher
Hi! My name is W. Travis Gluck. This will be my 12th year working as a teacher at Columbus Pre-School. My first several years at Columbus I worked as an assistant teacher in a 2/3s classroom.
Michelle Piccolo
Assistant Director
Michelle is in her 16th year at Columbus as part of the Admin team. Michelle focuses on exmissions (kindergarten placement), but has a hand in all things administration.
Marisol Vazquez
Teacher
Marisol is in her 4th year at Columbus working with 2s and 3s. Before joining, Marisol was the lead teacher at Little Sprouts, a childcare facility in Hudson Heights where she worked for 8 years.
Maggie Davis
Teacher
Maggie joins the team at Columbus Pre-School with extensive experience, having worked with children for the past 17 years in many different capacities.
Laura Crisostomo
Teacher
Laura joins us after years of teaching and serving others! Laura began her career in healthcare and health services and found herself always gravitating to her youngest patients.
Emily Vazquez
Teacher
It’s Emily’s second year as a 4s/5s teacher at Columbus Pre-school, and spends her summer in our 4s class during our summer program. Emily is enthusiastic about making her classroom bilingual, and brings Spanish education into all aspects of the program.
Jadeah Norris
Gymnastics
It’s Jadeah’s first year at Columbus Preschool, but she’s always worked in gym or studio settings because physical exercise is where her passion lies.
Marvin Myers
Gymnastics
Coach Marvin has been at Columbus for 20 years, teaching thousands of our students (and non-students) the important skills that gymnastics entails in all developmental areas.
Samantha Gluck
Teacher
Samantha Gluck has been a preschool teacher for 12 years. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education, and after 7 years at the Medical Center Nursery School, is very excited to be joining the Columbus Pre-School community!
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 14th year working at Columbus. She started as an assistant teacher just out of college after gaining a BA in Sociology with a minor in Art History from Hartwick College.
Julie Kandall
Director
Julie Kandall worked for thirteen years as a teacher before joining Columbus Pre-School as the educational director in 2011.
I am excited to introduce you to the many wonderful things about Columbus Pre-School that made me want to join as director 12 years ago.