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
Carynne Haye Martin
Teacher
Carynne Haye Martin cestibulum sagittis lorem id viverra maximus. Nunc euismod enim metus, a efficitur dolor aliquet non. Integer pellentesque erat sit amet ligula elementum feugiat.
Kiah Gluck
Exmissions
Kiah focuses on kindergarten exmissions and makes sure the day-to-day operations at Columbus Pre-School are running smoothly. When not busy with parent events or communications, she’s definitely found her way into a classroom to share some laughs with the students.
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
This is Travis’ 9th year as a teacher at Columbus. Travis has moved from assistant in the 2s class to lead 3s teacher after earning his master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special and General Education.
Kindia Payano
Teacher
Kindia Payano is passionate about education, with degrees in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education. Kindia is joining us most recently from Hunter College Elementary School.
Nolan Robinson
Teacher
Nolan has been at Columbus for 4 years, from 2s to 5s. This year, he’s an assistant in our 3s/4s class.
Molly Koltys
Teacher
Molly is working towards her graduate degree at Bank Street College in dual Early Childhood General and Special Education
Michelle Piccolo
Admissions
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.
Emma Gardner
Teacher
Emma Gardner is a seasoned educator, and even more seasoned 2s teacher. Emma earned a BA in Film Studies from Barnard College and an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education…
Leah Robins
Teacher
Leah Robins is an assistant teacher in our 3s/4s classroom. A recent graduate of Columbia University, Leah has had prior internships working at pre-schools, and is excited to officially begin her teaching career at Columbus.
Ilana Cookler
Teacher
Ilana Cookler is excited to be in her second year as lead teacher at Columbus. Ilana earned her master’s degree from Bank Street, and brings her wealth of knowledge and her 6 years of teaching experience to her 3s/4s class this year.
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.
Janine Garcia
Teacher
Janine came to Columbus Pre-School during summer camp and found a home at Columbus for the school year! Janine brings with her a love of languages, and she’s fluent in five (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Mandarin)!
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.
Richard Younger
Music
Richard Younger is our music teacher, with whom students enjoy music education. Richard is a celebrity among Columbus students who love their weekly music class.
Ashley Alicea
Teacher
Ashley is our lead 3s/4s teacher this year, having been our 3s teacher in years prior. Ashley’s class is immersive in spanish language. Before Columbus, Ashley was a lead teacher at another NYC preschool. Ashley began her teaching career in Shanghai, China
Anya Oleck
Teacher
Anya Oleck is an assistant teacher at Columbus who has been working with kids ages 4-12 for almost 10 years. After finishing her degree at Brooklyn College, will go on to earn her master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education.
Candice Everett
Nature
Candice Everett leads our nature studies program after serving as a lead 2s teacher here for 10 years. Candice is passionate about exploring all things nature- from plants and flowers to animal prints, herbs and spices and even just mud!
Samantha Gronwoldt
Teacher
Samantha Gronwoldt 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
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 11th 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.
Carynne Haye Martin
Teacher
Carynne Haye Martin cestibulum sagittis lorem id viverra maximus. Nunc euismod enim metus, a efficitur dolor aliquet non. Integer pellentesque erat sit amet ligula elementum feugiat.
Kiah Gluck
Exmissions
Kiah focuses on kindergarten exmissions and makes sure the day-to-day operations at Columbus Pre-School are running smoothly. When not busy with parent events or communications, she’s definitely found her way into a classroom to share some laughs with the students.
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
This is Travis’ 9th year as a teacher at Columbus. Travis has moved from assistant in the 2s class to lead 3s teacher after earning his master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special and General Education.
Kindia Payano
Teacher
Kindia Payano is passionate about education, with degrees in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education. Kindia is joining us most recently from Hunter College Elementary School.
Nolan Robinson
Teacher
Nolan has been at Columbus for 4 years, from 2s to 5s. This year, he’s an assistant in our 3s/4s class.
Molly Koltys
Teacher
Molly is working towards her graduate degree at Bank Street College in dual Early Childhood General and Special Education
Michelle Piccolo
Admissions
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.
Emma Gardner
Teacher
Emma Gardner is a seasoned educator, and even more seasoned 2s teacher. Emma earned a BA in Film Studies from Barnard College and an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education…
Leah Robins
Teacher
Leah Robins is an assistant teacher in our 3s/4s classroom. A recent graduate of Columbia University, Leah has had prior internships working at pre-schools, and is excited to officially begin her teaching career at Columbus.
Ilana Cookler
Teacher
Ilana Cookler is excited to be in her second year as lead teacher at Columbus. Ilana earned her master’s degree from Bank Street, and brings her wealth of knowledge and her 6 years of teaching experience to her 3s/4s class this year.
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.
Janine Garcia
Teacher
Janine came to Columbus Pre-School during summer camp and found a home at Columbus for the school year! Janine brings with her a love of languages, and she’s fluent in five (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Mandarin)!
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.
Richard Younger
Music
Richard Younger is our music teacher, with whom students enjoy music education. Richard is a celebrity among Columbus students who love their weekly music class.
Ashley Alicea
Teacher
Ashley is our lead 3s/4s teacher this year, having been our 3s teacher in years prior. Ashley’s class is immersive in spanish language. Before Columbus, Ashley was a lead teacher at another NYC preschool. Ashley began her teaching career in Shanghai, China
Anya Oleck
Teacher
Anya Oleck is an assistant teacher at Columbus who has been working with kids ages 4-12 for almost 10 years. After finishing her degree at Brooklyn College, will go on to earn her master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education.
Candice Everett
Nature
Candice Everett leads our nature studies program after serving as a lead 2s teacher here for 10 years. Candice is passionate about exploring all things nature- from plants and flowers to animal prints, herbs and spices and even just mud!
Samantha Gronwoldt
Teacher
Samantha Gronwoldt 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
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 11th 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.
Carynne Haye Martin
Teacher
Carynne Haye Martin cestibulum sagittis lorem id viverra maximus. Nunc euismod enim metus, a efficitur dolor aliquet non. Integer pellentesque erat sit amet ligula elementum feugiat.
Kiah Gluck
Exmissions
Kiah focuses on kindergarten exmissions and makes sure the day-to-day operations at Columbus Pre-School are running smoothly. When not busy with parent events or communications, she’s definitely found her way into a classroom to share some laughs with the students.
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
This is Travis’ 9th year as a teacher at Columbus. Travis has moved from assistant in the 2s class to lead 3s teacher after earning his master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special and General Education.
Kindia Payano
Teacher
Kindia Payano is passionate about education, with degrees in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education. Kindia is joining us most recently from Hunter College Elementary School.
Nolan Robinson
Teacher
Nolan has been at Columbus for 4 years, from 2s to 5s. This year, he’s an assistant in our 3s/4s class.
Molly Koltys
Teacher
Molly is working towards her graduate degree at Bank Street College in dual Early Childhood General and Special Education
Michelle Piccolo
Admissions
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.
Emma Gardner
Teacher
Emma Gardner is a seasoned educator, and even more seasoned 2s teacher. Emma earned a BA in Film Studies from Barnard College and an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education…
Leah Robins
Teacher
Leah Robins is an assistant teacher in our 3s/4s classroom. A recent graduate of Columbia University, Leah has had prior internships working at pre-schools, and is excited to officially begin her teaching career at Columbus.
Ilana Cookler
Teacher
Ilana Cookler is excited to be in her second year as lead teacher at Columbus. Ilana earned her master’s degree from Bank Street, and brings her wealth of knowledge and her 6 years of teaching experience to her 3s/4s class this year.
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.
Janine Garcia
Teacher
Janine came to Columbus Pre-School during summer camp and found a home at Columbus for the school year! Janine brings with her a love of languages, and she’s fluent in five (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Mandarin)!
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.
Richard Younger
Music
Richard Younger is our music teacher, with whom students enjoy music education. Richard is a celebrity among Columbus students who love their weekly music class.
Ashley Alicea
Teacher
Ashley is our lead 3s/4s teacher this year, having been our 3s teacher in years prior. Ashley’s class is immersive in spanish language. Before Columbus, Ashley was a lead teacher at another NYC preschool. Ashley began her teaching career in Shanghai, China
Anya Oleck
Teacher
Anya Oleck is an assistant teacher at Columbus who has been working with kids ages 4-12 for almost 10 years. After finishing her degree at Brooklyn College, will go on to earn her master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education.
Candice Everett
Nature
Candice Everett leads our nature studies program after serving as a lead 2s teacher here for 10 years. Candice is passionate about exploring all things nature- from plants and flowers to animal prints, herbs and spices and even just mud!
Samantha Gronwoldt
Teacher
Samantha Gronwoldt 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
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 11th 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
Carynne Haye Martin
Teacher
Carynne Haye Martin cestibulum sagittis lorem id viverra maximus. Nunc euismod enim metus, a efficitur dolor aliquet non. Integer pellentesque erat sit amet ligula elementum feugiat.
Kiah Gluck
Exmissions
Kiah focuses on kindergarten exmissions and makes sure the day-to-day operations at Columbus Pre-School are running smoothly. When not busy with parent events or communications, she’s definitely found her way into a classroom to share some laughs with the students.
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
This is Travis’ 9th year as a teacher at Columbus. Travis has moved from assistant in the 2s class to lead 3s teacher after earning his master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special and General Education.
Kindia Payano
Teacher
Kindia Payano is passionate about education, with degrees in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education. Kindia is joining us most recently from Hunter College Elementary School.
Nolan Robinson
Teacher
Nolan has been at Columbus for 4 years, from 2s to 5s. This year, he’s an assistant in our 3s/4s class.
Molly Koltys
Teacher
Molly is working towards her graduate degree at Bank Street College in dual Early Childhood General and Special Education
Michelle Piccolo
Admissions
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.
Emma Gardner
Teacher
Emma Gardner is a seasoned educator, and even more seasoned 2s teacher. Emma earned a BA in Film Studies from Barnard College and an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education…
Leah Robins
Teacher
Leah Robins is an assistant teacher in our 3s/4s classroom. A recent graduate of Columbia University, Leah has had prior internships working at pre-schools, and is excited to officially begin her teaching career at Columbus.
Ilana Cookler
Teacher
Ilana Cookler is excited to be in her second year as lead teacher at Columbus. Ilana earned her master’s degree from Bank Street, and brings her wealth of knowledge and her 6 years of teaching experience to her 3s/4s class this year.
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.
Janine Garcia
Teacher
Janine came to Columbus Pre-School during summer camp and found a home at Columbus for the school year! Janine brings with her a love of languages, and she’s fluent in five (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Mandarin)!
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.
Richard Younger
Music
Richard Younger is our music teacher, with whom students enjoy music education. Richard is a celebrity among Columbus students who love their weekly music class.
Ashley Alicea
Teacher
Ashley is our lead 3s/4s teacher this year, having been our 3s teacher in years prior. Ashley’s class is immersive in spanish language. Before Columbus, Ashley was a lead teacher at another NYC preschool. Ashley began her teaching career in Shanghai, China
Anya Oleck
Teacher
Anya Oleck is an assistant teacher at Columbus who has been working with kids ages 4-12 for almost 10 years. After finishing her degree at Brooklyn College, will go on to earn her master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education.
Candice Everett
Nature
Candice Everett leads our nature studies program after serving as a lead 2s teacher here for 10 years. Candice is passionate about exploring all things nature- from plants and flowers to animal prints, herbs and spices and even just mud!
Samantha Gronwoldt
Teacher
Samantha Gronwoldt 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
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 11th 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
Carynne Haye Martin
Teacher
Carynne Haye Martin cestibulum sagittis lorem id viverra maximus. Nunc euismod enim metus, a efficitur dolor aliquet non. Integer pellentesque erat sit amet ligula elementum feugiat.
Kiah Gluck
Exmissions
Kiah focuses on kindergarten exmissions and makes sure the day-to-day operations at Columbus Pre-School are running smoothly. When not busy with parent events or communications, she’s definitely found her way into a classroom to share some laughs with the students.
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
This is Travis’ 9th year as a teacher at Columbus. Travis has moved from assistant in the 2s class to lead 3s teacher after earning his master’s degree from Bank Street College of Education in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special and General Education.
Kindia Payano
Teacher
Kindia Payano is passionate about education, with degrees in Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education. Kindia is joining us most recently from Hunter College Elementary School.
Nolan Robinson
Teacher
Nolan has been at Columbus for 4 years, from 2s to 5s. This year, he’s an assistant in our 3s/4s class.
Molly Koltys
Teacher
Molly is working towards her graduate degree at Bank Street College in dual Early Childhood General and Special Education
Michelle Piccolo
Admissions
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.
Emma Gardner
Teacher
Emma Gardner is a seasoned educator, and even more seasoned 2s teacher. Emma earned a BA in Film Studies from Barnard College and an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education…
Leah Robins
Teacher
Leah Robins is an assistant teacher in our 3s/4s classroom. A recent graduate of Columbia University, Leah has had prior internships working at pre-schools, and is excited to officially begin her teaching career at Columbus.
Ilana Cookler
Teacher
Ilana Cookler is excited to be in her second year as lead teacher at Columbus. Ilana earned her master’s degree from Bank Street, and brings her wealth of knowledge and her 6 years of teaching experience to her 3s/4s class this year.
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.
Janine Garcia
Teacher
Janine came to Columbus Pre-School during summer camp and found a home at Columbus for the school year! Janine brings with her a love of languages, and she’s fluent in five (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Mandarin)!
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.
Richard Younger
Music
Richard Younger is our music teacher, with whom students enjoy music education. Richard is a celebrity among Columbus students who love their weekly music class.
Ashley Alicea
Teacher
Ashley is our lead 3s/4s teacher this year, having been our 3s teacher in years prior. Ashley’s class is immersive in spanish language. Before Columbus, Ashley was a lead teacher at another NYC preschool. Ashley began her teaching career in Shanghai, China
Anya Oleck
Teacher
Anya Oleck is an assistant teacher at Columbus who has been working with kids ages 4-12 for almost 10 years. After finishing her degree at Brooklyn College, will go on to earn her master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education.
Candice Everett
Nature
Candice Everett leads our nature studies program after serving as a lead 2s teacher here for 10 years. Candice is passionate about exploring all things nature- from plants and flowers to animal prints, herbs and spices and even just mud!
Samantha Gronwoldt
Teacher
Samantha Gronwoldt 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
Emma Philip
Teacher
Emma Philip is in her 11th 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.