Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
Day School

The MAPCDS faculty is comprised of a diverse, dynamic group of educators who bring a range of personal and professional interests and skills to their work. All teachers have advanced experience or degrees and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Teachers at Madison share a deeply rooted respect for children, who we see as capable beings, with unlimited potential.

We recognize the role of the teacher as multi-dimensional:

  • to support children’s social-emotional and cognitive growth by creating unique experiences that spark curiosity, exploration and discovery
  • to thoughtfully design the environment to reflect the identity of every child and adult in the room and to inspire joy and wonder in learning
  • to collaborate with children, by listening carefully and documenting their activity to uncover each child’s thinking
  • to create engaging curriculum which responds to children’s interests and extends their investigations to promote learning
  • to work as researcher, both in and out of the classroom, dedicating focused attention to each child’s processes, as well as to modern brain science (for example, mindfulness practices and the relationship between experiences in nature and children’s thriving, and the importance of empathy building and a sense of belonging in childhood) and consideration of teaching practices around the world which inspire our work as we provide an innovative first school experience
  • to collaborate with colleagues, to reflect on the children’s progress as well as our own practice
  • to partner with parents, bridging home and school for each family, recognizing and celebrating our commonalities and our differences

Our teachers work in teams of 2 or 3, ensuing the highest level of personal attention to each child. They are supported by our Director, Associate Director and Education Coordinator, who meet weekly with each team to discuss individual and group goals and curriculum development. Educators are drawn to MAPCDS for our commitment to children and families and to our recognition of teachers as bright, caring, creative beings who each impact our school community. Take a look at our staff bios below to learn more about the people who make The Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church Day School unique.

Staff Bios

Director, Laura Graham
headshot of Laura Graham

Laura was appointed as Director of MAPCDS in 2015, after 7 years at the school where she held a variety of roles including teacher, Education Coordinator and Assistant Director. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford and a Master’s degree in Education with a Specialization in Supervision and Administration with a Visual Arts focus from Bank Street College of Education in coordination with Parsons School of Design. Previous to moving to NYC, Laura lived in the finger lakes and worked at Cornell University in the Human Development department at the Early Childhood Laboratory School. She also co-founded a school in 2003, Corner of the Sky, in Ithaca, NY which still flourishes today. Laura’s interest in the Reggio Emilia approach to education has prompted her participation in study tours and conferences in Reggio Emilia, Italy, Stockholm, Oahu and Boulder. Laura has a passion for the arts in education and also in one’s personal artistic development. Her love of nature and art is often evident at school through her sewing projects, baked goods, and flower arranging. Laura fully appreciates that her position at MAPCDS enables her to do everything she loves, every day.

Educator in Residence, Lorella Lamonaca
headshot of Lorella Lamonaca

At MAPCDS, we aim to provide professional development opportunities which connect theory and practice through concrete, hands-on experiences which spark personal growth and inspiration for teachers.

We are honored to have Lorella Lamonaca, Educator in Residence, leading our professional development this year. Ms. Lamonaca collaborates with faculty to deepen our interpretation and implementation of Reggio-inspired practice. Her work at Madison includes a dynamic combination of workshops, team-building activities, study group facilitation and individual mentoring, all tailored to the unique interests and experience of our teachers and administrators.

Born in Italy, Lorella Lamonaca has been an educator for the past 30 years in both New York City and New York State Public schools. In addition to being a classroom teacher, she is an education consultant who has presented at conferences both nationally and internationally. She has co-facilitated a Reggio Emilia study group in the Scarsdale public schools for the last sixteen years and leads study tours in Reggio Emilia, Italy. She coordinated an International conference on Creative Connections: Building Community Through a Reggio Inspired Approach, facilitated a staff development class in Madrid, Spain on experiential learning in the ELL classroom, and presented in Finland on Incorporating Digital Literacy in the early childhood classroom. Ms. Lamonaca holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership. She is married, the mother of three sons and loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Esther started her career in education in 2018 and taught both Kindergarten and First Grade for 5 years. She earned her Bachelors in HealthCare Management at Stony Brook University and is currently pursuing her Masters in Early Childhood Education at Hunter College. Esther was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. She believes that all children and families should have access to a quality education. Through her work as a teacher, and a volunteer for a non-profit dedicated to the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional growth of young people around the world, she recognizes the power of an education that teaches both academic skills and a strong mindset. Esther believes deeply in the MAPCDS mission that charges excellent teachers to prepare a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and a lifelong passion for learning. Outside of the classroom, Esther feeds her passion for music and singing. She shares this with her students as she recognizes the power of arts in fostering creativity, self-expression, and joy in their lives.
Anna joined MAPCDS in 2014. Here, she has taught 4/5s and 2s. After receiving her BA in Fine Arts at Saint Joseph’s University, she went on to teach preschool at a Quaker school in the suburbs of Philadelphia. After being part of a startup day care center in Philadelphia, Anna returned to New York City to attend Bank Street College of Education where she received her MS in Early Childhood Education. As she received her degree, Anna gained experience teaching in two Manhattan private schools with children ranging from three to six years old. Outside of work, Anna relishes the wonders of motherhood, spending quality time with her son, who attends MAPCDS.
Julia earned her BFA in Sculpture and Art Education and Masters in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts. Her post graduate work includes glassblowing, casting and ceramics. Julia has been the Art Specialist at MAPCDS since 2008. She previously worked as a teaching artist with Studio in a School where she initiated medium-driven, discovery-based education in drawing, painting, collage and sculpture. Julia has conducted professional development workshops in early childhood art education for school administrators, teachers and parents in New York City public schools and at the Come Learn With Us conference for early childhood professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys throwing pottery and spending time on the Brooklyn waterfront with her husband and two dogs, Snax and Nula.
Dana is a native New Yorker from the Upper East Side who has been teaching at MAPCDS since 2019. She completed her undergraduate studies in Early Childhood Education at the University of Delaware with minors in Human Development & Family Studies and Disabilities Studies. After graduation, she was chosen from the highly selective application process as a New York City Teach for America educator. She taught Pre-Kindergarten for two years, eagerly committing her time and energy to serving an under-resourced community in the Bronx. During this time, she received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction of Early Childhood Education. Dana demonstrates commitment to providing culturally responsive teaching practices while promoting the development of emergent curriculum in her 4/5s classroom. When Dana is not in the classroom, she can be seen at a yoga class, walking through Central Park, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen.
A native New Yorker, Pippa joined MAPCDS in 2021 after graduating from Wellesley College. There she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a focus in Child Development. During her undergraduate years, Pippa was a research student at Wellesley’s Child Study Center Preschool and during her summers worked with pediatric occupational therapists and child psychologists. All of these experiences helped to solidify her passion and love for working with children. As a former collegiate rower, Pippa is a huge sports fan and loves all things related to athletics- she hopes to get in a boat again soon!
Alexandra first joined MAPCDS in 2016 after moving to New York City from Portugal, her home country. After earning her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary School Education in Lisbon in 2013, she spent a year teaching children from 1st-6th grade in Finland, while learning about its world-famous education system. After spending two years in Portugal working at Park International School of Lisbon, Alexandra returned to NYC in 2021 with her husband and son and returned to Madison. She is passionate about nature, music, and food, and loves spending her summers in Portugal with her family!
Nancy is a native New Yorker, currently residing on the Upper West Side. She attended Tufts University majoring in theater and psychology and was a casting director for many years. Her lifetime love of children inspired her to make a bold career change. Nancy quit her job and went back to school to study Early Childhood Education at Hunter College where she received her Master’s degree, and then became a certified teacher. She was the lead teacher of class of three-year olds here in the city before joining the MAPCDS community in 2022. Nancy loves swimming and riding her bicycle around the city (in clement weather). She takes advantage of all the city has to offer frequenting museums, galleries, theater and movies. One of her biggest joys is her weekly routine with her son Alex, now that he has moved back to NYC after graduating college. He visits every Monday night for a home cooked meal and many episodes of Jeopardy.
Caroline holds a BA in creative writing from Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood/General Education from Bank Street College of Education. She has taught at MAPCDS since 2008 and has worked with every age group. She has spent the past few summers assistant teaching an intensive early childhood dance education workshop for classroom teachers at The Dance Education Laboratory at the 92nd Street Y. Caroline loves to ride her bicycle, play with her cat Freddie, knit and crochet, dabble in various other arts, and has a passion for classic children's literature. Her all-time favorite book is Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.
Rachel eagerly joined MAPCDS as the Music and Movement Specialist to share her passion for music, dance, and creative expression through movement with the MAPCDS community in 2023. Originally from Chicago, she studied History and Theatre at Loyola University Chicago while performing professionally in many musical theatre productions and dancing professionally with multiple dance companies. It was there that she learned she could combine her love for the arts and young children and became certified in various early childhood music and movement programs. Rachel has taught music, movement, yoga, and dance to children of all ages since 2007 and decided to broaden her horizons and move to NYC in 2012. While continuing to teach as a Music and Movement Specialist in NYC, Rachel also taught in an emergent curriculum based 2s classroom for eight years and served as one of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinators at her previous school. Rachel considers it an honor and privilege to share her passions with young children, and when she isn’t teaching you can find her in the kitchen cooking, singing karaoke, or continuing to explore NYC with her soon to be husband!
Brianna is so excited to be a part of MAPCDS. She grew up in Milford, CT and obtained an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Art Therapy from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Rockland County, NY. She moved to NYC afterwards to obtain a Master's in Early Childhood Education at Pace University and has lived here since 2016. Brianna has taught in Reggio Emilia inspired and International Baccalaureate programs, working with a range of age groups from 2 year olds to Kindergarteners. In her spare time, she loves to read, stay active, travel, and spend time with her family and friends!
Throughout her career, Mary has incorporated elements of the Reggio Emilia approach and is thrilled to continue to deepen this knowledge and practice at MAPCDS. Mary has been teaching in the early childhood world since 2005, both as an Art Studio teacher working with children ages 2 to 5, and as a classroom teacher for 3, 4 and 5 year-olds. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, and a Master's degree in Art and Design Education from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Mary has been learning about stained glass window construction for a number of years at Urban Glass and her in-home studio. She and her husband Alex enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, gardening, birding, keeping their 1910 Brooklyn row house in shape, and taking their miniature poodle, Mitzi, to the beach.
Born and raised on the Upper West Side of New York City, Olivia joined MAPCDS in 2021. She holds an undergraduate degree from The State University of New York at Cortland in Early Childhood and Childhood Education with a concentration in Arts and Humanities. Olivia is currently working towards receiving her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Hunter College. She has spent many summers working at a day camp in Manhattan as a counselor and Programming Head for children entering kindergarten and first grade. In her free time, Olivia loves to see live music, enjoy the outdoors, visit museums (particularly the Met), and travel!
Tawny graduated from Hunter College with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. During her undergrad, with a passion for politics, she traveled to Ireland and studied European politics and political issues abroad. As a preschool teacher in NYC, Tawny has fallen in love with every second of watching children grow and learn at their own pace. In her downtime, you can find her coaching her nieces in ice hockey—a sport she’s played her whole life—or riding her bike or playing on the beach with her dog.
India was born and raised in Manhattan and joined the MAPCDS teaching team in 2023. While studying Psychology and French at Middlebury College, she worked at a local Reggio-based preschool. Since then, she has taught in both private and public settings with various age groups, ranging from preschool through fourth grade. India graduated from Bank Street Graduate School of Education's Cross-Age Program with a Master of Science in General Education. In her free time, India enjoys long walks and volleyball games in Central Park and Riverside Park.
Corrina joined the teaching team at MAPCDS in 2023. Originally from Los Angeles, Corrina moved to New York to obtain her bachelor's degree at NYU and loved the city so much she has lived here ever since! After graduating, she began her teaching career and pursued a Masters degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education at Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Corrina has experience teaching children ages 3 to 9-years-old in public schools, independent preschools and independent ongoing schools. She loves fostering children's natural curiosity through child-directed learning. She is also passionate about equity and social justice and served as one of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinators at her previous school. When she isn't teaching, Corrina enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her wife and 2 cats.
Michael is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and Educator, and excited to be part of the wonderful MAPCDS team as Child Development Specialist. He received a Master of Social Work degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hunter College of the City University of New York. Michael has worked in a variety of settings within the Mental Health and Education fields and wears many hats (both literally and figuratively). Currently, Michael is a psychotherapist, a SEIT/SETTS service provider, an after-school teacher, and creates and hosts online programming that promotes tolerance and Holocaust education. In his spare time, he runs marathons and ultra-marathons and "fund-races" for numerous local and national charities. He volunteers his time at a local Holocaust museum, loves spending time with friends and family, cooking and eating, running, swimming, and biking, watching musical theatre, traveling, and building family trees. As the Child Development Specialist, he works collaboratively with parents and teaching teams to support children’s socio-emotional growth and development and learning needs during the school day and throughout the school year.
Meghan Martin joined the MAPCDS team in 2023 as the new Administrative Assistant. Originally from West Virginia, Meghan graduated from Marshall University where she triple majored in English, Education, and Theater. After graduation she worked in early childhood education and as a teaching artist before moving to New York City to intern at the off-Broadway company, The Acting Co., as an administrator for their touring education program. She then went on to teach English abroad in Kerala, India after TESOL training. With a passion for education and the arts, she then went on to split her time between substitute teaching at various public and private schools across NYC and line producing on multiple film projects before finding a home in school administration. She is excited to be part of the MAPCDS community!
Kathleen joined MAPCDS in September 2018 after teaching in New York City independent schools for four years. She graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Philosophy in 2014. During her undergraduate tenure, she studied ancient philosophical influences on childhood education while abroad in London. She later obtained her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Fordham University in 2015. Kathleen is a classically trained violinist, and enjoys attending concerts at Carnegie Hall. In her spare time, Kathleen loves traveling to new places and spending time with her husband.
Tori (they/she) is so excited to return to MAPCDS this year! Tori holds a Master's degree in Environmental Education from the University of Idaho's McCall Field Campus. During their graduate studies, Tori focused on applying inquiry-based learning and outdoor education to early childhood. They previously taught at MAPCDS from 2019 to 2021. Most recently, they worked in youth programs at Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in San Francisco. In their free time, Tori loves being outside in the sunshine, especially backpacking, hiking, and taking their dog, Opal, to the park.
Nicole was thrilled to join MAPCDS in 2021, after spending over a decade teaching 4 and 5 year olds at an independent preschool here in New York, and also working with preschoolers in various other settings for many years prior. She has also assisted with admissions outreach (local and global) and with early intervention services support. Nicole holds a degree in Developmental Psychology from Bard College, with a concentration in Studio Arts. Because she believes learning comes most naturally when driven by personal interests, she finds ways to use children’s own ideas throughout the school year, working collaboratively with children, teachers, and parents to create emergent experiences. She pours her whole heart into helping children develop a passion for learning and is endlessly astounded by the depths of their curiosities and imaginations. In her spare time, Nicole loves to be creative through costuming, crafting, and exploring Prospect Park near her home in Brooklyn with her husband and son Desmond. (She is also elated that Desmond is a member of the MAPCDS community!) Nicole is very excited for the new adventures each year brings and is eager to create a magical experience with your children.
Renee Nikita has been at MAPCDS since 2008, with a four year hiatus to be with her twins. During that time, she created an art and cooking program for babies. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts, specializing in Painting and Sculpture and studied in ancient Greek art and architecture during a semester abroad. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in 2002 from the Milton Avery Graduate School of Art at Bard College. Renee has exhibited her work in galleries in New York and Miami. Prior to teaching at Madison, Renee held the role of art teacher at another independent school. She was deeply inspired by her participation in a study tour of Reggio Emilia schools in 2019. Renee teaches the Babies and Toddlers class at Madison, in addition to the Young 2s. She currently practices ballet en pointe and performs each summer in the October Square in Paphos, Cyprus.
After teaching Hebrew and Judaic Studies to second and fifth graders in Florida, Karen moved to New York City and began working with young children and their families at two private schools before arriving at The Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church Day School in 2006. She has been teaching for over 20 years. Karen has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida, a Master of Arts in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America and a Master of Education in International Education Development from Teachers College, Columbia University. When she’s not in the classroom, Karen loves cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her two children.
Liz joined the teaching staff at MAPDS in September 2014. She previously taught at the preschool that her two daughters and son had attended. Prior to teaching, Liz worked as a corporate attorney at Davis Polk & Wardwell for over ten years. Between practicing law and teaching, Liz was a full-time mother. Liz grew up in London, England. She enjoys traveling and the theater and is an avid dog lover. She received her law degree from University of Chicago and her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Brown University.
Becky has been with MAPCDS since 2006 and worked with all age groups at the school before transitioning to her current role of Director of Admissions and Education Coordinator. Becky graduated from Skidmore College with a BS in Sociology and from Bank Street College of Education with a MS in Early Childhood Education. Her two daughters are MAPCDS alumnae. Becky played volleyball at the collegiate level and continued to play and coach into her adult life. She has a true passion for collaboration and team work, which has prompted her professional interest in the Reggio Emilia approach. Her current work at MAPCDS is grounded in the belief that all teachers have a voice and a perspective that adds to the collective thinking of the classroom. Becky has participated in a Reggio Emilia study tour in Lingonchio, Italy, as well as professional conferences in New York and Chicago. She further developed her collaborative teaching approach through a week long intensive with the Critical Friends Group, a cohort of educators dedicated to the reflective process of teaching. Becky has also led professional development workshops with peer schools in NYC. Becky loves working with children, teachers, and families and has dedicated herself to the work of partnership in early childhood education.
Chelsea excitedly joined MAPCDS in 2023. She is a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx. She graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a Bachelor's in Sociology, a minor in Women's Studies, and Early Childhood Education and Special Education courses. Throughout her teaching career, Chelsea has worked in both special education with a therapeutic approach and a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool. She holds experience with a range of age groups from as early as toddlers up until 6. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, painting, attending sporting events, and spending time with family.
Loraine was a clothing buyer at Lord & Taylor and B. Altman’s for years before realizing her passion for working with young children. She has been teaching at MAPCDS since 1995. Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Education from Bank Street College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Marymount Manhattan College. Loraine participated in a study tour of Reggio Emilia, Italy and uses her learning from that experience to inform her work in the classroom. Wife and mother, Loraine loves playing tennis and skiing. She likes going to Broadway shows and taking advantage of the fine dining in New York restaurants. She also loves to read and cook!
McKinley joined MAPCDS in 2019 after teaching in several schools worldwide, from Italy to Los Angeles. Through these diverse experiences, she has enhanced her knowledge of various educational philosophies and practices, including the Reggio Emilia approach in Italy the Responsive Classroom, studied in New York. She learned many things from the different school systems, but her ability to encourage students to believe in themselves has made the biggest impact on her career. McKinley currently serves on the Board of Directors of a new charity which provided education and assistance to mothers and children in developing countries. In her free time, she loves to travel (especially to the west coast for the California sunshine).
Adrienne Wing, Associate Director and Director of Exmissions, joined MAPCDS in 2011. She has taught preschool through 3rd grade in both public and independent schools, including the Gifted and Talented program, and also served as a private Special Education Itinerant Teacher for preschoolers with special needs. A native New Yorker, Adrienne holds a BA in English from New York University and a Masters in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Bank Street College. She has participated in study tours in Italy and Sweden and is eager to visit other parts of the world to learn from differing educational traditions. Adrienne has conducted professional development workshops on emergent curriculum in Reggio-inspired practice for preschool teachers at independent schools and at the Wonderplay Conference at the 92Y. Personally invested in promoting equity and inclusion in schools, she completed Beyond Diversity training which addresses the effect of race on student learning, explores how race influences the culture of independent schools and considers practices to eliminate racial disparities in education. She has also facilitated groups of both parents and school administrators at the annual From Diversity to Community conference here in New York. Adrienne is an avid reader who is especially passionate about children’s literature and teaching literacy. She loves to travel and spend time at the beach with her husband, their four children and their sweet, overly energetic labradoodle.
Carly (she/her) is excited to start her first year at MAPCDS after 6 years of working in early childhood. Prior to MAPCDS, Carly worked at an independent school in Connecticut in both Pre-K and Kindergarten, while completing her Masters degree from Bank Street College of Education in Early Childhood General Education in 2019. For the next four years, Carly taught 4/5s in South Slope, Brooklyn. She is passionate about social justice and action-based learning with children, forming a collective of former students and families who engage in activism and justice-based learning together. When she's not teaching, you can find Carly playing water polo for Team New York on the Lower East Side, or picnicking in Prospect Park.