DIRECTOR

Sasha has worked in education for the past 18 years as both a classroom teacher and administrator. She served as Assistant Director of the Brooklyn Free School and co-founded Alamander Camp, a child-centered summer and afterschool program in Brooklyn. As a teacher, she has taught children ages 2–12 in progressive, play-based settings throughout New York.

Inspired by her background in art and progressive education, Sasha is committed to supporting children in their most important work: playing, creating, and exploring. As a school leader, she strives to build an equitable community where every child is valued for their individuality and has the space to be themselves.

Sasha holds an M.S. in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Bank Street College and a B.A. in Art and Art History from Barnard College.

HEAD TEACHER, 2s

Andreina has been part of the Chappaqua Friends community in many roles over the years. She began as an assistant teacher, led our 4s class for many years, and now helps to develop and lead our 2s program. A Boston College graduate with a background in marketing, Andreina brings creativity, warmth, and curiosity to her teaching.

In addition to her classroom work, she leads small-group explorations in cooking, sewing, planting, and open-ended materials. Through these hands-on experiences, children build confidence, flexibility, and creativity that extend far beyond preschool. Andreina loves supporting each child’s emerging personality and ensuring that every student feels safe, cared for, and at home.

MUSIC & ASSISTANT TEACHER, 2s

Katharine joined Chappaqua Friends three years ago, first as a substitute and Forest Friends teacher before becoming an assistant in our 4s class. She now works with our 2s and brings music to children across all ages. A certified Earth Science teacher for middle and high school, Katharine’s love of the natural world inspires both outdoor exploration and classroom learning.

She creates space for children’s growing independence and joy—whether they’re singing together, discovering the woods, or playing side by side. Katharine especially loves watching confidence blossom through play, nature, and music.

HEAD TEACHER, 3s

Melissa joined Chappaqua Friends more than a decade ago, spending ten years as an assistant teacher before stepping into her current role as Head Teacher in the 3s. She knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children and brings a sense of fun and empathy to everything she does.

A graduate of Mercy College with a B.S. in Behavioral Science and an M.S. in Early Childhood Education, Melissa also teaches Spanish to children of all ages. Her playful approach and love of music make each lesson lively and joyful

ASSISTANT TEACHER, 3s

Diana first joined the Chappaqua Friends community as a parent, when her now college-aged children attended the nursery school. After her children graduated, she returned as an assistant teacher, drawn back by the warmth and connection she experienced as a parent.

She loves witnessing the joy and friendship that grow in her classroom each day and helps create an environment where children feel confident expressing themselves and advocating for their needs, even at a young age.

ASSISTANT TEACHER, 3s

Meg joined Chappaqua Friends during the pandemic, initially supporting both 3s classes before spending several years in the 2s program. She now leads one of our 2s classes and continues to bring creativity, warmth, and humor to her teaching.

Meg quickly forms strong connections with her students and has become our resident photographer, capturing the joy and imagination of each day. Her eye for beauty and detail helps children notice and appreciate the small wonders of their world.

HEAD TEACHER 3/4s

Lynn has worked at Chappaqua Friends for five years, first as an assistant in the 3s and now as a leader of one of our Forest Friends classes. She has spent more than two decades leading nature-based programs for children and adults, helping people of all ages experience the healing and wonder of the natural world.

She is completing her M.A. in Chaplaincy at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, where she explores how to offer spiritual care in a world shaped by climate change. Lynn brings this deep commitment to peace and connection with the Earth into her work with children each day.

ASSISTANT TEACHER 3s

Kat is a recent graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where she earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts and an M.S. in Child Development. During her studies, she spent two years at the Sarah Lawrence Child Study Center, combining her interests in research and play-based learning.

In the classroom, Kat embraces simplicity and offers open-ended materials that invite children to explore and express their own ideas. She appreciates Friends’ focus on mindfulness and helps children learn to center themselves, collaborate, and build genuine friendships.

HEAD TEACHER, 4s

Rachel grew up in Chappaqua and has been part of the Friends community as a Head Teacher in the 4s for the past four years. She values being part of a warm, nurturing community of supportive colleagues and engaged families.

Rachel brings humor, creativity, and play into every part of her teaching. She holds a master’s degree in Special Education and has taught at the kindergarten, middle school, and college levels—but finds her work at Friends the most rewarding.

ASSISTANT TEACHER, 4s

Traci first came to Chappaqua Friends as a parent when her youngest child, now in high school, attended the 3s and 4s. Four years ago, she joined the teaching team as an assistant in the 4s. Outside the classroom, Traci serves on the board of the Chappaqua Youth Soccer Club, helping to guide the program’s growth and community spirit.

With a background in technical project management, she brings a thoughtful balance of structure and warmth to her teaching. Traci loves helping children build confidence and independence, always making sure they feel safe, supported, and joyful at school.