Our Staff

My name is Eden Bird, AKA “Mrs. Bird”. I have been part of The Pre-School and the After School program for over 30 years. My job is Administrator and I over see our After School program. One of my greatest pleasures of being here for so long is seeing some of our earliest students now returning with their young children. I am blessed to be the mom of two sets of twin girls (all grown up) that were born and raised here in New Rochelle. My goal each and every day is to ensure the safety, security and happiness of each and every child that attends our school.

My name is Mrs. Field and I am the Director of the Pre-School Learning Center. I have been working at the Preschool since 1999. I started here as an After School Counselor, then a Teacher’s Assistant, Teacher and finally became the Assistant Director under Mrs. Godfrey in 2006. I am mastered in Early Childhood Education, Special Education and School Building Leadership. Mrs. Godfrey opened the Pre-School in 1980. She provided a home away from home for thousands of children over the years. Sadly, Mrs. Godfrey passed away in 2018. The school continues to run under her son A.J. and his wife Joie. We are dedicated to continuing the legacy of Mrs. Godfrey as we continue to offer a safe environment of love, laughter and learning; Mrs. Godfrey’s original philosophy. The Pre-School has always been a family working atmosphere. We pride ourselves on our long standing faculty and serving generations of families throughout the community.

My name is Lauren Vuolo. I have worked at The Pre-School Learning Center since 2008. I am the head teacher in the full day four-year-old Pre-K class. I went to the University of Connecticut where I earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and Development. When I moved home, I began to work towards my Master’s Degree at Manhattanville College. I have my MA in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. I have also continued my education earning an Advanced Certification in Literacy. Since I have begun working at The Pre-School Learning Center I have become a wife and mother of two children. a boy and a girl! I love teaching! Every day I am able to come to school and be a part of each of my students’ learning, growth, and development. I believe in a classroom community that has a balance of academics and socialization experiences. The students in my class are challenged to help them develop their skills and knowledge, but also feel nurtured enough to know it is okay to make mistakes and learn from them. The Preschool Learning Center is a wonderful family and I am privileged to be a part of it.

My name is Caileen O’Brien-Russell. I have been working at the Pre-School since 2014. I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Literacy Education at Lehman College. Preschool is a vital part of education. It is important to set a solid foundation as preschool sets the stage for future learning. I believe that young children learn best in a loving, warm, engaging, and fun environment. I aim to provide each child with this experience in order to foster their social, emotional, and academic growth.

My name is Danielle Palumbo and I am the head teacher in the PSLC’s three-year-old program. I began my journey in early childhood education in 2016 where I started out as a teacher’s assistant. I currently hold a Childhood Development Associate. I think it’s vital to emphasize the importance of a child’s voice by validating their thoughts and ensuring them that their perspectives and ideas matter. I consider my classroom a cornerstone for kindness; a place where a child can feel safe, respected, and included. My teaching philosophy is simple; I firmly believe that learning should be a joyful adventure for children. The classroom is a haven where laughter and exploration can intertwine seamlessly with educational growth. I continue to be committed to nurturing minds by engaging in fun learning experiences.

My name is Melissa Carpinelli and I have been working at the Pre-School Learning Center since 2021. I earned a dual Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Nursing from Hunter College, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education at Touro University. As I navigated through the challenges of the Pandemic and embarked on the journey of starting my family, I realized that I wanted to follow a different professional path. Education has always been an important aspect in my life and working with the pediatric population during my time in healthcare solidified my decision to pursue my passion for teaching. In 2021, my family and I moved to New Rochelle from Brooklyn after welcoming my second child. It was during this significant life transition that I was presented with this wonderful opportunity to join the Pre- School Learning Center. My goal is to cultivate a loving, nurturing, engaging and inclusive learning environment for my students. The connections formed with students, their families, and the collaborative atmosphere within the school is not only rewarding but truly special. The Pre-School Learning Center is a family that embraces you with open arms and I take great pride in being a part of this warm and welcoming family and community.

My name is Katie Brown and I am the teacher for our Tiny Tot two-year-old program. I have worked at the PSLC for the past five years and am also a mother to three boys. I achieved my Childhood Development Associate in early childhood, specializing in birth to 36 months. The Tiny Tot’s class focuses on the social and emotional foundation of each child. I introduce basic concepts through hands on experiences that the children are able to build on as they grow throughout our program. Each child is unique and I customize learning to meet each child’s specific needs and abilities. I enjoy building relationships with the families of my students and welcome parent involvement. My classroom provides a safe, nurturing and loving environment each day.