ABOUT LITTLE LEARNERS OF WESTCHESTER INC.

We are proud to provide local children in Cortlandt Manor, NY and surrounding areas with quality preschool programs. Our staff is energetic, excited, and creative, and look forward to helping your Little Learner reach their full potential, in and out of the classroom. We are proud to serve families across Westchester with early child education. As New York State Certified Teachers, our staff are exceptionally qualified to give your child the foundation for a successful academic career. Our staff also includes a speech pathologist and registered nurse who work with our team per diem.

Director – Christina Poggioreale

My name is Christina Poggioreale I am a current resident of Yorktown Heights and have lived here for the past nineteen years. I am originally from Long Island. I have been happily married to my husband Vincent for twenty two and a half years. We have three children: Vincent 20, Thomas 16, and Juliana 13. I am a New York State Certified Elementary School Teacher and have a dual Masters in Special Education. I am also fluent in Spanish. I have been the owner and director of Little Learners of Westchester since I opened on March 1, 2013. Prior to the preschool I was a Substitute Teacher in the Yorktown School District for 9 years. I also worked for the Lakeland and North Salem School District from September 2007 to May 2010. I enjoy outdoor family activities such as hiking in the woods, swimming, snowmobiling, and ATV riding. I have a strong love and respect for my family and a passion for working with children.

Christina Poggioreale, Director at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Head Teacher – Danielle Hodge

My name is Danielle Hodge. I am a current resident of Peekskill, NY and have been a resident in the area for quite some time. I have previously been working as a Teacher’s Assistant at Little Learners where I worked with all age groups. I recently have taken a new opportunity and will be moving forward as the New Head Teacher of the 4’s. I have thought about working in early education starting back as early as 14 and looking forward to starting this new journey with Little Learners. I previously spent 5 years volunteering at a preschool and summer camp and have always had a continued interest in early education. Being a mother of a 3 year old little girl has definitely made me more eager to teach children at this important age, as well as learn from the children. I look forward to making a positive impact on our kids here at Little Learners and am excited to watch them move forward and have bright futures.
Danielle Hodge, Head Teacher at Little Learners of Westchester

Toddler Teacher- Chessere Astrologo

My name is Chessere Astrologo. I was born and raised in this area and currently reside in Peekskill. I am a proud mother to an almost 5 year old boy named Jackson. Jackson has attended little learners since he was 18 months old and will be going off to kindergarten this fall. I have my CDA in infant and toddler care and education, for the past 4 years I have been the toddler teacher at little learners, and this past April I became the head caregiver in our new infant room! I have 9 years previous infant experience and absolutely love the work I do. I have both the mental and physical energy to provide a warm, loving environment for all the infants in my care.
Chessere Astrologo, Toddler Teacher at Little Learners of Westchester

Teacher’s Assistant – Mari Perez

Hi, my name is Mari Perez. I grew up in Peekskill, NY. I’m one of the teacher assistants in the 2’s room. Before Little Learners, I was a teacher assistant at a school that focuses on children who are mentally and emotionally disturbed. I’m also on the path to obtain my CDA. I’m currently in school to become a Social Worker, ultimately my main focus is going to be working with children and what better way to learn about them than working with them.
Mari Perez, Teacher’s Assistant at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Teacher – Karen Teti

Hi my name is Karen Teti, I live in the Town of Garrison. I have lived here for over 37 years. I am married and have three children and four grandchildren. I have been teaching Preschool for over 20 years. I hold a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art. I also hold a license as a licensed practical nurse.

My love for children is indescribable, I cannot imagine my life without them in it. I am extremely excited to be working at Little Learners of Westchester and am looking forward to meeting our children.

Karen Teti, Teacher at Little Learners of Westchester

Licensed Practical Nurse – Stella Briel – Health Care Consultant

My name is Stella and I obtained my LPN from Westchester Community College in 2003. I grew up in the Bronx and currently live in Westchester County. I am the mother of two children and currently work at Northern Westchester Hospital in the Labor and Delivery Unit. I also work per diem at Westchester County nursing homes.

A note from the directors: We are very excited to have Stella Breil as part of our team. Not only does she bring her experience but, also a caring and loving nature for children.

Stella Briel, Licensed Practical Nurse & Health Care Consultant at Little Learners of Westchester

Teacher – Meg Avery

My name is Meg Avery. I grew up in the area and currently live in Cortlandt Manor. I have been married for 29 years and have 3 adult children. I previously taught Kindergarten for 12 years before starting my family. As my children became school aged, I went back to work and found my love for preschoolers. I have 10 years experience with this age group. The first 5 years I worked as an assistant teacher, and the last 5 years, as the lead teacher in the 4’s class. I am excited to start this new journey at Little Learners with your children.
Meg Avery, Teacher at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Teacher – Maddie Maurer

My name is Maddie Maurer. I have always lived in Putnam valley. I have worked at little learners for four months now, and am a teacher’s assistant in the infant room. I have always enjoyed working with children and babies. I enjoy every moment I come into work and am able to make a difference in their lives while they continue to make a difference in mine.
Maddie Maurer, Teacher's Assistant at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Teacher’s Assistant – Dominique Lucariello

My name is Dominique Lucariello. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and currently residing in Eastchester. I am a proud mother of a 15 month old baby girl named Mila, who attends Little Learners in the infant room. I’ve worked with children since 2014 in various settings such as dance schools, pre schools, elementary schools, and schools for children with special needs. I have always had a passion for working with children. I believe all children should be treated with love and compassion. I always look forward to coming into work everyday to see those smiling little faces.
Maddie Maurer, Teacher's Assistant at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Teacher’s Assistant – Daniella Tonndorf

My name is Daniella Tonndorf. I have worked at Little Learners for a little over a year now. I am currently a teacher’s assistant in the infant room. I have been babysitting for years, but it wasn’t until this job that I realized how much I enjoy working with kids. I love working with babies and being able to watch them learn and grow has been a privilege.
Maddie Maurer, Teacher's Assistant at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Teacher Assistant -Dicarly Liranzo

My name is Dicarly Liranzo. I was raised in the Bronx and moved to Yorktown back in 2015. I attended Yorktown high school and went to Boces for culinary arts. I never really knew I had an interest in teaching and taking care of children until I started to watch my cousin’s son Lukas. He was 8 months old. I would cook meals for them occasionally, take Lukas to the park or the library. We went on car rides, walks, played, and so much more. Lukas is now 3 years old and I continue to have this amazing opportunity of continuing to teach him and other awesome toddlers. I’m currently working on my CDA license to further my education in teaching children.
Maddie Maurer, Teacher's Assistant at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Teacher – Elizabeth Lipedusi

My name is Elizabeth Lipedusi. I’m currently a resident in Mohegan Lake, New York. I graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2023 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I’ve been working in early childcare for seven years. I have worked in preschools/ daycares where I have cared for children ranging from infants to preschool. Working with children brings me so much joy and I consider myself lucky to be able to watch them grow. Creating special bonds with each child individually at Little Learners is truly so special!
Maddie Maurer, Teacher's Assistant at Little Learners of Westchester Inc.

Call Little Learners of Westchester Today!

Giving children a strong foundation for academic success is at the core of what we do here at Little Learners. We are dedicated to helping children develop a lifelong love of learning, and strive to create a memorable, exciting, and supportive environment for all of our students.

If you would like further information about enrollment or have general questions, I encourage you to give us a call today at 914-402-1149 or fill out our online contact form.

Little Learners
of Westchester Inc.
3565 Crompound Rd.
Cortlandt Manor, NY, 10567

PHONE: (914) 402-1149

Hours
MONDAY: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
TUESDAY: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
THURSDAY: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
FRIDAY: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Play, Learn and Grow Together