Teachers

The teachers and the director are readily available to parents to discuss any concerns or issues they may have during the school year. There are two formal parent-teacher conferences annually.

Penny Linden

4’s Lead Teacher

Ms. Linden has been in the field of early childhood for over 20 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She is dedicated to working with children and developing their minds in ways that encourage them to become lifelong learners.

Yessenia Pedraza

4’s Assistant Teacher

Marine Colcombet

3’s Lead Teacher

Marine Colcombet holds a bachelor’s degree in Translation, Interpretation, and International Relations. Since 2003, she has worked in the field of early childhood education. Mrs. Colcombet enjoys teaching because she can make a difference in the lives of children and watch them grow and learn.

Chantel White

3’s Assistant Teacher

Vanessa Weksler

3’s Lead Teacher

Vanessa Weksler holds a bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature and has been an English as a Second Language teacher. Both of her sons attended The Hitchcock School prior to her joining the team. Her enthusiasm and love for young children make every day in the classroom enjoyable and memorable.

Jordan Skeete

3’s Assistant Teacher

Makiko Toyomura

2’s Lead Teacher

Makiko Toyomura holds a Child Development Associate Credential. Her previous experience and knowledge have prepared her to take on a new challenge, and she is excited to begin preparing children for Kindergarten.

Latasha Anthony

2’s Assistant Teacher

Lis Samuels

Toddlers

Lis Samuels’ early childhood experience includes working as a nanny/au pair for 7 years. She believes that children flourish when they are given an environment that is consistent, engaging, and safe.

Alexis Paulicelli

Assistant to Toddlers

Mila Barrett 

Music Teacher, Musical Munchkins

Mila Barrett (Ms Mila) received a bachelor’s degree in music teaching from Kurenkeev Music College, a Master’s degree in music and classical guitar from Beshenalieva Institute of Arts in Russia, and another post-graduate degree in classical guitar performance from Kyrgyz State Conservatory. She taught classical guitar at a children’s music school in Kyrgyzstan for ten years. After moving to the United States and having children, she became interested in early childhood music education and has been a teacher in the Musical Munchkins of Westchester program since 2001. Ms Mila believes every child has talent in music and enjoys bringing that talent out in all of her students and watching them grow with music.

Staff

Regan Nikol - Administrative Assistant, The Hitchcock School

Regan Nikol recently worked as an Administrative Assistant at The Windward School and has taught music in various schools such as the Rye Arts Center, Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music, Great Neck Arts Center, Bayside Music Studio, Cambria Center School for the gifted child, Lakeville Elementary School, and her own private music studio.

She plays the clarinet and has experience performing with numerous music groups and festivals including Westchester Band, Bronxville Women's Club Midland Music Series, Lehman Band, Collegium Westchester Orchestra, Hudson Valley Wind Ensemble, Sarah Lawrence Orchestra, Purchase Symphonic Winds, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Texas Music Festival and College Light Opera Company. She has performed in Europe and the United States in venues such as Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Alice Tully Hall.

Regan received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education and performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.