About our WNS staff

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Year Started: 2001

Donna Wells joined Weekday Nursery School in 1998 when her daughter, Lindsay, began the Terrific 2s program. The following year, Lindsay moved on to Room 4, and Donna’s younger daughter, Nicole, was enrolled in the Terrific 2s. During this time, Donna became actively involved with the school, volunteering in classrooms and leading various out-of-school parent programs. In 2001, the Director offered her a full-time position at the school—a role she gladly accepted, as Weekday Nursery School had become a meaningful part of her life.

Donna went on to earn her CDA, which deepened her understanding of early childhood development, and she continues to pursue professional learning to enhance her knowledge and better support the children in her care.

As a preschool teacher, she believes deeply in the power of learning through play. She views play as the foundation of how young children make sense of the world around them and develop vital social, emotional, and problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Through play, children explore their creativity, practice cooperation, and build confidence in a joyful and natural way. She believes that when children play, they are not only having fun but also learning to communicate, make decisions, and express themselves. By guiding them in purposeful play, she nurtures their curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Year Started: 2016

Claire Duarte’s journey with Weekday Nursery School began in 2016 when her son, Tyler, started attending the program alongside her. She completed the CACHE Diploma of Nursery Nursing at Norland College in the United Kingdom in 2018. Before having children, Claire worked as a professional nanny and later opened her own home daycare. When her youngest child turned three, she joined Weekday, seeking new opportunities for both herself and her son. After joining the school, Claire earned her CDA, furthering her professional growth in early childhood education.

As an educator, Claire encourages curiosity and creativity by designing an inviting environment filled with open-ended materials that promote exploration and imagination. She carefully sets up spaces that spark wonder, incorporating loose parts, natural objects, and real-world connections. Claire believes that when children are given the freedom to explore, experiment, and persevere in a safe and supportive environment, they develop into confident learners who are not afraid to take risks and try new things.

Year Started: 2012

Tracey’s connection with Weekday Nursery School began when her son, Eddie, attended from 2010 to 2012. She joined the Weekday staff in 2011 and, over the next 14 years, worked in various classrooms as an assistant teacher. In 2020, after earning her CDA, Tracey became the head teacher in the Rising Stars program.

One thing that always makes Tracey smile is seeing happy children arrive at school each morning, excited for the day ahead.

Year Started: 2019

Patti Cartolano earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, and is a New York State certified teacher for children from birth through sixth grade. Before joining Weekday Nursery School, Patti taught four-year-olds for six years at the Ridge Street Country School in Rye Brook.

Patti was inspired to become a teacher by her mother-in-law, Christina, who returned to school to earn her graduate degree in Education at the age of 45 after raising eight children. Christina went on to teach kindergarten until her retirement at age 75. Her dedication and passion for teaching inspired Patti to pursue her own master’s degree in Education—a decision she is grateful for every day, as it has made her life richer and more fulfilling as an early childhood educator.

Year Started: 2016

Yvette Nikitiadis’s journey at Weekday Nursery School began in 2012 when her son, Demetrios, joined the Terrific 2’s class. He went on to the Rising Stars 3’s and Sr. Pre-K programs, and two years later, Yvette’s daughter, Arabella, followed in his footsteps. Both children formed lasting friendships that they still cherish today as a Junior and a Freshman at NRHS.

Yvette played an instrumental role in co-creating Weekday’s Annual Gala, which continues to serve as the school’s leading fundraiser. As her children moved on to elementary school, she began working at Weekday as a substitute and lunch monitor. In 2020, she officially joined the team as an assistant teacher in the 3’s Rising Stars class.

What brings Yvette the most joy at Weekday is watching children learn or try something new for the first time. Seeing their enthusiasm and eyes light up is truly magical. She feels deeply grateful to spend her days surrounded by curious, joyful young learners.

Year Started: 2022

Jennifer Kornspun’s connection to Weekday Nursery School began as a parent, when both of her children attended the Pre-K 4s program. Weekday Nursery is where her children first discovered their love for school.

While her children were young, Jennifer worked as a full-time, experienced nanny. Her years of nurturing and caring for children helped her develop a deep understanding of early childhood development. When her youngest child graduated from Weekday Nursery School, Jennifer knew she wanted to continue being part of such a special community. In 2022, she officially joined the Weekday team.

Jennifer is a mom first, and that shines through in the way she treats her students every day—with patience, warmth, and genuine care. Weekday Nursery has truly become Jennifer’s happy place. Seeing the children’s smiling faces each morning and watching their growth throughout the year brings her endless joy. Her background as a nanny and her love for children help her create a nurturing, joyful, and supportive classroom environment where every child can thrive.

Year Started: 2022

Lisa Faita began working at Weekday Nursery School in 2022, though her connection to the school started years earlier as a parent when all three of her children attended Weekday.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and spent many years working in advertising before starting her family. Once her children were all in grade school, Lisa was thrilled to return to Weekday—this time as a teacher—because of the wonderful memories her family had built there over the years.

As a teacher, Lisa loves fostering children’s creativity and curiosity by providing a supportive space for them to explore and take risks. She is continually amazed by the many ways children learn to problem-solve in a play-based environment.

Year Started: 2001

Grace Russo began working at Weekday Nursery School in September 2001. Over the years, she earned her CDA credential and New York State Teaching Assistant Certification.

Grace describes working with young children as one of the most rewarding experiences of her career in education. She takes great pride in supporting children through their developmental stages—nurturing their social-emotional growth, cognitive thinking, and language skills. Grace finds deep fulfillment in helping to create a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn through play.

Year Started: 2016

Yolanda’s journey with Weekday began in 2009 when her daughter, Isabella, entered the 3’s program. The following year, her son, Louie, joined the 2’s program. When the opportunity arose to become part of the Weekday team, Yolanda—already familiar with the nurturing environment, warmth, and joy the school provided for her own children—eagerly embraced the chance to offer the same unforgettable experience to others.

She began as an assistant teacher in 2016 and has been fortunate to work across various classrooms and age groups. In 2024, she earned her CDA credential. Yolanda is a firm believer that children learn best through play, making Weekday the perfect place for kids to explore, be creative, and take risks.

Year Started: 2018

Katherine’s first experience with Weekday was in 2008 when her son, Alex, attended the fours program. He had a wonderful experience, and the family immediately appreciated the community and warmth that Weekday offered.

After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology and music from Union College, Katherine went on to receive her MBA in accounting from Boston University. She worked as an auditor and then as a consultant for seven years before deciding to stay home to raise her three children.

After 13 years at home, she returned to work as a Class Leader at Groove in Larchmont, where she spent three years singing and teaching music classes to children ages birth to four. In February 2018, she joined Weekday as an assistant teacher in the Rising Stars program, where she has been ever since.

Three words Katherine uses to describe Weekday are joyful, nurturing, and creative.

Year Started: 2021

Mariana attended college in Brazil, where she studied Advertising. After moving to the United States, she completed a continuing education course in Interior Design at Parsons. Shortly afterward, she relocated to Switzerland, where she lived for five years. Upon returning to New York, Mariana decided to stay home to raise her children and became an active volunteer with the Ward PTA for many years.

After her extensive volunteer work, she decided to pursue a new career working with children. Mariana loves seeing the happy and curious faces of the children at Weekday every day. Although her own children did not attend Weekday, they often tell her they wish they could have after hearing her stories about the wonderful things she and her students do in class.

Year Started: 2016

Marisa Salera holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Elementary Education as well as a Master’s degree in Literacy. Marisa’s teaching path began in New York City where she taught in both private and public schools. Her oldest child began in the 3s at Weekday in the fall of 2011. Family and friends had attended Weekday and she immediately felt it was going to be a wonderful fit for her children. Her second son enrolled in 2012. Over his three years at Weekday he made friends he still considers close over 13 years later. In 2016, Weekday was expanding and Marisa joined the staff as a head teacher in the Rising Stars. She brought her youngest child along as well. Marisa’s children have long since left Weekday, but the school remains an important part of her family's story.

What Marisa loves most about Weekday is that it is a place where everyone is free to be themselves. It is a warm, nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to grow and learn at their own pace. Marisa deeply believes that learning through play helps build a strong foundation that each child can carry with them as they continue to grow. She finds it incredibly fulfilling to help shape young minds and witness the lasting impact of early learning.

Year Started: 2024

Maryann Cantone’s connection to Weekday Nursery School began when her youngest daughter, Lexi, attended from 2014 to 2016. Maryann earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of New Rochelle. Before joining Weekday, she spent 10 years teaching in the Bronx, where she taught the 3’s program, kindergarten, and second grade, and also served as a writing specialist. She then continued her teaching career at a preschool in Westchester teaching the 3's and 4's for another decade.

To Maryann, three words that best describe Weekday are engaging, thoughtful, and fun—qualities she strives to bring to her classroom every day.

Year Started: 2022

Erin Enos earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Pace University.  She is certified birth-sixth grade. Erin also has a prestigious National Boarding Teacher Certification. Less than 4% of teachers in the US have this certification. Erin came to Weekday having taught second grade, kindergarten and pre-k in the South Bronx. Erin was integral in launching a Pre-K For All program at a charter school in the South Bronx. Erin is passionate about integrating social emotional learning and purposeful play into the classroom.  Erin has worked as a social emotional learning  facilitator with Band Street College helping pre-k teachers in NYC develop their own skills. Erin knows what a special place Weekday is for children. Her own son attended Weekday for Pre-K and he still talks about many of the amazing experiences he had.  

Year Started: 2024

Kimberly Perez earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early and Childhood Education from Iona University, with a minor in Spanish. She is currently at Iona pursuing her Master’s degree in Literacy and Special Education. Kimberly is certified in New York State to teach from birth through second grade and is working toward certification for grades three through six.

Kimberly was inspired to become a teacher because she has always loved watching children explore, wonder, and discover new things. Seeing the world through their eyes reminds her how magical learning can be. She wanted to be part of that joy every day and help nurture each child’s natural curiosity and love for learning.

Year Started: 2016

Martha’s daughter, Karter, attended Jr. PreK and PreK, and her daughter, Sofia, attended the Terrific Twos, Jr. PreK, and PreK programs. During Sofia’s final year at Weekday, Martha began as a substitute assistant and later joined the Weekday team as the assistant teacher in the Twos program. After spending a few years with the Twos, she became the assistant in KBridge and now teaches in the full-day PreK class. Throughout her time at Weekday, she has also taught Spanish.

Martha earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University and a Master’s degree in Theology from Barry University.

One thing that always makes Martha smile at Weekday is watching the children get messy! She loves giving them the freedom to explore mud, paint, slime, rain, and snow. By encouraging children to use their senses to experience nature and different art and play materials, she believes their curiosity and learning become limitless.

Year Started: 2024

Farrah Eaton graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in Special Education. After graduation, she served as the Associate Director of Admissions at an all-girls private Catholic high school, where she also taught Math and English in the summer school program for Freshmen. In addition, she developed a curriculum designed to support students who were the first in their families to attend college.

Farrah loves that Weekday provides a creative and nurturing environment where young children are encouraged to be thoughtful learners while having fun. She is the proud mother of three children, and her youngest daughter, Nola, attended Weekday.