About our WNS staff
Niki Dial - School Director
Meaghan Fullerton - Curriculum Coordinator
Cathy Bennett - Office Manager
Year Started: 2010
Niki Dial earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a double minor in Early Childhood and Child Development from Plymouth State College. Since stepping into the role of School Director in 2010, she has led Weekday through significant growth and transformation.
What began as a small program with four half-da
Year Started: 2010
Niki Dial earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a double minor in Early Childhood and Child Development from Plymouth State College. Since stepping into the role of School Director in 2010, she has led Weekday through significant growth and transformation.
What began as a small program with four half-day classrooms has evolved under her leadership into a thriving school with nine classrooms offering a range of full-day, play-based learning options for young children. Her vision extended beyond the classroom as well, with the addition of a natural playspace, a sensory-based playground, and a nature trail—enhancing outdoor exploration and sensory learning opportunities.
Beyond Weekday, Niki is committed to advancing the field of Early Childhood Education. She regularly provides professional development training at both local and national levels and has presented at major conferences, including NAEYC, The NAEYC Professional Learning Institute and CTAEYC.
A proud mother of three grown children, Niki brings her "mom hat" to school every day—ensuring that every decision made reflects what she would want for her own children. Her nurturing leadership continues to shape Weekday into a place where young learners thrive.
Cathy Bennett - Office Manager
Meaghan Fullerton - Curriculum Coordinator
Cathy Bennett - Office Manager
Year Started: 1999
Cathy Bennett is a former Weekday parent who left a career on Wall Street to raise her daughter, Caroline. Caroline attended Weekday from the Terrific Twos through Senior Pre-K. During those years, Cathy volunteered her time helping to organize book fairs and the beloved Weekday Carnivals.
When Caroline moved on to Kinder
Year Started: 1999
Cathy Bennett is a former Weekday parent who left a career on Wall Street to raise her daughter, Caroline. Caroline attended Weekday from the Terrific Twos through Senior Pre-K. During those years, Cathy volunteered her time helping to organize book fairs and the beloved Weekday Carnivals.
When Caroline moved on to Kindergarten, Cathy was invited back to Weekday to assist part-time with finances and office management—and she’s been here ever since. With a background in Accounting and Computer Science from the College of Staten Island, Cathy helped modernize the office by introducing computers, online communication tools for teachers and parents, and software programs to monitor the school’s financial health.
Cathy also knows the ins and outs of the building better than anyone. She’s often called upon to coordinate maintenance and ensure everything at Weekday runs smoothly.
What Cathy loves most about Weekday is the creative spirit of the teachers—each bringing unique energy, imagination, and adventure to the classrooms every day. She enjoys supporting them in every way possible, whether it’s finding extra Post-its or handling unexpected surprises (like the occasional dead bird on the playground!). Cathy also takes pride in assisting parents with billing and payments.
Over the years, she’s seen nearly 4,000 students and families walk through the famous red doors of Weekday—and she’s delighted to know that each one has made special memories here.
Meaghan Fullerton - Curriculum Coordinator
Meaghan Fullerton - Curriculum Coordinator
Meaghan Fullerton - Curriculum Coordinator
Year Started: 2006
Meaghan Fullerton earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in NYC. She is NYS certified for ages N-6. Meaghan taught 4th grade for several years in Cold Spring Harbor and Bronxville before finding her true calling in Early Childhood. Meaghan’s four children graduated from Weekday
Year Started: 2006
Meaghan Fullerton earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in NYC. She is NYS certified for ages N-6. Meaghan taught 4th grade for several years in Cold Spring Harbor and Bronxville before finding her true calling in Early Childhood. Meaghan’s four children graduated from Weekday and she served as a parent on the board before joining as a teacher. Meaghan taught both the Terrific Two’s class and Senior Pre-K before taking on her role as Curriculum Coordinator. Today, she helps lead the staff to embrace a play-based, emergent curriculum. Meaghan guides the teachers as they develop lessons and seek training on pre-literacy, pre-math, block play, loose parts, STEAM learning, process art, sensory play, dramatic play, social-emotional learning, music and movement, and nature-based play. Meaghan also serves as a community liaison finding ways to collaborate with local universities, public schools and organizations. Recently she is embracing her role as a presenter to parents and other educators on several Early Childhood topics. She has presented at the National NAEYC conference, the PLI conference and CTAEYC.
Donna Wells - 2's Head Teacher
Tracey Rice - 3's Head Teacher
Donna Wells - 2's Head Teacher
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 a
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.
Lyzza Andrade 2-'s Assistant Teacher
Tracey Rice - 3's Head Teacher
Donna Wells - 2's Head Teacher
Year Started: 2026
Ms. Andrade is so excited to be joining the nursery school team! She is warm, caring, and creative person who truly enjoys working with young children and helping them feel happy, safe, and confident. Outside of school, Lyzza enjoys baking/spending time with her family and working out. She is looking forward to get
Year Started: 2026
Ms. Andrade is so excited to be joining the nursery school team! She is warm, caring, and creative person who truly enjoys working with young children and helping them feel happy, safe, and confident. Outside of school, Lyzza enjoys baking/spending time with her family and working out. She is looking forward to getting to know your children and being part of their early learning journey!
Claire Duarte - 3's Head Teacher
Tracey Rice - 3's Head Teacher
Tracey Rice - 3's Head Teacher
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 ho
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.
Tracey Rice - 3's Head Teacher
Tracey Rice - 3's Head Teacher
Tracey Rice - 3's Head Teacher
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 Stepping Stones program.
One t
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 Stepping Stones program.
One thing that always makes Tracey smile is seeing happy children arrive at school each morning, excited for the day ahead.
Yolanda Reyes - 3's Head Teacher
Yolanda Reyes - 3's Head Teacher
Yolanda Reyes - 3's Head Teacher
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
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.
Katherine Dennin - 3's Assistant Teacher
Yolanda Reyes - 3's Head Teacher
Yolanda Reyes - 3's Head Teacher
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
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 Stepping Stones program, where she has been ever since.
Three words Katherine uses to describe Weekday are joyful, nurturing, and creative.
Mariana Adams -3's Assistant Teacher
Yolanda Reyes - 3's Head Teacher
Mariana Adams -3's Assistant Teacher
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 rais
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.
Jennifer Kornspun - 3's Assistant Teacher
Jennifer Kornspun - 3's Assistant Teacher
Jennifer Kornspun - 3's Assistant Teacher
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 car
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.
Yvette Nikitiadis - 3's Assistant Teacher
Jennifer Kornspun - 3's Assistant Teacher
Jennifer Kornspun - 3's Assistant Teacher
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 cheri
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 Stepping Stones 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.
Claudia Luna - 3's Assistant Teacher
Diane Kirchner-Carmody - 3's Assistant Teacher
Diane Kirchner-Carmody - 3's Assistant Teacher
Year Started: 2023
Ms. Luna is a dedicated childcare educator with 15 years of experience working with children of various ages, focusing on their individual needs and development. Claudia is passionate about fostering a supportive learning environment and believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. She is looking forward to a great year!
Diane Kirchner-Carmody - 3's Assistant Teacher
Diane Kirchner-Carmody - 3's Assistant Teacher
Diane Kirchner-Carmody - 3's Assistant Teacher
Year Started: 2026
Diane is first and foremost a mom to a son and daughter and a proud “Gram Gram” to my grandchildren Diane has over 30 years of experience working with young children and families, and truly loves what she does. She is passionate about creating a warm, caring environment where children feel confident, supported, and excited to learn and grow.
Symone Lee - 3's Assistant Teacher
Diane Kirchner-Carmody - 3's Assistant Teacher
Symone Lee - 3's Assistant Teacher
Year Started: 2022
Symone Lee earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Iona University. Her favorite part of working at Weekday is the helpful and welcoming spirit of everyone. She loves coming in each day to see the children’s smiling faces and enjoys working with them on a daily basis.
Erin Enos - K Bridge Head Teacher
Diane Kirchner-Carmody - 3's Assistant Teacher
Symone Lee - 3's Assistant Teacher
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
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.
Marisa Salera - 4's Head Teacher
Carissa Melrose - 4's Head Teacher
Citlalli Ochoa - 4's Head Teacher
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 Weekda
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.
Citlalli Ochoa - 4's Head Teacher
Carissa Melrose - 4's Head Teacher
Citlalli Ochoa - 4's Head Teacher
Year Started: 2026
Carissa Melrose - 4's Head Teacher
Carissa Melrose - 4's Head Teacher
Carissa Melrose - 4's Head Teacher
Year Started: 2026
Lisa Faita - 4's Assistant Teacher
Carissa Melrose - 4's Head Teacher
Carissa Melrose - 4's Head Teacher
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
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.
Martha Interiano - 4's Assistant Teacher
Martha Interiano - 4's Assistant Teacher
Martha Interiano - 4's Assistant Teacher
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 w
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.
Rachael Mannix - 4's Assistant Teacher
Martha Interiano - 4's Assistant Teacher
Martha Interiano - 4's Assistant Teacher
Year Started: 2026
Kayla Anderson - 4's Assistant Teacher
Martha Interiano - 4's Assistant Teacher
Bryan Grossbauer - 4's Literacy Teacher
Year Started: 2026
Bryan Grossbauer - 4's Literacy Teacher
Martha Interiano - 4's Assistant Teacher
Bryan Grossbauer - 4's Literacy Teacher
Year Started: 2023
Bryan a former Weekday parent, brings a deep commitment to our community. Bryan Grossbauer earned his Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University and is currently working his Masters in Early Childhood Education at Lehman College. Bryan teaches learning through play in our Literacy in Action program, helping children develop key communication and literacy skills.