Amanda

Director

The opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder with a dedicated, nurturing faculty and watch children experiment as they strive to satisfy their own burning questions each day, all in the bounty of the outdoors, is truly a gift.

Amanda became a part of the FNNS community as Director during the summer of 2022. She was drawn to the close knit sense of community, the respect and care teachers demonstrate for children, and the chance to work with children outdoors on a daily basis. Amanda graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Early Childhood Through Elementary Education. While teaching Second Grade for twelve years in the Teaneck Public Schools, she earned a Masters’ Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College of Education. After a short time remaining home to raise her two young children, Amanda returned to the classroom teaching First Grade for thirteen years at the Montclair Cooperative School and then Pre-K at the Learning Community Charter in Jersey City. She was a K-5 Literacy Coach with the Children’s Literacy Initiative working in Elizabeth Public Schools, during which time she secured a Masters’ Degree in Progressive Leadership from Bank Street College of Education. Shortly thereafter, Amanda was fortunate enough to connect with FNNS and the rest is history. To enter into learning, in the outdoors, and in partnership with children is nothing less than a completely enchanting endeavor. We at FNNS are privileged to participate in this activity every, single, day, and we encourage you to do the same with the young children in your charge. We promise you, if you keep your eyes, hearts, and minds open, the children will change the way you see the world. Yours in nature and exploration...

Laura

Youngers Teacher / Assistant Director

Everyday is magical at FNNS.

Laura has been with FNNS for over seventeen years. She began her tenure at FNNS as a parent when her own young children attended the school. As a parent, Laura was quick to appreciate the nurturing and supportive environment FNNS provides for students and it wasn’t long before she became a member of the faculty. Laura graduated from William Paterson University and is also a certified Nature School Teacher. She is a member of the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools and is dedicated to providing our students with accessible nature-based education. Laura believes, “Children are not just playing in nature at Friends. They are exploring, observing, discovering, and wondering. They grow together and create their own community amongst themselves and their surroundings.”

Vanessa

Teacher

Vanessa is a former children’s librarian who enjoyed creating engaging storytimes and programs for children that sparked creativity and curiosity. She believes that children thrive through exploration where curiosity and imagination lead the pathway to learning and knowledge. She feels FNNS fosters such a concept allowing children to grow and develop amongst their peers and nature. She has earned her BA from Rutgers University and is currently working on her Master’s in Library and Information Sciences at PennWest University. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog, baking for family and friends, reading, and her daily walks where she is able to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds and centers her. Vanessa is excited to share her favorite stories with the FNNS students and to witness the daily wonders and joy they experience from learning.

Shaina

Teacher

Shaina holds a B.A. in Social Sciences/Pre-Law from Marywood University with a concentration in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. With over eight years of experience in early childhood education, including three years in an integrated Special Education Pre-K classroom, she focuses on creating inclusive, nurturing environments that support all learners. Shaina believes children learn best through exploration, imagination, and hands-on activities, and that joyful experiences lead to deeper learning. She prioritizes outdoor, play-based learning that fosters curiosity, problem-solving, independence, and connection to the environment. She chose FNNS because of its commitment to social-emotional growth, kindness, and community—values she holds close in her teaching. Shaina brings creativity into the classroom through storytelling, dramatic play, art, and movement. She also values mindfulness, encourages emotional regulation, and loves working with natural materials. Outside of school, she enjoys crafting, painting, gardening, baking, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and practicing mixed martial arts. She is excited to help children feel safe, seen, and inspired at FNNS.

Bella

Teacher

Bella brings a rich background in working with children, including two years as a CIT, four years as a camp counselor, a year as an art teacher, and two years in a daycare setting. She believes that children are the future and that they learn best through play, creativity, and the freedom to use their imaginations. A former Girl Scout, Bella spent much of her childhood outdoors and camping—experiences that shaped her love for nature and led her to FNNS. Her favorite memories are of being outside, and she wants to ensure the next generation has similar opportunities to connect with the natural world. Bella finds gardening peaceful and grounding and enjoys sharing that calm and joy with children. In her free time, she loves traveling, cooking, and creating art. She’s thrilled to be part of a school that values nature, creativity, and play as essential parts of learning.

Suzanne

Substitute Teacher

I enjoy seeing the children discovering new things in FNNS' nurturing environment each day.

Suzanne came to FNNS as a substitute teacher in 2024. She enjoys working with children, helping them learn, and watching their curiosity grow. Suzanne has a BS degree in Business Administration from Wagner College. After working in the financial industry she decided to stay home to raise her two sons. She worked with the art docent program through Tictoc, introducing culture to children and also at her sons' elementary school for many years. Suzanne has been a religious education teacher and she enjoys spending time with her husband and sons, traveling, reading, cooking and baking.

Lisa

Substitute Teacher

I really enjoy encouraging our students and I have a passion for helping all children reach their full potential.

Lisa joined our faculty in 2020 and has been with us since. She began her work with children over 30 years ago. Initially she was a gymnastics coach for children ages six months and above, until she transitioned into her role as Lead Twos/Threes Teacher and Assistant Director of the Mommy and Me gym program in Manhattan. After starting a family with her husband, Lisa took some time to be home with her growing family. At home, she loves doing outdoorsy things with her family such as going to the beach or taking her dogs out for long walks. At FNNS, Lisa loves to support children as they work to better understand the world around them.

Toshka

Substitute Teacher

Children require patience and time to process, which I am happy to provide. In giving children the time they need, I find my work with our students to be very fulfilling as they make me smile everyday.

Toshka began working at FNNS in 2019. Her passion for supporting and connecting with young children brought her to our school after being home with her own two boys who are now in high school. Toshka grew up in Mongolia and attended the Pedagogical University of Mongolia earning a degree in Physical Education. While she values a well balanced curriculum such as the one utilized at FNNS, she believes social skills and social emotional learning are invaluable and support childrens’ learning across all areas of development. Toshka particularly enjoys fostering exploration of the world through games, play, the use of nature, and storytelling.

Danielle

Substitute Teacher

There is something magical about FNNS. Being in the fresh air, seeing joy in the children’s eyes when they make new discoveries... imaginations run wild here, and it’s so much fun to be a part of!

Danielle began teaching at FNNS this past spring and felt an instant sense of community and belonging upon her arrival. She hails from Connecticut and New York, and recently moved to Northern NJ with her husband, young son, and family dog. Having taught preschool as well as art to PreK through Grade 8 students for over a decade, Danielle believes the community at Friends is truly unique. She received her BA from the University of Rhode Island and has begun work toward her Masters’ Degree in Early Childhood Education at Brooklyn College. Among other activities at Friends, Danielle can often be found teaching mindfulness, art, yoga and playing hide-and-seek with our students. She presently seeks to perfect, what the children affectionately call “rocket ship” pushes on the swings.

Margaret

Substitute Teacher

I have never had a dull day working with the children of FNNS! I enjoy the laughter, the smiles, the hugs, and the way FNNS students keep me going and on my toes!

Margaret first joined FNNS as a substitute assistant teacher in 2021 after spending time at home with her own two children. She holds a BA from Baruch College as well as a Masters’ Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. For fifteen years, Margaret dedicated herself to the education of young children in New York City Public Schools as a classroom teacher. These days, Margaret enjoys traveling and new experiences. She brings her sense of adventure, skills and talents, along with her love of children to FNNS each and every day.

Ellen

Substitute Teacher

Ellen has been a substitute teacher at FNNS since 2019. Her affiliation with the school began in 1997 when her children became students here. Since that time, she continued to be a part of her childrens' early public school years, as class parent, Field Day Chair and Helping Hands organizer. Helping Hands is a program where participating homes along the school route display a helping hands logo visible in their windows. This sends a message to children walking to school that they could feel safe knowing help was available if an emergency occurred or they needed support. Ellen graduated from Hunter College in New York with a degree in Communications. After a career in finance, she moved to Bergen County and became a stay at home parent to her two children. Ellen is pleased to be, once again, an active part of a community that has been so important to her and her family.

Karen

Substitute Teacher

Karen has been teaching at FNNS since the spring of 2024. She began volunteering in the classroom when her oldest child started preschool and she continued to volunteer in her children's cooperative elementary school. She was actively involved with the PTA , the annual Spelling Bee, the school library and Scholastic Book Fair, and various activities and fundraisers. Karen was an art docent for two district art programs. She presented information as well as helped children to express themselves through art. All the while, Karen was a den mother for the Cub Scouts and a Co-Leader for the Girl Scouts. Karen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UCLA and worked in Marketing both in the US and in Asia, while living in the Philippines & Hong Kong. She received a Substitute Teaching Certification in the state of CA and worked as a substitute teacher in the Palos Verdes Unified School District for several years. Karen enjoys working with young children again at FNNS!