Teachers

Each of our staff continually updates her own early childhood education through various programs and seminars.


Cynthia Hicks

Director

Cynthia begins her 19th year at MMPS teaching a morning 2.5/3 multi-age class. She lives in Springfield with her husband, Brian, and three sons. Cynthia has her BS degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut.

Nancy O’Connell

Head Teacher

Nancy begins her 20th year at MMPS teaching the 4 year old, STEAM and Soar With Fours classes. She lives in Maplewood with her husband, Rob, and three children. Nancy has her MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from Springfield College, Springfield, MA and has her Child Development credentials from Montclair State University.

Margaret Gray

Teacher

Margaret begins her 16th year at MMPS teaching the Pre K 5 class. She lives in Maplewood with her husband, Tim, and five children. She has her BS in Psychology with concentration in Elementary and Special Education from Mt. Saint Mary’s College in Newburgh, NY and her MA in Special Education from Brooklyn College, NY.

Terrie Brodie

Teacher

Terrie begins her 16th year at MMPS teaching 2.5/3 and 3/4 multi-age classes. She was a co-op parent at MMPS for five years and served on the Board as the Registrar for two years. She lives in Maplewood with her husband, Tom, and two children. Terrie attended College of the Mainland, Texas City, TX and has her New Jersey CDA credential.

Patti Moore

Assistant Teacher

Patti begins her 2nd year at MMPS as an assistant teacher for our STEAM and Soars With Fours classes. Patti has been a very important part of our support staff since 2018. She was a co-op parent for five years. She lives in Maplewood with her husband Owen, and two daughters. Patti attended Lynchburg College, VA and is currently in the process of obtaining her NJ CDA certification.

Kristen Mitchell

Assistant Teacher

Kristen is beginning her preschool career this year as an assistant teacher in the 2.5 year old class. She is a life-long resident of South Orange, where she currently lives with her husband, Matt and daughter. Kristen has a BS in Business Administration from Montclair State University. She was a co-op parent for two years at MMPS, and is currently obtaining her NJ CDA certification.

Carolyn McCarthy

Assistant Teacher

Carolyn begins her 2nd year at MMPS as an assistant teacher in our Pre- K 5 class. She lives in Millburn with her husband, Chris and three children She was a co-op parent for five years. Carolyn has a BA in Communication from Seton Hall University.