Executive Director
Cecilia Scott-Croff, ED.D, SAS, SDA, CPAC
Executive Director
cscottcroff@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: Ed.D. in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College
Licenses and Certifications: NYS Certified Program Administrator, NYS Early Intervention Service Provider – Specializing in Special Education Instruction and Service Coordination, NYS Certified Program Administrator, NYC Teacher of Early Childhood Classes (pre-k through 2)
Dr. Cecilia Scott-Croff is the Executive Director of the Early Childhood Center and an Adjunct Faculty member at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). She is an experienced leader with a background in early childhood, special education, administration and advocacy. Dr. Scott-Croff is a former member of the Accreditation Council appointed by the governing board of the National Association of the Education of Young Children, an early career scholar with the New York City Early Childhood Research Network. She is board member and Chair of the Advocacy and Research Committee for the National Coalition for Campus Children’s Center (N4C) and the chapter Co-Chair for the Westchester Association Education of Young Children. A published author, Leadership Fellow at BMCC, she is also a member of Re-imagining our Work (ROW), an early childhood leadership group focused on equity, beloved community and social justice for young children. She is President elect for the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC).
Administrative Office
Angelo Guerrero
Bookkeeper
aguerrero@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: B.S. in Accounting from Hunter College
Angelo Guerrero, the Center’s part-time Bookkeeper. He is currently also working at Sesame Sprout and in Polish-American Media, Inc. as a Full Charge Bookkeeper/Accountant.
Yvonne Gutierrez
Office Manager
ygutierrez@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: B.A. in Computer Science from Pace University
Do you need childcare? Do you have children (ages two to twelve)? Have you been awarded federal work study? Do you want to observe a class? Are you going to be interning this semester? Did you complete all of the necessary paperwork? Do you have weekend classes? If your answer is “yes” then please meet Yvonne Gutierrez, Office Manager of the Early Childhood Center. An employee since 2000, Yvonne has a strong background in the arts.
Sori Palacio
Consultant
spalacio@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education at Hunter College, B.A in Early Childhood Education from City College of New York
Licenses and Certifications: NYS Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education, NYC Teacher of Early Childhood Classes (pre-k through 2), NYS Professional Students with Disabilities Certification – Birth through 2nd Grade
Sori has been working with the Early Childhood Center for 12 years, most recently as a Head Teacher with three-year-olds and curriculum consultant. Sori likes to focus on helping children develop their emergent literacy and social emotional skills.
Shirlgandy Saint Jean
Consultant
Education: A.A. in Liberal Arts from BMCC
Shirlgandy Saint Jean is currently working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Minor Degree in Early Childhood Education. Shirlgandy enjoys working with children while being inspired by them–she believes that every child needs someone to inspire and care for them.
Marisely Villanueva
Receptionist
mvillanueva@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: A.A. in Liberal Arts
Mariesely is EMT certified eligible. She has been with the Center for four years.
Teaching Staff
Candida Aduku
Head Teacher
caduku@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: B.A. in History from City College of New York
Licenses and Certifications: Child Development Associate (CDA) certification
Candida Aduku is a Head Teacher for the two year olds and has been working at the Early Childhood Center since spring 2013. Candida is currently working on her master’s degree in Early Childhood at City College.
Taylor Brandon
Head Teacher
tbrandon@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: M.A. in Early Childhood Education from City College, B.A. in Dance from Hofstra University
Taylor Brandon has been with the Early Childhood Center since 2011 and enjoys incorporating performing arts into his classroom, curriculum and throughout the Center.
Jennifer Hayes
Teacher’s Aide
jhayes@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: A.A. in Early Childhood Education from BMCC
Jennifer has been at the center for almost four years. She helps maintain the health and safety of the center, assists the children with their daily routines, as well as assist with other teacher-conducted activities. Jennifer enjoys working with the children and the children noticeably enjoy her being present in the classroom. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education at Brooklyn College.
Janelle Hester
Teacher
jmanson@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: A.A. in Early Childhood Education
Janelle Hester has been working with children for the past eight years. Janelle enjoys working with children and helping them learn new things. Children are the key to the future she is honored to be a part of the process. Janelle is attending City College of New York completing her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education.
Annmarie Ner
Teacher’s Aide
anera@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: A.A. in Early Childhood Education from BMCC
Annmarie Ner has a deep interest in early childhood education, using both traditional and modern approaches to guide and help children between pre-K and second grade.
Judith Peralta
School Age Director
jperalta@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: A.A. in Early Childhood Education from BMCC
Judith Peralta has been teaching at the Early Childhood for more than five years. She works collaboratively with the Evening and Weekend program. Judith has a tremendous love for children and places a high standard on learning. She possesses a calm attitude and a superb understanding of children’s needs. Parents are surprised how comfortable their children are with her. As per Judith, “Children are an inspiration; each child holds a promise to our future”.
Jacob Pevsner
Music Teacher
jpevsner@bmcc.cuny.edu
Jacob Pevsner is a graduate of Belarusian State Academy of Music and has many decades of experience as a teacher. He started working in the Early Childhood center in 2015. Jacob teaches his young students how to sing and enjoys introducing them to various musical instruments in order to grow their interest in music.
Elaine Pricher
Assistant Teacher
epricher@bmcc.cuny.edu
Elaine Pricher is an Assistant Teacher for the Center’s Evening and Saturday program. She has been with the Center for more than twenty years. She has a strong connection with families and has been instrumental in implementing various programs throughout the Center.
Patrizia Sicilia
Assistant Teacher
psicilia@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: A.A. in Early Childhood Education
Patrizia Sicilia has worked in the early childhood field since 2002. She has experience with children three months to four years old. She believes exploration and hands-on activities are essential for every young child’s development and learning experience. Patrizia enjoys implementing yoga in the classes throughout the Center.
Glenda Torres
Lead Teacher/Pre-K Coordinator
gtorres@bmcc.cuny.edu
Education: M.S. in Early Childhood Education from City College of New York; B.S. in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and Child Development from SUNY Oneonta
Licenses and Certifications: NYS Teacher Certification Birth – 2nd Grade
Glenda Torres has been teaching for over ten years. She enjoys her work with the children as she prepares them for their transition into kindergarten.
