OUR TEACHERS
The Robin's Nest is very proud of its fun and talented team of teachers who bring enthusiasm, compassion and expertise to their work and are beloved by all of the kids and parents who go through our program!
Mrs. McDonald, Head Teacher
Kathy became the Head Teacher for The Robin’s Nest in September of 2008, and has gained the love and confidence of every child and parent who she has served in this position. Kathy graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with her BS degree in Elementary Education (PK-9th grades) with a concentration in mathematics. After locating to the Lansing area, Kathy worked as a First Grade and Kindergarten teacher for several years in the local schools. During that time, Kathy earned her MS degree in Reading Education from SUNY Cortland.
After the birth of her third child, Kathy decided to alter her path and became a stay-at-home mom. While busy at home with her own 4 children, Kathy kept her love of teaching alive by tutoring children of various ages and volunteering in her own children’s classrooms. When her fourth child entered Kindergarten, Kathy accepted the position of Head Teacher at The Robin’s Nest Christian Preschool. Kathy looks forward to the beginning of each new school year with enthusiasm when she can welcome another group of children to The Robin’s Nest. Kathy’s admirable teaching skills, her love for children, and her faith commitment all come together to make her an excellent and cherished Head Teacher for all of our students. She is loved by both our children and their parents alike.
After the birth of her third child, Kathy decided to alter her path and became a stay-at-home mom. While busy at home with her own 4 children, Kathy kept her love of teaching alive by tutoring children of various ages and volunteering in her own children’s classrooms. When her fourth child entered Kindergarten, Kathy accepted the position of Head Teacher at The Robin’s Nest Christian Preschool. Kathy looks forward to the beginning of each new school year with enthusiasm when she can welcome another group of children to The Robin’s Nest. Kathy’s admirable teaching skills, her love for children, and her faith commitment all come together to make her an excellent and cherished Head Teacher for all of our students. She is loved by both our children and their parents alike.
Mrs. Watts, Assistant Teacher
Cara Watts joined The Robin’s Nest Christian Preschool faculty in September 2018 as an assistant teacher. Raising her four boys in Lansing, she has connected with The Robin’s Nest mission for many years and knows firsthand the quality of the Robin's Nest curriculum from the enrollment of her own children.
Cara brings a wealth of experience in the field of education. She holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Reading from Canisius College. She is also certified to teach reading in New York State. Prior to moving to the Ithaca area, Cara's professional career took her in the direction of College Admissions where she served in a number of capacities culminating with the role of Associate Director. This work took her throughout the country in recruitment and management efforts but she never lost her love of early childhood education.
As a stay at home mom, Cara has remained active in the classroom as a substitute teacher in the Lansing Elementary and Middle Schools. She also worked as a pastoral associate at All Saints Catholic Church in Lansing. Cara's commitment to our community, along with her organizational talents, are an asset to our school.
Cara brings a wealth of experience in the field of education. She holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Reading from Canisius College. She is also certified to teach reading in New York State. Prior to moving to the Ithaca area, Cara's professional career took her in the direction of College Admissions where she served in a number of capacities culminating with the role of Associate Director. This work took her throughout the country in recruitment and management efforts but she never lost her love of early childhood education.
As a stay at home mom, Cara has remained active in the classroom as a substitute teacher in the Lansing Elementary and Middle Schools. She also worked as a pastoral associate at All Saints Catholic Church in Lansing. Cara's commitment to our community, along with her organizational talents, are an asset to our school.
OUR FACILITY
Robins spend most of their time in the school's two bright and cozy, child-centered classrooms. Filled with artwork and learning tools, these rooms offer a safe place to explore, create, listen to stories and have fun! The sun-lit, large activity room is where music class is held and also provides invaluable additional space for extra "centers," large motor-skills activities, holiday parties, rainy day games, and on occasion is used as a gathering place for parents to meet, share ideas and get to know one another. When weather permits, students spend the end of the day outside on the extensive playground, nestled in the backyard trees.