Our Staff – Morris Plains Cooperative Play School

The Co-op is run in partnership between our Directors and the Board of Trustees. Our staff is composed of qualified and highly trained teachers and classroom aides. The Co-op staff are the heart and soul of the school, spending countless hours to provide a quality pre-school experience for each and every student. The entire staff regularly participates in local, county, and statewide professional development workshops to keep informed about the most current research and ideas in early childhood education. Monthly staff meetings are held to facilitate the exchange of ideas and to provide a forum for discussion of curriculum and class activities.

Director Team

Liz Cumming

My name is Liz Cumming. I have my degree from the University of Richmond and am state-certified in elementary education. As an educator, I strongly believe in learning through play and the importance of hands-on exploration. The Co-op has been close to my heart since 2001 when my son Andrew was enrolled in the 3 Afternoon Class. The school's values aligned with mine and I joined the teaching staff as the Just The Two Of Us teacher when my younger son was enrolled in Step Up. When Will started Pre-K, I did too! Over the next nine years I taught Pre-K, transitioning between the 4 Afternoon, 3 Morning, and 4 Morning classes. Since 2017, my primary role has been in the office and I became Director in 2022. The Co-op is truly a wonderful, caring, and collaborative community and I am proud to be a part of it!

Melissa Gringeri

My name is Melissa Gringeri. I have my Master's Degree in Education and Special Education from Rutgers University. While my fourth child was attending the Co-op in 2010, I began teaching here. As a parent, I was drawn to the school for its learning through play philosophy and strong feeling of community. I enjoy the collaboration between the teachers and families who co-op at the school. We work together to provide a meaningful, age-appropriate educational experience for the students.

Teachers

Jennie Smith - 5 Morning (PreK ages 4 to 5 years)

My name is Jennie Smith. This is my fourth year teaching at the Co-op. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I taught elementary education and special education for 7 years before having children and deciding to stay home with them. However, when the opportunity presented itself to be back in the classroom part time I jumped on it! I love the Co-op's learning through play philosophy and fully believe in the value of curiosity and exploration, especially in preschool. I live right in Morris Plains with my husband, Dereck, daughter Mila (5) and son Luca (almost 4!)

Rosie Miskowicz - 3 Morning (ages 3 to 4 years)

My name is Rosie Miskowicz and I've been teaching at the Co-op since January of 2019. My two boys (who are in 2nd and 4th grade) are Co-op graduates. My oldest started at the Co-op in the Just The Two of Us class. I fell in love with the family-like atmosphere at the Co-op. I had taught preschool for 5 years before I had my children and missed being in the classroom. The Co-op was the perfect way to still be home with my children but also to get back into the classroom. When my youngest was going into PreK 4, I was presented with the opportunity to teach the 3 Morning class and I accepted immediately! I've taught the Just The Two of Us class, The Step-up class and the 3 Morning class. I'm so happy that even though my children are no longer at the Co-op, I still get to be a part of this amazing school!.

Jennifer Sullivan - 4 Morning (ages 3 to 5 years)

My name is Jennifer Sullivan. I have my degree from William Paterson University and I am state certified in Preschool to 5th grade. I have a 5 year old daughter who is starting kindergarten this year and a 3 year old son who is attending the Co-op. We have been part of this school since 2019 when my daughter started in Just the Two Of Us. I was a co-oping parent in both of my children's classes which made me really miss teaching. When the Step Up teacher position opened last year, I jumped back in and was so excited to join the Co-op staff. I had a blast teaching Summer Fun and am thrilled to be teaching the 4 Morning Class this year!

MaryEllen Hackett -Enrichment Classes

Hi! My name is MaryEllen Hackett. This is my 11th year teaching at the Co-op! I remember walking into the Co-op to interview for the teaching position. I took a bit of an extended maternity leave and wasn't ready to go back to full time teaching just yet. I had my son, Noah, with me. He was almost 11 months old, walked in the front door, sat by the kitchen table in the dramatic play area and proceeded to take every single thing out of the cabinets. He immediately felt at home at the school and so did I. Noah spent three years at the Co-op, and it was the BEST working mom experience I could have ever asked for! Over the years, I have taught many classes at the Co-op. I am excited to be back teaching Enrichment this year! Before joining the Co-op teaching team, I taught middle school writing and I worked at a Polish Pre-School for 15 years. I have my Master's degree in Education. I live in Mine Hill with my husband, Adam, and 11 year old son, Noah.