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 - 2 Morning Class

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

Jennifer Sullivan - 5 Morning Class

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 8 year old daughter who is starting third grade this year and a 6 year old son who is starting first grade. 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 in 2023 I jumped back in and was so excited to join the Co-op staff. I am thrilled to be teaching the 5 Morning Class again this year!

Tina Russell - 4 Morning Class

Hi, my name is Tina Russell and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Co-op community! I have my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College. I taught for 8 years in the Chatham School District before taking some time to be at home with my children. I have a 7 year old daughter who is starting 2nd grade, and a 5 year old daughter who has just left the Co-op to join her sister in the Randolph School District. We recently welcomed our son in the Spring, and we look forward to his journey at the Co-op in just a few more years! We have been a part of this school since 2022 when my oldest attended the 3-Morning class, and my second daughter and I enrolled in Just the Two Of Us! I was a co-oping parent in both of my children's classes, which made me realize how much I missed the classroom. When the 4 Morning teacher position opened, I knew I had to jump back in and join the Co-op staff. I am so excited to be teaching the 4 Morning Class again this year!

Angelyna Reggiani - 3 Morning Class

Hi, my name is Angelyna Reggiani and I am so excited to be back at the Co-op teaching the 3 Morning Class this year. I have a Bachelors in Early-Childhood Education and a Masters of Education (Special Education) from William Paterson University. I am certified to teach elementary K through 8 as well as Special Education. I also have a Supervisor Certificate in Education from Rutgers University. I am recently retired from a thirty-six year career with the Parsippany School District. I have always been passionate about Early-Childhood Education and joining the Co-op has been a perfect addition to my career in Education. I am truly thrilled to be part of this community!

Christina Albano - 4 Afternoon Class

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Health (K–12) from Montclair State University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. I began my teaching career at Parsippany Hills High School before taking time away from teaching to raise my three children. All three of my children attended the Co-op, where I was also a co-oping parent. A few years ago, I returned to the Co-op as a classroom aide. When the opportunity to teach the afternoon class became available, I knew it was the perfect next step. I am so excited to be part of the Co-op in this new role

Michelle Galligan - 1 Morning Class

My name is Michelle Galligan. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Health & Exercise Science and two Master’s degrees, one in Curriculum and Writing Instruction and the second in Educational Leadership. I taught for 10 years in Wayne, then became an Assistant Principal for 2 years before having my children, Liam and Lily. I have been a part of the Co-op since 2023 when Liam and I attended Just the Two Of Us! I've been patiently waiting for the right opportunity to get my foot back in the classroom, and when the 1 Morning teaching position opened up, I knew I couldn't pass it up. I am so excited to be teaching the 1-Morning Class this year!