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

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 6 year old daughter who is starting first grade this year and a 4 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 in 2023 I jumped back in and was so excited to join the Co-op staff. I had a blast teaching Summer Fun and the 4 Morning Class last year and am thrilled to be teaching the 5 Morning Class this year!

Tina Russell - 4 Morning Class

My name is Tina Russell. 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 Chatham before taking some time to be at home with my two children. I have a 5 year old daughter, Ryan, who is starting kindergarten this year, and a 3 year old daughter, Liana, who is still attending the Co-op. We have been a part of this school since 2022 when Ryan attended the 3-Morning class, and Liana and I started 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 this year!

Debbie Krouse - 3 Morning Class, 2 Morning Class

Hi my name is Debbie Krouse. I have my teaching degree from Kean University and I am certified to teach Preschool through 8th grade. I have been teaching in the childcare industry for over 30 years. My first teaching experience was with toddlers and then preschoolers. I loved working with these age groups so much that I continued on and never looked back! The community feeling this school emits was a big draw for me. Having the parents helping in the classroom with me and being so close in the early years of development is a win for all, especially for the children. I am excited to be teaching the 3 Morning and 2 Morning Classes this year! I look forward to a great year of teaching.

Angelyna Reggiani - 4 Afternoon Class

Hi, my name is Angelyna Reggiani and I am so excited to be the 4 Afternoon Teacher at the Co-op. 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 is a perfect addition to my career in Education. I am truly thrilled to be part of this community!