To ensure that individuals of the highest personal and professional qualifications are selected for work at the Child Care Center, the Faculty, Staff, and Director interview candidates together. Each candidate must pass a physical examination (which includes a substance abuse test) and must successfully complete a six-month probationary period. In addition, fingerprints are submitted for a Child Abuse Registry Check, and for a Criminal Conviction Check.  Each staff member meets the licensing approval requirements of the New York City Department of Health and is CPR and First Aid certified.

Ms. Elaine Shepherd Rexdale Director	Elaine Rexdale (February 1989) Director I was reared in Rock Island, Illinois where I graduated from Augustana College earning a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. After teaching kindergarten in Louisiana during the desegregation of schools, I relocated to New York City where I began my studies at Teachers College-Columbia University. There I earned an M.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. My first secret is that when I was a youngster I had twenty-seven pen-pals around the world with whom I regularly corresponded. I think that is how I grew to appreciate people from different countries. The second secret, another little know fact about me, is that my father was a baker, and so my hobby is baking decorative gingerbread houses during the holiday season. The third, and for now final, secret to be disclosed is I love working crossword puzzles. I have had the privilege of working with families in both public and private schools in Illinois, Louisiana and New York. I enjoy the intellectual stimulation of working in a diverse community. I came to The Presbyterian Hospital Infant & Child Care Center when it was known as The Advanced Child Care Center. Since then, I have had the privilege of participating in the renaming, renovation and relocation of our current Center. Our Center is unique in its population as it serves families from around the world, across the country, and down the block. Our Center is unique in its schedule as it is one of the few centers that considers the health care professionals’ working schedule. Our Center is definitely a second home to all. We have an extremely low turnover rate among our staff and I sincerely believe this is because we genuinely love each other and our work. Over the years the daycare staff has enjoyed the strong support of our parents and our hospital administration as we strive daily to reach one common goal: excellent daycare for small children.
Ms. Xi Dong Assistant Director	Xi Dong (September 1996) Assistant Director My name is Xi Dong and I am from China. I hold a B.A. Degree in Japanese Language and Literature from China. I also hold an M.A. Degree in Mass Media from Japan. I have been employed by the Center since September 3, 1996. I like it here because it is like a small world with different cultures. Even the children at daycare are from different parts of the world as well. Every day we can hear different languages spoken and share stories from different cultures. We also use the simple greetings just learned to greet people. Even though we sometimes mispronounce certain words, people still accept them with a smile. Every year our cute and smart kids graduate; every year we have new cute and smart kids coming. I love our “sweethearts!” I am happy to work here.
Ms. Connie Laguna Lead Teacher Jr. Infant Room	Connie Laguna (April 1987) Teacher My name is Connie Ginyard. I have been with the Center for fifteen years and I enjoy my job immensely. During this time I have worked with Toddlers and Infants. I have attended many courses specific to infant education as well as early childhood seminars from Highscope and courses at Wheelock College in Boston, MA. I have spoken at Master Degree classes at Teachers College, Columbia University on the interfacing of Infant Care with Parent education in a daycare setting. I am also a mother of three daughters ranging in ages from 18-33 years old. My oldest daughter, Nina, is the Lead Teacher of our Twaddler Room. My hobbies are reading and listening to all types of music. I am currently in the process of co-authoring a book for first time parents of infants in group living.
Ms. Anna Cuevas Lead Teacher Jr. Infant Room	Anna Cuevas (December 1988) Lead Teacher I am the mother of four daughters, including one set of twins, and a grandmother of nine. Working here has brought me many rewarding experiences as well as an opportunity to grow as a professional. When I applied for this position it was for two weeks only…it has been fifteen years since then! Although I have children and grandchildren of my own, everyday at the job is a learning experience. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family.
Hong Cheng Assistant Teacher Sr. Infant Room	Hong Cheng (June 2002) Assistant Teacher My name is Hong Cheng. I received my A.A. Degree at Guizhou Education College where I majored in management. I am fluent in Chinese and I work here as an assistant teacher taking care of one-year-old children. This job is not as easy as it looks because it requires not only patience but also stamina. The children are so small and they do not know how to express themselves yet. So I have to study the expressions on their faces. I feel I have so many things to learn here everyday. Although my job is challenging I still like it just as I love my children. You cannot imagine how happy I am when the children are toddling over to hug me every morning!
Ms. Nina Mazzuca Lead Teacher Twaddler Room	Nina M. Mazzuca (August 1987) Teacher Over the past 15 years, I have worked with all age groups at the Center during all shifts (opening, closing, and late care). Over the years, I have been actively involved in establishing innovative programs at the Center such as our former Saturday and Sunday Care Program. In addition, I have served as Day Care Awareness Coordinator and as mentor for the Workers of Wonder Program sponsored by Columbia University School of Public Health. I truly enjoy working with young children and desire to provide the best possible environment for the children in my care. In order to do this, I know that I must also be a learner. I have attended seminars at Bank Street College of Education and workshops offered by the New York City Bureau of Day Care. I am now attending classes with the goal of obtaining an A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. Working with young children is a fulfilling, exciting, challenging, experience – one I enjoy!
Ms. Gladys Fernandez-Rodriguez Assistant Teacher Twaddler Room (with Annie)	Gladys Fernandez-Rodriguez (April 1994) Assistant Teacher My name is Gladys Fernandez-Rodriguez. I have a B.A. degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Hunter College in the City of New York. I then continued on to achieve an M.S. Ed. degree specializing in School Counseling, which enhances my understanding and skills as an Assistant Teacher. I am fluent in both Spanish and English. Some of my interests consist of music, (I play a little piano), listening to music, (especially music from the 70’s and 80’s), boating, swimming, carpentry, philosophy, shopping, (boy do I love shopping), exercise, (but need more inspiration to do so), going to movies, (especially mystery or romance), walking and reading. I have worked at the child care center for eight and a half years. During this time I have worked with and enjoyed all age groups. I can say that I genuinely love them all. You’d be amazed with what one can learn from a child.
Ms. Bibi Baksh Teacher Toddler Room	Bibi Baksh (December 1997) Teacher I am Bibi Baksh from Guyana, South America. I graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education and had been a Certified Public School Teacher for over twenty-five years in Guyana. I joined the staff of the Presbyterian Hospital Infant & Child Care Center as an Assistant Teacher in December 1997. In November 1999, I was promoted to Lead Teacher for the Toddler’s Room and have found my job very exciting, interesting, and challenging. During my time at the center I have graduated from the York College, New York with a certificate in Early Childhood Education and have also completed programs in art and creative crafts. I am happily married with two ambitious grown-up sons. My hobbies are reading, cooking, traveling and listening to classical music. I am proud and happy to be working along with children, parents, and the staff of this day care center.
Ms. Regina Rosario Assistant Teacher Toddler Room	Regina Rosario (October 1996) Assistant Teacher I have worked at the Center since 1996. It has been a success for me. It’s really great in the Toddler’s Room and I’m fortunate that I sometimes get to work in other rooms as well. I am the mother of three (almost) grown-up children. I enjoy going to church and spending my spare time with my children. The best part of working at our Center is that every day I have an opportunity to learn something new about taking care of children. I can say that most of the time I understand the children’s needs. I am very proud to be working with all our staff members and I’m hoping and looking forward to many more years of working with children. For the past two years I have been a volunteer in my church teaching religion class to 3rd and 4th graders.
Almamy Tunis Assistant Teacher Toddler Room	Seray Wurie Tunis-Almamy (February 1999) Assistant Teacher I am Almamy Seray-Wurie Tunis from Sierra Leone. I started working at the Center in 1999 and have enjoyed being a part of this global family. The Center is a sample of all the world’s people in one building. I graduated from Milton Margai Teachers College, University of Sierra Leone with a Higher Teacher’s Certificate (HTC) and I am currently attending the Bronx Community College where I am working toward my Associate Degree in Education. I taught in Sierra Leone, Guinea and The Gambia. My interests are nature, volunteerism, stamp collecting, and Fulani culture. Working with children has been my life and will be for the rest of my lifetime. Most children find it easier to call my name as it’s close to them saying, “Mami”. As they grow older they add the sounds A-L. I am fluent in English, Fulani, Mende, Creole, and Temne.
Luda Mogilnitsky Lead Teacher Preschool I Room	Luda Mogilnitsky (March 1997) Teacher I am currently the Lead Teacher for our pre-school class. I graduated from the State Pedagogical Institute in the Ukraine, earning a B.A. in Elementary Education. Now I am earning a M.A. Degree in Early Childhood Education from New York City College. I am fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English. Over my seventeen years in teaching experience, I can say I have seen children’s needs change in some respects, and somewhat varing in different societies, but their hearts remain the same. Children still take delight in every new discovery, and I still take delight in guiding them through each new experience. Every day is truly a new adventure and a new experience that touches my heart with love. I love children. I am a young mother myself. My priorities have changed somewhat over the years. I have spent eleven years of my life looking at the world that surrounds me with both teacher’s and parent’s eyes. What I like most about our Center is the warm friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to meet with different people from all around the world.
Limei Bao Assistant Teacher Preschool I Room	Limei Bao (January 2002) Assistant Teacher Hi, I’m Limei Bao and I am from China. I received a B.A. Degree in Japanese Language and Literature from China and an M.A. Degree in Psychology from Japan. I have had six years of teaching experience with high school students. After I became a mother, I stayed at home for a few years. Now I’ve started to work again. I am glad to be here and I am trying to do the best I can to know, understand, and help our children.
Marina Golembo Teacher Preschool II Room	Marina Golembo (November 1999) Teacher I’m Marina Golembo, a teacher in Preschool II class. I’ve been working at Presbyterian Hospital Infant & Child Care Center since the end of 1999. Working with preschoolers is a challenging and enjoyable experience. I graduated from the University in Russia with a B.A. Degree in Russian Language and Literature, and taught middle and high school students, but I also had experience with young children working in summer camps and after-school programs. That’s why I was so happy to have an opportunity to work with children in America. I love my job. It’s never boring; every day brings something new. Children become a part of my family and I call them my children. Since I was a child I have enjoyed reading and I consider reading a very important part of curriculum. We read every spare minute in class, and I try to spend as much time as I can teaching letters and sounds. I’m taking a class in college now toward New York State Teacher Certification. I hope it will make my job more successful. I am also the mother of a 9-year-old son.
Ronald Bai Assistant Teacher Preschool II Room	Xiao Guang Bai (Ronald) (May 2001) Assistant Teacher My name is Ronald Bai. I’m from an industrial city in Northern China. During my youth I experienced the Cultural Revolution and many other national reformations in China. These experiences have made me understand the real meaning of happiness and bitterness; truthfulness and spite; love and hatred in society. Today I among the native children. I suddenly feel rejuvenated and recollect the anecdotes of my childhood. Although my major in the university differs from my occupation as a kindergarten teacher, I will endeavor to do my best to take care of our children in order to repay the support, trust, and cooperation of our parents. Thus, let our young generation deserve more protection and love.
Kathaleen Rosario, Junior Volunteer	Kathaleen Rosario Junior Volunteer I have been volunteering in this daycare since 1998 when I was eight years old. I help my mother, Regina Rosario, in the classroom. I love working with kids; for me they are so cute. Now I’ve been here four years. This has been a great experience for me. My hobbies are reading, books, swimming, art, and drawing. I like going to school and my ambition is to become a teacher.
Annie Canine Assistant, with Gladys Fernandez-Rodriguez	Annette (Annie) (May 2002) Canine Assistant Hi, my name is Annie and I am a hot looking and tough little female yellow Labrador Retriever with a good heart and wild playful energetic spirit. I love life and love a challenge. I was a Millennium babe. I was born January 10, 2000. I have nine brothers and sisters but only three of us decided to join the Helping profession. They don’t know what they’re missing. I get to go anywhere and no one can stop me. My hobbies consist of: swimming, running, jumping, eating, boating, tug of war, catch, and mischief. My job title at the daycare is Canine Assistant. I began this gig in May of this year. I’ve decided to stick with it. I attended graduation and was certified as a supreme Guide Dog on May 18th. I was told that I was the best looking dog in the class. Who am I to argue? I’ve come to love Gladys very much and it’s my pleasure to take care of her. I work hard to keep her on her toes. The most important part of this job is to keep Gladys safe at all times, but yet, have fun while doing it. Boy, do I! I mess with her something awful. Unfortunately, she is starting to really realize how smart I am, so I have to work harder to out-smart her. Ha ha. In terms of the center, I truly look forward to assisting Gladys upstairs in the classroom by letting the children meet me and get to know what I’m all about and see and learn what a “real” guide dog is. I especially love when Gladys takes off my harness and I can truly hang out and play with the children. I love kids. They always listen when I talk and always understand what I’m saying. That’s who I am. Come say hello but don’t pet me while I’m in harness. Gladys will get mad. I guess the rule is you don’t pet a guide dog while in harness, and I am, indeed, a Guide Dog—a darn good one too!

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