Our Teachers
Kinder Pond teacher - child ratio is 2:10
Alexandra Arleo
(Ms. A)
Director & Lead Teacher
The Pond’s Director and Lead teacher Alexandra Arleo, is inspired by Waldorf and Montessori education. With over nine years of hands on experience in the classroom, She has found that combining her knowledge of both teaching methods allows her to use the best of two worlds. Alexandra started at the Pond in 2020, and fell in love with the nature based, style teaching taking place there. She was mentored by Dottie Giuliano, and will continue to carry on her peaceful classroom ethics that the Pond has come to be known for. Alexandra is passionate about sharing her love of art, nature, and music. She truly believes if we teach our children kindness, patience, and acceptance they will grow into shining stars that the world can look up too.
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proudly certified in adult, child and baby First Aid/CPR/AED – expires 8/8/26
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9 years experience in Nature based and Montessori education
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Northport/ East Northport resident for 40 years
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Award of excellence received from Long Island Art League for her 2022 work "sushi with Dad"
Sarah Hodgkinson
Lead Teacher
Sara is a lifelong educator, having taught in a variety of traditional and non traditional schools, in the UK and the US. She is passionate about inspiring and nurturing the children in her care. Following Montessori principals, she believes that success lies in fostering an individual’s development of self, honoring personal journeys and following the interest of the child. Having worked with a range of ages, she has found herself in her happiest place sharing the days with 'little ones'. She adores the energy, enthusiasm and of the early years and is grateful to be a part of such an important and exciting time in their lives.
In whatever environment she is teaching, Sarah looks to nurture the child,
making them feel safe and loved, providing opportunities for independence
and self expression, with plenty of fun along the way! In teaching kindness to
themselves, each other and the natural world, Sarah cultivates the children in
her care to be the best little people they can be. She is so happy to have found
The Pond as her next home and is so looking forward to peaceful and joyful
days in nature and play!
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30 years experience as an educator
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BSc in Psychology, Post-Graduate degree in Primary Education, Certificate of Montessori Education for Elementary children
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Mum of two awesome ‘bigger’ kids
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Proud to be British, grateful to be living a lovely life on Long Island
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Favorites – sunflowers, yellow, cheese, gardening, nature, friends, tea, quiet times and cozy fires
Dottie Giulaino
Consultant
Dottie Giuliano, an original founder of The Kinder Club and The Pond is now serving as an educational consultant, ensuring that the program is firmly based in developmentally appropriate education in a beautiful indoor and outdoor environment creatively using all natural materials.
