Staff

The Pond’s  founder, director, and teacher, Dottie Giuliano, was co-founder of The Kinder Club in 1994.  The school had originally been established on the grounds of beautiful Camp Alvernia.  During those years she has obtained the following certifications:

  • MS in Early Childhood Education – CW Post (with additional Bank Street courses in educational philosophy, in particular Montessori and Waldorf education, Reggio Emilia approach, as well as Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory)
  • NYS Certification in B-2nd grade
  • NYS Certification in 1st-6th grade
  • Licensed Kindermusik educator
  • Certified yoga instructor, registered with Yoga Alliance and trained/graduated at Yoga Shanti with Rodney Yee – 2 teacher trainings completed
  • Certified children’s yoga instructor by Karma Kids Yoga in NYC- two teacher trainings completed
  • Certified senior’s yoga instructor by Silver Age Yoga
  • Piano teacher in the Centerport community for over 20 years!
  • Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification – expires July 2023
  • on  the campus of Camp Alvernia for 25 years!!!
  • Centerport resident for 38 years

All credentials are available for you to view in our classroom.  We recommend that you verify staff certifications with any program that you are considering!

The Pond’s new teacher, Alexandra Arleo, has a teaching background in both Montessori and Waldorf education. Caring for children all of her life, she started in childcare at the age of 13 and now has over six 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 both worlds. She started at the Pond in 2020, and fell in love with the Waldorf 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 to.

  • proudly certified in child and baby First Aid/CPR/AED – expires 9/4/22
  • 6 years experience in Montessori and Waldorf education
  • Northport/ East Northport resident for 35 years