Teacher Biographies
 click here for a larger image From Left to Right: Joan Durfey, Jan Taylor, Laurie Harvey, Tracy Wood, Courtney Marr, Judy Hadeed |
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Cim McFarlane Cim McFarlane joined the CTNS team in June 2004 as Director. She has an extensive background in early childhood education including 5 years teaching Universal Pre Kindergarten for the Red Creek Central School District. Cim has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Westminster College, is a Certified Teacher in New York State, and currently she is enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Masters Program at Nazareth College. Cim feels that young children learn best by actively exploring and doing hands-on activities. Education is not a race. Children need time to explore, experiment, and create as they begin to make sense of the world around them. As the natural approach to learning for young children is through play and discovery, our environment will continue to be designed for children to learn through their senses. Imagination and enthusiasm are important basics in a preschool program, where the atmosphere is loving, accepting and nurturing. Cim is also the Sunday School Coordinator at Western Presbyterian Church. Cim resides in Palmyra with her husband James, son Jacob and daughter Emily. On their off time Cim and her family love to go for walks, camp under the stars, and listen to music. Being a graduate of CTNS herself, Cim wants to carry on the tradition of preschool excellence Canal Town Nursery has to offer. |
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Judith A. Hadeed
Judy is starting her 7th year with Canal
Town Nursery School. She says that she learns everyday from the kids
and truly loves being apart of CTNS. Judy has a degree in Early
Childhood Education. She has taken several continuing education courses
at Nazareth College. Judy worked at Victor Central School for nine
years as a teacher assistant and two of those years as a resource aid.
Judy has volunteered in her community
as a Brownie Leader, St. Patrick's Day CCD Teacher, apart of the
PTSA in Victor, NY, and working the "chuck wagon" for high school
sports. Judy also enjoyed helping out with Meals On Wheels. Her
philosophy is you need to give back to your community and be part of
your children's lives through church and town.
Along with spending time with her
husband Charlie, their 3 children and their families, Judy enjoys
quilting, gardening and golfing. She recently became a grandma
again and loves every moment of this new chapter in her life. "I
feel truly blessed with my family and work."
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Joan Durfey Hello my name is Mrs. Joan Durfey. This will be my fourth year at Canal Town Nusery School. I truly enjoy my job, and love to spend a part of my day with little children. My two children are now grown up. I have several years experience working at a day care center. I also have three years working as a UPK teachers assistant. This job is not only rewarding, but a lot of fun and I wouldn’t want to work any where else but at CTNS. I have been married 38 years to the most wonderful man in the world. We have two children, a daughter Laura and a son Aaron. I also have a grandson Nicholas who lives in Newark and loves to play basketball. We have lived in the Palmyra - Macedon area since 1975, and have been attending the West Presbyterian Church since August of 2005. My hobby is DOGS!!!!! I am a member of the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm and Guiding Eyes for the Blind. I have always loved dogs and would not be without one. I presently have an Australian Shepherd named Shadow who is 2 ½ years old and is full of energy!! |
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Laurie Harvey
Laurie is new to CTNS this year. She brings with her 9 years of PreK teaching, subbing and assisting experience. Laurie is married with three children and holds a degree in Human Services. Her passion is working with children and making a positive impact in their family's lives. We are very excited to have Laurie here this year. |
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Courtney Marr This is Courtney's second year with Canal Town Nursery School. Since she is a graduate of CTNS she is excited to be teaching in the four year old program. Courtney graduated with her BS degree in Childhood Education from SUNY Fredonia in 2006. She is currently attending Mansfield University's online program and completing her Master's degree in School Library and Information Science. Courtney loves to read and brings her passion for learning through stories into the classroom. When she is not busy teaching or doing homework, Courtney loves watching movies, going to Starbucks with friends, and watching football (Go Bills)! Courtney is also member of the Western Presbyterian Church. |
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Jan Taylor Jan Taylor graduated with a B. S in Education from SUC at Geneseo. Her college concentration was Early Childhood Education and her passion remains so to this day. Jan has taught second grade at Brooks Hill Elementary in Fairport, preschool at Canal Town Nursery School and kindergarten at Palmyra Elementary. She is currently in her second year of teaching the new and fun innovative Mommy and Tot program at CTNS. Jan believes in the power of play! Learning through play and through our senses. Jan, and all the staff at CTNS, knows the importance of letting children be children. Through play, we encourage imaginations. We let children develop their minds at a natural pace. Education is not a race. On her off time, she is very involved with her church, Western Presbyterian Church, as a Deacon and Christian Education Committee member and works on the Rotary Committees. Jan has been happily married to her Knight In Shining Armor for 37 years, has two children, Megan and Christopher and a beautiful granddaughter, Willow.
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Tracy Wood This is
Tracy Wood's second year at Canal Town Nursery School as a Teachers
Assistant. Her experience comes for 10 years as a stay at home mom of 2
children, an 11 year old daughter and a 6 year old son. "My son went to
Canal Town 2 years ago, it was such a wonderful experience for both him
and I that I was thrilled when I was invited to be a part of it!" |