Valerie Reine
Director
Valerie comes to us with decades of experience in community-based human services, social justice, and education. Most recently, she was a long-term substitute at Dryden Elementary School teaching UPK, Reading Support, and 3rd Grade. Outside of CNS, Valerie and her wife, Amy, live in Lansing and have a sweet dog named Willa. They run an Airbnb and have hosted people from around the globe. Valerie loves cooking and preserving the bountiful harvest that CNY provides. Sewing, crafting, cooking, and spending time with family are some of her interests. Valerie believes in living an intentional life.
Tessa Masi-Perkins
Co-Lead Nest Teacher
Ms. Tessa has been a part of the CNS community for over 6 years, as a caregiver, substitute, and recently as a student teacher. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education and is excited to begin teaching in a formal setting. Tessa has over 12 years of childcare experience and loves to guide children as they grow and develop into their unique selves. She moved to the Fingerlakes from New Jersey 7 years ago, met her husband, and has settled down in Freeville. Tessa has a deep love and appreciation of nature, enjoys baking for everyone, and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts.
Kya Schadewald
Co-Lead Nest Teacher
Ms. Kya is new to the world of Early Childhood Education. After moving to Ithaca when she was a teenager, she started as a substitute at CNS and has moved to a full time teaching position after 2 years of falling in love with the school. She is working towards her degree to become an early childhood educator during her time with us. Outside of the preschool, she can be found enjoying all forms of creativity, including painting and drawing, gardening, and sewing. She is very excited to learn and grow with the children in the 3-4 year old classroom, teaching and learning together.
Ashley Milana
Co-Lead Nook Teacher
Hi, I’m Ashley! I have worked with children for the past eight years, including five years in early childhood education and three years in special education. Throughout my career, I have supported children with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles, which has strengthened my belief that every child learns best when they feel supported, engaged, and valued. I am passionate about learning through play and love creating hands-on experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence. I am excited to become part of the CNS community and build meaningful connections with children and families. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, swimming, gardening, and reading.
Alyssea Cadet
Co-Lead Nook Teacher
Olivia Epps
Teacher Assistant - Nook
I was born and raised in California and love connecting with children through learning, creativity, and play. I previously volunteered as a first-grade Sunday School leader, where I discovered how much I enjoy helping children learn and grow. When I’m not working with kids, I’m usually shopping for my next favorite fashion find, exploring a new restaurant, or taking a walk with my Goldendoodle. I love spending time with my family and friends, building community, and making the most of life’s little adventures.
Christina Williams
Roost UPK Teacher
Having studied textile design in the UK, Ms. Christina moved to Ithaca with her husband and two daughters in 2005. After her youngest daughter started Kindergarten, Christina began working at St. Paul’s Nursery School in downtown Ithaca. She spent ten happy years at the school and gained experience teaching across a broad developmental spectrum. Christina worked fulltime at CNS for 7 years before becoming a substitute teacher. Christina proudly became an American citizen in 2016!
Stephanie Sackett
Roost UPK Teacher
Fernanda Medina
Extended Day Teacher
Ms. Fernanda is originally from Argentina. She studied Fine Arts and after graduating, moved to Ithaca with her husband in 2004. Her three children are former CNS students, and she loves this preschool so much that when her middle son was here, she worked as a teacher in the Nest and the Nook for a few years. And now she’s happy to be back as a teacher for the extended day program!
When she’s not at CNS, she spends lots of hours painting in her art studio, working on pet portrait commissions, doing yoga, walking her (extremely adorable) dog, and spending time with her family.
Sue Downes
Substitute Teacher
Ms. Sue became a part of the CNS last year when her grandson started in the Nest and se started subbing in February 2024. She comes from the Homer community where she worked for 20 years as an administrative assistant to the Principal of a PK-2 building. Prior to that she owned and operated her own ice cream stand in Homer which featured homemade hard ice cream and all the fixings.
Ms. Sue has lived in the communities of Cortland, Dryden and now Lansing.
In her free time, she is learning to quilt. She also loves to spend time with her grandson and her family and is excited to be working with younger children again and meeting all their parents. She has missed the littles!
Chris L. Martin
Substitute Teacher
Hello! My name is Chris and this is my second year at CNS as a Reserve Teacher. I live in Lansing on a lovely farm with my intelligent, gorgeous wife and our five children (16F, 12M, 8M, 8F and 5F). I’m a FT Stay-at-Home Dad but our last baby, a CNS alumni, goes to Kindergarten this year which frees me up for more teaching, volunteering and projects! I believe deeply in two things: that all children benefit from having a male teacher and they are all actively growing into the best adult versions of themselves. I encourage this by engaging them in good conversations with a variety of sentence structures, asking their thoughts and opinions and encouraging independence. I look forward to getting to know you and your kids this year!
Walter Weiner
Bookkeeper
Walter is a dynamic professional with a passion for education, numbers, and the performing arts. His journey began at Hangar Theatre of Ithaca, propelling him into entertainment and to iconic Broadway productions like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast, where he honed precision and timing. These skills extended to venues like Radio City Music Hall, as well as TV and film productions. He brings a wealth of experience to the preschool education realm, ensuring smooth operations for our nurturing environment.
Rooted in Ithaca as a fourth-generation local, he is married with two children who attended and loved their time at CNS. Beyond spreadsheets, he thrives outdoors, exploring Ithaca's scenic trails. Eager to contribute, he looks forward to collaborating and helping to optimize processes in this unique preschool setting.