Mary Dedes
Administrative Coordinator summervillecoordinator@gmail.com
Hello friends! I am Mary Dedes and I am the Administrative Coordinator at SNS. The children know me as Miss Mary. I work closely with the teachers to help everyone have a great day at school! I greet the children at the door, we hang up coats and book bags, find our way in to wash hands and start the day. You will find me in the Large Muscle Room or helping out in any other way that is needed throughout the day. For parents, I’m here to help with any questions about our school and any administrative needs that may arise.
My daughter Lucille started at SNS in the 3s class in 2017 and my son Jason started in the 2s in 2018. I joined the Board as Committees Chair in 2019. SNS is family to us and I am so happy to be working with our wonderful teachers, staff, children and families.
Kristen Brennan
Educational Consultant
kbrenna2@rochester.rr.com
Hello, my name is Kristen Brennan. I graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. I received my Masters in Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport and I am certified to teach children in Nursery School through 6th grade. I am also a mother to six children between the ages of 5 and 13. Each of my children is an alumnus of Summerville Nursery School. I grew up in West Irondequoit and my husband, Jim, and I have made West Irondequoit our home for 15 years. I have been involved with SNS for many years as a parent assistant, substitute teacher, registrar and SNS Board member. This year I am excited to return to SNS as an Educational Consultant. I will be working with teachers and children in each of the classrooms and will also have contact with parents. SNS has truly been a terrific experience for our family and I look forward to continuing to be a part of such a wonderful program.
Miss Shanna Murray
Two’s & Rising Three’s teacher
missshannasns@gmail.com
Bio coming soon!
Hello! I am Shanna Murray, the Twos and Rising Threes teacher at Summerville Nursery School. Welcoming, guiding, and supporting our littlest ones as they begin their journey of lifelong learning is a joy and an honor. Celebrating young learners in their boundless wonder and curiosity through a variety of play and conversation is a dream come true!
In our classroom, we spend our time deeply immersed in exploration through all types of play. We have so much fun! We make happy messes creating open-ended process art, as we try out new and often unconventional art materials and mediums. Our projects are most often centered on the experience versus the outcome, playing and exploring, collaborating and expressing ourselves through the process and celebrating the end result, whatever that may be! We also dive into hands-on science experiments, asking questions and working together to find answers. In addition to art and science, each week we enjoy an intentional selection of books and music as well as a healthy dose of free play! Our months and weeks together are based on a thoughtful theme, grounded in time of year and the rhythm of the seasons. I endeavor each day we gather together to provide everyone the opportunity to try something new, enjoy a favorite something that is comforting and familiar, connect with our classroom family and make connections with the beautiful world we live in. Above all else, I hope to provide a safe, beloved place in which your child will feel included, supported, championed and appreciated for who they are; a place in which they feel free to play!
This year will mark my second year teaching at Summerville, after first being a grateful parent for three happy years, while my son attended. It was during his time at Summerville that the dream of teaching here began. Summerville truly is a magical school and it is such a joy to work alongside and with such wonderful people, both families and faculty alike. My background is both in childcare and the arts. My professional experience with children has been primarily as a nanny, for more than a decade, as well as in directing children’s theater. In addition to teaching, I am a working artist and author.
I live in Irondequoit with my partner, dry stone waller and artist, Chuck Eblacker and our beautiful son, George. Chuck grew up in Irondequoit and also attended Summerville. We knew we wanted to raise our son in this remarkable community and are so happy to call Irondequoit home. My new home at Summerville feels like life coming full circle in the very best way!
Miss Christy Phelan
M/W and T/TH Three’s teacher
mschristysns@yahoo.com
Hello! My name is Christy Phelan and I am the 3’s teacher at Summerville Nursery School. I am a graduate of Niagara University with a degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. I have a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport. I have teaching experience at various levels and love the new experiences that come with each school year. My favorite part about teaching is when you see a child’s face light up when they learn something new. I love guiding students to think through a process to get to the end result. In our classroom, students will learn through themes, create crafts, listen to stories and enjoy songs that will help them learn. They will also learn how routines can help guide us, and sometimes it’s OK to change the plan for the day!
Teaching at Summerville allows for so many experiences where children learn through play and connect with the world around them. I love working with parents as they assist in the classroom and have real hands-on experience in their own child’s school day! Teaching is a very rewarding career as it helps us to remember that we are never too old to learn something new!
Miss LoriAnn Kessler
AM & PM Four’s teacher
preschoolfun15@gmail.com
Hello! I’m LoriAnn Kessler (Miss LoriAnn) and I am excited to be the four’s teacher at Summerville Nursery School. I have been a preschool teacher for the past 18 years. I have cared for children in my home as well as a local afterschool program. I am currently employed by the Town of Irondequoit to teach “Preschool Adventures”, a once a week mini preschool class. In the summer you can find me at Camp Eastman as the director of Irondequoit’s “Kindercamp”.
I believe all children learn through play and exploration. The activities I will provide your child will allow him/her to follow their own curiosity and creativity; all in a warm, loving and safe environment. My idea of a successful day is giggling children with toys on the floor, craft supplies on the table and music filling the room!
My husband and I have been married for 24 years and live in Irondequoit with our 4 children. We have a unique family dynamic as our children are ages 6 – 21. Lauren (21) attends Utica College, Alicia (20) attends St. John Fisher College, Livia (8) third grade at Colebrook and Andrew (6) first grade at Colebrook. Our home life is fun and active and we love having friends over to play and make memories with!
