Gabrielle Taylor

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Administrative Director of WSV Creative Steps Playgroup.  I am truly honored to be part of such a valuable institution.  It is my intent to ensure a loving, safe and stimulating child centered environment. 

I came to Creative Steps as an assistant teacher in the spring of 2001 and acquired my current position in November 2006.  My goal is to maintain and expand on our current program. 

At Creative Steps, we strive to deliver an environment where your child can grow socially as well as independently.  It is my ultimate goal to continue the family feeling that we have here.  Since we have such a s small and intimate setting, we can focus on the core of each individual family and address each child’s individual needs.  Creating a “community” within our school allows the teachers and parents to work together collaboratively.  

As I am reaching my eleventh year of working within the Early childhood field, I am still amazed at how much I continue to learn from the children as well as my Co-teachers.  I have studied Early Childhood at Borough of Manhattan Community College, Hunter College and currently at SUNY Empire State College.
 

Andy Carkuff

I am so pleased to introduce myself as the Educational Director of Creative Steps. After graduating from Hunter College with an M.S. in Early Childhood Education, I spent the next four years as a teacher at City and Country School in New York City. Being in that progressive environment allowed me to gain the much needed experience for my future as an early childhood teacher.

I took time off from teaching so that I could raise my own children. My younger son actually attended Creative Steps. Now that they are older, I recently decided that I could get back into the classroom. I joined Creative Steps in the Fall of 2007, and I am so happy that I did. I could not have imagined a better comeback than I am having at Creative Steps. I am enjoying working with my co-corkers (Gabrielle used to be my son's teacher!).

I feel that as a committed team, we can make this school even better than it already is! As a former parent, I feel that I offer a different take on things since I have been on both sides of the coin here. I have private/public school experience with my own children which I believe allows me the ability to guide families in the right direction when they are thinking past Creative Steps.

I am looking forward to a great year!
 

Elena Lavelle

After coming to the U.S. from Haiti in 1981, all I have ever known was that I had such a strong love for children. After seeing my own daughter off to college, as well as my 24 years of childcare experience, it was my pleasure to joining the Creative Steps family in the fall of 2006.

I feel that I bring a strong sense of diversity as well as cultural awareness to the program. I cannot stress how special I feel knowing that I am a part of such a tight-knit school community. I am fluent in French/Creole and try to implement this into our daily routine either by singing songs or listening to music from back home.