ABOUT US
Welcome to MFCP!
MFCP was founded on the principles of collaborative play-based learning, respect for self and others, shared values, and meaningful traditions. We are creative in our hands-on approach as we invite each child to find their joy of learning.
The expertise of our teachers shines through as they inspire students to explore, discover, take risks and make their own choices. Whether students are involved in creating a classroom cafe for Valentine’s Day, planting flowers in our garden, learning to read, or experimenting with Lego coding, it is our belief that providing many different types of learning experiences creates independent and responsible students.
The MFCP community is inviting and supportive. We are pleased that you are interested in learning more about our school.
Sincerely,
Danielle Celaj
Executive Director
MFCP AT A Glance
Methodist Family Center Preschool (MFCP) is a private preschool located in Darien, CT for children ages 2 through 5. With its picturesque setting and spacious, well-equipped playground, MFCP offers the ideal setting for your child’s first school experience.
- Founded in 1994 and a mission of the Darien United Methodist Church
- Enrollment of approximately 75 children
- Programs for 2s through Pre-K
- 2s: Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/Thurs, 8:45am – 11:30am
- 3s & 4s: Mon – Fri, 8:45am – 11:30am
- Pre-K: Mon – Fri, 8:45am – 1:30pm
- Daily Lunch Bunch and Enrichment offerings extend the day to 1:30pm or 2:45pm.
- Eighteen member faculty
- 6 classrooms
- Secure outdoor play spaces include a playground, blacktop area and sports field.
- Multi-purpose indoor gym
- MFCP is a licensed childcare center in the state of Connecticut.
Reading about our program provides you with a glimpse of our school.
To learn more, please arrange a tour by calling 203.655.7407.
Taking advantage of the teachable moments that happen every day, we aim to foster the intellectual, creative, social, emotional, and physical growth and development of our students. MFP provides an environment that is stimulating, nurturing and supportive to young children, where young children can discover that they are important, and where learning is fun. The school’s philosophy is to recognize and accept the uniqueness of each child and to create an initial school experience where children can comfortably and freely explore their environment. Our goal is to help children develop a positive self-concept, while also preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.
Our practice is based on the CT Early Learning and Developmental Standards and the Connecticut Preschool Assessment framework. Both guide and inform our staff’s self-designed curriculum. We aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning by providing an environment that allows children to learn by doing. A play-based approach provides a child-centered curriculum directed by teachers in which children are encouraged to construct their own knowledge. We strive for our program to reflect the needs of children and families from all backgrounds in our community.
Our curriculum includes the following:
- Creative Movement
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
- Theater Arts
- Yoga
Our beliefs
Our faculty and staff
Stepping inside MFCP, you enter an extraordinary place for children. It is a place where all of our energies are dedicated to helping children become their best selves. We purposefully create an environment to meet their needs from early toddler years to emerging childhood all while providing a safe and nurturing setting for learning.
Lisa Alfieri
Red Room
About & Contact
redroom@methodistpreschool.org
“Every day is an opportunity to grow”—Bert and John Jacobs, founders of Life is Good. I have had the opportunity to spend the last twenty-two years growing with the 3s and have loved my time at MFCP. I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate and stay current on the latest teaching strategies for our young friends. Whether we are introducing letters and numbers, exploring nature and the world around us, or encouraging social skills, I rely on my vast early childhood knowledge to provide an engaging classroom community. My husband and I have lived in Darien for over 30 years, and we have two children and two grandchildren. In addition to spending time with my family, I am involved in philanthropic efforts for the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital Council, and I volunteer with the local Girl Scouts to help them earn their Horsemanship badges. I look forward to creating a wonderful preschool experience for your children.
Danielle Celaj
Executive Director
About & Contact
director@methodistpreschool.org
I am blessed beyond measure to serve as the Executive Direcctor for the children and families at MFCP. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have extensive training in the field. I come to MFCP with 17 years of teaching and directing experience and am excited to work with our group of tenured teachers, many of whom have been at the school for more than 15 years. I look forward to getting to know you and your family. Welcome!
Sandy Caporal
Rainbow Room
About & Contact
rainbowroom@methodistpreschool.org
With twenty-seven years of teaching experience at MFCP and a genuine love for early childhood development, I am in my happy place at MFCP. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and have built my career working with children through hands-on experiences, exploration, and imaginative play. Along with my role as a 4s teacher, I also lead our Capitalize and Navigators programs, which provide individualized instruction and group activities that enhance our 4s curriculum. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends. I am excited for a new year of discovery, learning and growth with your children!
Debby Cappiello
Pre-K
About & Contact
friendshiproom@methodistpreschool.org
Debby is my name, and Pre-K is my game! I am dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging classroom experience for our oldest children at MFCP. I began my career at MFCP in 1999 after earning my Child Development Associate Credential from Norwalk Community College. In the twenty-four years spent teaching MFCP children, I have participated in numerous professional development workshops and conferences to stay on top of the latest educational practices. I love teaching Pre-K because we get to spend the year building each child’s confidence and instill a lifelong love of learning. People always say the Pre-K year is a gift and I couldn’t agree more.
Karey Fitzgerald
Green Room
About & Contact
greenroom@methodistpreschool.org
It’s hard to believe that this will be my 14th year teaching at MFCP! I love being a 4s teacher and take pride in creating a classroom space where laughter and curiosity fill the air. I love to help children develop important social and emotional skills, teaching them kindness, empathy, and respect for one another. I am also known as the sports expert at MFCP, leading our Sports of All Sorts Enrichment Program. When I’m not teaching, you can find me shooting hoops with the littles on our playground and with the big kids at Norwalk High School where I am an Assistant Girls Basketball coach. I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I also have two children, James who is 24 and Alyssa who is 21. I spend my free time swimming, reading and being with my large extended family. I look forward to an active year with your children!
Tricia Gallagher
School Nurse
About & Contact
schoolnurse@methodistpreschool.org
I’ve had the privilege of serving as the dedicated school nurse at MFCP for the past 3 years. I’m a registered nurse and graduate from Fairfield University’s School of Nursing. After graduating college, I worked at Hackensack Medical Center in New Jersey. My husband, John, and I moved to Darien 21 years ago and have three sons, ages 24, 21 and 20. Our two youngest sons are proud graduates from MFCP! Throughout my professional journey, I have also had the opportunity to serve in Darien’s public schools as a school nurse. Beyond my work priorities, my heart finds joy in cooking, playing golf, gardening and vacationing with my family. As I look ahead, I’m excited for the opportunities that each day brings as I continue to care for the wonderful students at MFCP. I’m humbled to be a part of this community and eager to contribute my expertise to the well-being of your children.
Carol Kennedy
Tues/Thurs Orange Room
About & Contact
orangeroommwf@methodistpreschool.org
I grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Boston College with a dual major in Marketing and Computer Science. After moving to Darien in 2011, my youngest son attended MFCP and we fell in love with the program. In our toddler class, you can expect a blend of play-based and guided activities that cater to the developmental needs of each child. It is a huge year of growth and I’m constantly amazed by what our youngest kids can do by the end of the school year. When I’m not having fun at MFCP you can find me attending my sons’ many sports games, exercising, gardening, reading and spending time with friends.
Sally Lombardo
Pre-K & Movement
About & Contact
friendshiproom@methodistpreschool.org
I have been a MFCP teacher since 2010; time goes by fast when you’re having fun! I have a deep love for the arts and find joy in drama, composing and playwriting. You may also know me as Miss Sally at Crystal Theater in Norwalk, where many of our MFCP children have performed in our mini musicals; many of which I have personally written. For me teaching Pre-K and Creative Movement is an exciting way to enjoy the Arts through a lively combination of dance, sports, theatre games, parachute play, music exploration and so much more! I am looking forward to another rewarding year at MFCP!
Pam O'Neil
Tues/Thurs Orange Room
About & Contact
orangeroomtuth@methodistpreschool.org
I am excited for another fun year in the Toddler class! My husband and I have lived in Darien for 20 years and have two boys, ages 25 and 23, and a daughter who is 18. After graduating from St. Lawrence University with a Biology degree, I worked in research and then a biotech company in Westchester. I later volunteered at Noroton Presbyterian Preschool, Hindley and Middlesex Middle School. More recently I taught an after-school STEM program to K-4th graders. As a family, we love to ski, hike, bike and travel. I’m looking forward to meeting your children!
Candace Hewit
Mon/Wed/Fri Orange Room
About & Contact
orangeroommwf@methodistpreschool.org
Candace brings a wealth of knowledge, passion for teaching, and a deep commitment to fostering a lifelong love of learning in children. Beginning her career as an intern teacher at Stanwich School in Greenwich, she later received her Masters in Elementary Education from Manhattanville College, and then moved on to teach K-2nd grade at Marymount School of New York. Candace left the classroom to raise her young family and stayed involved in the field by working for an education company and tutoring independently. She is excited to broaden her teaching experience with our youngest learners.
Kelly Phelps
Marketing & Communications Director
About & Contact
kphelps@methodistpreschool.org
My family and I moved to Darien in 2013 and hit the ground running with our three kids, now 16, 13 and 10. Two of my children are proud MFCP graduates. Being a room mom, chairing our annual fundraiser, and later serving on the Board of Directors has given me a unique view into my job and I feel fortunate to call MFCP my home away from home. Before settling on the East Coast, I grew up in Texas and graduated from TCU with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2017 I began my role as PR Director working to manage our online presence, enhance our school community, and attract dynamic families to our wonderful school. We welcome you to MFCP!
Cara Rachinsky
Red Room
About & Contact
redroom@methodistpreschool.org
I am excited to join the MFCP family alongside Lisa in the 3s Red Room. I am coming to MFCP from Maureen Bloom Playdates where I was a teacher for the past six years. My background is in Speech and Language and I especially love working with children at the preschool level. It’s a time of so much language development, many new and exciting milestones to be met and I love being along for the ride! I am a mom of two boys, ages 11 and 13, and when I’m not teaching you can find me on the fields in town, football, lacrosse or soccer depending on the season. I look back to their preschool days fondly and feel lucky to be Abe able to share my mornings with your sweet kiddos!
Carol Rooney
Mon/Wed/Fri Orange Room & Science
About & Contact
orangeroommwf@methodistpreschool.org
I am thrilled to wear a few hats this year at MFCP – in addition to teaching in the Orange Room 2s, I am excited to be part of the Pre-K team as well as the Science teacher for our 3s, 4s and Pre-K children. What a great way to get to know all the students at MFCP! My family and I have lived in Darien for 22 years and all three of my (now grown) kids are MFCP graduates. I am passionate about lifelong learning and love nurturing young minds. I believe that children are natural scientists, and I strive to connect with them to foster their innate sense of wonder of the world around them. My favorite place to relax is the Maine coast where you can find me on the water, but I can also be found in Woodland Park every day with my favorite puppy dog, Moose.
Devon Skehan
Teaching Assistant
About & Contact
I am lucky to start my first year in the MFCP family! I am excited to return to classroom teaching after working with Maureen Bloom Playdates. My husband Michael and I have been in Rowayton and Darien for over 10 years raising our three children in the Darien school system. We have been an active part of the community through coaching and various PTO organizations. I enjoy reading, tennis, paddle, golf, skiing and tinkering with as many crafts as I can. Wherever I go there is some sort of space that serves as my “Art Room”! I am excited to make memories with your children as we learn and grow through imaginative play.
Sharon Warde
Green Room
About & Contact
greenroom@methodistpreschool.org
Born and raised near London, I love bringing some British pride to Darien. My husband Michael and I have two daughters and a son who have all flown the nest and are living their best lives at colleges in Alabama, Texas and Maine. During my ten years at MFCP, I have found that each child is a unique little person with their own strengths and interests. As such, I aim to meet the individual needs of every child by providing hands-on activities, interactive games, and creative projects to make sure that learning is fun! Along with teaching the 4s, I also lead our Cooking & Crafts Enrichment program and enjoy “dining” with the children during Lunch Bunch. I look forward to getting to know your children in the fall!
Colleen Weidner
Pre-K & Staff Development
Contact & About
cweidner@methodistpreschool.org
I am thrilled to be returning to Methodist as a Pre-K teacher and will implement key Professional Development initiatives for staff. My family and I moved to Daren in 2016 – our son Wes graduated from MFCP in 2020 and my daughter Hazel is entering middle school this year. I received my Masters in Childhood Education from Manhattanville College and have experience teaching Kindergarten through 4th grade at Rye Country Day School, the 4s at Five Mile River Nursery School, and years of private tutoring in mathematics. You can find me on the tennis court in my free time or engrossed in a book at the beach. I’m looking forward to spending time with your children and making a positive impact on our school.
Susan Wolters
Blue Room
Contact & About
blueroom@methodistpreschool.org
I am excited to return for my thirteenth year as a 3s teacher at MFCP. My husband, Chris, and I have lived in Darien for twenty-six years raising our four children who all attended MFCP and Darien schools. We are long-time members of the Darien United Methodist Church, and we enjoy getting involved in our wonderful community. I take pride in being one of your child’s first teachers and strive to build strong relationships with our families, understanding the significance of open communication and a collaborative approach. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know your family soon!
Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of MFCP parents, faculty, school directors, and DUMC church members. Board members hold in trust the school’s future as well as its present. The Board reflects vision, experience and knowledge of our community, as well as a blending of education, managerial and parental viewpoints to lead the school’s strategic vision.
Church Members:
Cathy Condren
Amy Kniffin
Marcia Voges (Board Chair)
Susan Wolters (Faculty)
Karen Yostpille
Parent Reps:
Ingrid Sarver
Ashley Stevens
Sara Terry
Jessica Walsh
Ex-Officio:
Danielle Celaj, Director
Rev. Laura Galbraith, DUMC Pastor
Kelly Phelps, Marketing & Communications Director
Come Visit Our School
Please contact Kelly Phelps, Marketing & Communications Director of MFCP, at 203-655-7407 or send us an email via the form below.