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 take a creative, hands-on approach, inviting each child to discover their own joy in learning. Our classrooms buzz with imagination, care, and curiosity, creating a welcoming space for every child to belong and grow.
Our teachers bring their expertise and warmth into every day as they encourage students to explore, discover, be brave, and make choices that fit their interests. Whether children are working together to create a special classroom celebration, planting flowers in our garden, diving into stories and early reading, or exploring new materials in art and science, we believe in offering varied experiences that help each child become confident, independent, and responsible. The MFCP community is inviting and supportive. We are so pleased you are interested in learning more about our school, and we look forward to welcoming new families into our caring community!
Sincerely,
Danielle Celaj
Executive Director
MFCP AT A Glance
Methodist Family Center Preschool (MFCP) is a private preschool in Darien, CT, welcoming children ages 2 through 5. Set in a beautiful location with a spacious, well-equipped playground, MFCP provides an ideal environment for your child’s first school experience. Established in 1994 as a mission of the Darien United Methodist Church, MFCP is proud to have served generations of families in the Darien area.
- Enrollment of approximately 80 children
- Programs for 2s through Pre-K
- 2s: Mon/Wed/Fri or Tues/Thurs, 8:45am – 11:30am
- 3s: Mon – Fri or Mon/Wed/Fri, 8:45am – 11:30am
- 4s: Mon – Fri, 8:45 – 1:30pm
- Pre-K: Mon – Fri, 8:45am – 1:30pm
- Daily Lunch Bunch and Enrichment offerings extend the day to 1:30pm or 2:45pm.
- Twenty-member faculty
- 7 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.
Our Philosophy
- Art
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
- Theater Arts
Our faculty and staff

Sandy Caporal
About
With 3l 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 program, which provides individualized instruction that enhances our 4s and Pre-K curriculums. 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
Rainbow Room Pre-K
About
Debby is my name, and Pre-K is my game! I strive to provide 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-seven 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!

Danielle Celaj
Executive Director
About
I am blessed to serve as the Executive Director for the children and families at MFCP. I hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with 19 years of teaching and administration experience. This will be my fourth school year with MFCP, and I can’t wait to watch your children grow! I am dedicated to supporting our teachers and families while fostering a love of learning and creating a positive impact on each child’s journey. In my spare time, I cherish time with my husband, our two little girls, and our dog. Our family is the heart of my life. I look forward to getting to know you and your family. Welcome!

Karey Fitzgerald
About
It’s hard to believe that this will be my 17th year teaching at MFCP! I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I love being a 4s teacher and take pride in creating a classroom space where laughter and curiosity fill the air. I also teach our enrichment programs – Movement Mondays, CuisinArts, STEAM, and GoGoGeo! I love spending time with my two children, swimming, reading, and being with my family. I look forward to an active year with your children!

Tricia Gallagher
About & Contact
schoolnurse@methodistpreschool.org
I’ve had the privilege of serving as the dedicated school nurse at MCP for the past six years. I’m a registered nurse and graduate from Fairfield University’s School of Nursing. After college, I worked at Hackensack Medical Center in New Jersey and worked as a nurse for Darien Public Schools. My husband and I have lived in Darien for 22 years and have three sons. Our two youngest sons are proud graduates of MCP! Beyond work, I love to cook, play golf, garden and vacation with my family. As I look ahead to the coming year, I’m excited to care for the wonderful students at MFCP.

Vanessa Garzon
Green Room T/Th 2s & M/W/F 3s
About
I am ecstatic to enter my second year at MFCP! I hold an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s in elementary education, with a certification in teaching English to speakers of other languages. I have been actively teaching for seven years, working with a wide range of grades. I’m excited to bring my experience to the 2s and 3s classroom and watch your children learn and grow! When I’m not in the classroom, I love spending every minute I can with my husband and our two boys! I look forward to meeting your children and building a relationship with your family.

Krissia Guzman
M/W/F Orange Room 2s & Spanish Teacher
About
My name is Krissia Guzman, and I have a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive impact in my community. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and have over 10 years of experience in child care, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting children’s growth, development, and emotional well- being. I’m deeply passionate about creating nurturing environments that help children thrive. I am so excited to join the twos this year! In my free time, I enjoy exercising, listening to music, and dancing – activities that keep me positive, creative, and energized in both my personal and professional life.

Heather Lewis
Assistant Director
About
I’m thrilled to enter my second year as the Assistant Director of MCP! I hold a bachelor’s in English and have over 10 years of teaching experience, along with administrative work in finance and development. I truly value the opportunity to keep learning and growing. What I love most about early childhood education is watching young children discover new things with wonder and joy. I love to connect with families, teachers, and students and to be part of this wonderful team. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, music, staying active, and most of all, spending quality time with my four children, family, and close friends.

Sally Lombardo
Rainbow Room Pre-K
About
I have been a MCP teacher since 2010! I cannot express how thrilling it is to watch our students grow in confidence and see the JOY on their faces when they learn to read, crack the code of math, or create inspiring artwork! I love the arts and find my voice in drama by composing and playwriting. I also work at Crystal Theater in Norwalk where many of our MFCP children perform in mini musicals that I have written. For me, teaching Pre-K is an exciting way to share in the beautiful journey that you and your child are experiencing. I look forward to another rewarding year at MFCP!

Jehona Meturi
Support Staff
About
I am so excited to be a part of the MCP family! I hold a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and have five years of teaching experience. I love watching children’s curiosity blossom and being a part of their growth each day! I can’t wait to help in all of the classrooms. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, our two children, and our extended family. I enjoy playing sports with them, listening to music, exploring new foods and restaurants, going to the movies, and book shopping with my children. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!

Jenny Mullane
T/Th Orange Room 2s
About
I am excited to enter my third year in the MFCP community ready to bring my love of learning to young children. I aim to create a safe, welcoming environment that encourages social, emotional, and academic growth. I have my master’s in elementary education from Sacred Heart University and taught at Riverside Elementary in Greenwich for 6 years before taking a break to raise my 3 children. This will be my third year teaching 2 year olds and I love watching them grow! When I’m not in the classroom, I like to garden, bake, and stay active by walking, skiing and attempting golf. I can’t wait to meet your children!

Beth Mullin
Blue Room 3s
About
I have nearly 20 years of experience working with young children in early childhood education and attended Norwalk Community College and the University of Phoenix. One of my favorite parts of teaching is building relationships with each child and getting to know their unique personalities. I love watching their confidence grow and celebrating the excitement they feel when they learn something new. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jeff, and our son, Johnny. I also love cooking, going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing together!

Pam O'Neil
T/Th Orange Room 2s
About
I am excited for my eighth year in the Toddler class! My husband and I have lived in Darien for 23 years and have two boys and a daughter. 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 Schools. In addition to teaching my beloved 2s, I also teach GoGoGeo Enrichment. In my spare time I love to ski, hike, bike and travel. I’m looking forward to meeting your children!

Lisa Perone
4s Support Staff
About
I am so excited to join the MFCP family! I have more than 15 years of experience working with young children. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and am dedicated to partnering with families and fellow teachers to make each child’s preschool experience meaningful and positive. One of my favorite parts of working with preschoolers is listening to their stories, learning about their interests, and watching their confidence grow. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and doing arts and crafts. I look forward to getting to know your children and being part of their learning journey in the purple room!

Laura Pollinger
3s Support Staff
About
I am extremely grateful to join such a wonderful community at MCP! With over five years of teaching experience, I believe children learn best through play, curiosity, and meaningful experiences. I strive to create a warm and nurturing classroom where children feel safe, loved and valued. I bring heart, patience, and joy to my classroom, and I love helping each child feel supported, celebrated, and are excited to learn. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, gardening, spending time in nature, and crafting with my 4-year-old daughter.

Sarah Reiner
Rainbow Room Pre-K
About & Contact
I’m so excited to be part of your child’s learning adventure! I have over 15 years of experience working with young children and earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Tampa. For the past six years, I’ve had the joy of teaching Pre-K, and I truly believe these early years are filled with so much wonder, growth, and fun. My favorite part of teaching is watching children discover new things every day! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my longtime boyfriend and our adventurous 2½-year-old daughter. We love swimming, traveling, exploring new places, and making memories together. I can’t wait to laugh, learn, and grow with your child in Pre-K this year!

Sarah Simpson
M/W/F Orange Room 2s & Art Teacher
About
I’m very excited to start my first year in the MFCP family. With 30 years of childcare experience, my greatest joy is helping little ones grow, learn and thrive through play and creativity! I’ve spent the last 6 years in a preschool classroom, where I love working with toddlers, helping them develop as individuals. Originally from England, I now live in Norwalk with my husband, three children and our two dogs! Family time is my favorite thing and in my spare time I like to stay active, walking our dogs and cheering on my kids from the soccer sidelines!

Clare Steigler
Green Room T/Th 2s & M/W/F 3s
About
I’m excited to begin my second year at MFCP as I enter my fifth year of teaching preschool. I’ve truly found my passion in early childhood education. I love working with both 2s and 3s! One of my favorite parts of each day is greeting the children at the front door with a smile and seeing their excitement as they arrive. They never fail to make me laugh, and I love the joy, energy, and curiosity they bring to the classroom. Outside of the classroom, you’ll find me hiking with my dog, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Christina Symeonidis
Purple Room 4s
About
I am very excited for my third year in the MFCP family! I hold a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport. Over the years I have gained diverse experience in various educational positions to stay involved in teaching while raising my young family. I look forward to building community in my classroom as well as building my student’s confidence, all while instilling a lifelong love and excitement for learning. Outside of MFCP, I’m mommy to three children and my kiddos keep me busy! We enjoy spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting the families of MCP and getting to know your children!

Tina Vernazza
Red Room 3s
About
I’m so excited to start my second year at MFCP! I have over a decade of experience in early childhood education and hold a bachelor’s in psychology. I am truly passionate about supporting young minds, and I love watching their imaginations come alive. Outside the classroom, I’m the proud mom of three children. I enjoy writing, and learning to play my guitar (not quite there yet). As a family we love exploring different orchards, and spending time outdoors with our three dogs. I can’t wait to learn and grow with you all this year!

Karen Yostpille
Bookkeeper
About
I am pleased to be a part of the MFCP family as the bookkeeper. It is a delight to be back in the same preschool where my children, now ages 30 and 27, spent their early years. We all have fond memories of the wonderful staff (some still here!) and the warm, friendly environment. My husband and I are active members of the Darien United Methodist Church. When I am not working at the preschool, I enjoy reading, knitting, crocheting, playing Mah Jongg and heading out for a round of golf. I look forward to getting to know the families at MFCP!
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
Meleisa Holek
Kate Perez
Kimberly Servas
Marcia Voges
Karen Yostpille
Parent Reps:
Courtney Blackman
Johanna Bloom
Brooke Haggerty
Teacher Rep:
Rotating Teachers
Ex-Officio:
Danielle Celaj, Director
Rev. Laura Galbraith, DUMC Pastor
PTO Chair:
Meghan Waters







