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

At MFCP, we nurture each child’s growth in a supportive environment where learning is fun and exploration is encouraged. We celebrate every child’s uniqueness and aim to build confidence while preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.  
Our approach is guided by the CT Early Learning and Developmental Standards (ELDS), which shape our staff-designed, play-based curriculum. We foster a lifelong love of learning by encouraging children to learn through hands-on experiences and exploration. Our child-centered program is designed to reflect and support the diverse needs of the children and families in our community.
Our curriculum includes the following:

  • Art
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Theater Arts
Our beliefs

Statement of Inclusion

A community of varied voices strengthens the education of MFCP students and enriches the lives of all in our school. We value individuality and encourage all children to reach their potential, while respecting their similarities and differences. We are united in purpose and committed to working together to accomplish the mission of the Methodist Family Center Preschool.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In compliance with federal and state laws, Methodist Family Center Preschool does not discriminate based on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admission, financial aid, or the employment of staff.

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.

Sandy Caporal

Yellow Room 4s
About

With thirty 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 & Contact

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-six 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 18 years of teaching and administration experience. This is my third school year with MFCP, and I can’t wait to watch your children grow! I am dedicated to supporting our teachers and families in fostering a love of learning and creating a positive impact on each child’s early educational journey. In my spare time, I cherish the moments I share with my husband, our two little girls, and our dog. Our time together is the heart of my life. I look forward to getting to know you and your family. Welcome!

Karey Fitzgerald

Purple Room 4s
About

It’s hard to believe that this will be my 16th 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. 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 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

School Nurse
About & Contact

schoolnurse@methodistpreschool.org

I’ve had the privilege of serving as the dedicated school nurse at MFCP for the past five 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 MFCP! 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 2s & 3s

About

I am ecstatic to join the MFCP family this year! 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 six years, working with a wide range of grades. I’m excited to bring my experience to the 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.

Candance Hewit

Mon/Wed/Fri Orange Room 2s

About

I am excited to return for my third year as a 2s teacher at MFCP. I have built my career around teaching young children and am particularly loving my time with the 2s! I am always amazed by the development that happens during our year together and I strive to help support our youngest learners feel safe to explore, learn and grow. I have a master’s degree in elementary education from Manhattanville College. I taught K- 2nd grades at Marymount School in NYC before taking some time off to raise my young family. In my spare time, I love to play tennis and can often be found coaching or cheering on my kids from various sidelines around town. I look forward to the wonderful year ahead being a part of the MFCP family.

Heather Lewis

Assistant Director

About

I’m thrilled to step into my new role as Assistant Director! 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. This year, I’m excited 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 MFCP 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!

Chantele McDermott

Red Room 3s

About

I am thrilled to start my second year at MFCP! I relocated a year ago from sunny Florida, and I’m excited to have found a faith-based school that truly feels like a home away from home. With 14 years of teaching experience under my belt, I am passionate about bringing my expertise into the classroom and helping students reach their fullest potential. Family is everything to me—I’ve been married to my husband for 28 years, and we have a wonderful daughter. I believe in the power of a strong, supportive community and am eager to collaborate with students, parents, and fellow educators to make this school year memorable!

Jenny Mullane

Tues/Thurs Orange Room 2s

About

I am excited to enter my second 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 second-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!

Pam O'Neil

Tues/Thurs Orange Room 2s

About & Contact

I am excited for my seventh year in the Toddler class! My husband and I have lived in Darien for 22 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!

Devon Skehan

Mon/Wed/Fri Orange Room 2s

About

I am happy to start my third year in the MFCP family! Prior to joining MFCP, I was a teacher for Maureen Bloom Playdates. I also teach the Art Special at MFCP and love creating with your children. My husband Michael and I have been in Rowayton and Darien for over a decade 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, tinkering with as many crafts as I can, and teaching!

Claire Stiegler

Green Room 2s & 3s

About

I’m excited to begin my first year at MFCP as I enter my fourth year of teaching, once again working with three-year-olds. My background is in interior design, but I’ve found my passion in early childhood education. This year, I’ll be attending CT State to take early childhood education classes and continue growing in this field. I look forward to meeting new colleagues and working with children of different ages. There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching young children’s personalities blossom at this special age. 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 second 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 MFCP and getting to know your children!

Tina Vernazza

Blue Room 3s & Red Room 3s

About & Contact

I’m so excited to start my first year at MFCP! I have over 10 years’ 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!

Susan Wolters

Blue Room 3s

About

I am excited to return for my 15th year as a 3s teacher at MFCP. My husband and I have lived in Darien for over 25 years and all four of our children attended MFCP. I served on the Board and as Board Chair for several years, and we are long time members of the Darien United Methodist Church. I also teach our Friends in Faith program!
Our goal in the Blue Room is to have your children love going to school and to instill a lifelong love of learning. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family at the beach, playing games, cooking, hiking, or being on the golf course. I look forward to getting to know you and your family 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 29 and 26, 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 have lived in Darien for 32 years, and we attend 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

Amy Kniffin

Kate Perez 

Marcia Voges

Karen Yostpille

Parent Reps:

Brooke Haggerty

Ingrid Sarver

Johanna Bloom

Teacher Rep:

Rotating Teachers

Ex-Officio:

Danielle Celaj, Director

Rev. Laura Galbraith, DUMC Pastor

PTO Chair:

Meghan Waters

Come Visit Our School

Please contact Danielle Celaj, Executive Director of MFCP, at 203-655-7407 or send us an email via the form below.