United Methodist Preschool Staff

The United Methodist Preschools staff is the heart of our school. Our teachers have excellent educational backgrounds and exceptional work experience.  They are well prepared and welcoming, with all head teachers holding a minimum of a Child Development Associate Certificate in Early Childhood Education or a BA.  The teachers attend workshops, seminars and educational conferences throughout the year to ensure the highest quality program for your child.

Meet our Director Carol Hammond

Carol has been a part of our UMPS family for over 20 years. Before coming to UMPS, Carol was a tutor in her children’s elementary school, where she worked under the guidance of an inspiring mentor, Eileen Swerdlick.  She then went on to Save the Sound as an Environmental Educator, where she worked with all age groups, preschool through high school, including the Life Time Learners Program at NCC.  

Starting as a teacher in 1998 in the 5 Day Pre – K class and the Education Specialist, she went on to become the Director in 2008. With her BS in Psychology, CT Director’s Certification in Early Childhood Administration, Master of Science in Education, and her love of children, she brings not only warmth and empathy to our UMPS community but a high level of knowledge in early childhood education. Carol loves the nurturing educational community that we have here at UMPS, where relationships, laughter, and joy are the best part of every day.  “Learning has no endpoint, always stay curious, and be kind.”

An avid naturalist, Carol can be found walking the beach and out enjoying nature where she can relax and restore.  She values time spent with her two adorable grandchildren, her family and friends, and settling down with a good book after a busy workday.

Meet the Terrific Two’s Teachers

With her Associates in Early Childhood Education, Miss Viv came to UMPS as an assistant teacher and is now the head teacher in our Two’s class. She feels that UMPS is an incredibly unique school community where everyone enthusiastically works together, creating a positive and rewarding atmosphere where the children play, learn and grow. With her endless energy and love of children, Miss Viv has created a joyful, warm, and dynamic two’s program. “Kids have an amazing imagination and so much knowledge that you learn something from them every day.”

As a dedicate New Canaan Mom, Miss Carolina began her teaching journey at UMPS in 2018 when her daughters attended the preschool. Inspired by the commitment of the teachers and staff, she decided to join the team! Her passion for their curiosity and eagerness to learn really shines through. Additionally, Miss Carolina teaches Spanish to our 4-Day Pre-K class, helping her little learners fall in love with language! 

Miss Sydney is one of our newest friendly faces to join the UMPS community. A graduate of the University of Delaware, she received her degree in nutrition alongside personal health and wellness. It gave her the opportunity to work directly with young children her senior year through her teaching methods course, which was easily her favorite class and one she gained an immense amount of knowledge to take with her and apply to future settings working with children. "I love coming to work to see both my adult-teacher friends and my little-kiddo friends. There's a lot to learn from everyone and all the connections are ones I'll hold on to for years to come." she said. Miss Sydney is beyond excited and thankful to be teaming up with Miss Viv, Miss Carolina and Miss Katie in the T2's classroom to create an environment full of loving, laughing, and learning! 

Miss Katie comes to UMPS after being a stay-at-home mom to her 3 boys for 17 years. She has a Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts and a love for working with little ones.  Miss Katie enjoys cheering her boys on at their soccer and basketball games and in her down time can be found at the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Meet The Discovery Three’s Teachers

Miss Pena came to UMPS with over 7 years of teaching experience. Originally from Mexico, she moved to Connecticut with her family and pursued her degree in accounting. When not at preschool she can be found working on her ECE certification and spending time with her 2 children. Miss Pena is an avid reader and loves to cook. “I love to see children caring and sharing with friends. That warms my heart.”

Mrs. Buzzeo grew up in New Canaan and still lives here with her husband, son and twin daughters. She has a BA from Bucknell, and after years of coaching and long term subbing she has decided to join the classroom full-time. Cameron is excited to be part of our 3’s class where “each day is a learning experience”.

Ms. Maha lives in New Canaan with her husband and 3 children. Her youngest is currently attending UMPS. Ms. Maha is a passionate educator trained in Montessori methods and brings with her teaching experience across the globe. Outside of the classroom she enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her family.

Meet The 5 Day Pre-K Adventurer’s Teachers

Miss Lucia came to UMPS with her BS in Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, and Associates in Early Childhood Education. Along with the school’s philosophy and hands-on approach to learning, she enjoys the relationships and cooperation between the staff and families. “UMPS is a beautiful place to work, where everybody feels welcomed, included, valued, and always supported.”

Lucia finds joy in motivating a child to be fully and actively engaged in the learning process. She enjoys helping children express their own opinions, ideas and acceptance of others.

Mrs. Maitan has her Associate in Early Childhood Education and has been a valued member of the UMPS community for over 10 years. She enjoys working alongside a team of teachers who are kind, caring and extremely dedicated. She is inspired by how curious her students are about the world around them; “They get excited about the small things like ants, worms, and puddles!”. Her enhanced math and science curriculum fuels our STEAM model of inquiry and exploration. Mrs. Maitan finds teaching kindergarten candidates extremely rewarding but admits, she enjoys learning from them as much as they do from her! Mrs. Maitan also teaches Spanish to her 5-Day Pre-K classroom.