Michele Fortier has been working in the field of education for over 30 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies: Administration, Management and Leadership from Walden University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from William Paterson University. Michele has worked as a classroom teacher, mentor, workshop facilitator, and director.
Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work with children from birth through high school. These experiences highlighted the importance of providing young children with a well thought out environment to explore at their own pace. Her Master’s Capstone project was focused on preserving play in the early childhood classroom. Michele has both Early Childhood and Elementary Standard Teaching Certificates.
Michele has provided workshops at the New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children and the New Jersey Child Care Association Conferences. As well as The Educating the Heart and First-Up Conferences in Pennsylvania.
Contact Michele: (908) 277-4400 mfortier@cornerstonekids.org
“You can discover more about a person in one hour of play than in a year of conversation” –Plato
Ms. Marshall has over 25 years of experience in the field. Colleen has had supervisory positions for the past seven years. In addition, she has been either an Assistant Director or Director for the past five years.
She holds a Master’s degree and a Certificate in Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of education.
Her favorite part of caring for children was, she replied, “Being in their lives and bonding with families.”
Contact Colleen: (908) 277-4400 CMarshall@cornerstonekids.org
Cornerstone teachers are passionate early childhood educators. Ongoing professional development allows our certified, caring educators bring innovative and developmentally appropriate methods of instruction to their class every day. Our teachers are committed to creating an environment that promotes the development of the whole child. All staff are First Aid/CPR certified.
“The teachers are really doing a lot to make sure that there’s an experience for each kid. I was really impressed with what I learned at back-to-school night. Our particular teacher would discuss strategies for the children’s learning and development. And, I feel that the teachers really want to be there. They’re present, they care a lot and they’re passionate about education.”
-Adrienne L.
Dr. Yancey has over 14 years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Religious Studies from Saint Elizabeth University, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from CUNY Hunter College, and a Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Innovation from Purdue University.
Working with our youngest learners, Dr. Yancey helps children build independence and discover the joy of learning together. Through play and supportive relationships, she encourages cooperative play, nurtures social-emotional development, and helps each child feel confident and connected in the classroom.
Contact Diamond: (908) 277-4400 dyancey@cornerstonekids.org
Miss Salazar, who joined Cornerstone in 2021, brings a deep passion for early education. With an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, she is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive classroom where every student feels welcome and valued.
Contact Sigourney: (908) 277-4400 ssalazar@cornerstonekids.org
Miss Reino has both public and private school experience with several ages and grade levels, but providing a play-based education for preschool students is her passion. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education and an MA in Special Education. She has worked in the education field since 2000 finding her home in the field of early childhood education.
Contact Cristina: (908) 277-4400 creino@cornerstonekids.org
Mr. Goodman brings experience as a lead preschool teacher and has worked with children since 2015. His background as a camp counselor and youth activities counselor with Disney Cruise Line has strengthened his ability to create engaging activities and build connections with children. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa and is currently working toward his P–3 teaching certificate.
Contact Robert: (908) 277-4400 rgoodman@cornerstonekids.org
Oksana Eid is an experienced educator with over 35 years of experience working with children. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has 15 years of experience working as a preschool teacher.
She also has experience working with school-aged children, which has given her extensive knowledge and practical skills in educating and supporting children of different ages. She is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment where every child can develop their abilities, express their creativity, build self-confidence, and cultivate a love of learning.
Contact Oksana: (908) 277-4400 oeid@cornerstonekids.org
Mrs. Roselle holds an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts, specializing in art education. Her belief in choice-based art aligns with Cornerstone’s play-based philosophy, as both emphasize individuality and self-expression, which are foundational to whole-child development.
Contact Amy: (908) 277-4400 aroselle@cornerstonekids.org
Miss Patricia has been delighting Cornerstone students for many years with her Little Actors Studio enrichment program. Now, as our Music Teacher, she leads Music Class every Monday—classes full of songs, dancing, instruments, puppets, and playful activities that spark early literacy, motor skills, language, and social-emotional growth.
Contact Patricia: (908) 277-4400 pprice@cornerstonekids.org
Assistant teachers are a vital part of the Cornerstone learning community. Often the first in the building and last to leave as several staff our before and after care programs. They provide assistance to our lead teacher that goes well beyond an extra set of hands in the classroom. They get to know our students and their families well. They are required to implement our curriculum and discipline policy as effectively as the Lead Teachers they work beside, forming a cohesive teaching team.
Our assistant teachers come from a variety of backgrounds. All are college graduates or currently students in fields related to early childhood. Several have advanced degrees in other fields and are exploring a move to the field of education. Their continuing education requirements are the same as our lead teachers.
