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. We were founded in 1994 as a mission of the Darien United Methodist Church and are 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, Mon/Tues or Tues/Thurs, 8:45am – 11:30am
3s: Mon – Fri, 8:45am – 11:30am
4s: Mon – Thurs, 8:45 – 1:30pm, Fri, 8:45 – 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
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

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. The “ELDS”, as they are known, 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:

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.

Lisa Alfieri

Red Room 3s

About

“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 23 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 have raised our family here. In addition to spending time with my family and I love to scrapbook and care for our Shetland Ponies. ! I am also involved in philanthropic efforts for the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital Council. I look forward to creating a wonderful preschool experience for your children.

Danielle Celaj

Executive Director

About & Contact

director@methodistpreschool.org

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 and have extensive training in the field. I joined MFCP in March, bringing 17 years of experience in teaching and directing, and it has been a joy to join this beautiful community.

I have always had a passion for incorporating art into the classroom and find joy in watching children create. Connecting with families and playing an integral role in child development is incredibly fulfilling for me. 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, nothing is more important to me than spending quality time with my family. 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 also love painting and creating children’s murals, which adds a creative touch to my personal time. I look forward to getting to know you and your family. Welcome!

Sandy Caporal

Yellow Room 4s

About

With twenty-eight 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 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-five 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

Purple Room 4s

About

It’s hard to believe that this will be my 15th 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 also teach a variety of our after school 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 have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I love spending time with my two children, James who is 25 and Alyssa who is 22, and 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 four 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, John, and I have lived in Darien for 21 years and have three sons, ages 25, 22 and 21. 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.

Christina Symeonidis

Purple Room 4s

About

I am very excited to join 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. I’m excited to help create a classroom environment where my students show kindness and respect while we explore and grow. Outside of MFCP, I’m mommy to my 10-year-old daughter, 5-year-old son, and 3-year-old son. 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 kiddos. Let’s explore, discover, learn, and grow!

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! Most of all, I love the laughter! I have a deep appreciation for 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 personally 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!

Pam O'Neil

Tues/Thurs Orange Room 2s

About

I am excited for another fun year in the Toddler class! My husband and I have lived in Darien for 21 years and have two boys, ages 26 and 24, and a daughter who is 19. 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 2s

About

I am excited to return for my second 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 began my career as a teaching intern at Stanwich School in Greenwich and later received my masters degree in elementary education from Manhattanville College. I went on to teach 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.

Mary Jo Miller

Mon/Wed/Fri Orange Room 2s

About

After a wonderful experience as a parent at MCFP and watching my own daughter graduate in 2020, I am thrilled to return to the warm walls of MCFP as a 2s teacher. Before starting my family, I received a master’s degree in early childhood education from Hunter College and taught various grades at an elementary school in New York City. My most enjoyable moments during this time were working with my youngest learners, watching them grow in the fundamentals, develop a sense of self and independence, and navigate social relationships. I am a staunch believer in the benefits of play-based learning and accommodating the various learning styles that comprise a classroom. My motto is “each child is unique, and every child is capable.” I studied sociology and theater at Providence College and have a continued passion for the arts, enjoy going to concerts, the beach, and traveling. But above all else, family is my everything.

Kelly Phelps

Assistant 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 17, 14 and 11. Two of my children are proud MFCP graduates and come back any chance they get to say hi. Being a class parent, 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 at MFCP working to enhance our school community. This is my first year as our Assistant Director and I am excited to partner with Danielle to serve our wonderful families. I hope we all have an excellent year in our happy place, MFCP!

Carol Rooney

Mon/Tues Green Room 2s
Wed/Thurs/Fri Green Room 3s

About

I am thrilled to wear a few hats this year at MFCP – in addition to teaching the Monday/Tuesday 2s Class, I am excited to also teach the Wed/Thurs/Fri 3s Class as well as Science 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

Tues/Thurs Orange Room 2s
Art Teacher

About

I am happy to start my second year in the MFCP family as a teacher in the Monday/Tuesday Green Room. I am also implementing a new art program for our 3s, 4s & Pre-K children! Prior to joining MFCP, I was a teacher for 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.

Jenny Mullane

Tues/Thurs Orange Room 2s

About

I am excited to enter 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 graduated from Fairfield University with a degree in finance and accounting. After spending some years in accounting, I found my passion for teaching while training new hires joining the firm. I later received my Masters 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. When I’m not in the classroom, I like to garden, bake, and stay active by walking, skiing and attempting golf.

Chantele McDermott

Teaching Assistant

About

I am thrilled to join the MFCP community this year! After recently relocating from sunny Florida, I’m excited to have found a faith-based school that truly feels like a home away from home. With 13 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!

Susan Wolters

Blue Room 3s

About

I am excited to return for my 14th year as a 3s teacher at MFCP. My ties to MFCP go back even longer. My husband and I have lived in Darien for over 25 years, 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. Our goal in the Blue Room is to have your children love going to school, support eager learners, and instill a lifelong love of reading. All the 3s team members collaborate to support and encourage your child. Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family at the beach, play games, cook, hike, or be on the golf course. I look forward to getting to know you and your family this year.

Karen Yostpille

Bookkeeper

About & Contact

finance @methodistpreschool.org

I am pleased to join the MFCP family as the bookkeeper for this coming year. It is a delight to be back in the same preschool where my children, now ages 28 and 25, spent their early years. We all have fond memories of the wonderful staff (some still here!) and the warm, friendly environment. My husband, Bob, and I have lived in Darien for 31 years, and we attend the Darien United Methodist Church. When I am not working at the preschool, or at my part time Healthcare job, 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

Jessica Walsh

Teacher Rep:

Lisa Alfieri

Ex-Officio:

Danielle Celaj, Director

Rev. Laura Galbraith, DUMC Pastor

Kelly Phelps, Assistant Director

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.