Great schools begin with dedicated, generous and positive people.
MMO Preschool Programs has been nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young children for over 40 years. Our experienced and caring educators create a warm, welcoming environment where children explore through play-based learning, build essential social-emotional skills, and grow at their own pace. With low teacher-to-child ratios and an emphasis on both structure and flexibility, we help every child feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.
Through a hands-on, developmentally appropriate approach, MMO fosters cooperative skills, growing independence, and celebrates the uniqueness of each child. We believe partnership with families is essential to fostering the social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development of each child. MMO Programs is a community outreach of First Congregational Church of Montclair.
Joelle Mondo is no stranger to MMO, Joelle started working as a teacher’s assistant in 2011 and has worked with all ages from infancy through pre-K. Joelle graduated from Felician University in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and continued her education to receive her CDA (a college-credit certificate program in early childhood development). When not working or studying, Joelle enjoys spending time with family, reading, and shopping.
Narline Lacroix joined MMO in October 2019. She is a recent graduate of Montclair State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Family Science and Education with a minor in History. In November 2024, she stepped into her new role as the Grasshoppers teacher. Outside of MMO, Narline enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her passion for interior design and decor.
Christina Serra came to MMO Programs in 2004 as a teaching assistant working with students from infancy through Pre-K. In 2011 Christina took the role of summer camp Art Specialist for our Summer Camp. Christina was appointed Lead Teacher of the Bumblebees (Young 3’s) class in 2012. She has earned her Child Development Specialist Apprenticeship Certification and obtained her Child Development Associate Credential in 2017. When not at MMO, Christina enjoys reading and spending time down the shore.
Krizya Ugarte is excited to begin her first year as a Lead Teacher of the Dragonflies class here at MMO. She has been teaching Early Childhood Education for 16 years. In previous years she has been taught using Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, Play based curriculum, and Reggio Emila/Bank Street pedagogy. She has had the pleasure of Co-leading a Spanish Immersion Program for ages 3 through 4 as well. A few of the things she enjoys are reading spooky stories, spending time with my family (she has 3 brothers and 5 sisters), and collecting crystals. Krizya loves listening to music, especially Spanish music and going to concerts! Her favorite holiday is Halloween.
Danielle Hoover has been a staff member at MMO since 1996! Danielle began working as a teaching assistant in the MMO Pre-k program. Sixteen years ago Danielle took on the role of Lead Teacher for the young 3’s class (now Bumblebees) and for three years taught the toddler class (now Grasshoppers). In February of 2018 Danielle has taken on the role of Assistant Director with her focus on Finance. She has earned her CDS (Child Development Specialist) and in 2017 she received her CDA (Child Development Associate) Credential. Danielle feels especially lucky to be able to work with such great families and their children. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her HUGE family which keeps expanding with lots of nieces and nephews.
Joelle Mondo is no stranger to MMO, Joelle started working as a teacher’s assistant in 2011 and has worked with all ages from infancy through pre-K. Joelle graduated from Felician University in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and continued her education to receive her CDA (a college-credit certificate program in early childhood development). When not working or studying, Joelle enjoys spending time with family, reading, and shopping.
Caitlin Karp started working at MMO in 2016 as an Assistant in the Aftercare Enrichment Program. She became the Aftercare Lead Teacher In 2019 and became the Aftercare Coordinator in 2022 She became the Administrative Assistant in 2023, Caitlin Is looking forward to expanding her knowledge as a member of the Administration team and working closely with families, staff and children. Prior to working at MMO, Caitlin worked at another child care center for 7 years, where she taught children from the ages of two to seven. When Caitlin is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach and shopping.
Joseph Mondo started working at MMO in 2016 as an Assistant in the Aftercare Enrichment Program and worked with the Pre-K class for 5 years. He became the Administrative Assistant in 2023. Joe is studying at Montclair State University where he is majoring in Communications and Sports Media with a minor in Journalism. When Joe is not working, he enjoys hanging out with friends and his huge family, watching sports and playing video games.
Reach out if you have questions or comments. We’d love to hear from you!
