Our Staff II

Linda Sklar

Linda Sklar is passionate about early childhood education. She is thrilled to be Director of Education for such a special school with a rich history and a multi-cultural, hands-on learning environment.

Linda’s relationship with GNCS began as a parent. Her three children Sofia (16), Jake (14) and Emily (11) attended the school in the toddler, 3’s and 4’s programs. She sat on the Board of Trustees and in 2011, she became a teacher at the school. Linda has worked with children 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of age. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Childhood Education and has a NYS Public School Teacher Certification. She is also a certified yoga instructor.

Linda is delighted to continue to follow the mission and philosophy of Great Neck Community School that has made it so unique and successful.

Melissa Zinzi

Melissa Zinzi has had close ties to the Great Neck Community School throughout her entire life. She attended the school herself, and sent both of her children. When her youngest son graduated from GNCS in 2014, she decided she wanted to stay involved and joined the team as Business Administrator.

Melissa brings many years of experience in business, customer service, Early Intervention, social work, office and organizational skills to the school, as well as a ready smile.  She has a B.A. in English and a Masters in Social Work.

Jane Rubin

Jane has been teaching at GNCS since 1992. It all began when she was an active parent at GNCS; several years later she joined the staff. Social-emotional and academic development are what Jane strives for as she creates new and wonderful learning experiences for the children in her class each day. All activities are individualized according to each child’s ability. The smiles on the children’s faces in the morning and when they go home at the end of the school day confirm the success of Jane’s teaching style and engaging classroom environment. Jane has taught in the 3’s and the 4’s at GNCS. Jane is the Lead Preschool Teacher at GNCS. She looks forward to each day at GNCS and what she and the children can learn from each other. Jane holds a BA in Childhood Education (N-6).

Ilene Schuman

Ilene lived in Great Neck since she was a child and attended GNCS herself! She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Adelphi University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hofstra University. Ilene is an NYS Certified Teacher. Through the years she has taught young babies leading Gymboree classes right through high-school-aged students teaching Accounting. Ilene has found her true passion in working with preschoolers. Ilene is a Lead Teacher in the 3’s program and she began her teaching career at GNCS in 2000. 

Ilene’s involvement with the GNCS started as a parent when both her own children attended the program. During those years as a parent Ilene served on the Board as Treasurer. As a hobby, Ilene breeds and raises standard poodles for the show ring and as pets. She truly enjoys spending time with her family!

Andrea Agate

Andrea has a rich history as a part of GNCS; her children attended programs here and she been working at GNCS since 2006. Before coming to GNCS, Andrea worked with children with special needs in a therapeutic nursery school program in Brooklyn and she worked in a day treatment facility with dual-diagnosed adults in Westchester. Andrea holds a Master’s in Education in School Psychology. Andrea has created engaging Enrichment classes where she shares her passion for art, literature, cooking and travel with her students through hands-on activities.

Annette Molina

Annette has been teaching at GNCS since 2002. Annette is an Assistant Teacher in the 4-year-old program and the afternoon 3-year-old Enrichment Program. Annette is also a Lead Teacher in our fun-filled summer camp program. She has three adult children and truly enjoys working in early childhood. Annette brings her enthusiasm and passion for early childhood education into every aspect of her teaching and interaction with the children. Annette began her career at GNCS working with the 3’s and Toddlers, and she has been working with Helene Simon for over 10 years.  Annette holds a CDA, Child Development Associate Degree in Preschool.

Kecia Kagan

Kecia is a former GNCS parent and a former member of the board. Kecia is an Assistant Teacher in the Toddler Program. She has many years experience working with children ranging in ages 2 through 5 years of age at GNCS. Kecia received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Sociology from Queens College. While continuing her studies, she worked for the National Society of Autism where she was trained and certified as a Therapy Assistant. Prior to becoming part of the GNCS staff, Kecia worked at Open Door, The Montessori School at Lakeville Jewish Center and the NYC public school system as a Substitute Teacher. Kecia’s passion lies in early childhood and she loves working with all the children at GNCS.

Jackie Abreu

Jackie has been working in early childhood since 1997. When she had her first child she started working at The Learning Window Preschool in Great Neck; that’s where she realized her passion was working with young children in early childhood education. In an effort to become more knowledgeable and continue in her desired field, she enrolled in classes in Early Childhood Education. In 2007, Jackie became an Assistant Teacher at GNCS; she is currently an Assistant Teacher in the 3’s program. Jackie brings her energy and caring nature into all aspects of her teaching and interactions with the children. Throughout her time at GNCS, she has worked with children ages two through five years of age and has led the children in enrichment programs such as soccer, jump bunch, literature and art. Jackie loves working at GNCS and feels blessed to be part of the school community.

Kellie Selvan

Kellie is the mother of two boys and was fortunate to have been able to stay at home for several years to nurture them and watch them grow. In 2012, she joined the staff at GNCS and was amazed by the amount of love and support that she found. Kellie feels blessed and thankful for the opportunity to work in a nurturing environment where children can learn and experience new challenges that will help them learn and build self-confidence. Kellie is an Assistant Teacher in the Toddler program and takes pride in the fact that she has an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of her students on a daily basis. Kellie holds a CDA in Early Childhood and truly enjoys working with our youngest friends!

Sharon Strogin

Sharon is an Assistant Teacher at Great Neck Community School. She has a BFA from the School of Visual Arts, where she studied photography and sculpting with clay. As a professional photographer her work appears in many publications. For the past thirteen years she has worked at the Workmen’s Circles Camp Kinder Ring & Circle Lodge as the camp photographer, and arts and crafts specialist teaching various different types of art, including painting, sculpture, jewelry design and of course photography. While at GNCS Sharon has worked with the 2’s, 3’s and 4 year old’s. She developed our Claymation’s Enrichment program where children strengthen their fine motor silks, while working with different types of clay.

Christina Leddy