Our Teachers & Director
Each of our teachers hold a degree(s) in childhood education.
These exceptional educators never miss an opportunity to update their programs so
your child can be fully prepared to confidently move on to UPK or kindergarten.
They are first aid, CPR Certified and NYS Mandated Reporter Certified.
Abby Garcia
Director
Abby Garcia joined us as Director of New Hackensack Nursery School in February 2017. She has held various positions in early childhood education; the first being a volunteer in her son’s nursery school followed by being an assistant, a lead teacher, a program supervisor and a director. She also has many years of administration experience, gained through working in a leading accounting corporation.
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Mrs. Garcia holds a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College, and she thoroughly enjoys all aspects of the early childhood education field, from the behind-the-scenes administrative work to teaching a classroom full of children.
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She and her husband are empty nesters, and they reside in Wappingers Falls. Abby’s immediate family consists of the two best sons in the universe and one exceptional daughter (in-law). Mrs. Garcia loves being Lela to her GRAND children.
Courtney Lupo
3's Teacher
Courtney has a degree in Early Childhood development and has worked in the field for many years as a preschool lead teacher and then as an assistant director before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She currently lives in Wappingers with her husband and three boys, who are all in Wappingers Central schools.
When not at NHNS, Courtney can usually be found on the baseball field or basketball court, where her boys are involved in many travel sports.
Courtney is very happy to be a part of the NHNS family and teaching the 3's.
Kristen Amato
3's Teacher
Kristen Amato graduated SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and also holds a Master of Science Degree in teaching for Regular & Special Education from Saint Thomas Aquinas College.
Kristen taught 3rd & 4th grade in the Minisink Valley school district & 1-5th grade at Orange-Ulster BOCES in Orange County. While it was a difficult decision to step away from teaching, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She has two children, who both are students in the Wappingers Central school District, and her son is a graduate of New Hackensack Nursery School.
When she is not working, you can find her at the soccer field with her son, watching her daughter at dance class, or trying to sneak in a few pages of a good book!
Kristen is extremely excited to be part of the New Hackensack Nursery School community and teaching in the 3’s program.
The 4’s teachers can be reached at:
462-0810 x104 OR
The 3’s teachers can be reached at:
462-0810 x103 OR
Melissa Johnson
4's Teacher
Melissa holds as a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education grades k-12 from SUNY Brockport as well as a Masters Degree in education and curriculum from Western Connecticut State. She taught PE for 5 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She is excited to be part of the team in the 4’s program at New Hackensack Nursery School!
Melissa resides in Wappingers Falls and has four children. Emily, Leah, Ryan, and Michael have all been students of New Hackensack Nursery School. They are a true alumni family!
Most days you can find her on a soccer field, baseball/softball field or basketball court. All of her children are actively involved in both town and travel programs, and Melissa and her husband love to watch them play.
Melissa couldn’t be happier to be part of the NHNS program and, every year, looks forward to teaching your children and learning more about all of our wonderful families.
Keri Torsiello
4's Teacher
Keri holds a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science from Mercy College. Before having children, Keri worked for 7 years in a K-2 Self-Contained classroom in Westchester, NY.
Keri was born and raised on Long Island and she and her husband made the Hudson Valley their
home in 2006. They now reside in Wappingers Falls.
After having their first child, Keri and her husband, Anthony, decided it was best for their family for Keri to become a stay at home Mom. Keri and Anthony now have 3 beautiful children who have all graduated from the New Hackensack Nursery School program.
Keri loves to spend time with her family. Most of the time, she can be found either on a soccer field with her boys or in the dance studio with her daughter. Keri also enjoys going for walks or curling up with a good book.
Keri is thrilled to be a part of the New Hackensack Nursery School family and teach in the 4’s!
Amanda Soltish
4's Teacher
Amanda Soltish graduated from Mercy College with a Bachelors in Behavioral Science as well as a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is certified in General Education and Special Education. Prior to her joining the New Hackensack Nursery School family, Amanda worked with different grade levels ranging from kindergarten to 4th grade in Special Education. She made the decision with her husband to be a stay at home mom after welcoming their son Cody in 2021, who now attends NHNS as well! When she is not teaching at NHNS, Amanda loves spending time with her husband Dave, son Cody, and their dog Winnie!