MEET OUR STAFF

MEET THE DIRECTOR - ELISA CORDERO

Elisa Cordero is the Director at Peace Through Play. She graduated with a Masters in Education in Germany 2014. She also teaches at the German Language School in Westwood on Saturdays. She has over a decade experience working with children and believes children need a healthy environment, lots of nature time and fresh healthy food. She offers positive guidance and teaches children to live in the moment. Wanting to make a difference in the world through providing children with this kind of environment is what drew her to this work. She loves being able to impact young minds. Many parents are working as hard as they can to provide a good life for their family. She wants parents to be able to leave their children in a safe and healthy learning environment with the staff at Peace Through Play, knowing their children are taken care of emotionally and developmentally. She is very happy to be the new director and to align her vision with Peace Through Play Nursery School.

Her personal hobbies in life are rooted in healthy food and active outdoor activities.

ALYSON BERGER

Hi, my name is Alyson! I have been a teacher at Peace Through Play Nursery School for 3.5 years. While I never initially imagined a career working with children, I have always had a deep love for them and now find so much joy in learning new ways to support their growth and development. I especially enjoy having conversations with the children and hearing about the things that excite them most.

I really appreciate the unique environment at Peace Through Play, particularly the emphasis on outdoor play and connection with nature. I value honesty, mindfulness, and embracing differences in others—principles I bring into my teaching every day. To me, supporting children’s learning through play means encouraging them to try new things, believe in themselves, and discover their own capabilities.

Outside of the classroom, I love going to the beach, spending time with my family, and taking walks with my dog.

Favorite Children’s Book: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 

Favorite Activities at School: Art projects, beads, and kinetic sand

SARAH OMER

Hi, my name is Sarah! I have been part of the Peace Through Play Nursery School community since April 2016. I began as a substitute teacher before transitioning into a full-time role, where I continue to bring warmth, creativity, and flexibility to the classroom. I enjoy the freedom to adapt activities based on the children’s needs and especially value the mixed-age grouping, which allows children to learn from and support one another.

One of my favorite aspects of Peace Through Play is the outdoor space, where activities like storytime, art, and snack can be enjoyed in nature. I believe that children are capable of developing emotional intelligence from an early age and should be encouraged to express their feelings—whether anger, sadness, or anxiety—in healthy, manageable ways. I also value teaching problem-solving through modeling, guiding children as they learn to navigate conflicts, and supporting open-ended play by encouraging them to mix and explore materials in new ways.

Outside of school, I love finding inspiration in nature, which I often bring into my teaching.

Favorite Children’s Book: The Black Lagoon series 

Favorite Activities at School: Nature art, like leaf prints and painting pinecones

ELIZABETH SCHOLL

Hi, my name is Liz! I have been an early childhood teacher and nature- and garden-based educator for over 25 years. Born and raised in Queens, I received her B.A. in Literature from SUNY Oneonta and M.Ed. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University. I have taught preschool and kindergarten in both urban and suburban settings, including The Dalton School and Washington Market School in Manhattan, Friends Neighborhood Nursery School in Ridgewood, NJ, and Blue Rock School in West Nyack. In addition to teaching, I have published educational books and articles for teachers, parents, and children, and enjoys leading a children’s garden club and handcrafting classes in her local community.

I am excited to be joining Peace Through Play and looks forward to working alongside the staff while guiding children in hands-on learning across all curriculum areas. I am especially passionate about outdoor classroom experiences, STEAM explorations, sensory art, gardening, and fostering children’s natural curiosity through play.

When I am not working with children, I love hiking, spending time in my garden, visiting museums, and reading. I live in Hillsdale, NJ, with my husband, Fred. I have three adult children, two black-and-white cats named Fig and Cleo, and a yellow Lab named Sage.

Favorite Children’s Book: Miss Rumphius

Favorite Activities at School: Nature art, like leaf prints and painting pinecones

ANNABELLA KWON

Hi, my name is Anabella! I joined the Peace Through Play Nursery School community this year, and it has been a wonderful experience. I worked as an ice skating instructor for children ages 3 and up for 4 years and also taught chess in my community for 5 years. Peace through Play is the place I would have loved to grow up in. The approach to education and development is rooted in a philosophy of compassion and nature. Connecting with the kids and seeing them explore and learn has brought me incredible joy and peace.

The space is refreshing for both the children and teachers because of the emphasis on mindfulness. Children here develop emotional intelligence and express themselves healthily, learning to take care of their hearts and be considerate. This is something I believe is essential. I love being collaborative with the children while guiding them through the creative and problem-solving process. I aim to foster their curiosity every opportunity I can. Outside of work, I love to sculpt, rock climb, dance, and enjoy winter sports.

Favorite Children’s Book: The Black Lagoon series 

Favorite Activities at School: Arts and crafts, playing in the sandbox, and story time

Peace Through Play staff awarded The Dynamic Group Award 2022

ALAN BERGER, FOUNDER, OWNER AND FORMER DIRECTOR, LIVES HIS PASSION!

Ever since 1992 when he became involved in the inclusion movement - placing children with disabilities in regular education settings with support - Alan wanted to direct his own inclusive preschool where all children are welcome. This dream became a reality in September 2001.

With a Masters Degree in special education and early childhood, Montessori experience, a background in ethical education and a desire to give young children the best education possible, Alan brings an eclectic background to the philosophy of Peace Through Play.

In 2009 Alan was extremely honored to be awarded The Champion in the Trenches Award by Child Care Resources of Rockland.

Alan has two grown and wonderful daughters, one that worked at Peace Though Play for ten years and one that currently works at the school. He is married and lives on the school property. Owning and directing Peace Through Play Nursery School is his greatest passion of his life. Currently retired, Alan is President of the Board of Directors and still leads Circle Time whenever he can!!

THE STAFF of PEACE THROUGH PLAY