Meet the Panorama Team

  • Co-Director/4's Co-Lead Teacher

    Jennifer Mañón (she/her), M.S. Ed., has been an early childhood teacher for sixteen years in New York. After teaching and directing at a Brooklyn-based progressive nursery school, Jennifer, her husband and their two daughters relocated to Red Hook, NY. Jennifer most recently worked at Bard College’s Nursery School before collaborating to create Panorama Early Childhood. She loves to sing with children and is fulfilled by conversations and interactions with our youngest citizens. Jennifer also serves on the Board of Education for the Red Hook Central School District.

    jennifer@panoramaearlychildhood.com

  • 3's Co-Lead Teacher

    Nicole Jones (she/her) holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and a degree in Fine Arts. Nicole has been with us since the beginning, in 2021. Previously she worked at the Bard College Nursery School for three years. Before that she found the love of teaching while working summers during college at the preschool she went to as a child. She is always excited to form relationships with children and nurture their creativity. Nicole enjoys caring for her many house plants as well as going on adventures with her fiance and dachshunds. 

  • 4's Co-Lead Teacher

    Nicole Palms was born and raised in NYC. She earned her BFA from George Washington University and Masters in Education from Hunter College. Nicole has been a lead teacher in lower elementary classrooms since 2003. In 2020, Nicole moved with her family upstate and she and her girls joyfully submersed themselves in more outdoor and creative learning at a local, Waldorf-inspired school. Supporting and working with young people continues to be an enriching and fulfilling journey for Nicole. She is looking forward to sharing her experience and love of teaching with the families at Panorama. When they are not in school, Nicole and her daughters enjoy cooking, reading, making art, playing music, hanging out with friends, and taking long walks with their two dogs.

  • 2's Co-Lead Teacher

    Becca Hardin (they/them), M.Ed. recently moved to the area from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a B.A in Psychology in 2018 and went on to complete their Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education at the same institution. They have over 10 years experience working in a multitude of therapeutic, child care, and educational positions including focuses in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Montessori, and nature-based education. Teaching 2’s holds a special place in their heart and they’re very excited to explore education in a less urban environment with more access to the outdoors. When they’re not teaching they enjoy crocheting with their partner, exploring nature, and catching a movie at the theater. 

  • Co-Director/2's Co-Lead Teacher

    Gabrielle Melton (she/her) holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College and a BA from Bard College. She has been an early childhood educator for almost 10 years.  Previously, Gabby was a lead teacher in the 2/3s program at Barrow Street Nursery School in New York City and taught in a 2/3s program at a progressive preschool in Brooklyn. Gabby likes to hike with her family, experiment with baking, and cozy up with a good book.

    gabby@panoramaearlychildhood.com

  • 3's Co-Lead Teacher

    Maya (she/her) previously taught for the New York City Department of Education as a teaching-artist and locally as an Early Childhood and First Grade teacher at Primrose Hill School. She holds a BFA in theater and a MFA in Playwriting and loves to integrate storytelling, songs, and puppet plays into her classrooms. Maya has training in Waldorf pedagogy, childhood literacy and restorative practices. She loves the seasonal rhythms of the Hudson Valley and spending time in nature with her two children, husband and dog. Maya is elated to join the wonderful team at Panorama!

  • Assistant Teacher

    Anastasiia is a kind and caring individual with a Philology degree and experience in childcare in Eastern Europe. She has a deep passion for helping children learn about the world through play and is a creative crafter. Anastasia enjoys weaving macramé as a hobby and loves nothing more than traveling with her family and is always ready to share her knowledge with those around her.

  • Assistant Teacher

    Emily Ungvary (she/her) is a mom raising two kids with her husband in the picturesque Hudson Valley. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she has a B.S. in Business Administration from The State University of New York at Buffalo.

    She’s passionate about creating a nurturing environment for her own children and brings a well-rounded background from the worlds of business, hospital, and academic administration to her role as Assistant Teacher at Panorama Early Childhood. 

    Outside of work, she likes to garden, hike the scenic trails of the Catskills, and continues her quest to find the best pizza in the area. Her family also includes a dog, and two cats.

    Emily is looking forward to fostering a sense of care and building community with the team at Panorama!