Mindy Weinman, Executive Director
Mindy Weinman is excited to step into her new role at MMO Programs. Mindy brings over 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education to her position. Mindy holds a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta and is a member of the NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. A Brooklyn native, Mindy lives nearby with her husband and they have two young adult daughters. Mindy loves spending time with friends and family, reading, discovering new restaurants, exploring New York City, and playing pickleball.
Danielle Hoover, Assistant Director
Danielle Hoover has been a staff member at MMO for 27 years! Danielle began working as a teaching assistant in the MMO Pre-K program. Twelve years ago, Danielle took on the role of Lead teacher for the young 3’s class (now Bumblebees) and for two years taught the toddler class (now Grasshoppers). Danielle helped enrich and develop our expanding Aftercare program for five years as our Aftercare Coordinator. In February of 2018 Danielle became an Assistant Director with her focus on Finance and Billing. She has earned her CDS (Child Development Specialist) and in 2017 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.
Caitlin Karp, Aftercare Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
Caitlin Karp is excited to begin her first year as the Administrative and Aftercare Coordinator. Caitlin started working at MMO in 2016 as an assistant in the Aftercare Enrichment Program. She became the Aftercare Lead Teacher in 2019 and recently became the Aftercare Coordinator in 2022. 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.
Joelle Mondo, Lead Teacher, Ladybug Program
Joelle Mondo is excited to begin her third year as a Lead Teacher of the Ladybugs class! 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.
Christina Serra
Lead Teacher, Bumblebee Program
Christina 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. 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.
Nikki Limbachia
Lead Teacher, Cricket Program
Nikki Limbachia is estactic to be working her first year as the Crickets lead teacher and second year as a lead teacher. Nikki joined our team at MMO in 2015 as a teacher’s assistant in the Grasshopper class, where she worked for two years before moving on to our Cricket classroom for another two years. Additionally, Nikki has experience working in our aftercare program with children between the ages of 2 and 5. She has studied Early Childhood Education with a minor in Family and Child Studies at Essex County College and Kean University. Prior to joining MMO, Nikki also gained experience in the Montessori philosophy while working at Monarch Montessori in Little Falls for five years. When she’s not teaching, Nikki enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring new restaurants, and socializing with friends.
RiLee McDonald
Lead Teacher, Lightning Bugs
RiLee McDonald began at MMO Programs as a Teacher Assistant in the Pre-K classroom. She worked and started the toddler program at another local Montclair preschool for 3 years prior to arriving at MMO. She graduated with an Associates degree from Essex County College and proceeded to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Early Elementary Education from Montclair State University with a minor in History. She is originally from Wyoming and a country girl at heart, but loves living in NJ. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, swimming, biking, camping, playing sports, pets, and loves to travel the world.
Krizya Ugarte
Lead Teacher, Dragonflies
Krizya Ugarte is the Lead Teacher of Dragonflies class here at MMO. She has been teaching Early Childhood Education for 16 years, using Howard Gardener’s Multiple Intelligences, Play-based curriculum, and Reggio Emila/Bank Street pedagogy. She has co-led a Spanish Immersion Program for ages 3 through 4, as well. She enjoys reading spooky stories, spending time with her family (she has 3 brothers and 5 sisters), collecting crystals, listening to Spanish music and going to concerts.