Community Corner

Five Locals Awarded as 2011 Children's Champions

Louise Schreier, Audrie Reicherter, Elizabeth Mabery, NYS Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, the Mighty Four's Playgroup of the Nanuet Family Resource Center were the award recipients

April is known for many things. It's Autism month and Alcohol awareness month. However, a lesser known cause that April also represents the “Month of the Young Child.”

Child Care Resources of Rockland recognized the people or groups of people who have made a significant difference in the lives of young children in the community.

"We are fortunate in Rockland to have many individuals who truly take a stand for children in significant ways," said Deanna D'Auria, publications and data management coordinator.

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 The Children’s Champions were awarded at a special ceremony during the 19th Annual Children’s Champions Celebration Dinner April 13 at The Nyack Seaport.

Here are the 2011 Children's Champions:

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Louise Schreier received “It Takes a Community Award”

Schreier is an Education Support Specialist for Teacher Education at Rockland Community College. Schreier spent 25 years working on behalf of children, students and teachers and she bring in programs such as Teachers of Tomorrow Club. Schreier serves as a model of professional excellence in the field of education.

Elizabeth Mabery received “The Rookie of the Year Award”

Mabery is a Music & Movement Teacher and Teacher Aide at Children of Mary Nursery Kindergarten in Stony Point. During her three years there, she enhanced the music program and introduced classical music to the curriculum. Mabery has proved to be a team player, always helpful and is felt to be a wonderful asset to the program by her peers. She is looking forward to beginning the process of formal education to become a preschool teacher.

The Mighty Four’s Playgroup of the Nanuet Family Resource Center received “The Dynamic Group Award”

This group of individuals came together to provide a preschool experience to children who didn’t get a Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) spot. They have worked together to provide the children with a preschool experience that they are excited about and, at the same time, focuses on the whole family. The following make up this group:

  • Anne Nissen of Rockland 21st Century Collaborative for Children & Youth
  • United Way of Rockland County
  • Kelly Curcio a UPK teacher
  • Christina Pascale a UPK teacher assistant
  • Stephanie Schulweis a senior at Nanuet High School who made this program her Girl Scout Gold Award project
  • MaryEllen Griffin, Chair, Preschool Special Education for the Nanuet School District
  • Selia Chen an eighth grade student volunteer

Audrie Reicherter received the “Champion in the Trenches Award”

She is the owner of Cricket Town Child Care Center in Stony Point. Reicherter provided a safe and nurturing environment for children for more than 35 years, while maintaining an affordable tuition for families. She goes above and beyond for the families in her program and treats each child as her own.

NYS Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee received “The Phyllis Helbraun Award”

Each elected official has a passion. Jaffee’s passion is children. She has made that clear since her time as a teacher in the East Ramapo School District and ran campaigns on that platform both for the county legislature and for the state assembly. She looks to champion causes that will provide the best for all children.


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