Meet the Bright Futures Educators

Cheryl Curtis

Director

Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, College of St. Rose

Graduate work in MS Education from New England University

Cheryl has a love of children and enjoys building confidence in their ability to learn.

She especially focuses on teaching to all of the learning differences in order to assist each child in achieving success.

Montessori Certified

Cheryl is MAT certified and certified in CPR and First Aid.

ccurtis@brightfuturesllc.net

Melanie Lathrop

4-5 Year Old Pre-K Classroom

Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Fulton Montgomery Community College

BS in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children Concentration in Visual Art from SUNY Brockport

Teaching Assistant Certification

Montessori Certified

CPR and First Aid Certified – MAT Certified

mlathrop@brightfuturesllc.net

Antoinette Nellis

2 Year Old Classroom

Antoinette currently teaches in the two year old room.  Previous to that, she taught in the three year old room at Bright Futures.

Antoinette comes to us with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, SUNY Oneonta, after having earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Canton.  She has over twenty years of teaching experience, ranging from infants to GED classes.  . 

Samantha Coppola

3 Year Old Classroom

Samantha has 15 years experience working with children ranging in age from infant to 12 years old.  She loves to bring science and math into the classroom by cooking and working with food, hands on learning and sensory play.  Samantha is currently enrolled in the North American Montessori school to obtain her Montessori degree in children 3-6.

Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education

Minor in Geology

First Aid and CPR Certified

Aubrey Bellinger

Infant Room

Aubrey began working at Bright Futures in march of 2021 in the three year old classroom, eventually spending time in the Toddler Room and Infant Room. 

Aubrey has experience in a children’s camp setting, along with child care at her church.  She currently is enrolled in the International Montessori Center in order to earn a teaching diploma.  

Aubrey connects very well with all of the children that she comes in contact with, and is very knowledgable in regards to their emotional well-being.  She is an ideal candidate for the teaching practices of the Montessori Method. 

Keziah Lowell

18 Month Old Classroom

Keziah grew up on a farm in Carlisle, NY about an hour away from our center.  In high school she worked as a nanny for a family caring for their children.  She graduated with a degree in horticulture from SUNY Cobleskill.  This degree fits wonderfully into the Montessori Curriculum as it involves the study of nature and plants.  After college Keziah worked for two different property management companies, one in Connecticut and the other in Delaware.  She is currently enrolled in the North American Montessori School to attain her Montessori degree in toddlers.  She has worked closely with our Montessori consultant setting up lessons and developing her classroom routine.  Keziah currently lives in Gloversville with her daughter Avah and their mini Australian Shepard, Wade.  

Amy Proctor

3 Year Old Classroom

We have recently welcomed Amy back to our team at Bright Futures. Amy earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a Masters in Education with a minor in Reading and Literacy. Amy has worked for HFM BOCES for 12 years in grades Pre-K through 12. Amy is an asset to our Center, and our students benefit greatly from her energy, enthusiasm and talent. Amy has two daughters, a son and two granddaughters. She resides in Mayfield.

Madison Paul

3 Year Old Classroom

Madison “Maddie” Paul is currently a Teaching Assistant in Bright Futures Three Year Old Classroom.

Maddie received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, along with a plaque of completion from PTech.  She has experience working with children from age 6 months to 5 years of age.

Maddie loves to build a rapport with the children and is increasingly helpful with meeting their needs, whatever they may be.