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.

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

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. .

Kathy Kelly
18 Month Old Classroom
Kathy has countless years of experience caring for children, and does so in an extremely nurturing manner.
She has volunteered in a variety of capacities, most of which involve her children. She comes to Bright Futures from a life skills program where she served as the Director of Education.
Associates Degree from Fulton Montgomery Community College
Montessori Certified
First Aid and CPR Certified

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

Lauren Talmadge
PreK Classroom
Lauren currently resides in Gloversville and is working with her son Grayson on their new home in Mayfield. She is currently enrolled in the North American Montessori school to obtain her Montessori degree in children 3-6.

Amanda Simonds
3 Year Old Classroom
Amanda has experience working with children ranging from infant to teens for over 20 years.
She has run programs in Head Start, has a CNA in Nursing, and has worked as a firefighter and volunteer in an ambulance squad.
Amanda is very nurturing and goes above and beyond for students.
Montessori Certified
First Aid and CPR Certified

Beth Hines
3 Year Old Classroom
Beth has several years experience in Special Education and childcare. She is a very compassionate individual who bring her creativity and enthusiasm to the classroom.
Beth develops caring relationships with her students and teaches them to be independent, learning from the world around them.
Montessori Certified
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.

Bailey Bruce
Infant Room
Bailey has been working with children since she was a teenager. She has volunteered at the local Mayfield summer recreation program, where she has worked as a Counselor and eventually a Director of the program. She has also been a nanny for two different families in the community as well as worked for the Mayfield Elementary school as a teachers aid for two years. Bailey currently holds a bachelors degree in communication studies and is enrolled in a graduate program through SUNY Potsdam where she will be pursuing her masters degree in early childhood/childhood education.

Cameron Allen
Classroom Support Staff
Cameron is a recent graduate from Mayfield Jr. Sr. High School. He is involved in several community projects including theater. Cameron is an amazing singer and actor and shows incredible talent on the stage. Cameron is a compassionate and enthusiastic individual who brings creativity and fun to all classrooms. He loves working to help others and and strives to make a difference in our community.