Michelle Miller, Director​

Michelle Miller earned her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University in 2011 and currently resides in Northvale with her husband and two children. She stepped into the role of School Director at Northvale Preschool for the 2025–2026 school year, bringing with her six years of hands-on classroom experience and a strong background in early childhood leadership. From September 2019 through June 2025, Michelle served as the lead teacher in the 3-year-old classroom. During those years, she created a warm, engaging, and developmentally enriching environment for her students, and became a valued member of the teaching team.

 

Before joining the staff, Michelle was actively involved as a parent Northvale Preschool. She served on the Parent Committee Board for three years while her son was enrolled, successfully led a major fundraiser, supported the school’s renovation efforts, and contributed to various other community initiatives. In addition to her work in education, Michelle also serves as the Head Commissioner of the Northern Valley Adult Softball League, where she helps organize and oversee the recreational league for community members. She has also been an active class parent at Northvale Public School for several years, supporting classroom activities and school-wide events.

 

Michelle is excited to lead Northvale Preschool in this new capacity and looks forward to continuing to build a supportive, joyful, and inspiring environment for children, families, and staff.

​​​

Cristina Viganola, PreK-4 Head Teacher​

Cristina Viganola earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New Jersey City University in 2001. While completing her studies, she also served as a preschool director in Rutherford, NJ, gaining valuable leadership experience early in her career. Cristina brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education. After taking time off to raise her four children—two currently attending Norwood Public School and two at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan—Cristina returned to the classroom. For three years, she successfully developed and implemented a new World Language program for students in Pre-K2 through 4th grade at St. Joseph’s School in Oradell, NJ. More recently, she has continued to support students through tutoring and substitute teaching at both ECCS and St. Joseph’s.

​

Cristina joined the Northvale Preschool team in 2021 and is excited to continue growing alongside the children and families she works with. Outside the classroom, she is an active member of the Norwood PTO Executive Board, a volunteer cheer coach, and a dedicated sports mom. Cristina is passionate about creating a fun, safe, and enriching environment for her students and considers it a privilege to be a part of their early learning journey.

​​​​

Brittany Duty, PreK-3 Head Teacher​​

Brittany graduated from James Madison University in 2010 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and holds a teaching license for Pre-K through 3rd grade. She has over seven years of experience teaching Preschool and Kindergarten, and is passionate about helping young learners grow and thrive.

 

While teaching in Richmond, VA, Brittany worked with diverse learners, including children with special needs and English language learners—deepening her commitment to inclusive, supportive education. Her teaching style combines engaging, hands-on activities with patience, love, and encouragement.

 

After spending the past year and a half at home with her youngest daughter, Brittany is excited to return to the classroom. She lives in Northvale with her husband and their three daughters (ages 7, 4, and 17 months), and enjoys local theater and dance with her kids.

​

Brittany is looking forward to continuing her passion for teaching at Northvale Preschool and being part of this wonderful community.

 

Sophia Yun, Assistant Teacher
Sophia Yun was born in South Korea and holds a bachelor’s degree in Korean Education, along with a Korean teacher’s license. After getting married, she immigrated to Orlando, Florida in 2001 and later moved to Northvale in 2014.

​

Sophia has over 15 years of experience teaching Korean and currently teaches at the Korean Community Center. During the summer, she also teaches English to Korean speakers. She began her time at Northvale Preschool as a substitute aide and has been working full-time since 2021. A proud mother of three, Sophia is known for her strong sense of responsibility, organization, warm, and nurturing approach. She loves working with children and cares for each of them as if they were her own. 

​

Allison Clarke, Assistant Teacher
Allison Clarke grew up on Long Island, NY, and earned her bachelor’s degree from New York University in 1994. She began her career in early childhood education as an assistant teacher in three- and four/five-year-old classrooms on Long Island. After relocating to New Jersey with her family, Allison continued teaching in a two-year-old classroom and also served as head teacher in a school aftercare program. She has been working with children ages two through five for over 19 years.

​

Now in her fifth year at Northvale Preschool, Allison brings warmth, experience, and dedication to the PreK-3 classroom. She is also the proud mother of two college-aged daughters, Sophie and Zoe.

​

Gianna Kuhn, Assistant Teacher

Gianna Kuhn grew up in Westwood, NJ, where she still resides. She previously worked as a lead teacher for the 2.5–3-year-old age group at The Goddard School and later spent two years as a nanny, gaining valuable one-on-one childcare experience.

​

Currently, Gianna is pursuing a degree in Psychology through Southern New Hampshire University’s online program. She joined Northvale Preschool in the fall of 2025 and is excited to work with the children, creating a nurturing and engaging environment for their growth and development.