Woodbury School Staff
The staff at The Strong’s Woodbury School employs a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to curriculum that encourages students to delve deeply into topics that fascinate them and stimulate their learning. Collectively, the team has nearly 90 years of teaching experience and, in addition to educating Woodbury School’s preschool and early-kindergarten students, has developed or led hundreds of conferences, seminars, and individual training opportunities on playful learning.

Deborah McCoy, Assistant Vice President for Education
Debbie directs all museum education programs and leads professional training in playful learning at The Strong. Since 2013, when she participated in a North American Study Tour of the schools of Reggio Emilia in Italy, she has become a leader in teaching this approach to educators across the country. As a kindergarten and first grade teacher, she implemented the innovative Expeditionary Learning model and has presented national seminars for Expeditionary Learning Schools. Debbie holds a master’s degree in elementary education from the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Erin Cavellier, Teacher
Erin is a teacher in both preschool and early kindergarten programs at Woodbury School. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in studio art from Binghamton University. Erin has taught toddlers, as well as preschool- and school-age children across several programs in Asheville, North Carolina.

Andrea Serry, Lead Teacher
Andrea is a teacher in both preschool and early kindergarten programs at Woodbury School. She has prior teaching experience through St. John Early Childhood Program, Child Care Council of Rochester, and Action for a Better Community. Andrea holds a master’s degree in education for childhood literacy from the State University of New York at Brockport.

Sarah Tubbs, Teacher
Sarah is a teacher in both preschool and early kindergarten programs at Woodbury School. Prior to coming to Woodbury School, Sarah was a preschool teacher and director at the Family Resource Center of Hillside Family of Agencies and a preschool teacher at the Carlson Metrocenter YMCA. She holds a master’s degree in inclusive education from Nazareth College.

Syble Martella, Teaching Assistant
Syble is a teaching host for school lessons and a teaching assistant in Woodbury School. She has contributed to several museum projects and programs outside of her teaching responsibilities, including interactive storytelling, Boy Scout and Girl Scout workshops, and Storytime Club.

Georgie Henry, Teaching Assistant
Georgie is both a teaching assistant in Woodbury School and a gallery host in the museum. She has earned an Associate of Arts and Science in Early Childhood Education degree and a Bachelor of Science in Childhood and Special Education.

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