Founder & President
Christina Houri
I come from an international background. My high school years were spent at the “Lycée Français de New York”. After graduation, I attended “The Fashion Institute of Technology” in New York City. I worked as a fashion designer intern with Givenchy in Paris. Upon my return to New York, I got a job as a buyer for a few years. Then by a twist of fate, I was hired as an Assistant Teacher at “Le Jardin à l’Ouest”, a French American preschool, with a Bank Street philosophy on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
There, I realized that I have a natural ability and a passion for teaching children. I developed an interest in education, which led me to take classes at “Bank Street College”. After two years of teaching at “Le Jardin à L’Ouest”, I decided to take the Montessori training program, which was an enlightening experience. I then taught at “Riverside Early Learning”, a Montessori-based center in New York City.
Afterwards, I decided to return to the corporate world. But I couldn't get my teaching experience out of my mind-it was so fulfilling. So I pursued my dream and opened “Le Petit Paradis” Preschool. I realized that I was never as gratified as when I was a teacher and that my purpose really lies in making a difference in children’s lives. Having learned languages at an early age, I know that giving children the opportunity to learn a second language is an occasion parents should not miss. That is why I incorporated French into the preschool program.
My goal is to create a cozy, relaxed environment where teachers are approachable and where parents can communicate with ease. I understand the important step it is for parents to choose someone other than themselves to take care of their child. I hope that children will benefit from our program, and that it will give them the foundation to become confident and fulfilled adults.
Le Petit Paradis Corp, Preschool
Tel: 646-262-6549 Fax: 212-696-4607 www.lepetitparadispreschool.com
Lead Teacher
Michele Epstein
I have been teaching French to Lower and Middle School American children at two NYC private schools, Convent of the Sacred Heart and Trinity, for a total of 30 years. I hold a Bachelor's Degree from UCLA and teacher certification, Pre-K through 12, in both French and English, from UCLA and Hunter College. My experience with Pre-K through First Grade occurred while I substituted for a French teacher at Hunter Elementary School and ran my own French playgroups. For several years in Brussels, Belgium and later at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan, I taught English as a Second Language, for which I am certified by the Teachers College TESOL Program.
Being able to effortlessly transition between the two languages, both as a speaker and as a Second Language teacher, facilitates my work at Le Petit Paradis Preschool. It gives me special insight into language issues and/or confusion, as they might arise.
In addition to my extensive experience, I bring music to the classroom as a teaching tool: I have a large repertoire of French songs and poems, and, as an accomplished violinist, I sometimes use my instrument to accompany the songs. I am also passionate about ecology and will help Le Petit Paradis to implement its “Green” goals.
Last, but not least, I am the proud mother of a recently-married daughter who lives and works in Washington, D.C. and a 17-year old son, a Junior at a NYC public high school, who has spent parts of his last five vacations doing volunteer work to help rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans.
Le Petit Paradis Corp, Preschool 1656 Third Avenue
Tel: 646-262-6549 Fax: 212-696-4607 www.lepetitparadispreschool.com
Assistant Teacher
Louise Lacombe-Morneau
After I graduated with a library techniques degree I occupied various positions in Canada and Europe in a school and community library settings where I have implemented animation programs to match the curriculum at different class levels. The story time was always very popular with the preschoolers and I enjoyed the opportunity to make them discover the classic children’s tales. For few years I worked in human resources for a public educational media organization. I also obtained a certificate in psychology from Quebec University and I continue to pursue my university studies towards a Communication Certificate.
I truly enjoy working with children and I was a volunteer for a community organization where I developed family activities and created different crafts for children of all ages. Coming from Canada I am very comfortable in a French and English environment and my many years spent in Europe and our travels gave me the opportunity to meet with people from around the world. For few years I was a French tutor and I like the challenge of helping people learn the language of Molière.
I am happy to go back in a school environment and I am thrilled to be working with children form different cultural background. The environment is one of my concerns and I think that every small gesture to respect our planet will help the children to get a greener future.
Le Petit Paradis Corp, Preschool 1656 Third Avenue New York, NY 10128
Tel: 646-262-6549 Fax: 212-696-4607 www.lepetitparadispreschool.com
