Our People

Colin Adams-Toomey is an NCCL alumnus, having attended from first grade all the way until graduating 8th grade, and is very excited to be coming back to school!  He attended the University of Wales at Aberystwyth for undergrad, earning a dual degree in Theatre and Celtic Studies, with a focus on Irish history and Gaelic studies.

Colin has spent much of his career combining writing and historical research.  He worked extensively with multiple historical organizations and the Delaware Humanities Forum to create an historical theatre program that examined Delaware's experience before, during and after the Civil War.  The resulting program, Better Angels, was nominated in 2014 for the Schwartz Prize for Excellence in the Humanities.

Since then, Colin has worked as the Interpretive Program Manager at First State Heritage Park in Dover, Delaware.  He worked closely with high schools, middle schools, and the State Parks system to create educational programs focused on history and dramatic writing.

Colin also likes to make movies!  His first feature film, Lost Creek, was released in 2018 and stars a cast of all-NCCL students!  It's available to watch, and NCCL itself has a cameo role in the film!

Colin is so excited to be a part of the NCCL family, and is looking forward to working with students and parents alike this coming school year.

Outreach and Financial Director, NCCL School

Jordan is an alumna of the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she graduated with degrees in political science and women & gender studies. It was there as a student assistant at the University of Colorado Foundation that she discovered an energy for fundraising and stewardship in schools. She comes to us most recently from Rhode Island, where she worked in development and alumni relations at a Quaker school in Providence. In her role as Outreach and Financial Director at NCCL School, she serves as fiduciary for all school investments and financial assets, and strives to bring sound financial decision-making on behalf of the school to the Board. In addition to maintaining alignment with NCCL School’s 50- year history of progressive education, Jordan has the best interests of its students, staff, and current school community at heart. 

A South Jersey native, Jordan lives in Hockessin with her family.  She has a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Delaware and is pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership with a focus on Social and Emotional Learning. 

Gabe is a 2002 NCCL School grad, and it was NCCL that first inspired him to become an educator. Gabriel graduated from the University of Delaware in 2012 with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Renewable Energy Technology. After graduation he lived and worked at an intentional community in upstate New York before being hired as an engineer by the microelectronics company Intel, in Portland, OR. After several years in the field, Gabriel began his transition into education and has most recently spent the past year living and teaching mathematics at Darrow School in New Lebanon, NY. Gabriel loves exploring the intersection between the arts, sciences, and mathematics and he is so excited to begin sharing his excitement for these topics at a school which has meant so much to him!

Kshipra Chinchalkar holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Physical Therapy and initially gained valuable experience working in a skilled nursing facility. However, her desire for a more fulfilling and fun career led her to pursue training in education, where she discovered her true passion as a Reading Interventionist. As a mother of two, Kshipra deeply understands the importance of literacy and early intervention. This personal connection drives her commitment to helping children build strong foundational skills in reading and writing. Her experience working in schools has equipped her with the tools to make learning engaging and effective for young students. Kshipra is now eager to continue her journey as a Reading Interventionist and looks forward to bringing her passion and skills to NCCL School. Her goal is to inspire a love of reading in every child she works with, helping them unlock their full potential. 

Ansleigh first joined NCCL in the fall of 2017 as an extended care counselor. She enjoys working with children because of the connections she makes year after year. Ansleigh is excited to continue her NCCL journey as Extended Care Director and Group 2's Teacher Aide! 

Lia earned her B.A. in Theater from Temple University and has earned credits towards her M.S. in Special Education from Hunter College. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Lia taught in NYC for over 5 years. Lia served in meaningful roles across the boroughs, from Interim Assistant Principal, to Alumni Success Counselor. Lia has a devote love for education and building relationships within the community. Lia is beyond grateful to be a part of the NCCL School family!

My name is Satoria (or Tori) and I am delighted to be a part of the NCCL family!

Ever since I was young, I’ve embodied a natural curiosity, love of learning, and passion for serving others. During high school I felt the profound impact of loving and committed teachers, so I decided to set out to become one. This journey led me to West Chester University, where I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 2020.

For the past 13 years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving the community as an educator in many different spheres, such as, volunteering at after-school clubs, being a classroom mom, substitute teaching across a variety of districts, tutoring, and working as an outreach facilitator to teach STEM and social/emotional awareness and skills to children of various ages and backgrounds. 

In addition to the many ways I’ve been fortunate enough to serve as an educator outside of my home, I’m also a mother to one amazing daughter and quite a few fur babies who all give me the daily opportunity to learn and guide others in their learning. 

Through these experiences, I’ve found that learning happens when students feel physically and emotionally safe, connected to their teacher, eachother, and themselves, and when the content feels relevant. Honoring these spaces (safety, connection, engagement) are the three core elements of my approach to teaching. They show up in my teaching through modeling, encouraging, and teaching skills for self-regulation; as well as making my best effort to learn about each student’s interests and strengths and using those things to keep the learning engaging.

I am so excited to work alongside the students, staff, and families at NCCL and looking forward to all of the wonderful ways that we will grow and learn together!

Kate has a B.A. in Elementary Education with a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Delaware. She was a social worker for an agency called Independent Living Inc. before returning to school to get her education degree. She taught at NCCL from 1991-1997 and returned in 2006. 

 Hi, I’m Tawana Marks, and I’m so excited to be joining the NCCL community as the Group 3 teacher. I’ve spent the past six years teaching in urban elementary settings, where I’ve focused on helping students grow through inclusive, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education Studies and will begin my Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction this fall. My decision to pursue this path comes from a deep desire to explore more meaningful, equitable ways to reach all learners and to design curriculum that reflects the diverse needs and strengths of every student.

Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for curriculum mapping and have been recognized by the state of Delaware for my work in supporting student achievement. I believe in creating classrooms where students feel seen, heard, and empowered to take charge of their learning.

When I’m not teaching, one of my biggest passions is reading—I’m a proud Harry Potter fanatic and love getting lost in magical worlds. I also enjoy traveling, learning about different cultures, and spending time with my daughter, Raine. I’m truly looking forward to being part of a progressive school community that values innovation, connection, and whole-child development.

Amber Money is an alumna of the University of Delaware with a BS in Spanish Education and a MA in Spanish Literature.  She has taught Spanish to children of all ages from toddlers through retirees at various positions including the University of Delaware, North East High School in Maryland, and at various daycares and preschools throughout Delaware.  She looks forward to bringing her love of Spanish, music, art, and movement to her classes at the NCCL school.  For Groups 1 and 2, she focuses on incorporating play and music since children learn best when given the freedom to move and explore.  For Groups 3 and 4, she strives to connect their language learning to the community through field trips as well as learning about the broader Spanish speaking population throughout the world.  Amber joined the NCCL team in 2020 and looks forward to learning and growing with the community for many years to come!    

My name is Arianna Page. I am from Ridley, PA where I lived for 21 years. I wanted to be the first to go to college in my family so after graduating high school, I attended Lincoln University where I explored many roles in leadership. After graduating, I joined an organization named City Year. I worked with a diverse group of people to help inner city school advance their coursework, attendance and behavior. There, I leaned into the experience of collaboration, networking skills, and community service. I enjoyed working with students which inspired my endeavors to attended Lincoln University's Master’s program in Early Childhood Education. I received my degree in 2021. I’ve been working as an elementary teacher for 4 years. I enjoy building relationship and gaining new ways to engage students in learning. I currently live in Newark, Delaware where I can proudly say, I will be making it my home for a while. In my free time I enjoy hiking, stepping (Form of dance/expression), as well as reading, cooking, and anything adventurous. I am so excited to work with students and staff at NCCL. After having the opportunity to meet with students, staff, and parents, I am very confident that we will have a successful school year for 2024-2025!  

Hello, my name is Tavia Silva. Here are a few things you may want to know

about me in short. I am a mother to my only child who attends NCCL this

year in group 4. I am also a wife of 12 years to my wonderful husband. I

have a fur baby as well, named Holland. I have been a teacher since I was

3 years old, teaching my stuffed animals all I thought they should know.

Since that age I have worked to be the best teacher I can be. I officially

began teaching at the age of 15 during my school-work based program in

high school. Once I graduated I went into college and graduated with a

Masters in Early Childhood Education. I still love to teach just as much as I

did when I was 3. Through those years I had a second passion which

actually has always been integrated in my teaching style. I began dancing

at the age of 3 and pursued dance through high school and graduated with

a dual diploma in the art of dance. After that I began to teach dance and did

that while in college for eight years. My teaching philosophy aligns very

much with the passions I have had since a child. I believe that each student

learns in a unique way and in their own time. I learn from them as much as

they learn from me. I strive to cross all learning styles in order to engage

each student. I teach using audio, visual, and kinesthetic tools. I have

integrated dance into each core subject area and strongly encourage

movement and music inside the classroom. I know that when we work as a

community and communicate as a team each student can thrive. Parents

are the first teachers and therefore I will use you as my main tool to

achieve success for your child. Together we will make this year special for

your child, you, and me!

I have taught at NCCL for twenty years as a teacher in Group 2. I trained to be an artist  and earned an MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and then studied to be a research psychologist going to Grad School at California State University and the University of Chicago.  While my educational background is broad (I could not seem to stop going to college), it has also given me many sources to help with my teaching.  I would say that teaching has become a passion for me.  Once I started at NCCL I never looked back. I am still interested in all that I have studied and much more.  Clearly music, theater, plays, literature as well as science are ongoing interests.  But for me, I am most interested when I can work in all these genres and NCCL allows me to do that.  I love teaching, I love running the Drama Club and I love working with the young individuals that attend our school.  My own children attended NCCL and it shaped their lives in the most positive ways. As we always say, when we head into school for one more play or activity, “Well, back home again.”

Brianna recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Music where she majored in music education. She is now attending Graduate School at UD pursuing a Masters in Music with a concentration in teaching. This is Brianna's first year teaching, although she has a lot of experience through student teaching and field placements throughout her time in undergrad. She is very excited to be working with the students and staff at NCCL and sharing her excitement and passion for music.

Caroline has a M.A. in Teaching from Maryland Institute, College of Art, and a B.S. in Art from UD. She has 10 years previous teaching experience as certified K-12 art teacher. Caroline has been with NCCL since 2014.