Meet our Caring Professionals

Tara Canty-Executive Director

Matthew Wetzler - Co-Teacher

I didn’t have much background in early childhood care before I started working at Livingston Street. So on my first day I remember feeling nervous, anxious, and unsure what to do with my feet, hands, and brain.  I quietly entered the classroom and casually wandered around as if looking for loose change.  I was very excited to see the kids, but all the noise and enthusiasm stopped me from interrupting the play underway.  One of the children was voraciously playing on their own in the dress-up / kitchen section.  He would rapidly pull objects out of the sink, shove them into the cupboard, shove them back into the sink, place new objects on what appeared to be a kitchen table, and then jerkily shove everything back into the sink again.  Back and forth and back and forth and then there was a pause.  Then it would begin again.  I decided to duck down and pull up a chair to the chaos that was being organized.  I quietly asked the kid if it was okay that I sat down at the table.  Myles said “Uh. What?” I asked, “Is it okay if I played in the kitchen too?”  He exclaimed, “Sure!” I asked him if he was making dinner – to which he responded, “No. I’m playing restaurant”.  I pulled out a piece of paper and pretended to read a menu.  I asked if he was making spaghetti, steak, or some other food item I knew and he would laugh and squeak, then return to the rapid arrangement of opening cupboards and replacing objects.  I asked some other restaurant related questions as he placed food on a plate in front of me.  He may have laughed or squeaked again — I am unsure —  either way he did not respond with “words”.  Instead he would take the cutlery, or bowl, or some other object away and again place them back into the sink and/or cupboard.  After a little while of this I realized I had become one of the objects in the game and I sat in silence.  It was the most enjoyable silence I had ever felt in a workplace.  I served a function and I could just sit quietly and absorb all the interactions around me.  I observed as children were negotiating turns on the ladder, listened as pretend witches looked for their next victim, and watched the unique body language of the teachers with the children.  Immediately I realized that all of us were learning from all of us all the time — in rapid succession — organizing what we see and do and hear without even needing to speak a sound.  This of course felt to me simultaneously simple and profound.  It wouldn’t be until later that I realized that Myles was finally waving to get my attention — he needed to know how the soup was.  I responded, “The bowl is chipped, the soup is cold, and I am giving this restaurant 2 banana peels!” Just kidding — I have no idea what I said, but I am sure it was very positive and appropriate.

I grew up in renovated old church up the hill from the magnificent Wurts Street Bridge. My partner is Caitlin, we have a baby named Fiona, and we live in Ponckhockie.  I lived for a couple years as a teenager in Toronto and Vancouver as a college student; however, it was too cold and well-meaning so I moved back.  I graduated from Empire State College and I spend a tiny bit of free time rock climbing and reading Das Capital. I love fermented foods and I go on really long story telling rants.  It’s an issue — I won’t stop unless you’re direct with me.  Don’t worry – I won’t be offended.

Hailey Ivey - Co-Teacher

My name is Hailey! I grew up in the Hudson Valley and am excited to have returned after a few years in Vermont! I studied at the University of Vermont, receiving BA in Studio Arts and English. I have had experience working with children since a young age, becoming a mother’s helper when I was 11. The next thing I knew I was a teenager working for a dozen families, teaching the day camp kids swimming, and coaching the town pool team. During the school year I was lucky enough to work at a local art museum where I could lead family art workshops. With that experience I discovered that I can join my passions in art with my love of guiding children through learning. The summer following my college graduation I was recommended for a job as a teacher at an outdoor adventure and art camp, and found myself rediscovering the fun I had during the years I spent teaching and coaching. The summer job quickly turned into a position as a full time preschool teacher with the same organization and I was off on the early education journey!

I am so excited to be welcomed onto the Livingston Street team and look forward to working with the whole community!

Rachel Principe-Administrative Assistant

I’m so happy to be back at Livingston Street after a year away caring for my son, Meno! I was fortunate to work here as a co-teacher during the 2023–2024 school year, and I’m excited to return in a new role as the administrative assistant.

I’ve been working in early childhood education for many years—as a nanny, Waldorf teacher, farm-to-school coordinator, outdoor preschool educator, and director of a family child care center. In 2022, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.

When I’m not at Liv St, you’ll often find me on long walks with my family or biking along the rail trail. Our son Meno recently learned to wave, and now he offers a wave to everything—creeks, birds, neighbors, barking dogs, and blooming flowers. Together, we’re learning to slow down and take it all in: smelling flowers with an exaggerated scrunched nose, touching grass with bare feet, tossing stones into water, stomping in muddy puddles. First a wave, then an invitation to explore. This sense of presence and wonder is something I carry into my work with children every day.