Teacher Nicki

Teacher Nicki + Helpers

I love that I get to have the most fun at work every day! I have been working with infants/toddlers/big kids for 30 years and I am STILL learning from them. I have a degree in Fine Arts and Screenwriting, a degree in Early Child Education (with a focus on play based learning) and I also studied Communications. I also make indie horror movies (Furiex Films) which definitely makes for interesting conversation ;) I Directed several toddler and Prek programs for many, many years while also working in film productions. I a Promoter for The Onion in SF where I first learned about organizing large events which, alongside with working on film sets, really taught me a lot. I started Paintbox in San Francisco after running several preschools for many years.

During the Covid lockdown I realized I wanted to be closer to family, many of whom happen to live in Rochester, so we made the big move in 2021. Rochester has a lot of things to offer I find important: fantastic schools, families of different backgrounds, many things to do and see and a growing rainbow community where I have found many new friends. I have been welcomed with open arms and can’t tell you how much I enjoy the people here.

I believe in giving children tools to be independent from when they are very young. I believe in making genuine connections with children and allowing them to explore and enjoy everything wonderful about childhood. I don’t book over ratio at Paintbox because the genuine connection with each child that comes through my door is more important than being crazy packed and that really is the secret to why Paintbox is so special.