The Bright Beginnings Staff
Nancy, Faye, Susan

Nancy, Faye, Susan

Faye Lotze, Director

Faye has been an early childhood educator for over twenty years. She has a Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at New Paltz and is certified in NYS to teach Nursery through Grade Six. Faye has taught at the preschool level, directed a Nursery school and taught Kindergarten in the Wappingers Central School District. She has been a member of the Bright Beginnings Board of Directors for five years and is a current member of the Committee for Preschool Special Education in the Wappingers district. She is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

Susan Nieves, Ass’t. Director/Lead Teacher

Susan has been Bright Beginnings’ lead teacher since its inception. She has a Bachelors in Art/Education from Queens College and a Masters in Elementary Education from Lehman College. She holds a NYS teaching license to teach Nursery school through grade 6. She taught at the 4th Presbyterian Preschool in the Bronx for 7 years while taking breaks to have 4 children. She has been involved in many activities with children such as Cub Scout Den Leader, Christian Children Nurture team, tutoring migrant children, Vacation Bible School at HRC as well as on mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, Sunday School, Youth Group volunteer and confirmation mentor.

Nancy Geysen, Assistant Teacher

Nancy is a native of East Fishkill, graduated from Wappingers Central Schools and obtained an Associate Degree in commercial Art from Dutchess Community College. She served as chairperson of the Bright Beginnings Board of Directors since the school opened in 1996 and began as teaching assistant in 2002. Nancy ran a housecleaning business for 14 years. In her spare time she participates in many church activities including small group ministries, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and Youth Group. She is also a Girl Scout leader. Nancy is married and has two children.

Board of Directors:

  • Phyllis Forde, Chair
  • Jane Dambra
  • Lisa Slagle
  • Chris Snider
  • Sarah Barlow
  • Carol Forde Taylor
  • Jennifer Colucci
  • Faye Lotze
  • David Barlow, Finance Team Rep.