Susan Harney
Executive Director & Founder of Country Knolls Preschool
Susan Harney is the Executive Director of Country Knolls Preschool. Susan graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Science Degree and paralegal certificate. Susan served as a paralegal with Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, but quickly rose to the position of Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer. After ten years working in corporate America, Susan retired to care for her three young children. Once her youngest child turned three, Susan longed to return to the workforce, but in a different capacity.
In considering her own children’s needs, Susan wanted to create a preschool which caters to the needs of the whole child. In pursuit of this dream, Susan returned to college in 2010 to obtain a degree in early childhood education, as well as the credentials necessary to be a preschool director. Susan’s corporate experience and education has been instrumental in creating the special environment you will find at Country Knolls Preschool.
Susan and her team have created a learning environment designed to attend to the emotional and educational needs of its students. Susan also looks to continuously improve upon the quality of care and education provided by Country Knolls Preschool by assisting teachers in the classroom and bringing her love of arts and crafts to the children.
Susan’s husband Michael grew up in Mahopac and Susan quickly fell in love with her new hometown. Susan and her family are active members of the Mahopac community. Susan is an executive member of the Austin Road PTO, member of SEPTO, MSA Girls Lacrosse Coach, Girl Scouts Leader and Board Member of the Mahopac Boys Lacrosse, Mahopac Girls Lacrosse and Football Booster Clubs. Most days you will find Susan, along with her husband Michael, cheering on their three kids, Michael 19, Hannah 18 and Erin 16 off and on the Mahopac sports fields. And very soon you will see their son Michael playing Division 1 Lacrosse for his Country at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Meet our Staff
Head Teachers
Ms.Connie
3's Teacher
Ms. “F” has been with Country Knolls since 2011. She started in the Kindergarten as a Teaching Assistant for 3 years and then moved to the 4’s class. Ms. F feels like every day is like a new adventure and the children have taught her so much. The children love her and are so happy to see her each day. Last year she decided she wanted to do more, so she took a year to earn her CDA – Child Development Associate and was made Head Teacher in the “Busy Bee 3’s” classroom. It has been an adventure for sure and Ms. F has been up to the challenge. Prior to coming to Country Knolls she graduated from Katherine Gibbs in NYC and worked in the Corporate World in the Recording and Fashion Industry before she resigned to raise her 3 wonderful children.
Ms.Erica
4's Full Day Teacher
Erica started her post college career as a graphicdesigner/ photographer for two different sport companies. While doing that she also taught swim lessons, another passion of hers. Realizing her love for teaching, she went back to get a triple certification Master from Mercy in early childhood, elementary and special education. She worked in a preschool on the Upper Westside of Manhattan for 11 years. Wanting to be closer to home, her children and husband Erica was excited for the opportunity to work at Country Knolls. The Bonus was working in a school her daughter currently loves going to. When she’s not teaching in the classroom, she’s running around having fun with her two young daughters and dog.
Ms. Emily
Half Day 3's Teacher
Ms. Meagan
1/2 Day 4's Teacher
Ms. Meagan comes to Country Knolls with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Master in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Mercy College. She has a wonderful background teaching the 4’s class and is a great team player we are so excited to have her here at Country Knolls. Meagan and her husband are Mahopac natives and they have two daughters.
Assistants
Ms.Delia
Ms.Denise
Ms. Denise joined Country Knolls in 2011 as a teaching assistant in the 4's class. She loves teaching because of the impact she can have on childrens' lives and enjoys watching them grow and learn. Before joining Country Knolls, Ms. Denise graduated from Berkeley College and had a career in the corporate world until she decided to stay home and raise her two children.
Ms.Terri
We would like to welcome Ms. Terri to our Country Knolls family! She comes to us having had 18 years of experience in the working with children. Ms. Terri has a Bachelors degree in Business. Ms. Terri enjoys spending time with her two children.
