CARRIE ILISIE
(Assistant Director)
Hello! My name is Carrie Ilisie, and I am proud to be the Assistant Director of Children’s All Day School. I know firsthand what a special place C.A.D.S. is because I am a former parent! C.A.D.S. was the perfect first school experience for my family. We had a great rapport with the teachers and administration. So when I was offered a position here, I did not hesitate to join this wonderful staff.
I was born in New York City and raised in a small town in Westchester. Growing up, I frequently visited the City—attending shows, exploring museums, and going to restaurants with my family. I have always enjoyed the abundant culture New York City has to offer. It is now my home, where I live with my own family.
I moved to New York City immediately after I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester in 1996. Then, I attended Bank Street College of Education, where I earned my Master of Science in Special Education. I have worked in a variety of professions in the field of education for over 25 years. For the last 15 years, my primary focus has been working at New York City independent schools in Admissions.
What I love about living and working at a school in New York City is being a member of an intimate community within this big city.
I am very excited to be a part of such a warm, joyful, and nurturing environment that feels like a second home. I feel very lucky.
Yellow Room Staff
PASCAL KIM
Teaching has become an integral part of my life. Working with young children is very rewarding in that it is energizing to be able to see the children become excited about learning. I have been teaching at C.A.D.S. since 1999. I have a B.S. in Sociology and a M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. In my free time, I enjoy practicing the Japanese martial arts of Aikido and Iaido, archery and playing golf. I am also an instructor at the New York Aikkai holding a 4th degree black belt in Aikido. I am happy to be part of the C.A.D.S. family and to be making a contribution in the lives of children.
MAI NGUYEN
“I hear, I forget, I see, and I remember, I do, and I understand!”
I have a passion for teaching and have always wanted to educate young children. The children’s excitement for learning motivates me each day. Their constant growth, curiosity, and achievements sustain my enthusiasm for teaching. I enjoy guiding children through the discovery of their world. I have been teaching at C.A.D.S. for 20+ years and have enjoyed every moment of my career. I have a B.A. in Psychology from GVSU and an M.A. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from NYU.
When I am not working, I enjoy reading, listening to music, taking nature walks, spending time with family and friends, and seeing new things in unique and different ways. I am excited to collaborate with the Yellow Room teachers, parents, and children to create a joyful and successful learning environment. I look forward to the journey we will all embark on this year!
ZENAB ADJEI
Hello, my name is Zenab Adjei. I have been working for ten years as an Assistant Teacher. I graduated with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). I am presently working toward a bachelor’s degree at Lehman College. While at BMCC, I gained experience in the classroom by working at several day care programs with children, ranging from 18 months to 4 years old. I look forward to working with my fellow teachers and this new group of children come September.
TERESITA (TITA) OBRA
Hi! I’m Tita Obra and I am from the Philippines. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of the City of Manila. I have been with C.A.D.S. since 2002. Throughout this entire time, guiding these young children has been a very enriching experience for me. It has made me realize that the role of nurturing, caring adults in the lives of the very young is so important. I hope to be able to continue making a difference in the children’s lives for many more years to come.