Longtime director to retire from St. Mark’s Nursery School

Future co-directors of Rockville Centre institution announced

Posted

Shirley Perri, director of St. Mark’s Nursery School, is retiring at the end of the school year after a 36-year career. She will be replaced by incoming co-directors Michelle Creegan and Alicia Todaro.

Perri, 66, has lived in Rockville Centre for the last 44 years. Her involvement with St. Mark’s Nursery School began in 1979 as a parent with her eldest daughter, Juliette, followed by Ann and Elizabeth. She became an assistant teacher in the 4-year-old program in 1982 and was promoted to head teacher of the 3- and 4-year-olds in 1985.

In 1992, she became the school’s director of education, and has since devoted herself to making St. Mark’s Nursery School a reputable institution that draws families from Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Baldwin, Lynbrook, Garden City, Merrick, and East Rockaway.

“Shirley has put her heart and soul into St. Mark’s Cooperative Nursery School,” said Alison Spahn, who served as president of the school’s board from 2014 to 2016.  “It has been her labor of love. The school is what it is because of Shirley Perri.”

Outside of St. Mark’s, Perri served as an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College in the Early Childhood Department from 1995 to 2005, and has been a guest lecturer at Molloy College for the past 10 years. She was also president of the Nassau Cooperative Nursery School Directors group from 2011 to 2014.

“I think it’s time some new blood came into the school,” Perri told the Herald. “…I want the new people to love this school as much as I do, and they do, so that was a huge relief for me.” She added that she would have four grandchildren in the school next year, and would continue to be involved as the soon-to-be co-directors transition into their new roles.

Creegan grew up in Rockville Centre and attended St. Mark’s years ago.  After graduating Johns Hopkins University, she joined Teach for America and received a master’s degree in elementary education from Pace University. She taught for nine years in New York City schools. 

Her eldest daughter started at St. Mark’s in 2014, and Creegan has played an active role on the school’s board ever since.  She has served as vice president of fundraising, treasurer, and is currently serving as co-president.  

To serve with Creegan as co-director next year is Todaro, who moved to Rockville Centre 12 years ago. She graduated from Dowling College with a master’s degree in education and maintains her certification in special education. During her tenure at Kings Park High School, she has written extensive curriculums, worked closely with teachers to implement tailored academic instructions for her students, conducted continuous progress reviews with her students’ parents, and taught all of her students how to become independent.

Todaro became involved with St. Mark’s when her two youngest boys enrolled. She has served as a substitute teacher, has volunteered for various school and fundraising events, and has served on the board as the enrichment coordinator. She has worked for St. Mark’s Nursery School since 2016 as assistant to the director, a role in which she works closely with staff and parents. 

“They have witnessed the inner workings of the school and dealt with some of the most challenging years the school has faced in its 47 years,” Spahn said of Creegan and Todaro. “The school is very blessed to have them assume the helm.”

A retirement party for Perri will be held at St. Agnes Parish Center on June 8 at 7 p.m. Those interested in attending can email stmarks.retirementparty@gmail.com.