Meet The Director

Director
​Ilene Morrin

Ilene grew up in Bayside, Queens. She has a BA in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Queens College.
 Ilene leads the academy with her passion for education and has a wealth of experience. Ilene worked as a preschool teacher at the Mid Island Y JCC for over 13 years. She was a mentor teacher, always helping to guide new teachers at her school. Ilene is an innovator in early childhood education, always researching new theories and programs to help her children get the skills necessary to succeed in today's society. With Ilene's guidance and expertise we will ensure that our academy has a dynamic learning environment that fosters a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students.

​We inspire a love of learning and discovery in each child who walks through the academy doors. Ilene believes that lessons in our school be intentional. Teachers choose the best strategies to accommodate the different ways children learn. This means that teachers have specific outcomes or goals in mind as they create their lesson plans. Some learning is child-guided, where teachers provide materials but children make connections on their own or through interactions with peers.
 Ilene introduced a STEM curriculum to Long Island at the Jericho STEM Academy where your child learns and practices concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math continuously throughout the day through our integrated approach called Balanced Learning. Art, phys. ed. and music are also integrated into our curriculum daily.
Our entire staff had to complete classes to become STEM certified which is a great accomplishment.
In September 2024 Ilene opened the Heart & Mind STEM Academy in Hicksville. We embrace a play-based curriculum that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development in young learners. We integrate hands-on activities and STEM focused exploration which promotes teamwork and problem solving. Heart & Mind has a private school and also houses the Bethpage & Hicksville UPK's.

​Ilene resides on Long Island. She has 3 wonderful children, 2 grandsons and a granddaughter who all attended Jericho STEM Academy.
 
"You're off to great places, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" - Dr. Seuss
​"I am thrilled to be a part our students' educational journey. I love getting to know our families and building relationships that last a lifetime.”



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