Lanny Cheuck
Owner & Executive Director
Lanny Cheuck (she/her) fell in love with Montessori as a parent first, educator second. Lanny worked as a public school educator in NYC for 8 years and then 6 years with a charter organization in San Francisco both as a classroom teacher and later, an education consultant. It was when she became a mother to a young daughter, Lanny read about the Montessori philosophy of child-rearing and witnessed the marvel of her daughter thriving in a local Montessori school.
She channeled her educational experience along with her passion for Montessori and nature-based learning into creating wBees Forest School! Her greatest aim is to create a warm and inviting Montessori school that is inclusive and helps the children see their place in the natural world.
Lanny earned her Administrative Credential from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, studied with West Side Montessori for her Montessori Administrative Credential, and received her NYS/NYC teaching degree and certifications with Mercy College. She studied literature with Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL where she had an intense interest in marine science as well.
Lanny’s interests include traveling, dancing, hiking, gardening, incubating business ideas with women entrepreneurs, and raising two fearless upstanders in this world!
Learn more about how wBees came about, Lanny’s journey in building the program we are today, and her philosophy as a program director through her podcast episode below.
10 Questions with Lanny!
What is your favorite part of working in early childhood?
Helping to create an environment for adult learners that is a parallel process for our child learners.
Is there a memory, teacher, or experience from your own education that impacts the way you approach teaching?
I loved Mr. Bellafiore, my 10th-11th grade English teacher. He opened up a world to me with a love of literature and taught me the power of my writer's voice.
What's your favorite part of the wBees day?
I love observing the work cycle so much. It is a truly magical period of the day to see 15 toddlers follow their own blueprint of who they are as a learner.
If you weren't teaching early childhood/pre-school, what other age range would you like to teach?
I have always felt that the toddler stage is similar to the way teenagers approach life and learning. High schoolers have a huge part of my heart.
What's your favorite children's book? Why?
Ladybug Girl because she is fearless and can imagine a different way of being.
If you were a classroom material, what would you be and why?
Knobbed Cylinders, because I can create order and find solutions even in the midst of chaos and disorder.
What's your favorite New York City spot? Why?
The Whitney Museum, followed by a meal in Ktown
What's a skill, hobby, or passion of yours that you pursue outside of work?
I recently started camping in a travel trailer with my husband, two teenage daughters, and our frenchie. It is wonderful to be in nature and interesting to live in such small quarters!
What's one thing you think adults can learn from young children?
To be fully present and to trust our inner voices. To find so much joy in the day to day.
Where is your favorite place to connect with nature? Why?
Recently discovered Watkins Glen and the gorges were awe-inspiring!
What's a favorite quote, mantra, or phrase that guides your teaching philosophy?
"The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence" - Dr. Maria Montessori