Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning that is joyful, as we support children in their quest to connect with the natural world.
When Nyack’s Little Schoolhouse closed its doors in 2023, Nyack’s Little House of Explorers was born. After over 30 years of service to the children and families of the community, Christa Sampath passed the torch to a new team of passionate educators to carry on the tradition of child centered learning.
Our History
Formerly known as Nyack’s Little Schoolhouse, Nyack’s Little House of Explorers—now under new ownership—builds upon the unique tradition and approach to early childhood education of its founder, Christa Sampath. Having served the community since 1996, Christa’s legacy is the extended community of former students, families, teachers and staff whom she has touched over the years, and who stay connected even as they move on to new schools, jobs, and communities near and far.
Miguel Ortiz-Crane came to know this magical little house on Lawrence Street when his own daughter, Candis, was a student here in 2021-2022.
In 2023, with Christa’s encouragement, guidance and mentorship, Miguel agreed to take over the operation of the school and immediately recruited a passionate program director whose values align seamlessly with his vision for the future of this special place. Nyack’s Little House of Explorers ushers in a new chapter to the story of this cherished institution. As the world continues to change, we believe our charge of nurturing children to be compassionate, confident and ready to face the world is our highest and most urgent calling.
Meet our Program Leaders
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Program Director
Kristin Norman has been in the field of early childhood education for 20 years. She is a graduate of NYU Steinhardt with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education. Her journey into early childhood began by studying the Reggio Emilia Approach, which respects the capabilities of young children and honors the one hundred languages they use to express themselves. As the Program Director and Lead Teacher at Nyack’s Little House of Explorers, Kristin brings experience in classroom teaching, curriculum development, and family support. As a Rockland County native, Kristin is happy to give back to the community in which she was raised. She is passionate about the arts and plays the guitar for her students each morning. Kristin is a mother of two, and lives in White Plains with her husband, daughters, and French Bulldog.
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Owner
From an early age, Miguel Ortiz-Crane has been using his talents and gifts in service to the community. As an English-language tutor, substitute teacher, Big Brother, and foster parent, he has been able to nurture the healthy development of young children in school and at home. Miguel has volunteered with the Junior Achievement organization, as well as various social justice and advocacy groups as a translator and interpreter. Miguel is a former member of the Village of Nyack Planning Board, and is currently on the board of TOUCH - Together Our Unity Can Heal, a Rockland-based non-profit . In addition to being the owner of Nyack's Little House of Explorers, Miguel works as a higher education administrator at NYU School of Professional Studies. He has a BA in Sociology and an MS in Global Affairs from New York University. Nyack's Little House of Explorers is Miguel's passion project, where his love for children, education, the environment, and civic engagement intersect to create something uniquely special for the Rockland community and beyond. Miguel lives in Nyack with his husband and two young daughters.
