Our Teachers

Jan McKee – Director
Jan Mckee has always had a great love of young children and teaching. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in dance and physical education. Moving to New York City to pursue a career in modern dance she enjoyed performing as well as teaching modern dance and aerobics at the Walden School from 1975-1985. Jan found her true niche when she was invited to coordinate the Toddler Center at Discovery Programs in NYC in 1985, overseeing 5 classrooms and a staff of 15 teachers.

Upon moving to New Jersey Jan decided to venture out on her own, starting Toddlers in Motion in the fall of 1990. since that time the program has grown to 2 locations and 6 days a week. A mother herself since 1991, Jan understands not only the creative side of teaching, but has first-hand insights into the joys and challenges of life with a 2 year old.

Founded on a genuine love of young children, Jan has truly enjoyed creating a special place where parents and children can enjoy a fun and enriching learning experience together. Jan is especially thankful to have the talented team of Janine Malach and Barbara Holland teaching with her these many years.

Janine Malach
From Switzerland, Janine graduated from Teachers College in Zurich with a degree in education, specializing in Pre-K through 6th grade. After teaching grade school for 2 years she returned to school, majoring in Child Psychology, Special Education and Ethnology at the University of Zurich.

In 1980 Janine met her husband, Bob, in Zurich at a concert where he performed. They were married and moved to his home in New York City where Janine accepted a teaching position at the 15th Street Montessori School in Manhattan. With a growing family, they moved to Rutherford, NJ, in 1988. It was here that in 1990 Janine found Toddlers In Motion for her one-year old.

In these early days of the program, Jan was pregnant and needed someone to fill in for her. Janine began teaching classes and found a the opportunity satisfying. “This job was ideal for me in many ways. It enabled me to be home for my kids after school, it kept changing and expanding and challenging my creativity, and it gave me the chance to meet so many wonderful families in my town of Rutherford and beyond.”

Barbara Holland
Originally from Nutley, NJ, Barbara has taught at Toddlers In Motion for more than 15 years. She studied education and fine arts at William Paterson University and went on to teach second and third grades in the public school system. Her background in arts and crafts, especially in decorative painting and crafts, are invaluable assets for her work with children. She is also accomplished in framing and art arranging. Along with her teaching she has worked at Steven’s Art Center in Rutherford, specializing in design, glass cutting and custom framing.

Barbara has a special gift for encouraging young children to explore their unique personalities through the creative process. In 2008 Barbara and Janine started an after school art class for 5-8 year olds.