Saying goodbye to Robbin’s Nest

It seems to be a time of change in Crescenta Valley with regards to education. This year saw many longtime teachers and administrators retire or leave the public schools.

That trend of departure has carried through to private campuses as well.

After a 25-year career at Robbin’s Nest Preschool, Nancy Rabensteine has left her position as director.

The preschool and kindergarten has been located in La Crescenta for 27 years. Rabensteine began as a teacher at the school, and later became director, a post she held for the last 15 years.

“She was very personable with each parent, each child and each teacher,” said Michelle Kurtz of Robbin’s Nest.

Rabensteine was known for her ability to go above and beyond her normal responsibilities, including going to a home of a parent if they forgot something their child needed. She was also available to help out any of her staff including teachers who needed a ride to and from work.

Rabensteine will be moving to La Verne to take care of her ailing mother and step-father.

“It is just devastating,” Rabensteine said of her departure. “I was born and raised here [in La Crescenta]. This is my home.”

Rabensteine had a true sense of community spirit, Kurtz said. She always made a point of using local vendors and businesses in the area during school events and in her personal life.

“She was always there for the parents, children and the community as a whole,” Kurtz said.

Rabensteine said that she will miss her Robbin’s Nest family but “you have to do what you have to do.”

The position of director has been filled by Rosalie Lukben, who has been a teacher at Robbin’s Nest for the past 12 years.