Staff Bios

Miss Jen (3s Assistant) has been working at the preschool for about 27 years. Her favorite thing about the preschool is the sense of community, the staff, the holiday celebrations, the kids, and the families. Her favorite thing about working with the fours is that they understand more, they can absorb more of what you’re trying to teach them, and they can surprise you!

Miss Meredith (School Director, 4s Teacher) has worked as a teacher at the preschool for over 5 ½ years. Her favorite thing about the preschool is its focus on the social-emotional needs of each child and the commitment to incorporating much needed play time into the school day. Her favorite thing about working with this age group is that there is such an exciting amount of growth at this stage of development. Helping to prepare children for kindergarten is a uniquely fulfilling experience. She particularly enjoys the process of discovering each child’s special interests and learning styles so that they can reach their full potential.

Miss Michelle (3s Teacher) has worked at the preschool for over 7 years as the teacher in the three-year-old class. Her years of experience in various special ed settings have given her the opportunity to be adaptable and so the threes are able to experience a new adventure every day. Her favorite thing about the preschool is the role that it has in the community as a place where parents and children forge and strengthen friendships. As a member of the Bayville community she loves it when her students come back for a visit. Her favorite thing about working with the threes is that they are full of wonder and excitement. The age group is filled with lots of firsts; the marvelous--and often staggering--growth is so fun to watch develop. Their personalities, sense of humor, pride in skill development, accomplishments and empathy are all beginning to blossom.

Miss Nicole (2s Assistant) has been working at the preschool for almost 7 years. Her favorite things about the preschool are the family-like feel, being one-on-one with the children because of the smaller class sizes, the creativity the kids show, and witnessing the wonder of learning. Her favorite thing about working with this age group specifically is the wisdom of a child’s perspective, even though they’re only two or three. She enjoys playing an important part in their development, watching them become more independent and separating from care givers; it’s a lot fun!

Miss Samantha (3s Assistant) has worked at the preschool for 12 years. Her favorite thing about the preschool is that as a Bayville native--and working with children throughout her life--she has had an amazing opportunity to see people she’s grown up with (or taught in the past) bring their children and grandchildren to become the next generation of St. Gertrude’s. She enjoys the wonderfully rewarding experience to be a part of growing the future of Bayville. Her favorite thing about working with the three-year-olds is that they’re great fun to work with. Their eagerness to explore new concepts, and share their developing personalities, makes each day a new experience. She strives to adapt to the learning of each child to make their daily interactions meaningful.

Miss Anna (3s Teacher, Mommy & Me Teacher) is new to our preschool but not to our church. She grew up in Locust Valley, graduated from Locust Valley High School and attended St Gertrude’s church. She raised 3 boys in Pennsylvania and was a middle school teacher there. She also participated with the Boy Scouts and assisted in her children's classes as much as she was able. Her focus was family and consumer science and art. She is excited to bring both of these into the 3 year old classroom. She feels that learning at this age is best done in the form of play and creativity. “They learn as they play. This is a wonderful age because over the course of the school year the children mature and learn so much. It is very rewarding to guide and be a part of their success.”

Miss Maria (Office Manager, Cookie Lady) has moved into the office and has been working at the preschool for 2 ½ years. Her favorite thing about the preschool is the sense of community. The small classes help foster long lasting friendships for children and parents alike. The dedication and warmth of the teachers and assistants doing all they can to spark creativity and wonder. Her favorite thing about working with this age group specifically is that every day is a new day for the kids. It is a true joy to see their smiling faces; to watch them overcome, unfurl, and blossom into marvelous little people ready to take on kindergarten.