BIO:
Stephanie Borghi graduated from Dominican University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and an Elementary Education certification from the state of New Jersey grades K through sixth. After eight years teaching Spanish and Science lab at a Catholic School in Franklin Lakes she left on maternity leave and to raise her son.  She is now returning to her passion and career at our Academy.  She is very excited to be the first-grade teacher!

Hometown:
New Milford, New Jersey

I am excited to work at the Academy because:
I love being able to share my faith with my students and teach them about Jesus.  I love to take them to mass and grow in faith together as a family.  Working at the Academy makes my heart full and is where I am the happiest!

Teaching Philosophy:
I believe all students can be successful learners who need individual attention and different learning styles to reach all their needs. My classroom is a positive, happy, and encouraging learning environment where students can feel safe and comfortable to learn, grow, and make mistakes.

Fun Fact:
I speak three languages which are English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

When I am not in the classroom:
With my three-year-old son, Matthew, and my husband.  I also enjoy coloring, crafting, and decorating anything!

Ask me about:
My childhood and family!

Personal Motto:
Never give up and always learn from your mistakes!

Bio:
Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from The University of Scranton. After graduating, she went on and completed a certification program for Teaching Students with Disabilities at Felician University. During the summer, she works as a camp director at the Englewood Field Club, supervising three, four, and five year olds. Ashley currently resides in Teaneck with her husband and daughter, Lauren Anne.

Bio:
Dominique Cornetta graduated from New Jersey City University with a dual degree in early childhood education and psychology. While attending school she worked for a preschool where her passion for teaching grew. She is the eldest of four and is a dance teacher at a local school. She loves teaching and helping others.

Hometown:
Demarest, NJ

I like working at the Academy because…
It feels like home.

Teaching philosophy:
“I believe children are like sponges. They soak up information from all around them. It amazes me when they take the information they have learned and share it with the world.”

Fun fact:
I love to cook and feed people. I also love to chase sunsets and sunrises. The sky amazes me.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find me:
At the beach. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is. The ocean is a beautiful place to be.

Ask me about:
My cooking, family and travel plans. I’m always on the move.

Personal motto:
“I call my students “my kids” because in our year together they aren’t just kids on my class list, they become a part of my heart.”

Bio:
Toni Essman is a graduate of Jersey City State College.  She holds a permanent Teaching Certification in the state of NJ.  She has a B.A. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a minor in Art.  She is the Religion Coordinator, the Student Council Moderator, and a co-advisor for the Geography Club.

Hometown:
Bergenfield, NJ, originally, Brooklyn, NY

I like working at the Academy because…  
Students’ diversity and the Christian morals and values that are taught here.  I learn so much from my students.  I especially like working with the students as the Student Council Moderator. I feel the students are developing citizenship and making a difference in the community. In other words, they are paying it forward.

Teaching Philosophy:
God gives each of us special talents.  It is the responsibility and role of a teacher to recognize and understand this viewpoint. Not every student should be taught in the same manner.  Each teacher must develop strategies to enhance each child’s learning and progress. The key to a student’s success is to make sure he or she has good self-esteem and self-confidence. Each day the student is looking forward to attend school because he/she really enjoys school. Also, a good sense of humor is important.

Fun Fact:
I love to paint and to perform in Mr. G’s plays.

My favorite movie is:  
A Walk in the Clouds

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll likely find me:
At home cooking, shopping online, or taking care of my grandson.

Ask me:
To tell a story about an animal, my childhood, my family, or some history trivia!

Personal Motto:
Sometimes you just gotta dance!

Bio:
Stephanie Gerlach graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and an Elementary Teaching certification from Montclair State University. After a number of years teaching in primary grades, she returned to MSU to obtain a Master’s degree in Reading, along with a certification as a K-12 Reading Specialist. She is a firm believer that strong literacy skills pave the way to academic success!

Hometown:
Paramus, New Jersey

I like working at the Academy because:
I appreciate being able to openly express my faith in God, and to draw upon the teachings of Jesus to help my students develop empathy for others. I also love the sense of family that you get from being part of a faith community.

Teaching philosophy:
I believe that each child is unique, that children learn differently and at their own rate, and that my job as a teacher is to vary my teaching methods to meet each student’s needs. I believe that the classroom should be a welcoming, nurturing, and fun environment where all students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

Fun Fact:
I grind my teeth! In fact, I ask my students to let me know if they ever hear me grinding, because it’s a habit I’ve been trying to stop.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find me:
Out socializing with family and friends…..or planning my next vacation!

Ask me about:
My “addiction” to turkey sandwiches.

Personal Motto:
It’s better to have your nose in a book than in someone else’s business.

Bio:
Elliot Guerra graduated with a dual degree in Catholic Studies and English Literature from Seton Hall University where he was a two-time Lily Endowment recipient for Spirituality and the Arts. He is the Director of Mission Development for both the Parish and Academy where, among other things, creates service opportunities for families. He also is the creative director of OLMC’s Performing Arts program.  He is a proud resident of Teaneck, NJ.

Hometown:
Miami, Florida

I like working at the Academy because…
I get to work with amazing young actors and performers on some of the world’s classic plays!

Teaching philosophy:
When a child learns something they are learning to wonder, and wonder is never passive, it transforms us. Therefore education is conversion: intellectual, moral, spiritual.

Fun fact:
I’m a huge Mets fan!

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find me:
At the movies!

Ask me about:
My cat Carol!

Personal motto:
“Enjoy every sandwich.” –Warren Zevon

Bio:Jamie Menake is a New Jersey native, currently living and working in Bloomfield, NJ. After becoming a certified teacher in 1994, she received her Master’s Degree in Creative Arts Education from Rutgers University in 1998. She paints in both watercolor and acrylic and creates jewelry from fine silver clay. Her jewelry is a form of wearable sculpture and has been published by a national jewelry catalog. Jamie creates sculptures out of everyday objects and enjoys teaching students how to look at objects with a new perspective. She loves to help kids explore many types of media and try new things! As an avid artist, Jamie has worked in ceramics, collage, paper mache, fabric art, crochet, jewelry design, miniature art, face painting, and photography.

Hometown: Bloomfield, NJ

I like working at the Academy because… It is an inviting environment that promotes academic and spiritual growth.

Teaching philosophy: The more you put into your art the more you get out of it.

Fun fact: I love dogs but don’t have any. I enjoy reading when I’m not doing art.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find me: making jewelry.

Ask me about: My kids (and tell me about your pets).

Personal motto:You may not be great at something the first time you do it. Everything worth doing gets better with practice.

Bio:
Veronica Mezieres graduated from the National Pedagogical Institute Sacred Heart – Monterrico in Lima, Peru. As per the World Education Services she holds the equivalent of a BA Degree in Foreign Language – Literature and the teaching thereof. She has 32 years of teaching experience working with students all ages and backgrounds. Her biggest accomplishment has been to run the Education and Testing Department of a Welfare to work Program for the city of New York. She has worked in the healthcare field for 7 years but is looking forward to teaching again.

Hometown:
Teaneck, NJ

I like working at the Academy because…
Catholic values are taught at all times.

Teaching philosophy:
Take the best of each method and make the class fun because engaged students learn easily.

Fun fact:
I am a Reiki Practitioner

When I’m not at the Academy, you’ll most likely find me:
Burning lavender candles or incense. I am very interested in Aromatherapy.

Ask me about:
My family and Peru

Personal motto:
Put your mind to it and you will achieve anything you want. Let the sky be the limit!

Bio:
Graduated from a terrific school system in a small town, and attended Pace University, NYC for both my BA in Psychology and MS in Educational Technology. Currently I live in Hudson County.

Hometown:
Upstate New York,

I like working at the Academy because…
…of the values that are instilled in the students. Additionally enjoyable is that several co-workers are Yankee fans like my family.

Teaching philosophy:
I believe in treating every child in the manner in which I want teachers to treat my own child, with respect and a sense of responsibility. I want them to enter the classroom with the mindset that you will work your hardest on everything you do.

Fun fact:
There are so many…I love Star Wars and ladybugs. I am a fun enthusiastic person, get to know me and I am sure we can come up with many stories together.

When I’m not at the Academy, you’ll most likely find me:
Spending time with my son. We love to travel, be outside and watch TV. I enjoy watching him grow and walk his own path. I am so blessed to be there for him and my husband.

Ask me about:
ME! I love to share my life and adventures, it is my belief you learn through shared experiences. Or ask me about my son, I love to talk about him.

Personal motto:
“A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it.” Nikki Giovanni

Bio: Sonaly Rivera-Perez graduated from Manhattan College with a Bachelors of Science and from Baruch College-CUNY with a Masters of Science in Education.  After years of working with non-profit organizations, her passion for education led her to the classroom. Before joining the OLMC team, she worked for three years at Oradell Public School.  She is currently enrolled as a Postgraduate student in an Education program at William Paterson University.  She currently resides in Oradell, NJ with her husband and two daughters.

Hometown: Inwood, NYC

I like working at the Academy because… It is an inviting environment that promotes academic and spiritual growth.

Teaching philosophy: Children thrive in a positive and inclusive learning environment that incorporate each child’s funds of knowledge into everyday practices and encourages self-directed explorations.

Fun fact: I love Christmas movies!

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find me: With family and friends!

Ask me about: My dog and my family!

Personal motto: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”― Aristotle

Bio:
I graduated from New Jersey City University with a psychology degree. I am currently enrolled in Master of Arts in Education- Pre-School-3 in Saint Peter’s University. I have over 5 years of experience working with children. I learn from children as much as they can learn from me.

Hometown:
Union City, NJ

Teaching philosophy:
School has multiple meanings for each student. But despite the meaning or how they may view school, there is educators inside that care and want to make a difference for them.

Fun Fact:
My favorite animal is a dolphin, and I can eat anything that is made from potatoes.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find me:
Watching and crying of laughter from the show “Impractical Jokers” or spending time with my family.

Ask me about:
My family.

Personal Motto:
“When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change.”