CRESTHAVEN ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Job Titles:
- Kindergarten Teacher / Grade Team Lead
Amanda DeBrito is a Kindergarten teacher at Cresthaven Academy. She holds an Undergraduate Degree in Elementary Education from Kean University and is very passionate about creating life-long learning for her scholars. Amanda is looking forward to guiding the scholars of Cresthaven Academy and helping each one reach success in her classroom. When Amanda is not teaching, she enjoys the beach and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Teacher
- Dean of Instruction
Ana Maria Cubero is a Teacher Coach at Cresthaven Academy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kean University. Previously, Ana Maria served as a third grade teacher in Newark, NJ with Uncommon Schools. During her time as an educator in Newark, Ana Maria taught a variety of subjects to a wide array of learners. She was born into a family of educators who instilled in her the love of learning. Her dream is to continue to share her passion for learning, and her enthusiasm and dedication as an educator to the scholars and families of Plainfield. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Andrea Zarrouk joins the Cresthaven family as an Instructional Aide. A graduate of Rogers State University-Oklahoma with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science and a minor in Sociology, Andrea is a certified Paraprofessional who has several years of experience mentoring elementary age scholars. She has a passion for working with young learners, and her goal is to help them progress in all areas of development. She believes that the key to progress is establishing relationships and a nurturing learning environment for all students. In her free time, Andrea loves spending time with her husband and family, helping others, and traveling worldwide.
Job Titles:
- Data and Assessment Coordinator
Andreali Dharampaul-Bajnath Data and Assessment Coordinator adharampaul-bajnath@cresthavenacademy.org Andreali Dharampaul-Bajnath is the Data and Assessment Coordinator for the Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Her journey as an educator began 10 years ago in Brooklyn, New York where she was born and raised. Andreali started as a Universal Pre-K teacher for four years. She then branched off into a charter school where she taught 1st grade for another four years. Andreali was a founding Kindergarten and 1st Grade teacher for Cresthaven Academy Charter School and will now transition into her new role as the Data and Assessment Coordinator for Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She will continue to build relationships with our scholars and families and is eager to be part of a team that continues to provide assistance where scholars can show grit, courage, and self-control.
Angela Pereira is an ESL Teacher at Cresthaven Academy. She graduated from Rutgers University- New Brunswick with a BA in Spanish and a second in Linguistics. She recently completed a Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Western Governors University. Prior to Cresthaven, she taught English language learners in 4th-6th grades for two years, and adults for 15 years. As a Plainfield native and a daughter of immigrants, Angela is honored to serve her community and hopes to inspire Cresthaven scholars to become lifelong learners. In her free time, she enjoys listening to science fiction and fantasy audiobooks, spending time with her family, and listening to 90s Salsa, Rap, R&B and Alternative music.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Angelica Prysak is a Special Education teacher at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Angelica holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education K-6, with a Special Education endorsement from Kean University. She looks forward to creating a positive classroom environment where she can help each of her scholars reach success. In her free time, Angelica enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and going on coffee runs. Angelica is excited to be a part of the Cresthaven community!
Ayleen Noriega is a graduate of Kean University. She joins Cresthaven Academy with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education P-3 with a Teacher of Students with Disabilities endorsement. While pursuing her education, Ayleen worked for Cresthaven Academy Foundation as an After School Program Family Leader, and is looking forward to continuing to build relationships with the scholars and families of Cresthaven Academy as a teacher! As a Plainfield resident, Ayleen considers it a privilege to work in her own community, helping young learners succeed both academically and socially. In her free time Ayleen enjoys spending time with her family and baking, as well as traveling and going to the beach.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Carianne Solecki joins Cresthaven Academy as a Special Education teacher with experience teaching grades Preschool through 5th grade. Carianne earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Memphis. After moving back to the Northeast, she pursued her Masters degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University as well as her Masters in Teachers of Students with Disabilities from American College of Education. Carianne is eager to help all students reach their potential in all endeavors. Away from school Carianne loves dancing and spending time with her family. She is a girl scout leader and a mom of 2 children that are involved in many sports. Carianne is thrilled to be a part of the Cresthaven family and eager to serve its scholars and families.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Caroline Reilly is a Special Education Teacher at Cresthaven Academy. After graduating from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education as well as a Master's degree in Special Education with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis, Caroline went on to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2020. She believes in the importance of acknowledging that all students are able to learn when given the appropriate supports, and her goal is to create a nurturing environment where all students believe they have the ability to succeed. Caroline is excited to join the Cresthaven team, and looks forward to working to ensure her scholars are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally. In her free time, Caroline enjoys baking, reading, and playing with her family dogs Milo and Pebbles.
Christina Sullivan is excited to join the Cresthaven Family as a 3rd Grade Instructional Aide. She holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts Physical Education & Recreation from Middlesex County College and has ten years of experience working with scholars of all ages in many different academic environments. Most recently, Christina worked with 2nd-6th grade students in Hillside, NJ. She is eager to meet and connect with the scholars and families of Cresthaven Academy, and looks forward to learning and incorporating new skills into the classroom. When not in school, you can find Christina at the beach or Six Flags, or spending time with friends, family, and playing games!
Cristina Benedicto is a Kindergarten teacher at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in English writing from Kean University. Prior to working at Cresthaven, Cristina taught English to students living in Tokyo, Japan. Cristina looks forward to nurturing, guiding, and growing with the scholars and families of the Plainfield community. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, traveling to new sights, and cherishing moments with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Teacher
Daniel Bento is the Physical Education teacher at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Daniel graduated from Montclair State University with a BS in Health & Physical Education. He is passionate about teaching students how to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Daniel has eight years of experience working with elementary and middle school students in Newark charter schools. Prior to teaching, Daniel also served in the United States Army as a paratrooper for 5 years. When he is not teaching, Daniel enjoys going to the gym, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Danielle Buck is a 5th Grade General Education teacher with multiple years of experience in urban school districts. Danielle graduated with her Bachelor's degree in English from Kean University, and later earned her Master's degree in The Arts of Education. She has a true passion for working with young learners on their paths toward college, and she enjoys helping students progress in all areas of their development - academic, social, language, and motor. Believing that every child should be valued and treated with respect, Danielle strives to create a community of learners that nurtures growth in a positive, fun environment. Danielle is excited to continue her career at Cresthaven, motivating scholars toward their individual best; awakening a desire to learn day after day.
Danielle Casciano is a founding 6th grade teacher at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She has multiple years of experience in charter schools working with at-risk students and students with disabilities. During these years, she has worked on developing and executing rigorous data driven lesson plans. Danielle completed her undergraduate work at Rowan University where she earned endorsements in Early Childhood Education and as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Danielle is honored to use her knowledge, passion, and dedication to help serve the children of Plainfield.
Darcel Torres-Diaz is excited to join the Cresthaven family as a Special Education Teacher. Darcel has her Masters Degree from Tuoro College in Early Childhood Education Birth-Grade 2 and Students with Disabilities. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Darcel spent the last 5 years working in Charter schools in Flatbush and East New York with K-2 scholars. Now that Darcel and her family are New Jersey residents, she is eager to share her creativity and experience with the Cresthaven community. Deeply passionate about supporting all learners, Darcel believes that each scholar is unique and deserves to be taught with developmentally appropriate methods that will empower them to achieve success. When not teaching, Darcel loves spending time with her family, especially her two young sons, and shopping.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Principal / School Leader
Delines Rodriguez is a skilled instructional leader with deep experience leading charter schools and a passion for teacher development and parent engagement. She previously was the founding school principal at LEEP Dual Language Academy in Brooklyn, NY where she established the first school-wide, public dual language immersion model in New York City. She has also led elementary school instruction at the high-performing Hola Hoboken Dual Language Charter School and served as a teacher in the KIPP charter school network in Newark, NJ. Most recently, Ms. Rodriguez was the Partner and Implementation Manager for the Northern New Jersey region at Children's Literacy Initiative. In this role, she supported urban school district leaders in improving their students' literacy outcomes. Ms. Rodriguez is a graduate of Hunter College in New York City with an MA in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.
Enrique Silva serves as the Facilities Director at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. He was born in Newark, New Jersey and graduated Barringer High School. After a tour as a Marine during Desert Storm/Shield and, through a combination of life events, Enrique joined Newark Public Schools as a security officer. He later worked at People's Preparatory Charter School in Newark overseeing the food service program and facility maintenance. Enrique also attended Bloomfield College where he studied Education, and plans to one day complete his undergraduate degree in Physical Education.
Erica Forrester is the Director of Operations at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Erica holds a B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University with a minor in Human Resources Management and Mathematics, as well as an M.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. With prior experience as a Senior Talent Operations Associate for a K-12 Charter School in Trenton, Erica is excited to bring her data analysis, recruitment, administrative, and various policy and system utilization skills to Cresthven. Delighted to be a part of this school community, Erica looks forward to enhancing the Cresthaven experience for scholars, staff, and families, year after year.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
Esmeralda Alcazar joins the Cresthaven family as a Special Education Teacher and recent graduate of Kean University. With a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, concentrating in English writing, along with an endorsement in Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Esmeralda is excited to begin her career at Cresthaven Academy! After being inspired to become a teacher by her eight nieces and nephews, Emeralda gained experience at a Montessori school working with young learners of all abilities. She is passionate about strengthening scholars' abilities and supporting learning through multi-sensory lessons that are relevant to their lives. She is honored to serve the scholars and families of Cresthaven Academy, and the community of Plainfield. In her spare time, Esmeralda likes hiking and spending time with her family in her hometown of Los Angeles, CA.
Job Titles:
- Operations Support Assistant
Job Titles:
- Dean of School Culture
- HIB Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Jessica Saunders is the Instructional Coach at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. A founding teacher at Cresthaven, Jessica served as our Kindergarten Grade Team Lead before taking on her new role. Prior to joining Cresthaven in 2016, Jessica taught Pre-K in North Plainfield for a number of years and also taught in Westfield. Jessica holds a BA in Early Childhood Education, a MA in Special Education, and a Supervisor Certificate from Kean University. She enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. Jessica is honored to continue her journey at Cresthaven Academy Charter school where she aspires to motivate and support teachers and scholars alike.
Katelyn Irenski is a 5th grade teacher at Cresthaven Academy. In 2016 Katelyn received her Undergraduate Degree from Monmouth University in Elementary Education and History with an endorsement as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. When Katelyn is not teaching she enjoys reading, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.
Kaye Campanile is the Dean of School Culture at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She has eight years of teaching experience: two as a 2nd grade teacher at Cresthaven; the others, from working in rural and urban areas of PA and NJ, where she taught every grade from Pre-K to 3rd.. Kaye completed her undergraduate work at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Right after she graduated in 2012, Kaye joined Teach for America and spent a summer teaching in both Kentucky and Mississippi. She is excited to start her new role, and looking forward to interacting with Cresthaven scholars across all grade levels, celebrating their success and watching them grow, year after year.
Kristen Loria is a Kindergarten Grade Teacher at Cresthaven Academy. Kristen double majored in Elementary Education and Psychology at Kean University, and has taught Pre-School, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Sixth Grade Reading/Language Arts over the past 20 years. Kristen is excited about joining the Cresthaven Family and creating a new education adventure for her scholars! In her spare time, Kristen enjoys cooking, baking, dancing, traveling, going to the beach, and watching her sons play sports!
LaDonna M Damon is Cresthaven Academy's Office Manager. Prior to joining Cresthaven, LaDonna served as Director of Branch Administration for a local YMCA. She worked alongside the Executive & Associate Directors overseeing the finances and human resources for the branch. Her passion for youth led her to pursue an education in Juvenile Justice. She holds an AS in Criminal Justice from Berkeley College, with the hopes of furthering her education in the future. She has taught youth Sunday School for many years, served as a paraprofessional for the Rahway school system, and was previously a youth counselor for the YMCA. LaDonna is honored to be a part of the Cresthaven family and looks forward to contributing to the continued success of the scholars, families, and school community.
Larissa Junker is a 3rd Grade Teacher at Cresthaven Academy. She graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in English Literature. This will be Larissa's third year teaching at Cresthaven and she could not be more excited! She is eager to encourage and support scholars in reaching their individual goals to establish a foundation for their lifelong success. In her spare time, Larissa loves watching movies, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends. Larissa is looking forward to continuing to serve the scholars and families of Cresthaven Academy.
Maciel Rivera is an Office Manager at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from Pillar college, and has experience in management positions in marketing, ministry, and now here at Cresthaven Academy. Combining her passion for children, charter schools and family advocacy, Maciel is excited to be a part of the Cresthaven family, and she looks forward to building strong relationships with our families.
Michelle Blazquez is a 1st grade teacher at Cresthaven Academy. In her years of teaching, she has taught both Kindergarten and First Grade. She is a graduate of William Paterson University and holds a Bachelor's degree in both Early Childhood Education and Integrated Math and Science with a concentration in Environmental Science. Ever since she was young, Michelle dreamed of being an educator who instilled confidence, passion, and the love of education in her students. In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband, cats, family and friends. Michelle is honored to support and create motivated learners at Cresthaven Academy.
Job Titles:
- Operations Support Assistant
Michelle Feliciano serves as Operations Support Assistant at Cresthaven Academy. She was born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico by her grandparents. It is there that she developed a passion to serve others. Motivated by her desire to serve the community, Michelle obtained her medical assistant certification and spent over three years working with a medical practice in Puerto Rico. Michelle currently serves the community of Plainfield through her work at Cresthaven, as well as being active in community outreach, where she is a dedicated leader in youth, children, and worship ministries. Michelle aspires to continue her education in counseling to help others overcome obstacles and fulfill their personal journeys in meaningful ways. Michelle enjoys laughing, making new friends, and spending quality time building memories with family and friends.
Mily Salgado-Cardenas is an Instructional Aide at Cresthaven Academy, who recently graduated from Union County College with an associates degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education. Mily is continuing her education at Kean University in Elementary and Bilingual Education, and looks forward to learning and growing with the scholars and families of Cresthaven. Over the course of her five years experience working in childcare, Mily has learned as much from her scholars as they've learned from her, and she is excited to be a part of the Cresthaven community.
Job Titles:
- Nurse for Kindergarten
- School Nurse
Natalie Cresitello is the Cresthaven Academy School Nurse for Kindergarten through 3rd Grade. Prior to joining the Cresthaven team, Natalie worked as a substitute school nurse, and for the New Jersey Sharing Network, which is New Jersey's Organ Procurement Organization, as an Organ Donation Coordinator. During her time at these positions, Natalie conducted a variety of medical assessments and interventions on students and patients of all ages. She has worked in the Intensive Care Units and Cardiac Care Units of many hospitals throughout the state of NJ. Natalie holds a B.A. in Mathematics with an Education minor from Susquehanna University, and an A.D.N. from Raritan Valley Community College. She completed an RN Bridge to MSN program and enrolled in Kean University's Masters in School Nursing program. Natalie is dedicated to the health and well being of all scholars, and looks forward to establishing and maintaining a healthy school community at Cresthaven Academy.
Nicholas Baksh is an Instructional Aide at Cresthaven Academy. He is currently attending Kean University, where he is pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education P-3 with a Teachers of Students with Disabilities Endorsement. Nicholas has experience working with Cresthaven scholars and families as part of the Cresthaven Academy Foundation After School Program for several years, and he is excited to bring his skills inside the classroom where he can help scholars learn and continue to build relationships with students, staff, and families at Cresthaven.
Pooja Hiremath is a 4th Grade Teacher at Cresthaven Academy. She graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Creative Writing. After completing the Alternate Route Program, she became certified to teach Elementary K-6. Prior to working at Cresthaven, Pooja tutored at Plangere Writing Center at Rutgers and taught Creative Writing classes at the YMCA. She was also a Preschool Lead Teacher in Avenel. Pooja is eager to ignite curiosity and passion for learning in young inquisitive minds. Her ultimate goal is to help scholars find their voice inside and outside of the classroom. In her spare time, Ms. Hiremath likes writing, enjoys print and visual storytelling mediums, and loves to cuddle with her cat Indigo.
Rebecca Witt is thrilled to embark on her second year as the music teacher at Cresthaven Academy. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She has six full years of teaching experience in diverse settings, including teaching English abroad in Thailand. Rebecca is passionate about teaching the whole child and inspiring scholars to become lifelong musicians. When she is not teaching, you can find Miss Witt learning to cook new meals, going for bike rides and travelling as much as possible.
Roushan Rahman joins the Cresthaven team as a Third Grade Teacher. She has experience teaching 3rd grade Math and Science for the past two years, and holds the NJ Standard Teaching Certificate (Grades K-6). She received her Master's Degree in Teaching K-5 from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in English from the University of Chittagong. Coming from a long line of educators, Roushan gained a passion for teaching early in life. She loves fostering her students' learning, curiosity, and perseverance. Roushan is eager to influence the young minds of Cresthaven Academy. When not in the classroom, Roushan can be found baking, gardening, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Shakira Jackson is a Special Education teacher at Cresthaven Academy. A recent graduate of Kean University, Shakira holds a BA in Early Childhood Education with a Special Education Endorsement. She is eager to create a fun and positive classroom environment for her scholars, where she can encourage their love of learning. Shakira enjoys singing, dancing, and making others laugh, and she believes that everyday is an opportunity to experience something new. She is thrilled to be a part of the Cresthaven community.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Human Resource Coordinator
Shaquana Brutus is the Human Resource Coordinator at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources from Thomas Edison State University, Shaquana has over 10 years combined experience in the corporate and education sectors. Prior to joining Cresthaven, Shaquana worked as a Human Resources Generalist for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District. She has also performed administrative duties in a variety of positions including the Early Childhood Department and Division of Business Administration Office for other New Jersey districts. Coupled with her extensive work in telecommunications and management for a fortune five hundred company, Shaquana brings a passion for organization and helping others to the Cresthaven Family.
Sondra McNicholas is a general education teacher at Cresthaven Academy. After earning her B.A from Rowan University in Elementary Education with specializations in Middle School Math and English Language Arts in 2017, Sondra. moved to North-Eastern Thailand, where she taught kindergarten for three years. Her lifelong passion for working with children led Sondra to volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Southern NJ as well as the Boys and Girls Club while she was growing up. Currently pursuing a Masters in International Education through distance learning with the University of Leicester, Sondra is a lifelong learner who is excited to bring her experience and her love of teaching to Cresthaven. In her free time, Sondra enjoys roller skating with her dog Riley, reading, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and family.
Steven A. Colson is a businessman, philanthropist, Lead Founder of Cresthaven Academy Charter School, and currently serves as Executive Director and Board Chairman of Cresthaven Academy Foundation. Steve has dedicated his life to empowering less fortunate individuals and families. His past work has included providing shelter for international and political refugees, teaching English to local Central American immigrants, deep involvement with the Rutgers University Future Scholars Program, and personally sponsoring athletic scholarships for NJ inner city youth. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Clemson University, served as president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, co-owns several major companies with his brother, and was the recipient of the Rutgers University Human Dignity Award in 2010. Steve's lifestyle of service to others has established him as a friend, mentor, brother, and father to countless individuals and families within Plainfield and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Teacher
Sydney Harris joins the Cresthaven family as a Health & Physical Education teacher. Sydney's passion for helping people of all ages achieve their happiest and healthiest selves inspired her to earn a BS in Health and Physical Education with an extended minor in Health from Kean University. She is excited to continue pursuing her passion as a HPE teacher at Cresthaven, where she can educate, inspire and motivate her students every day. With over 5 years experience as a group fitness instructor, Sydney looks forward to bringing her skills and passions to the Cresthaven community. In Sydney's free time she loves to go to the gym, hike with her dog, read, paint, practice yoga, cook, and spend time with her friends and family!
Tania Duran-Garcia is a graduate of Union County College and Montclair State University. She joins Cresthaven Academy with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Social work. While pursuing her undergraduate degree she served as a substitute teacher for preschools in the district of Plainfield. She is looking to continue to work with scholars and families of Cresthaven Academy as an Instructional aid. As a bilingual Plainfield resident, Tania is very excited and honored to work in her community, she understands the value of education and helping children achieve their goals as fundamentally important. She also loves to play the piano, draw, and spending time with her family and helping her nieces and nephews of all ages excel in their educational goals.
Taylor Salvatore Taylor Salvatore is a 6th grade teacher at Cresthaven Academy. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Albany in 2016 and her Masters of Arts in Teaching at Liberty University in 2020. After completing her alternate route to teaching, Taylor is now certified in both Virginia and New Jersey in teaching Social Studies for grades 6-12. She is also Google Educator Certified as well as Minecraft Education Certified. Prior to working at Cresthaven, Taylor was a 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teacher at the Winston School of Short Hills, in Short Hills NJ, an independent school for students K-8 with language based learning differences. Taylor is excited to join Cresthaven Academy and to foster a safe and positive learning environment where students can not only learn about history and being a positive citizen but also learn about themselves as individuals. In her spare time, Taylor enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and hanging out with her 2 dogs, ball python, and leopard gecko.
Thao Le is a 2nd Grade Teacher at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She attended Montclair State University and graduated with a B.A in Family and Child Studies in 2012. In 2018, she obtained her M.A.T. at Relay Graduate School of Education. Prior to teaching, Thao worked at the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. She started her path in teaching in 2016 at Newark Uncommon Schools as a First Grade Teacher. Passionate about closing the achievement gap, Thao is delighted to bring her excitement and joy for teaching to Cresthaven Academy. When she is not teaching, you can find her catching up with her past scholars, spending time with family and friends, as well as her Boston Terrier, Frank Castle.
Theresa Chianese is the Art Teacher at Cresthaven Academy. Terri came to Cresthaven following a career as a designer in the fashion industry. She earned degrees from Fashion Institute of Technology and her BA and teaching certification from NJCU. Terri previously substituted at the Oliver St. School in Newark, and most recently taught after school enrichment and studio art with Urban Arts in Hoboken. Terri is excited to be starting this new chapter and is looking forward to bringing art to the Scholars of Cresthaven Academy. When Terri is not teaching she enjoys gallery and museum days with her daughter, making art, reading, doing yoga, and cooking.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Victoria Hayes is a 5th Grade Special Education Teacher at Cresthaven Academy. In 2015, she graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Teacher of Students with Disabilities. She has been teaching at Cresthaven Academy for the past three years, and was recently trained in Wilson Reading System. Victoria looks forward to implementing the new strategies she learned into her classroom. Previously, teaching 3rd and 5th grades in Newark, Victoria has been teaching for six years in total. She loves teaching and helping her scholars grow as learners. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys going to the beach, playing board games and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Special Services
- Student Support Service Coordinator
Victoria Marcheski is Cresthaven Academy's Coordinator of Special Services. She began her career in education in North Carolina in 2013, and moved to New Jersey with her family in 2018. She has been working in the Special Education field for over five years. With a passion for advocacy and Autism acceptance, Victoria holds a Masters degree Special Education and is currently in the process of completing her dissertation for her Doctoral degree. Victoria believes that with the right resources and support, all children can achieve their dreams, regardless of their circumstances, and that all stakeholders in the education system are necessary in order to prepare scholars for success beyond the classroom. Victoria is the mom of three wonderful children, Scott, Lauchlan, and Ginny, and is happily married to her husband Robert of 15 years.