My name is Bethany Buccino and I started teaching at St. Peter's in 2016. Like many other teachers here, I was first introduced to St. Peters as a parent. My children had such a positive preschool experience here because of the nurturing and supportive environment. I was always impressed with how much they learned through play and hands-on activities. Before starting my family, I taught kindergarten and first grade in a public school. I received my bachelor's degree and my master's degree in Elementary Education. I've always loved working with children and I am thrilled to be a part of the St Peter's family!

My name is Stephanie Cavallo and I am thrilled to be joining the St. Peters Staff! Like so many

other teachers here, I was introduced to the school as a parent. My son had the most

amazing experience here through hands-on activities, a creative curriculum, nurturing, and love!

Before starting my family, (Amanda 18 and Ryan 16) I taught preschool for 6 years. I received

my Bachelor’s degree in English from Caldwell University and later my K-8 and P-3 teaching

certificates. I cannot wait to meet your children and I am so happy to be here!

My name is Linda Egan. I have been teaching at St. Peter’s Nursery School since January 2001. My initial contact with the school began in 1994 as a parent. I truly enjoyed my experience and my children received an early childhood education that was filled with the love of learning. My positive experiences as a parent led to an appointment as a Board of Trustee member for two years. At the conclusion of this time, I found myself very tearful as I drove away from this wonderful school. Sure enough, six months later my telephone rang and a teaching position was available at the school. I have had the pleasure and experience of teaching all age categories at our school. My greatest enjoyment from teaching young children is watching their excitement for learning. My classroom environment is the only place where I have an audience that thinks my singing is worthy of a clap and a shout of “Bravo!” I love it!

Teaching at St. Peter’s since 2001

I am excited to join the staff at St. Peter’s Nursery School this year. After graduating from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, I worked in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries until starting a family. After my youngest began kindergarten, I returned to the workforce as an Assistant Teacher in a local preschool. Since then, I have gained experience working in both public and private education with children of all different abilities for the last 9 years. It has given me incredible insight, patience and a calming demeanor that serve me well in the preschool setting.

I love working with children and am grateful to be working alongside caring teachers to create a fun, nurturing and successful learning environment for students. 

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 daughters, our mini labradoodle, family and friends. I enjoy time outside in my garden, camping or at the beach.

My name is Christina Grasso. My son came to Saint Peter's Nursery School back in 2001. Right away, I knew he was in the right place, learning in a play based environment with warm caring teachers throughout all of his years here.  

I have been teaching preschool since 2005. I have my CDA through Montclair State.

I have loved being a part of a child's first experiences in school and watching them grow throughout our year together! Fostering a love for learning to carry with them into elementary school is a special honor for me.

I am thrilled to be part of the wonderful Saint Peter's Nursery school team!

My name is Jennifer Knapp. I feel fortunate to be here at St. Peter’s Nursery School and I am honored to be teaching the wonderful children we have in our school. My three sons attended St. Peter’s and I also served on the Board of Trustees during that time. Looking back, the St. Peter’s experience was an incredibly important foundation for their entire education. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and since then, I have been an Enrichment Teacher, Nursery School Teacher, and Substitute Teacher in the local school districts. I love to work with children and foster their early learning experiences. Our classrooms provide a warm and comforting environment for the children’s natural curiosity to grow into a lifetime of learning. I know the St. Peter’s approach is effective, and I am so happy to be here contributing to the future generations of students.

My name is Marisa Lepis and this is my second year teaching at St. Peter’s Nursery School. My first experience with St. Peter’s was as a parent with my three children attending the school. I especially loved the warm, nurturing environment that St. Peter’s provided for my children and loved watching them thrive and grow during their time at the school. I was so honored to become part of the staff in 2018 and have since had the opportunity to teach the Young 3’s, MWF 3’s, Starting Together Program, and Summer Camp offered at St. Peter’s. I especially love the curiosity and excitement that I see in my student's faces when they come to school ready to learn through play. I feel so lucky to share this special time with your children and your family and can’t wait for another wonderful school year!

My name is Natalie Marshall. I have two children, a six year old girl and a two year old boy. I first discovered St. Peter's Nursery School when my six year old daughter attended Pre-K 3 and 4 here. It was during this time as a stay at home mother that I began to really miss my experiences teaching Pre-K.

I have a dual certification in Early/Elementary Education Pre-K-3/K-6 from William Paterson

University, during my time there I student taught Kindergarten in a public school. Before starting a family.  I worked at Head Start as a Pre-K 3 and 4 head teacher and previously as a para-professional in a public school working with special needs students in Pre-K.

I believe that young children learn best through play based experiences in learning centers in the classroom. I am fortunate and excited to return to co-teaching Pre-K at St. Peter's.

My name is Eileen Michael. I am so thrilled to be joining the staff of St. Peter’s Nursery School. (Four year old class.) I am a mother of three (almost grown) children, two of which attended St. Peter’s starting in 2009. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Education/Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and a Master’s in Elementary Education from CUNY taten Island. I taught elementary school (5th and 2nd grades) for 10 years before having my children. In addition to raising my 3, I taught Faith Formation for 8 years.

Some of my favorite things to do are driving our boat, clamming, fishing, camping and hiking with my family and pups! Although curling up with a

good book is one of my favorite things as well!

While attending St.Peter’s my children received such a well rounded education and positive experience. The parents and children had always

referred to it as the “Happiest Place on Earth”. I can’t wait to be a part of this very special school.

This is my first year at St. Peter’s Nursery School. I had my first introduction to this wonderful school when my son went to school here. I graduated from Caldwell University. I was a fourth-grade teacher for six years. I have been a pre-k teacher for over ten years. I am very happy and thrilled to be part of such a wonderful, special place! My passion is teaching young, beautiful little minds! I could not be happier being here with this amazing faculty!

My name is Layla Schott and this is my first year teaching at St. Peter's. I was introduced to St. Peter's when my oldest child attended preschool. All three of my children attended this wonderful program and I was also a board member during that time. I fell in love with the warm, nurturing environment and philosophy of the school along with the loving and supportive staff. I'm thrilled to be back now as a teacher in the young 3's class.

I received my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education at Bergen Community College, and my Bachelors Degree as well as my Teacher of the Handicapped Certification at Montclair State University.  Before having my three girls, I taught Children with Autism for 10 years in a private school in Paramus. I also just recently taught children ages 0-3 years old in Early Intervention.  

I love working with children and I'm looking forward to a great year getting to know your children and watching them grow.

Hi! I am Maggie Shaw. I am thrilled to be joining the St. Peter's family. I live in Caldwell with my husband and our three kids. I completed my undergraduate studies at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and am working towards a master's degree at Seton Hall University. Before having my children, I was an elementary school teacher for many years. My passion is working with children, and I find immense joy in their love of learning. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and unique perspectives make teaching a truly rewarding experience.  I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where they can thrive.  Additionally, I love to be involved in the community as a Girl Scout troop leader, religious education teacher, and active member of the elementary school HSA. I am so excited to get to know all of the wonderful families at St. Peter's this year!!

My name is Meghan Walsh and this is my second year teaching at St. Peter’s, but St. Peter’s has been a big part of my life.I attended St. Peters as a child and spent eight years as a St. Peter’s parent -- two as a member of the board -- as all three of my girls went through the school. I love how students learn through play and am so impressed with the love, energy, and commitment from the staff. I am honored to now be working beside them.  

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame and my Masters in Teaching from Teachers College Columbia University.  I taught high school English and Social Studies before having my children.  I am the leader of my oldest daughter’s Girl Scout troop and coach my middle daughter’s lacrosse team.  

I joined the St. Peter’s team the year after my youngest daughter “graduated” from St. Peters.  I am so happy I never had to leave the school!  I love working with kids in this warm, caring environment.

My name is Sherry Walz-Eisenhardt. I am married for over 30 years with twin girls who are almost 24 years old and involved with their careers or Grad school. I also have 2 rescue dogs.

I have lived in Roseland since 2001 but grew up in Bloomfield for most my life. I spend most of my summer up on Cape Cod and have family members there.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree from William Paterson University in Health Science and obtained a NJ health license as a Registered Environmental Specialist. I also have experience with DYFS as a child

welfare advocate.

I have always been active with the youth and have been a class Mom, a class representative as well as a Girl Scout Leader for 7 years, with as many as 33 girls under my supervision. I also worked at 2 local pre-schools as a Teacher Assistant until their closures. 

Activities I enjoy are reading, sewing, crafting, baking and bike rides to name a few.

I love working with children and am nurturing by nature.

I look forward to working with your kiddos and seeing the world through

their eyes.