Our Teachers and Staff

LINDSAY KUEFNER (2011)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Lindsay’s computer skills, along with her cheerful “can-do” attitude and welcoming nature, are just what’s needed in the school office. She joined us in May and jumped right into her role with efficiency and enthusiasm.

 

TEACHING STAFF

 

TODDLER PROGRAM

 

BARBARA VALENZA (2006)

TEACHER

Teaching our Toddler Separation classes as well as Together with Toddler, Barbara’s warmth and parenting skills make her class a growing experience for both parents and our youngest children. Her honesty and insights are helpful and encouraging to those in her class as she guides them through this (sometimes challenging) stage of growth and development.

 

 

 

 

CHRISTINE FARRELL (2010)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

A parent of two sons who are former GS kids, Christine once again shares her fine mothering skills in the Tuesday/Thursday Toddler Separation class. Her smiling, loving patience is plentiful (and very much needed!) in this classroom setting.

 

 

 

 

KIMLaBARBERA (2011)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Kim, another former GS parent, brings her cheerful, understanding warmth to our Toddler Separation Monday/Wednesday class. Her love for the children shows in her enthusiasm and energy for every possible task.

 

 

 

 

NURSERY PROGRAM

CINDY CANNIZZARO (1999)

TEACHER

Cindy’s capable, clever, loving hands are always busy teaching and guiding the children in our Full Day Nursery, “The Frogs”. Her artistic talents are apparent in daily projects and activities. Once again she organized the successful and increasingly popular 8 week Full-Day Summer Program for 2011

 

AMY PIETROFERE (2003)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Our Full Day Nursery children, “The Frogs,” are lucky to have Amy assisting in their classroom with her kind, compassionate, and fun attitude. We’re delighted to have another active Good Shepherd member on our staff.

 

 

 

 

 

JEANINE AMORE (2010)

TEACHER 

Moving into a new role this year as teacher of our second Full Day Nursery class, Jeanine’s caring, loving ways bring just what’s needed to “The Love Bugs”. Her two daughters both attended Good Shepherd and are fine reflections of her teaching abilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUDY MISULIA (2002)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Also a hairdresser, Judy loves kids so much she can’t stay away from “The Love Bugs!”  She is responsible, caring, efficient & cheerful; her experience at Good Shepherd makes her a good teammate with new teacher Jeanine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

STACEY MILINOS (2011)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

With 14 years of experience as a preschool assistant and Mommy and Me teacher, Stacey's winning smile and willingness make her a fine addition to our staff, working with Jeanine and "The Love Bugs" from lunchtime through dismissal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 JONI PREVETE (2005)

TEACHER

A former music volunteer and parent at Good Shepherd, Joni’s gentle and lovingly reassuring manner, coupled with her educational expertise, create a secure and exciting learning environment for her “Good News Bears” Nursery half-day classes. She ministers to parents as easily as she teaches their children. Joni also teaches in our half day Summer Program. Another accolade for Good Shepherd: LSA Rookie Teacher of the Year 2006!

 

 

MARGO GIANNUZZI (2004)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Margo assists Joni and continues to enhance our half-day Nursery programs with her contagious enthusiasm, willingness, warm nature, and  ‘always-willing to go-above -and-beyond attitude’. She often comes to the rescue in the summer if we need another set of helping hands.

 

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

 

KATHY OCKER (1986)

TEACHER

Kathy, an LSA Teacher of the Year Award recipient, is a well-respected colleague to her peers. She certainly knows how to Open the World of Learning to her Full Day Pre-K “Owls”. Kathy also coordinates the summer fun half-day program. Her energy never ends; she remains committed to Lutheran education and sharing her faith in Jesus with all the children at Good Shepherd.

 

 

LIZ WALLACH (2007)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

 A mom of four lovely daughters, Liz has warmth, energy, and patience….a perfect combination. Back for her fourth year, she’s a full day assistant to Kathy and the "Owls". Liz also assists in our Summer Program.

 

 

 

SUSAN CURRAN (2010)
TEACHER ASSISTANT

Back for her second year at Good Shepherd, Sue came to us with plenty of experience as a pre-school teacher assistant, and it shows! She continues to serve cheerfully and professionally with “Ocker’s Owls” each morning.

 

 

DONNA RULA (2007)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

In addition to assisting Kathy in the afternoon, Donna faithfully spends her afternoons in After Care, and is always ready to fill in as a sub. Cheerful and efficient, she gently guides the children in their work and play.

 

 

 

DIANE KIDERIS (2008)

TEACHER

Diane balances teaching with attending classes towards a masters degree in Education. Patient, capable, loving, and always smiling, she is teaching our 3 AM/FullDay Pre-K  class, the “Butterflies”. Her energy and excitement is evident as she diligently prepares her children for Kindergarten.

 

ANGELINE LORCH (2000)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Angel returns as an assistant, working with Diane Kideris in Pre-K and as the teacher of her ever-popular Music & Movement Enrichment class. Her classes always receive rave reviews; she is always smiling, welcoming, and ready for fun!

 

 

 

 

 

SUSAN LABIANCA (2011)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Also a parent of a former student, Susan has joined our staff in the “Butterflies” Pre-K class and assists in “Busy Bees Plus” on Tuesdays. Susan jumped right in; her joy-filled, conscientious attitude is a gift to our students and staff.

 

 

BEVERLY STRACK (1999)

TEACHER

A cheerful and energetic team player, Beverly teaches our five day morning (plus 2 afternoons) Pre-K class, the “Busy Bees,” with gentle guidance, laughter, and lots of love. With her organization and top-notch classroom management, she enables the children to be well prepared for Kindergarten. Her suggestions and keen insights guide the teaching staff as we continue to strive for excellence in our programs.

 

 

 KIM DeSTAFANO (2011)

TEACHER ASSISTANT

Coming all the way from Rockville Centre to open up at 7 am for Before Care, Kim (a mom of four children) also assists with the “Busy Bees” each morning and “Frogs” for lunch and recess. A former art & elementary school teacher, she is sensitive, warm, and a perfect addition to our staff.

 

 

 

 

 

SUSAN CARLIN (2011)

AFTER CARE ASSISTANT

A recent high school graduate, Samantha’s patience and love for children comes through as she gets down and plays as soon as After Care begins.

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPORTIVE STAFF

 

ERIC OLSEN  (2010)

PASTOR

Pastor Olsen leads the children in chapel, often greets our families in the morning, and serves as the spiritual leader for our staff. His warmth, compassion, vision, ideas and energy are just what’s needed as we continue to be a school of excellence in the community.

 

 

 

 

MAUREEN COOKE (2010)CHURCH SECRETARY

 Maureen offers daily support and fields phone calls for the school. Her warm smile lights up the staff whenever she pops over to the school building.

 

 

 

 

JELLY AND FRIENDS (2005)

CHAPEL GUESTS

When Pastor can’t be there, our friend Jelly joins Mrs. Prevete in the chancel to teach us Bible stories and what it means to be a Child of God.

 

MARILYN BENNER

LIBRARIAN

Although now retired from teaching, but remaining a very active volunteer, Marilyn is well loved by the children who refer to her fondly as “the library lady.” Marilyn continues to add great books to our collection,

 

JOHN MENIG (2005)

SEXTON

Parents who are shopping around for a school continually comment “It is so clean!” Always willing to go above and beyond by doing extra improvements and maintenance tasks, “Mr. John” keeps our buildings looking great.

 

BOB LANG (2007)

ASS’T SEXTON

It’s always good to have a second sexton, and for the big jobs around Good Shepherd that require two people, Bob is a gift! He and John teamed up to do all the summer cleaning again this year; the result is a building that sparkles.