Bonnie has 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has been an administratopr for the past 15 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in Education, a certification in Preprimary and is working on her Master's degree. Bonnie has two grown sons and five grandchildren.  She lives in Rockaway with her two cats. (See longer version below)

Miss Johanna was recently promoted fromToddler Caregiver to Assistant Director. She works in the office along side our director to keep the center running smoothly. Johanna is a resident of South Orange, a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows and a graduate of OLS school. Johanna attended Seton Hall University and received a degree in art education in 2007 with a minor in Applied Music for Vocal Performance.

 When not working at The Nursery, Johanna substitutes in many of the local elementary schools including OLSS, South Orange/Maplewood and Milburn districts.

Johanna has been a summer camp counselor at The Baird center for 10 years. She is the oldest of 3 siblings and was the first girl out of 23 grandchildren.

 In her spare time Johanna likes to spend time with her cousins, going to the movies, concerts, working out, going to the beach and most importantly shopping!

Kathi is the proud Mom of Gabriella  who is seven and Michael (Mikey) who is five. She is also honored to be a special needs parent.  Since Mikey was 6 weeks old they have been in and out of the hospital trying to figure out his health issues.  Now that Mikey is stable enough for Kathi to return to work in the field that she loves most, Kathi is delighted to be working at The Nursery with the toddlers. Kathi has taught children for  12 years  including toddlers and elementary aged children. Kathi says the toddlers are her favorites, for that is the age when most learning occurs.

Kathi’s education includes a bachelor’s degree from American University and an Early Childhood Education certification.

Kathi has learned so much from having a special needs child and it has helped her realize that all children are special in their own way. Kathi’s priority is children come first and her philosophy is that all children are equal based on their strengths and weaknesses. Every child is unique and can be successful. Kathi treats all children with respect  so parents can feel a sense of security knowing their child is being well cared for during the day.

Melissa joined the Nursery in December 2009 as an infant Caregiver and moved into the toddler room in February 2010.

Melissa is working towards an Associates of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Essex County College. She will be returning to complete her degree this fall after taking time off to have a baby.

While still in high school Melissa took Child Development courses which allowed her to work in the Preschool. This educational track provided Melissa with hands on experience as well as advanced placement course work in early childhood.

She has worked in Early Childhood Education for 5 years. The last year she was the teacher in a toddler classroom, making her a great match for our toddler room.

Melissa is the proud mother of  one son, Lloyd, who is 2 years old.

 My name is Elenora and I am a mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. I was born on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. I have travelled to quite a few places but have settled in Newark for the past ten years. I like meeting people of all cultures and ethnicities. I have a knack for learning languages. I am the one family and friends turn to for words of encouragement and good old home remedies. I have a keen interest in natural and holistic alternatives as a way of enhancing our lives. My free time is spent reading or playing and listening to music. I play some piano.

I have worked in early childhood most of my adult years both as an occupation and as a vocation. I look forward to my tenure here and hope to develop a mutual respect for and relationship with the administration, the staff, the parents and most important the children whose care has been entrusted to me. Please always remember: “Our children are the greatest gift of all.”

Evelyn brings a long history of working with children to The Nursery.  She has worked with children for almost twelve years, beginning as a camp counselor while still in high school. She has worked with infants and toddlers for the past three years in a group care setting. Evelyn has a business degree and will be pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. Evelyn believes her previous child care experience has helped her to be more understanding, compassionate, nurturing, loving and patient. When not at The Nursery Evelyn enjoys singing and working with her hands.

Miss Femina is one of the Caregivers in our toddler room. Femina is working on her Bachelor’s degree from St. Peter’s College,  in Sociology and Elementary Education. Besides working towards her degree she has gone the extra mile to get more training hours. By taking the time to go to a NAEYC conference as well as other programs she has more than enough hours in training.

While working on her degree she has volunteered at her daughter, Jordan’s school in Paterson. As well as working in an elementary school in Newark, she completed her forty hours in these schools.

Miss Femina started at the age of 15 in daycare and she has stuck with it ever since. She comes to us with a successful background in group care. Miss Femina worked in Carla’s kids within their toddler room, as well as being an extra teacher to help with their Pre-K classes as well as other toddler rooms.

Interesting tip about Miss Femina she went to dancing school for 15 years. She competed in it, as well as assisted in dance classes for the little kids.

One of our toddler Caregivers is Miss Evone.  Evone comes to The Nursery with over eight years of experience as a lead teacher in Early Childhood Education.  She received a B.A. degree in social studies from William Paterson University. Evone  furthered her education by attending Montclair State University and received her   P-3 Early Childhood Certificate.  Evone also has her state CE certificate.  Evone has worked with both preschool and toddlers.

Miss Evone was born in Lake City, SC, the tenth of twelve children.  Her family relocated to Paterson, where she was raised. Evone is the proud mother of a daughter, Fallon.

When not working with the children,  Evone enjoys music and loves to sing.  She also writes music and is a member of her church choir.

My name is Aisha Harper and I am an Infant room Caregiver at The Nursery at OLS. I am very excited to be teaching and caring for your children. I am an avid crafter as I take photographs and make scrapbooks frequently. I love to get creative with different art mediums, so look forward to lots of memories as your children learn through sensory experiences!

I have three and a half years of experience working at the Diane Lindner Childcare Institute in Hempstead, NY, working much of that time in the Infant and toddler classrooms. I also worked at The Holy Innocence Daycare in Uniondale, NY for a year. There I worked with children from infancy to twelve years old. More recently I worked for over two years at the Richard Blake Children’s Center in Cedar Knolls as a Group Teacher.

Presently, I work full time for Children’s Home Society housed in a Hudson County DYFS office. I am pursuing a Post Bachelor’s Certificate from Montclair State University as well as a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall. I am adequately qualified and well prepared to make sure that your children have a safe and fun time at The Nursery

Keeya was born and raised in Newark where she went through the Newark school system. Keeya has  a long background in the Early Childhood Education field, having work in child care for over ten years. Her extensive experience includes working with children ranging from newborns to five year olds. While working as an Assistant Teacher,  Keeya pursued and achieved her Child Development Associate credentials.

Keeya is the very proud Mom of three children and Grandmother of  one grandchild, whom she loves very much.  Keeya’s hobbies include roller skating and reading.

Keeya’s goal is to have a positive impact on our future leaders and believes it is important to provide a child with a good learning environment early in life.

Miss Carolyn is one of the Caregivers in our infant room. Carolyn is presently in the process of obtaining her Associate’s degree from County College of Morris. After graduating she plans to further her education in the area of special education.

During high school, Carolyn participated in a program helping in special education. After high school Carolyn worked at The Blake Center. There she worked with toddler children, providing them with structured learning and play.  Carolyn has been working with youth for almost ten years.

Carolyn’s education and experience, along with her patience and organization makes her a wonderful Caregiver and a great addition to The Nursery.

When not working at The Nursery, Carolyn enjoys writing, spending time with friends and traveling.

Miss Sheila works in the afternoon as an infant Caregiver. Sheila has work in the education field for over four years and has been babysitting for over ten years. Sheila attends Essex County College pursuing a degree in social work. Sheila is presently doing an internship for her degree in the mornings.

Sheila is active in The Haitian Student Association and the Taskforce for Humanity Coalition- a community of individuals whose goal is to cultivate a more enlightened, peaceful and compassionate world.

When not working or going to class Sheila enjoys roller blading, ice skating and paint ball. She also likes watching movies.

Miss Fabienne is one of the infant Caregivers. You can usually find her working with the babies in the afternoons. Fabienne was working in a before and after school program with school aged children. She previously spent a year working in a child care center with young children. Fabienne is a very patient and calming Caregiver, who gives full attention to each individual child.  Fabienne is planning to resume her studies this January. She will be attending Union County College majoring  in Early Childhood Education.  Fabienne has already completed some coursework in psychology at Kean University. Fabienne was born in Haiti. She can fluently speak two languages as well as write three. Fabienne enjoys spending her free time when not at The Nursery reading.

Miss Jennifer is one of our Infant Caregivers. She was born in Flemington, NJ and raised in Bethlehem, PA.

Jennifer worked in the early education field for 2 1/2 years at the YM-YWHA of Union County. She had a good experience working with infants all the way up to 10 years old. Jennifer then took a two year break to work on other endeavors but quickly realized that working with children is her calling.

Jennifer is currently attending William Paterson University pursuing a teaching degree in early childhood. 

Jennifer has two brothers (one older than Jennifer and the other on is younger). Jennifer has two nieces from her older brother. They are 15 and 5 years old..  Jennifer has been a vegetarian for almost 4 years.

When not working or attending classes Jennifer enjoys crocheting, painting and working on photo journals.

Miss Laura  is our  infant  Caregiver.  Laura graduated from Syracuse University. She received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Selected Studies in Education. Laura worked and also interned at the child care center at Syracuse University.

Laura has also worked with special needs children as an assistant at an elementary school. Laura has been a camp counselor for 12-14 year olds and was in charge of  before and after care for  4 to 10 year olds. Laura babysits for children of all ages and volunteers at the YM-YWHA in Wayne.

In both High School and College Laura was in the marching band. She played the flute.

Laura has two sisters, twins who just graduated from eight grade. Laura’s hobbies include hanging out with her friends and playing both the flute and the piano.