• Kenneth Engelhardt

    Teacher

    Certification(s)

    • Elementary School Teacher K-8
    • Teacher of the Handicapped

    Education

    • B.A. from Georgian Court University

    In Education Since

    1996

    At The Education Academy Since

    2023

    Personal Statement

    I am excited to join The Education Academy! My experience allows me to interact with and support children with various disabilities. I'm dedicated to making learning fun and meaningful.

  • Danielle Ferreri

    Social Worker/Counselor

    Certification(s)

    • School Social Worker Certified
    • NARCAN Certified
    • Mental Health First Aid Certified

    Education

    • Bachelor’s in Social Work with a Minor in Childhood Studies & Concentration in Childhood Welfare
    • Masters in Social Work with a Concentration in Administration and Clinical Social Work, Stockton University

    In Education Since

    2022

    At The Education Academy Since

    2022

    Personal Statement

    I believe every student has the abilities to strive and grow through adversities and I believe The Education Academy, along with the amazing staff, will help lead that path to greatness. I am excited to be a part of the family!

  • Jane Frank

    Instructional Aide

    Certification(s)

    • AA Degree – Ocean County College, County Substitute Teaching Certificate, CPR/AED

    Education

    • 3 years college, 1 year Special Education Studies – Georgian Court College

    In Education Since

    2001

    At The Education Academy Since

    2007

    Personal Statement

    I believe with the right opportunities and encouragement every child can succeed. The reward for teaching is in each child’s success.

  • Connie Freund

    School Secretary

    Certification(s)

    • CPR/AED

    Education

    • High School, Computer Courses

    In Education Since

    2005

    At The Education Academy Since

    2003

    Personal Statement

    The Education Academy provides a wonderful, nurturing environment for all the students. It is my good fortune to be a part of such a caring, loving staff.

  • Cathy Gavaghan

    Business Manager

    Certification(s)

    • Certified Public Accountant

    Education

    • BBA from Temple University

    In Education Since

    1998

    At The Education Academy Since

    1995

    Personal Statement

    I’m so proud to be a part of such a successful school for children with learning difficulties. I’m very fortunate to work with such a dedicated staff and in the most nurturing environment.

  • Ruth Gorrell

    Part-time School Nurse

    Certification(s)

    • Professional Registered Nurse

    Education

    • PHD in Nursing, Educational Leadership
    • BSN in Nursing, MSN-Master's Degree in Nursing
    • Associates Degree Allied Health Science

    In Education Since

    2016

    At The Education Academy Since

    2021

    Personal Statement

    A student's health is directly related to his or her ability to learn. The School Nurse serves a pivotal role bridging healthcare and education.

  • Dawn Marie Holly

    Teacher

    Certification(s)

    • Teacher of the Handicapped
    • Certified Safe Crisis Management Instructor
    • CPI Certified
    • CPR/AED Certified
    • Certified Emotional Support Dog Handler
    • Certified Therapy Dog Handler

    Education

    • B.A. Teacher of the Handicapped, Kean College

    In Education Since

    1998

    At The Education Academy Since

    2005

    Personal Statement

    I have a passion for teaching students with special needs, particularly students with behavioral disorders. It is my belief that collaboration among teachers and other professionals is the key to students’ success.

  • Patricia Horner

    School Secretary

    Certification(s)

    • Elementary Education K-8
    • Art Teacher
    • CPR/AED

    Education

    • BFA 1984

    In Education Since

    2007

    At The Education Academy Since

    2019

    Personal Statement

    I have been in education for 15 years as a private school 4th-grade teacher. I now have the pleasure of serving the faculty and students at the Education Academy in a new role that has made a very positive change in my life.

  • Maryanne LaDuca

    Speech Pathologist

    Certification(s)

    • Speech Correctionist
    • Teacher of the Handicapped
    • Teacher of the Deaf
    • P.R.O.M.P.T. Trained
    • CPI Certified
    • CPR/AED

    Education

    • BA & MA, Kean College of New Jersey

    In Education Since

    1989

    At The Education Academy Since

    1999

    Personal Statement

    I enjoy working with students of all ages. Helping them to become effective communicators while speaking is one of my goals.

  • Jacqueline Lynch

    Instructional Aide

    Certification(s)

    • Crisis Intervention Prevention
    • CPR
    • First Aid
    • Teaching Students with ADHD

    Education

    • Bachelors Degree in Psychology, ASL, Trauma Informed Education

    In Education Since

    2011

    At The Education Academy Since

    2019

    Personal Statement

    Children need love and guidance to reach their full potential. Together, with parents and colleagues, my goal is to help children gain confidence in their abilities as well as gain coping skills for life.

  • Stacy M. Mathis

    Physical Education / Health Teacher

    Certification(s)

    • Health/Physical Education Elementary
    • CPI Certified
    • CPR/AED

    Education

    • Rowan College – Bachelor of Arts, Ocean County College – Associate of Arts

    In Education Since

    1999

    At The Education Academy Since

    2005

    Personal Statement

    I enjoy challenging each student and watching them learn, grow and take pride in themselves. It is the most rewarding job I could ever hope for.

  • Stacey Prebish

    Instructional Aide

    Certification(s)

    • Substitute Certification

    Education

    • Associates Degree

    In Education Since

    2016

    At The Education Academy Since

    2023

    Personal Statement

    I have always enjoyed working with children and helping them grow. I was a substitute teacher for one year in Waretown and an Instructional Aide in Barnegat where I worked with children in Special Education for 2 years. I am passionate about helping children go beyond their potential and achieve their goals.

  • Anthony Mennie

    Website Administrator

    Certification(s)

      Education

      • B.A. Communications, Rowan University

      In Education Since

      2017

      At The Education Academy Since

      2017

      Personal Statement

      The Education Academy is a wonderful organization with an amazing staff. I hope that this website helps to organize important information and provide resources for students, parents, and educators alike.

    • Debra A. Nademus, RN, BC

      School Nurse

      Certification(s)

      • Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse

      Education

      • Ocean County College RN Program, Stockton College of NJ

      In Education Since

      1998

      At The Education Academy Since

      1994

      Personal Statement

      I have been part of The Education Academy since its beginnings and I have watched our school grow and help so many students develop and improve their social, emotional, and academic skills. I am proud to be a part of this team and our continued success!

    • Gregory G. Neaves

      Computer Consultant

      Certification(s)

      • Electronics & Computer Degree
      • CDC
      • Xenix, Certs
      • CPI Certified
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      • Brookdale Community College, Union Technical Institute

      In Education Since

      2008

      At The Education Academy Since

      2005

      Personal Statement

      The staff at The Education Academy are the very best at what they do. I hope to make a difference in the children’s learning experience.

    • Kim Pearson-Pesciotta

      Occupational Therapist

      Certification(s)

      • National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy
      • Registered Occupational Therapist, State of NJ
      • Handwriting Without Tears Level 1 Specialist
      • CPI Certified
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Medical College of Virginia

      In Education Since

      2003

      At The Education Academy Since

      2001

      Personal Statement

      All individuals can learn when given the opportunity to practice. I enjoy the excitement and pride in their eyes when they reach their goals.

    • Linda A. Phillips

      Director/Principal

      Certification(s)

      • School Administrator, Principal, Supervisor, Teacher of Social Studies
      • Teacher of Elementary Education
      • CPI Certified
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      • Masters of Science in Educational Leadership-Monmouth University
      • Bachelor of Arts Social Studies – Rutgers University
      • B.A. Social Studies; MSED Educational Leadership

      In Education Since

      1994

      At The Education Academy Since

      2015

      Personal Statement

      Every student can be successful. As an educator, I will provide a secure and caring environment that motivates, inspires and supports students and staff.

    • Joseph Pinnisi

      Instructional Aide

      Certification(s)

      • CPI Certified
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      In Education Since

      2019

      At The Education Academy Since

      2016

      Personal Statement

      The Education Academy (T.E.A.) is by far my favorite place of employment. A true feeling of “a family” atmosphere. I’m the happiest I’ve been in a while at work.

    • Kimberly J. Rusch

      Special Education Teacher / Assistant Principal

      Certification(s)

      • Principal Certification in Elementary & Secondary Education
      • Teacher of the Handicapped
      • Master Level Instructor
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      • Masters of Education/Administration, Concordia University
      • Bachelors of Arts, Kean College of New Jersey
      • Associates of Arts, Ocean County College

      In Education Since

      1997

      At The Education Academy Since

      1995

      Personal Statement

      I believe all students can learn and succeed. Providing environments where staff and students can strive to greatness is my mission. I truly enjoy my job.

    • Dawn Sisco

      Teacher

      Certification(s)

      • Elementary School Teacher K-6
      • Teacher of Students with Disabilities
      • CPI Certified
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      • Masters of Arts in Teaching in Special Education
      • Bachelor of Arts Stockton University

      In Education Since

      2007

      At The Education Academy Since

      2015

      Personal Statement

      I believe each child has the potential for greatness. If they are given the right support, the sky is the limit!

    • Janice L. Sloane

      Instructional Aide

      Certification(s)

      • County Substitute Teaching Certificate
      • CPI Certified
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      • Associate of Science, Ocean County College

      In Education Since

      1995

      At The Education Academy Since

      2004

      Personal Statement

      Every child is a blank canvas, with the right tools and encouragement they become individual masterpieces.

    • Laura J. Starner

      Teacher

      Certification(s)

      • Teacher of the Handicapped Certificate
      • CPI Certified
      • CPR/AED

      Education

      • BA, Glassboro State College

      In Education Since

      1994

      At The Education Academy Since

      2001

      Personal Statement

      My goal is for the children to feel successful in school every day. Once children are comfortable, they will grow in character as well as in academics.

    • Rudy

      Emotional Support Dog

      Certification(s)

      • Obedience and Advanced Obedience
      • Certified Emotional Support Animal

      Education

      • Training J+R Kennell, LLC

      In Education Since

      2020

      At The Education Academy Since

      2020

      Personal Statement

      I have the greatest job in the world. I love to help my kids become happy and self-confident.

    • Karl Ubelhoer

      Teacher

      Certification(s)

      • Elementary School Teacher K-8

      Education

      • B.A. International Business
      • B.A. Theology/Religious Studies M.A. Teaching

      In Education Since

      2007

      At The Education Academy Since

      2023

      Personal Statement

      My beliefs are simple: Academic and social-emotional needs & skills are actively addressed; All students can succeed; Learning should be engaging, relevant and meaningful.