Mrs. Susan Ciccotelli

I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania.  I earned
my master's degree in School Business Administration from Rutgers University.  I taught Grades 3-6 as a homeroom teacher and taught basic skills to students grades two and three.  After teaching for thirteen years I moved onto administration where I served as an assistant principal for three years at an elementary school.

As a school leader, I strive to create positive parent and teacher relations as well as fostering a child-centered community.  It is my personal commitment to do my best to oversee that each child is stimulated, challenged, and provided with a safe and cultivating experience.

Mrs. Janice Shingledecker    
 

I am married, with two children.  My daughter is in college and my son is in high school.  We also have a
labradoodle named Yankee! 

I enjoy all sports, especially the Yankees & Jets.  The beach is a favorite place of mine, along with New York City.

Guidance Counselor

Mr. Doug Stech

Doug Stech is returning for his third year as Woodmont’s guidance counselor. He is thrilled to be at Woodmont
and thanks all of the students, staff and families of Woodmont for creating such a wonderful school environment!  When he is not at Woodmont, he also currently works part-time as an instructor of courses in early childhood development for Touro College in New York City.  In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Belle,
and their brand new puppy, Summer, as well as other family and friends!
 
 

  Kindergarten

 
  Mrs. Debi Jarvie
 

Mrs. Candace Santiago
 

I am a graduate of Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  Since starting to teach in Montville I’ve worked at both Vallley View and Woodmont as a kindergarten teacher. 

I am the proud mother of twin girls who keep my husband and I very busy. 
We often spend time reading, cooking and gardening together.

I especially like working with kindergartners and seeing them mature and develop a love of learning that will follow them throughout their years.

Mrs. Bernice Siano  

 
I am a graduate of Jersey City State College with a degree in early childhood/general elementary education.  I began my teaching career  in Montville as a Basic Skills instructor for children in grades kindergarten through eight.  As a classroom teacher I have had the opportunity to teach kindergarten, first and second grades.  Kindergartners are a very special group of children and I tremendously enjoy watching them grow socially and academically throughout the year.

 When not teaching most of my time revolves around family activities with my daughter, her husband and my grandchildren.

First Grade

 
 
 Ms. Jennifer Kelly

 
 I began my teaching career in 1996.  I have taught at Woodmont since 1999.  I received a B.S. in elementary education from Green Mountain College in Vermont.  I earned my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Long Island University.  I enjoy traveling, going to Yankee games, and playing with my black Labrador, Bailey.  I love teaching at Woodmont!

Ms. Carolyn Schmidt
 
  I began my teaching career in Woodmont as a student teacher in 1993. I love teaching first grade! I was MEDLC Director for 3 years before I went back to school for my Master's Degree. I have an Early Childhood Certificate, Teacher of the Handicapped Certificate, and Learning Disabilities Learning-Consultant Certificate.  I have worked
on Montville's Child Study Team, was Director of Camp Invention in Montville and currently teach Pathway's The Magic of Reading and The Magic of Wrtiting after school.  I enjoy tutoring in my spare time and working on my
First Grade Home Page.  On a personal note, I enjoy traveling and sports.   
 
 
 
  Mrs Danielle Stoveken

I began my teaching career at Woodmont as a student teacher in 2003.  I truly enjoy teaching first grade!  I received a B.S. in elementary education from William Paterson University.  I am a new mommy so I enjoy every moment I have with my new family.  I also enjoy going to sporting events, going out to dinner, and routing on the Red Sox!  I love being a Woodmont Wildcat!

Second Grade  

 
 
Mr. Gregg Milite
 

After graduating in 1997 from William Paterson, and 3 years as an Account Representative for a Financial Recruiting Firm in New York City, Gregg Milite decided he was not achieving the career fulfillment he longed for.  Leaving the recruiting profession all together in 2004 to pursue a dual Elementary Education Teaching License, and Masters Degree, from Montclair State University, Mr. Milite can honestly say it was one of the best decisions he has ever made. 

Since earning his degrees, Mr. Milite spent time in Bergen County as a maternity leave replacement in the K-5 Gifted & Talented Program. However, it wasn’t until he landed a permanent role in 2008 as Montville’s first male Kindergarten teacher that he realized what his favorite role thus far was to be; working with the little ones!  September 2009 would bring about a bit of change as Mr. Milite embarked on his role of 2^nd grade teacher, still in district, although here at Woodmont.  

Enjoying every bit as much as his first year in the district, Mr. Milite hopes to bring his energy, enthusiasm, and sheer love for the profession into any and all classrooms he’s a part of.

Mrs. Maureen Shoemaker
 

 I graduated from Kean University with certification as an elementary teacher and a teacher-librarian.  I had done my student teaching at Woodmont when Mr .Lazar was the principal here, and he hired me to teach third grade the following year.

    When Hilldale School opened in 1975 I was pleased to transfer there with a number of Woodmont students. In the open school environment I taught first through sixth grades.  Since “coming home” I’ve been teaching my favorite students, second graders. I love their enthusiasm, innocence and jokes! I try hard to encourage their love of school and their positive attitude towards learning.

      My husband and I have a son and a daughter.  Our son and his wife have an adorable son. Last month our first granddaughter was born!   I feel very thankful to be able to spend time with children in both my personal and working life.

   
 
  Miss Paula Springer
 
 
  I first began my teaching career at Valley View School 35 years ago.  I have now been teaching at Woodmont School for 33 years.  I have taught grades 2 through 5.  I am a gradruate of Upsala College and I hold a dual degree in Sociology and Elementary Education in grades K-8.

     For the past two years, I have been involved with Poetry Cafe and was co-director for the Student Council play. 

     Wayne, New Jersey is my home, and you can often find me working out at the gym.  My favorite place is the beach and I often visit my family in San Diego.  I am an avid reader and enjoy visiting New York, especially the theater district.  I love to teach and the children are the best part of my day!

Ms. Laura Catalano 
 

Mrs. Tina Janis

 
I have been teaching third grade at Woodmont since 2004 and I absolutely love it!  I have previously taught in Rochester, New York where I was a first grade teacher for  4 years.  I am a graduate of SUNY Geneseo with degrees
in Elementary and Special Education.

Mr. Dean Marra
 

    Ms. Shaina Stevens
 

This is my first year at Woodmont and I absolutely LOVE it. I graduated from Montclair State University with a BA in Family Child Studies, concentration K-5^th grade. My love for teaching and children started at Mountain Lakes Country Day School over seven years! My goal is to have each of my students grow intellectually and to inspire them to be the best they can be!

Fourth Grade

Mrs. Lisa Lazzara
 
 
I have been teaching in the Montville school district since 1997.  I spent three years at Lazar Middle School
before coming to Woodmont.  My bachelor's degree is in Elementary Education, and my master's degree is in
Special Education.  I recently completed my second master's degree in Administration and Supervision from
Montclair State University.

My husband and I reside in Roxbury.  We are the proud parents of three year old twins, Samantha and
Christopher.  When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping and eating.  I love being
a teacher - especially at Woodmont.

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

 

   
  Mr. Brian Quinn
 

Mr. Quinn is in his second year of teaching at Woodmont and could not be happier. “I wake up in the
morning excited about getting to work each day!”  Six years ago he decided to leave the corporate world,
and pursue his dream of teaching.  In 2007 he graduated from Montclair State University with a Masters degree
in Elementary Education.  After filling in as a kindergarten teacher’s aide at Cedar Hill school and s
ubstituting throughout the Montville district he was fortunate of enough to become part of the Woodmont family by teaching 4^th grade last year.

His pursuit of being an educator could not have become a reality without the tremendous support of a wonderful wife, Kara. They have two children, a second grade son and a little girl in kindergarten this year. (Word has it a third child is on the way.) Outside of Woodmont you can find him very busy at home with friends and family or at the family’s favorite local lake. Don’t be surprised if you can’t find them in the winter because they love to ski!!

Mrs. Cherylyn Torrisi
   

Fifth Grade
 

Mrs. Rosemary Bell
  

I’m happy to be starting my ninth year here at Woodmont. I joined this wonderfully diverse school community in 2001 after three years at the P. G Chambers School in Cedar Knolls. I am a graduate of William Paterson University and the College of Saint Elizabeth, where I earned my Elementary Education and Special Education credentials.

            I enjoy working with the fifth graders, especially in preparing them for the upcoming challenges of middle school and all the excitement that comes with it.

            My husband Ian and I are the proud “empty nest” parents of our wonderful daughter Sara, and share our home with a lovable Golden Retriever named Duncan.

            I look forward to a great new school year!

Mrs. Stacey Maciorski
 

I am so pleased to be a part of the Woodmont Family!  My teaching career began over 20 years ago when I student taught second and third graders in Pennsylvania.  Since graduating from Penn State University I have instructed children from 5 to 18.  I have even helped adults learn English!  Recently I received my Master’s Degree in Elementary Reading from Nova Southeastern University.  My Montville experience includes Valley View, Hilldale, and Woodmont.  I enjoy teaching fifth graders math and language arts.

             When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter.  Reading, taking walks, cooking,
and music are activities that help keep me balanced.  I look forward to nurturing a love for learning in each
student every day.

“Dare to be your best.  It is what the universe intends for each of us.”

 
 

  Mrs. Winnie Wess
 

There is a teacher named Ms. Wess,

Who is quite different from the rest.

 She loves teaching Science and Language Arts

And always teaches from the heart!

 She possesses a fascination

In Educational Administration.

And because of that,

She holds a master degree in her hat.

When she is not in school,

She “loves” to bake as a rule.

Cookies, pies and cakes are her best.

She has even won a baking contest.

 So move over Rachel Ray,

Ms. Wess is on her way!

Additional Teachers

 

Mrs. Maria Aiello

I received a duel bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/Special Education and Psychology from The College of Saint Elizabeth.  I earned my master’s degree in Reading with a Reading Specialist certificate from Montclair State University.  I have been teaching for 15 years.  I have taught self-contained Special Education grades 3-5, second grade, resource room grades k-5 and inclusion
grade 4.

            As an educator, it is my responsibility to give every student the opportunity to learn and do their best.  The most rewarding part about teaching is seeing my students succeed and gain the skills they need to excel in school and in life.

Miss Margaret Beatty

  I am happy to share that this is my 6^th year teaching at Woodmont! Time sure does fly fast!  I currently serve as the third grade inclusion teacher and this is my 4^th year team teaching with Mrs. Janis.  I hold a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Special Education from Seton Hall University.  I am currently working towards my Masters’ degree in Special Education and Learning Disabilities with LDT-C certification at William Paterson University.  Outside of the classroom I enjoy reading, going to the movies, and shopping.  Woodmont is a wonderful community and I am lucky to be a part of it! 

Pattiann Belas Olivieri
 

Vicki Bruce
In progess

 

Lauren Boninfante

Ms Deena Cappola
in progress


Mrs. Erica Cerilli-Levine
 

I am proud to say that I am entering my 4^th year of teaching at Woodmont School. I love my students and being part of the Montville community. Prior to joining the Woodmont staff, I taught for three years at P.S. 72 in
Spanish Harlem, while serving as a New York City Teaching Fellow. I hold a Masters degree in Childhood and Special Education, from the City University of New York at Hunter College. I am also a graduate of the
 State University of New York, College at New Paltz. 

My husband, David, and I have two wonderful children, Luca and Lila. We all live in Rockaway with our dog, Lucy.
I love to travel, listen to music, and read. 

Olesya Denisova
 

I received my Bachelor of Science degree at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Speech Pathology and Audiology. I earned my Master of Science degree at William Paterson University in Communication Disorders. This is my third year, working as a Speech Therapist, at the Montville Township School District. I spent my
 first two years working between three schools grades K-8. Starting this year, I am delighted to say that I am a
 full-time Speech Therapist at Woodmont Elementary School. I am looking forward to a very productive and
fun year with the children here at Woodmont!

Kelly Ferrara

 

I received my bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health Education from West Virginia University. 
I just completed my master’s degree in Supervision and Administration from Montclair State University. 

Before coming to Woodmont I taught physical education and health at both the middle school and high school levels.  I am also the head track coach for the boy’s team at Pequannock Township High School. 
I am currently going into my 9^th year of teaching and I my 8^th year of coaching.   

When I am not teaching you can find me playing volleyball in the fall, winter and spring and playing softball in the summer.  I also enjoy running and competing in races, taking my dog Maverick for long walks, cooking and spending time with my family and friends.

I truly enjoy working at Woodmont and I am looking forward to a wonderful year!!!

Mrs. Barbara Kaufman
  

I have been teaching Resource Center in Montville since 1994.  Before receiving my Certificate of the
 Handicapped, I taught third and fourth grades in Montville, New York City, and Long Island. 
I have my B.A. and M.S. in Elementary Education. 

I am married with two daughters who went through the Montville school system and were students at Woodmont School. 
I enjoy traveling and have visited Europe, Israel, Canada, Tahiti, Mexico, the Caribbean, as well as many states
 throughout the United States.  Reading is also a favorite past-time. 

My goal is to inspire your children to take pride in their work, be happy with themselves, and to succeed and learn.

Mrs. Nancy Marion
Greetings from the Art Room!
   
  I have a B.A. in Art and a minor in Education from Carlow College in Pittsburgh. I also have a Masters Degree in Fine Arts Education from Kean University. I am certified to teach art, grades K through 12 and also have a Supervisors Certificate. I live in Livingston with my husband Ken and daughters Sarah (a second grade teacher
in Scotch Plains) and Emily ( a sophomore at Penn State).  We have a teacup chihuahua named Junior.  I started teaching in East Orange in 1973 and have been employed in Montville since 1989.
 

Sue McKenzie
in progress


Mrs. Elise Miller
in progress

 

 Ms. Elena Panagos
 

I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but I took a little detour on the way to pursuing the career of my dreams.  I received my B.S. from Cornell University and worked in human resources consulting for three years. Later, with a renewed interest in teaching, I graduated with a dual M.A. degree in teaching foreign language and ESL from NYU.  In the last five years, I have worked with all age groups - from Kindergarten to high school students, plus adults at a community college. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to help students learn English and adapt to a new environment.  At the end of each year I am always amazed by how much they learn!

Mr. Michael Reinknecht  
 
I am currently enjoying my sixth year in Woodmont School as a teacher of the 4th/5th self-contained LLD class.
 I live in East Hanover with my wife Wendy, my seven year old son Christopher, my five year old daughter Casey,
and black Lab, Buster.  I love to cook (and eat), read, and spend time in the yard.  Woodmont is the BEST place
 to work, and I have the greatest job, co-workers, and students in the world.
"Today is a gift - that's why they call it the present."
 

Iris Reisberg

Being an Educational Media Specialist has been a very exciting and rewarding experience. It has all my favorite components rolled into one package. TEACHING; READING; CHILDREN; BOOKS; COMPUTERS/INTERNET AND RESEARCH. I was brought up in New York, taught in the New York City Public Schools for 10 years, received
my Masters in New York, working as a Reading Specialist. After my children were born, I moved to New Jersey,
went back to school to become a Media Specialist & the rest is history.  My son is an attorney in Chicago &
my daughter is a speech pathologist in New York City. 
I love to share my love of reading with my students at Woodmont School.

Mrs. Claire Rutkowitz

Wendy Talik

I received my B.A. in Psychology as well as a graduate degree in Special Education from Montclair State University. I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from The College of Saint Elizabeth. I have been teaching special education for ten years; the last five years have been spent in Cedar Hill, Hilldale and
Woodmont Elementary Schools.

My husband and I have two sons in college and one son in high school. We love to scuba dive, kayak,
and travel together.

Jeanne Walsh
 

This is my ninth year as a member of Woodmont's Basic Skills team.  My elementary education B.A. and reading specialist M.A. from Kean University, along with varied teaching experiences on the East coast, have allowed me to acquire several instructional skill sets with which to meet the diversified needs of our basic skills students.   

Each year I look forward to meeting new students and embarking on our learning adventure together!