Hometown:  Cedar Knolls, NJ
I like working at the Academy because… I love  the children, the families, and the staff!
Teaching Philosophy: Students should always feel loved, safe, and joyful while in school.  Learning should prepare them for their future, but most importantly spark curiosity and excitement in the “NOW” of each day!!
Fun Facts about me: 
I have 4 children who all went to Catholic School
Since becoming an empty nester… I learned that I LOVE to travel.
My son is a meteorologist at WTEN in Albany, New York.
When I’m not in the classroom you will find me… on the beach reading!
Ask me about… My beautiful Granddaughter, Ancestry, Any Books (Biographies are my recent favorite!)
My Personal Motto… Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy!

Hometown: Wilkes-Barre, PA
I like working at the Academy because…  I believe I am contributing in a positive manner to young lives.  Helping these children in the developmental years brings me great joy.  Additionally, being able to aid Mrs. Patel in the day to day running of the classroom brings a sense of purpose to the workday.
Teaching Philosophy:  Creating experiences for the children to enable them to reach clarity and resolution is what brings me most satisfaction.  The ability to create a certain project and help the children see it through to the completion is what is  most important to me as an aide.
Fun Facts about me:  I am a professionally trained dancer.  I love to knit/crochet.  I have been to over 30 Dave Matthews Band concerts.  I love to travel.
When I’m not in the classroom you will find me…  Spending time with my family.  Reading a good book.  Knitting or crocheting.  
Ask me about… that time our family lived in Bermuda for 8 years.
My Personal Motto…  Embrace the journey.

Hometown: Fair Lawn, NJ
I like working at the Academy because…  of the faith based education and general at home feel of the school itself.  Even before being employed at DMA, I always looked forward to volunteering and being active in the classroom.  I loved getting to know the staff and kids on a first name basis. 
What is most important to you as a teacher’s aide? To have the lead teacher's day run as efficiently and smoothly as possible!  My goal for the students is alway to make them feel safe, supported and encouraged, oftentimes through sarcasm and humor.  
Fun Facts about me: 
1. I can NOT whistle.
2. My favorite way to vacation is cruising.
3. I'm an only child married to an only child with an only child. 
When I’m not in the classroom you will find me… at the gym or the club.  And by club, I mean Costco.  
Ask me about… Crossfit or my favorite protein snacky finds or recipes.  Oddly, no one ever asks me about either haha! 
My Personal Motto… “Comparison is the thief of joy.” 

Hometown: Rockaway, NJ
I like working at the Academy because… of our wonderful staff, students and families.  It takes all of us to make DMA the best school ever!
Teaching Philosophy: Making sure that I am following the plan set by the teacher.  I am there to AIDE, and to do whatever is necessary to insure that our students are having the best learning experience possible.  The students should always experience a fun, exciting environment each day!
Fun Facts about me:  
I was born in Paris, France.
I LOVE to cook!
I LOVE watching old films and envisioning what it would be like to be “IN” the movie!!
When I’m not in the classroom you will find me…in the gym, getting ready for the start of  a new production!
Ask me about…a Catholic School Education.  I have three children that graduated from our wonderful school.  I am proud of them and the foundation they received at an amazing Catholic School!
My Personal Motto…Life is an adventure!! Always try something new whether or not you think you can do it.  It’s only with trying that you learn, and in doing so, you may find something that you truly love. 

Hometown:  I reside in Denville.
I like working at the Academy because…  I like the friendly atmosphere within this faith-based community.
Teaching Philosophy: I am here to help the teacher as he or she instructs the students in the given subject. To do this effectively, I strive to be patient and to be understanding of and comforting to the students.
Fun Facts about me:  
I was born in India.  
I enjoy cooking, especially Indian and Italian foods, much to my husband’s delight.  
I enjoy going on hikes with our dog Bodhi.  I enjoy a wide range of music.
When I’m not in aftercare or the DMa classroom you will find me…  enjoying peace and quiet at home while I re-energize my batteries and look forward to the next episode in carrying out my responsibilities as Director of After Care at DMA.
Ask me about…  my unique experience during the earthquake that shook New Jersey in 2024.
My Personal Motto…  “It is what it is.”

Hometown: Rockaway
I like working at the Academy because… of the community feel.
What is most important to you as a teacher’s aide? Making sure the children feel comfortable and safe. Teaching compassion, patience and independence.
Fun Facts about me: I have a lot of animals. I have three daughters and one grandson. I have a vision board of things I would like to accomplish. I like to read historical fiction books.
When I’m not in the classroom you will find me… digging in the dirt or reading.
Ask me about… my animals.
My Personal Motto… Love more, judge less.

Hometown: Caldwell, NJ 

I like working at the Academy because…  The staff and students are fabulous, and I get to learn something new everyday. 

What is most important to you as a teacher’s aide? Helping the students and teachers have a great day! 

Fun Facts about me:  1. I love to crochet. I find it very relaxing. 2. My favorite book is Little Women, and my favorite character from the story is Meg. 3. I love to bake, I especially love to make homemade bread. 

When I’m not in the classroom you will find me… With my family, they are my favorite people; or  drinking coffee while reading a book. 

Ask me about…  Divine Mercy Academy, I love telling people about this great school.  I also love to talk about what I am reading, and if you have any good book recommendations I am all ears (please no horror books, I scare easily).  

My Personal Motto… “Do Small Things With Great Love” St Theresa Liseux is one of my favorite saints. We should do everything with love in our hearts, especially the challenging things.