Meet the Team

The teachers who make St. James feel like home

For four decades, the same warmth has greeted children at our door each morning. Get to know the experienced, caring educators who guide every day of joy and learning.

Katie Smeilis-White

Director

Ms. Smeilus-White holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and History from William Paterson University. She is certified in early childhood, elementary, and special education in the state of New Jersey. With over eight years of experience in early childhood education and four years as a special education teacher, Ms. Smeilus-White brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that benefits both our students and fellow educators.

BA — William Paterson

NJ Certified (3 areas)

8+ years

Ms. Joy

Infant Classroom Teacher

Ms. Joy is an experienced infant teacher who loves bringing light and joy into her classroom. She uses music throughout the day to create a calm, loving, and engaging environment. Ms. Joy values consistent routines that help infants feel safe and secure and believes in building strong partnerships with families to support each child’s growth and development.

Ms. Hudson

Pre-K Classroom Teacher

Ms. Hudson holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her P–3 teaching certification. She is a passionate educator who loves watching her students learn and grow. Ms. Hudson believes in meeting each child where they are and building strong relationships to support their individual growth. She also values open communication with families and believes that strong home-school partnerships help students thrive.

BA, Elementary Education

P-3 Teaching Certified

Ms. Campbell

Two-Year-Old Classroom Teacher

Ms. Campbell is a dedicated preschool teacher. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and has 12 years of teaching experience. She is proud to be part of a community that values compassion, respect, and lifelong learning. Ms. Campbell especially appreciates the warm, supportive environment where students and educators thrive, as well as the collaborative approach to early childhood education that allows her to implement creative teaching methods that inspire curiosity and learning.

CDA Credential

12+ years

Emily Cuesta

Two’s Teacher

Ms. Cuesta holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Education at Montclair University. Ms. Cuesta is passionate about creating a safe, engaging environment where children can build confidence and develop new skills through meaningful learning experiences.

CDA Credential

BA in progress — Montclair

Ms. SanMartin

Two-Year-Old Classroom Teacher

Ms. SanMartin has more than 23 years of teaching experience, ranging from infants to preschool-aged children. She holds a National Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Ms. SanMartin enjoys being part of a team dedicated to providing a high level of education to students, as well as the friendly atmosphere and the support she receives from colleagues and administrators.

National CDA

23+ Years

Ms. Soprano

Two-Year-Old Classroom Teacher

Ms. Sparano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and English from Felician College and is certified in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education in the state of New Jersey. She has been teaching preschool since 2014. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable experience in both public schools and private preschool settings. After taking time off to care for her own children, she brings a nurturing and personal perspective to her teaching. Ms. Sparano is passionate about early childhood education and absolutely loves what she does!

BA, Education and English

Early Childhood Certified

12+ Years

Ms. Cuesta

Two-Year-Old Classroom Teacher

CDA Credential

BA (In Progress, Montclair)

Ms. Garske

Three-Year-Old Classroom Teacher

Ms. Garske has more than 20 years of experience in the education field. Her NJ State P-3 Teacher Certification is pending. Prior to teaching, Ms. Garske worked in fashion merchandising. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising & Design and an Associate degree in Fashion Buying & Merchandising. Ms. Garske enjoys the family atmosphere and collaborative teaching environment at St. James Preschool.

BS, Fashion Merchandising

NJ P-3, (Pending)

20+ Years

Tyra Phillip

Pre-K Teacher

Ms. Phillip has been teaching PreK for 6 years. Ms. Phillip holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lincoln University. She is passionate about creating strong and meaningful relationships with students and families. She believes that students learn best through hands on activities. Ms. Phillip loves St. James PreK because it is a play-based learning environment.

BA — Lincoln University

6 years in Pre-K

Our Assistants

Our skilled assistants are the backbone of our classroom. They are warm, caring individuals with a range of credentials, from Child Development Associate certificates to bachelor’s degrees, and they regularly participate in professional development and curriculum training. Their expertise helps maintain a supportive, safe, and healthy learning environment. They collaborate closely with lead teachers to prepare the classroom and materials for engaging activities. Together, our assistants create a nurturing atmosphere that allows our students to thrive.

Come meet the people behind St. James

The best way to know a school is to feel it. Visit us at 581 Valley Road and watch our teachers in action — we’d love to show you around.

Or Visit Us At

581 Valley Road · Montclair, NJ