Staff

Ms. Edwards has been at St. James Preschool since 2015. Originally a teacher at our preschool, she has been an Assistant Director since 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Montclair State University and has more than 24 years of experience in early childhood education. Prior to joining St. James Preschool, Ms. Edwards served as a center director for KinderCare. Additionally, she has been instrumental in the addition of Before care and After care to our program. Ms. Edwards enjoys the warm and caring environment the school provides for both our students and staff, as well as the pride everyone takes in being a close-knit community in which every member is valued.

Ms. Campbell is a dedicated preschool teacher who has worked at St. James Preschool since 2016. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and more than eight 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 spirit and approach to early childhood education that allows her to implement creative teaching methods that inspire curiosity and learning.

Ms. Zamora has been teaching at St. James Preschool since 2023. She holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from St. John’s University, where she focused on development and personality and has 5 years experience working with young children. Ms. Zamora’s passion for working with children has always been a driving force in her life, and she firmly believes that early childhood education helps prepare students for future school years by establishing routines, fostering socialization, and promoting independence. Ms. Zamora especially enjoys playing a part in each student’s personal growth journey, witnessing their progress over the course of the year.

Ms. SanMartin has been working at St. James Preschool since 2022. She 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.

Ms. Garske has been teaching at St. James Preschool since 2022. She has more than 20 years of experience in the education field, 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 especially enjoys the family atmosphere and collaborative teaching environment at St. James Preschool.

Ms. Scavetta has been a teacher at St. James Preschool since 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Rider University, as well as certifications in early childhood education and special education. Ms. Scavetta enjoys teaching at St. James Preschool because of the safe and warm environment it provides for students, as well as the small class sizes that allow for a more individualized approach to teaching. She also enjoys the ways in which teachers collaborate with one another to help create the best experience possible for students.

Ms. Dougherty has been teaching at St. James Preschool since 2023. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Montclair University, and is certified as an Early Childhood Teacher and LDTC (Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant). Ms. Dougherty has 24 years of experience teaching kindergarten, as well as 11 years of experience in special education. She especially appreciates the ample free play time students have at St. James Preschool, providing them with opportunities to develop creativity and gross motor skills, as well as important social skills such as negotiation, taking turns, and cooperation. Ms. Dougherty also enjoys the collaborative spirit among teachers and staff.

Our skilled preschool 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 preschool assistants create a nurturing atmosphere that allows our students to thrive.