Faculty
The Children’s House staff is comprised of qualified childcare professionals with a trained Montessori teacher in each classroom. The staff is overseen by an Executive Director who manages the operations of the school under the direction of the Board of Trustees.
The greater part of my professional career I was employed by the County of Essex. In those 26 years I was given a number of responsibilities including; Director of the Department of Public Works, which oversees all county roads, bridges and buildings; Assistant Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and the Deputy County Administrator. While in the Parks Department one of my assignments was to coordinate the 26 day camp programs held throughout the County. I enjoyed that so much that my goal, for the future, was to return to some type of work with young children. I am so excited to now have that opportunity to be working with The Children’s House family of children, teachers and parents. The Children’s House is a wonderful, enriching, Montessori environment for all our students and it is my pleasure to serve as the director. I grew up in Chicago, moved to Montclair and after I was married to my husband, Greg, we moved to Verona, where I have lived and raised our two sons ever since. After leaving the County of Essex, I spent a number of successful years in Real Estate and still keep myself involved in that. I have enjoyed volunteering for many school, church and civic organizations. I am excited about my opportunity to be a part of the new beginnings each day at The Children’s House.
Board of Trustees
The objective of the Board of Trustees, comprised of tuition paying parents who serve without compensation, is to direct the school in pursuit of a positive education in a Montessori context for preschool children.
Melissa Man
president
Brittany Callahan
vice president
Nicole Magrini
secretary
Chris Kiel
Treasurer
Laura Newman
Social Events Chair
Kim Rossi
Class Representative Chair
Brittany Callahan
Fundraising and Growth Chair
Marien Ferreira
Communications and Marketing Chair
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Mary Helen Camporeale
Head Teacher
Mary Helen Camporeale holds an Early Childhood Montessori credential from The North American Montessori Center (NAMC) and has been active at The Children’s House for over 10 years. She began as a parent, served on the Board of Trustees, worked in administration, and currently work in the a Head Teacher role. She has three children who are currently in High School.
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Gina Roman
Head Teacher - Garden Room
Gina Roman holds an Early Childhood Montessori Credential from CMTS. She has been a Montessori teacher for over 18 years. She has a daughter in High School, she’s president of her local parent/school association and enjoys coaching cheering, softball and basketball.
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Reagan Miller
Kindergarten & Head Teacher Skytop Room
Reagan Miller holds an Early Childhood Montessori credential The Center for Montessori Teacher Education (CMTE). She earned a Master’s Degree in Education from College of Saint Elizabeth which certified her to work in mainstream and special education classrooms from Pre-K through 3rd grade. Reagan also studied music and loves to incorporate it into classroom as much as possible. Her voice lights up the classroom each day.
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Arielle Messuti
Head Teacher - Seedling Room
Ms. Messuti holds a Bachelors in Fine Arts and is certified by the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education. Arielle has a background in nonprofit and working with children and youth including leading nature classes and cognitive skills training. She has a passion for the Montessori Method, early childhood development and the promise that each child holds for the future.
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Terry Trabalka
Assistant Teacher
Terry Trabalka holds her Montessori Assistant Teacher certification from CMTE. She has worked in The Children’s House for 10 years as an assistant and oversees the lunch program. Her love for outdoor exercise keeps her energized in the classroom. She is also a proud mother of 3 sons.
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Stacey Weisser
Assistant Teacher
Stacey Weisser holds her Montessori Assistant Teacher certification from CMTE. She began as a TCH parent, which sparked her love for the Montessori Method, and has now been a part of our school in several capacities for the past 11 years. Stacey is a proud mom to a daughter and a son.
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Debbie Doherty
Assistant Teacher - Seedling Room
Mrs. Doherty holds an Early Childhood Montessori certification from CMTE. She has worked as both a co teacher and head Montessori teacher for over 10 years in the pre primary class at Hoboken Montessori. She is passionate about the Montessori Method and has a love for children. She is a proud new mom to her daughter Ella.
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Carole L. Miller
Art Teacher
Carole L. Miller is currently pursuing her Early Childhood Montessori credential from the Princeton Center for Teacher Education (PCTE). Almost five years ago, she began the transition out of corporate America to pursue her dream of teaching. She has been with The Children’s House for four years in the office and as an assistant. Traces of her passion for crafts can be found in every classroom.
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Brian
Music Teacher
Mr. Brian is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and graduate of the Manhattan School of Music. He began his career in early childhood music education in Brooklyn NY over a decade ago and has taught at multiple schools throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. He and his family moved from Brooklyn to Maplewood NJ in 2021. Mr Brian is truly grateful to have the continued opportunity to encourage and inspire children through the magic of music and is thrilled to be a part of the TCH family.
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Monica Roman
Assistant Director
Monica is the proud mother of a current student and TCH Alumni. During her time as a TCH parent she served as Vice President of the Board of Trustees. She works in a administrative role assisting the Director and can also be seen assisting in the classroom when needed. She is very passionate about the Montessori Method and loves learning more about it first hand when at the school. Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Stockton University. She currently serves as Cub Master of the FN Brown Pack 5 Cub Scounts in Verona. She is proud member of the Verona Juniors Women's Club and also volunteers as an advisor for Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority at Seton Hall University.