Staff
Administrative Assistant
Felicia China-Richardson
fchina@somsd.k12.nj.us
I love spending time with my friends and family!
Nurse
Kimberly Wells
kdotson@somsd.k12.nj.us
My favorite thing about preschool is observing students bloom with individuality.
Preschool Inclusion Teacher
Tashmirah Kelly-Lewis
tkelly@somsd.k12.nj.us
Born and raised right here in South Orange, I am an absolute boy mom who loves the color yellow. In my spare time you can find me trying out new and exciting restaurants or couch surfing while reading a great novel.
My absolute favorite thing about preschool is watching "firsts" happen. First Letters learned and written, first friendships formed, and first relay races won!
Preschool Inclusion Teacher
Kelly Moore
kdonovan@somsd.k12.nj.us
I have a B.A. in Communications and my certifications include P-3, K-5. and TOSD (Teacher of Students with Disabilities). I have a masters degree in Special Education with an Autism Specialization. I have 2 beautiful daughters ages 23 & 19. Outside of school I love to craft. I especially love to crochet amigurumi stuffed animals.
My favorite thing about preschool is getting to see the growth and change in a child as they grow and mature throughout the year.
Preschool Inclusion Teacher
Dashanda Simpkins
dsimpkin@somsd.k12.nj.us
I have a background in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, with several years of experience working with young learners. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling, reading, listening to music, and painting. And of course, I love a sprinkle of shopping—which often inspires creative and fun ideas that I bring into our learning space.
My favorite thing about preschool is watching children grow in their independence and confidence each day. I love seeing their excitement as they explore, ask questions, and discover new skills.
Preschool Inclusion Teacher
Mauro DeCeglie
mdecegli@somsd.k12.nj.us
I am a CLIO Award–winning Branding Executive turned Pre-K teacher, bringing over 20 years of experience in marketing, branding, and entertainment alongside two years of teaching at Montrose Elementary School. In my first career, I partnered with global artists and brands—including Chaka Khan, Ariana Grande, Jessie J, Janet Jackson, Katy Perry, Shawn Mendes and Zendaya—to create campaigns that entertained, inspired, and drove measurable success. Today, as an educator, I bring the same creativity, communication skills, and passion for connection into the classroom, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in young children.
My favorite thing about preschool is inspiring the children.
Preschool Inclusion Teacher
Mikita Marfo
mmarfo@somsd.k12.nj.us
Education: MAT P3 and Teaching Students with Disabilities
Professional History: 10th school year
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures while sampling various cuisines.
My favorite thing about preschool is hearing my students laugh.
Preschool Inclusion Teacher
Yisel Pribula
ypribula@somsd.k12.nj.us
I am a bilingual preschool teacher with many years of experience, including five years at Montrose School. I hold certifications in teaching Preschool through Grade 3 and Students with Disabilities, and I’ just earned a master’s degree in special education. As a teacher and mother of two teenagers, I am passionate about creating a positive learning environment that supports children’s growth in self-regulation, creativity, and social skills. In my free time, I enjoy practicing Zumba and yoga to stay active and balanced.
My favorite thing about preschool is observing children discover and learn through play. It’s a special time when they build confidence, creativity, and social skills in a safe, positive environment. I love helping them explore, make choices, and manage their emotions, knowing these moments set the foundation for their future growth.
Preschool Self-Contained Teacher
Betsy Hannon
bhannon@somsd.k12.nj.us
Preschool Self-Contained Teacher
Patricia Scali
pscali@somsd.k12.nj.us
Preschool Self-Contained Teacher
Jocelyn Lemley
jlemley@somsd.k12.nj.us
I am passionate about creating a warm, engaging classroom where every child feels supported, curious, and excited to learn. One of the things that is especially important to me is incorporating both yoga and American Sign Language into the preschool classroom. Yoga helps children build body awareness, self-regulation, and mindfulness; while American Sign Language gives students another way to communicate and express themselves. I love finding creative ways to help young learners grow socially, emotionally, and academically, and I strive to create a classroom environment where children feel confident, valued, and eager to explore.
Preschool Instructional Specialist
Stacey Field
sfield@somsd.k12.nj.us
Hi! I am Stacey Field, the Preschool (PreK) Instructional Coach. With 14 years of experience in early childhood education, I’m passionate about supporting our teachers and creating the best possible learning experiences for our youngest learners. My job is all about working alongside teachers to bring fun, effective, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices into every classroom. I help teachers plan lessons, use hands-on activities, and build positive relationships with each child. Together, we focus on helping every little learner grow their social skills, language, creativity, and love for learning. I’m here to help our preschool team feel confident and inspired, so your child can have a joyful and successful start to their school journey!
My favorite thing about preschool is watching children discover the world through play and curiosity—those magical moments when a child lights up with excitement after figuring something out or making a new friend.
PIRS Specialist
Olivia Cruz
ocruz@somsd.k12.nj.us
I am one of two Preschool Intervention Referral Specialist for the preschool program. I have 13 years experience in education, and a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. I have been part of the SOMSD faculty for three lovely years. I love spending time with my two daughters, husband, and mini-goldendoodle.
I love preschool because every day I get a front row seat to watch little minds and bodies grow.
Community Parent Involvement Specialist
LaTaeya Lane-Mega
cruz@somsd.k12.nj.us
I am the Preschool Department’s Community Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS). My role is to support families by providing a variety of resources. I am also responsible for planning and implementing events and activities to help increase family engagement across our program. I've been an educator for over 20 years. I have a Masters Degree in Education from Monmouth University. I am a mother, and a wife. I love to travel, watch movies, and write. I am a self-published author. I love all things creative.
My favorite thing about preschool is watching how the students engage in creative play.
Social Worker
Taliah Joyner-Isibor
tjoyneri@somsd.k12.nj.us
I have been in field of education in various capacities for over twenty years. I have worked with all age groups from pre-school to young adults. I currently have a 3-year-old and a child with special needs, both of which have deepened my awareness and understanding of parenting and the ways in which children learn as much as my formal education has. It's been a great experience to work with the students, staff and families in this district.
My favorite thing about preschool is working with children who are filled with wonder and eager to learn new things!
Social Worker - Child Study Team
Tracy Barry-Austin
tbarryau@somsd.k12.nj.us
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s from Fordham University. I’ve spent the past 15 years working in education, and I also maintain a private therapy practice focused on supporting adults. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and going on new adventures with my 3-year-old daughter. A fun fact about me: I’m a Type 1 Diabetic and am passionate about advocacy work with various diabetes organizations.
My favorite thing about preschool is I love working with the children and families!
Psychologist - Child Study Team
Bervelynne Amboise-Etienne
bamboise@somsd.k12.nj.us
It is truly my honor to serve as your child’s preschool case manager. I look forward to getting to know you and your child while working closely with our dedicated team of teachers and staff. I am here to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional well-being.
What I like about preschool is that I often serve as families’ introduction to the world of education and more specifically, special education. I appreciate having the opportunity to help build that initial foundation and set a positive, supportive tone for working collaboratively with families. It is very meaningful to be able to guide parents through the process, help them feel supported, and partner with them early on to support their child’s educational development.
LDTC - Child Study Team
Nicole Unis
nunis@somsd.k12.nj.us
I enjoy working in early childhood and working collaboratively with families to help students. I look forward to supporting families with their child’s educational journey.
My favorite thing about working in preschool is having the opportunity to help students learn and grow. A positive preschool experience can help build a strong foundation for learning.
Speech Therapist
Amy Schwinder
aschwind@somsd.k12.nj.us
I love to read, knit, cook, exercise, and hang out with my family and my dog Reggie.
My favorite thing about preschool is I get to play all day!
Speech Therapist
Christina Whalen
cwhalen@somsd.k12.nj.us
Occupational Therapist
Haixing Li
hli@somsd.k12.nj.us
Physical Therapist
Charlene DiNatale
cdinatal@somsd.k12.nj.us
Custodian
Laqueera Holt
lholt@somsd.k12.nj.us
Custodian
Stephanie Simmons
ssimmons@somsd.k12.nj.us
Security
Rita Anderson
randerso@somsd.k12.nj.us
Fiscal Specialist
Hassan Simmons
hsimmons@somsd.k12.nj.us
I enjoy being able to encourage, inspire and motivate others in general. As a professional, I enjoy being of service to the benefit of the community I am working within.
My favorite thing about preschool is providing financial resources for toddlers to receive an education that prepares them for elementary school.