blue ribbon
Call : 973-779-4700

Meet Our Staff


Mrs. Luz Fuentes

Class/Position: PreK-3, Teacher Email


Ms. Dot O’Brien

Class/Position: PreK-3, Paraprofessional Email


Ms. Dona Jean Piasecki

Class/Position: Paraprofessional PK3 Email

Having earned a BS in Education from Seton Hall, I have taught for over 20 years in both the Newark and Paterson Diocese – 16 of those years
were teaching third grade! Saint Philip is my home – I am a parishioner, a Eucharist Minister and have taught Religious Education. I look forward to being part of this unique learning community.


Mrs. Irene Chmura

Class/Position: PreK-3, Paraprofessional


Ms. Beth Ann Holly

Class/Position: PreK-4A, Teacher Email


Mrs. Diana Paparella

Class/Position: Paraprofessional PK4A Email


Mrs. Karen Binetti

Class/Position: Grade PK4B Email


Mrs. Patricia Regan

Class/Position: Kindergarten B, Paraprofessional Email


Mrs. Desiree Delgado-Anton

Class/Position: Teacher - Kindergarten Email


Mrs. Carolyn Conway

Class/Position: KA, Paraprofessional Email


Mrs. Ann Nowak

Class/Position: Teacher 1A Email Website

 I am so excited to be a part of the 1st grade team this year! This will be my second year at St. Philip Preparatory School, and my 16th year teaching in a Catholic school. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family, and especially with my baby boy, Blake, who is 15 months old.


Mrs. Karen Baer

Class/Position: 2A, Teacher Email Website


Mr. Justin Yannece

Class/Position: Grade 2B Teacher Email


Mrs. Allison Cheddie

Class/Position: Teacher - 3A Email Website

I am a 2006 graduate of East Stroudsburg University. I have my bachelor degree in elementary education with a concentration in special education. My philosophy concerning teaching has developed over the years. I am a firm believer that students learn by doing. I also try to teach in a variety of ways; having discussions, engaging the children in activities, writing, and of course, creating new and wonderful experiences! I also think that learning never ends. Students are always discovering innovative and exciting materials, as should teachers.    I am very happy to be teaching third grade again!


Ms. Samantha Brown

Class/Position: Teacher 3B Email


Mrs. Marie Clifford

Class/Position: Teacher 4A Email Website

I came to St. Philip Prep in 2009 from Pope John Paul II where I taught sixth grade and fourth grade.  I am a graduate of Fordham University and received my teaching certification from St. Peter’s University.  One of my favorite pastimes is reading a good book.


Mrs. Karen Romanko

Class/Position: Teacher 4B Email Website

I was born and raised in Clifton and attended both Sacred Heart School and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Clifton. I attended Clifton High School and continued my education at Kean University where I earned my BS in Mathematics. I earned my K-8 teaching certification at Felician University. I really love teaching and am looking forward to imparting my love of mathematics with my students this year.


Mrs. Jennifer Higgins

Class/Position: Teacher 5A Email Website

I was born and raised in Barrington, Rhode Island. I have three beautiful daughters: Allison, Ella, and Sarah.  I have a BS in Elementary Education with a specialization in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and an MS in Education: Reading and Math from Walden University. I am a lifelong learner and believe we learn the most when we push ourselves out of our comfort zones. I have been blessed to be a part of the SP Prep family since 2012.


Mrs. Denise Pannullo

Class/Position: 5B, Teacher Email Website

I look forward to another year of meeting new
students and families. I am a graduate of Jersey City
State College with a BA in Elementary Education.
I serve our parish as Coordinator of Religious
Education and hold a certificate in Religious
Education from the College of St. Elizabeth.
The Future of the World is in my Classroom Today.

Ivan Welton Fitzwater

 


Mrs. Marta Negin

Class/Position: Spanish Teacher Email


Mrs. Margaret Lubanski – Receptionist

Email


Mr. Nicholas Doblovosky

Class/Position: Teacher 6A Email


Mrs. Betty Majkzrak

Class/Position: Teacher - 6B Email

My name is Mrs Majkrzak and I have been teaching in the diocese of Paterson for the past 23. I have been teaching at SPPS for the past 12 years. I hold degrees in both Computers and Education. I also hold a CCD certificate and I am looking forward to sharing our Catholic faith with my students. I am looking forward to great school year with your children.  I am very excited about using my technology skills to help my students learn math. At SPPS the teachers are very fortunate to have many different technology tools available to use for teaching our curriculum.


Mrs. Debra Costanza

Class/Position: Teacher 7A Email

I originally graduated from college with a Marketing degree. I worked in the field until my love for children enticed me to return to college to pursue a career in education. After earning a New Jersey State Teaching Certificate for grades K through 12, I was employed by a Public School System for several years. My life changed when I became a mom and relocated to Northern New Jersey. I was blessed to begin a career here at St. Philip Preparatory School, and have the privilege of working with some of the best students in the area.


Mrs. Marie McKeever

Class/Position: Teacher 7B Email

Teaching is my passion, but I came to it as a second career. I received my B.A. in English/Education from
Caldwell College (now Caldwell University). Graduating from both Catholic grammar school and a Catholic University, Catholic education is a huge part of who I am. I have taught all grades from PreK through eighth, but am the happiest in middle school!  I enjoy incorporating new technology and the humanities into my literature lessons. I believe we have a responsibility to educate the whole child, helping to shape the thinkers and doers of the 21st Century. I am married and have two children, both out of college.   My passions are reading, gardening, cooking, and continued learning. I’m thrilled to be part of the St. Philip Prep family!


Ms. Katherine Bennett

Class/Position: Teacher 8A Email

I am a graduate of Kean University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and Mathematical Science.  I currently hold two New Jersey State Standard Certificates in Elementary Education and Mathematics Specialization, Grades 5-8. I also hold a Master’s Degree from Montclair State University in Mathematics Education and Leadership. I am very grateful to have won the 2009 Saint Philip the Apostle School Outstanding Catholic School Teacher Award. In 2012, I was honored to represent our school along with Mrs. Zito in Washington, D.C. for the 30th annual U.S. Department of Education Recognition Ceremony for National Blue Ribbon Schools. I love teaching and look forward to a wonderful year ahead!


Mrs. Judith Banyai

Class/Position: Teacher 8B Email

Graduate of Felician College Nursing Program, Mrs. Banyai worked as a Registered Professional Nurse at the University of Medicine and Dentistry for 25 years. She served as the Ambulatory Care Coordinator for the Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases and the children’s Hospital AIDS Program. In 1994, she became the Special Projects Coordinator for The Francois-Xavier Bagnoud International Training Program and was responsible for Departmental Quality Assurance and Research Study Oversight. From 1994-2002, Mrs. Banyai was the Program Coordinator for the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud International Pediatric HIV training Program, hosting over 250 Medical Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers and Health Care Providers from over 35 countries. In 2002, she became the Program Coordinator for the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials International Training Program during which time she traveled to Thailand and South Africa to assist with in country development and training of clinical trials personnel. In 2005, she enrolled at Western Governor’s University to obtain her teaching degree, and joined the faculty of Saint Philip where she has since taught middle school science and visual arts.


Mrs. Katherine Curran

Class/Position: Kaleidoscope, Teacher Email Website

I am a graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.  I was a bank auditor in New York City before choosing to stay home to raise my two daughters.  I returned to school at the College of St. Elizabeth, earning my teaching certificate (Math K-12), and later earning my Masters in Special Education.  For the past 15 years, I have been fortunate to teach many children, ranging in age and ability.  Overall, my goal for each one of my students is to reach their own potential!

In my spare time, I enjoy doing crossword puzzles, gardening, going to the movies and spending time with my family.

 


Ms. Joan DeLuca

Class/Position: Kaleidioscope Email Website

I received my BA in Education from the College of Saint Elizabeth. I received my Master in Education from William Paterson University. I have dual certifications in teaching, one certificate in teaching preschool through third grade and the second certificate for teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade. I have been teaching for twenty years, with experience teaching preschool to sixth grade. This will be my fifth year teaching Little Kaleidoscope.

I look forward to a wonderful year with the St. Philip’s family.


Mrs. Marta Negrin

Class/Position: Supporting Curriculum, Teacher Email


Mrs. Marie Lynes

Class/Position: Supporting Curriculum, Teacher Email Website

This is Mrs. Lynes’ second year at St. Philip Preparatory School.  She has taught Latin for many years both in the elementary and secondary level.  Prior to teaching at St. Philip’s, she taught at Marylawn Academy in South Orange and St. Patrick Grammar School in Chatham.  She is also currently on the staff of All Saints Episcopal Day School in Hoboken. Mrs. Lynes has a BA in English Literature from the College of St. Elizabeth and is a member of the American Classical League.  She has traveled often to Rome and through England and France exploring the many sites dating back to ancient Roman times.


Ms. Chrisann Lucciola

Class/Position: Teacher Computers Email

AI have a background in interior design and the travel industry. I have taught a variety of grades and subjects. Most recently I taught math and social studies. Previously I taught technology and literature in Hackensack. I live in Sussex County and am originally from Paramus. Technology is an important part of today’s learning and should be utilized in today’s learning environments. I am very excited to be part of the St. Philip community and look forward to working with all of my students and families.


Mrs. Barbara Forbes

Class/Position: Supporting Curriculum, Teacher

I have been a Physical Education teacher with the Paterson Diocese for over 25 years.  I am also the Supervisor of the SAC Program (after care program).  I have been  part of Catholic Education since my own  children attended.  I am a huge Atlanta Braves fan and I also love the Giants!


Music Teacher

Class/Position: Music Teacher


Ms. Margaret Viggiano

Class/Position: Supporting Curriculum, Teacher Email Website

I have been teaching in Catholic Schools for over 30 years. I taught in Jersey City for 27 years in 3 different schools. I have taught all grade levels from grade 3-8 in different capacities over those years. I very much enjoy teaching Art for the Diocese of Paterson. I have always taught my class art because we never had an art teacher in any of my schools. I love seeing the progress children make when they learn new techniques. They never cease to amaze me in their creativity and the way they see the world. I do my best to encourage the creative spirit in all children and I give positive feedback to everyone.


Mrs. Sandra Gilligan

Class/Position: Teacher Kaleidoscope Email Website

I am a graduate of the College of St. Elizabeth. I received my Master’s Degree in Education from Jersey City University. I have thirty years teaching experience in both middle and high school English. When I am not teaching, I like to bake, sew, and take long walks.


Mrs. Deborah Neglia

Class/Position: Administrative Assistant Email

I have been employed by  St. Philip Preparatory School and Parish for the past 32 years.  Prior to my position at St. Philip Preparatory School, I was an Executive Secretary for Sel-Rex Division of Hooker Chemical Company as well as Automated Data Processing.