Our Staff
Our teachers attain 20 continuing education hours per year. They attend workshops, seminars and conferences sponsored by the National Association, the Connecticut State Association, and the Fairfield County Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Association of Early Learning Leaders. Several teachers attend local colleges and universities.
Directors
Margee Ready, Director joined St. Paul’s in 1974. Margee has taught all ages, and was our Pre-K teacher from 1992-2016. She has a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College and has completed graduate courses from Fairfield University. Margee possesses both her Connecticut Director’s Credential and Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate. Margee sits on the National Accreditation Commission’s Policy Council; is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children (CTAEYC); is an Ambassador for the Association for Early Learning Leaders; and has been a validator for the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. She grew up in Fairfield, and now lives in Stratford with her family. Email: mready@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Jeanne Bartko, Assistant Director and Pre-K teacher graduated from Fairfield University with a B.A. in Sociology. She obtained her Connecticut Director’s Credential, Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate and her Early Childhood Education Certificate from Housatonic Community College. Jeanne is an Ambassador for the Association for Early Learning Leaders and a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children. Prior to joining us in 1994, Jeanne provided in-home childcare. She and her family live in Fairfield. Email: jbartko@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Head Teachers
Meredith Donahue joined our staff in 2015 as an assistant teacher in the three year old program. This year she and Jeanie Melvin with be co-teachers in a four year old class. Meredith received her M.S. in Education from Sacred Heart University and earned a B.A. at Villanova University. She lives with her family in Fairfield. Email: donahuemelvin@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Laurie Ehlers holds an M.S. in teaching from Long Island University, C.W. Post Center, and graduated with a B.A. in English from Fairfield University. Laurie joined our staff in 1996 and teaches in our three-year-old program. After a brief leave, she rejoined our staff in 2006. Laurie lives in Fairfield with her family.; Email: lehlers@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Lizzy Knisely joined our staff in 2010. She teaches in our two-year-old program. Lizzy is a graduate of the University of Richmond. She earned her B.A. degree in Psychology with a concentration in Elementary Education. Lizzy has also earned post baccalaureate credits in Education at Hood College. Lizzy resides in Fairfield with her family. Email: lknisely@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Denise Lynch joined our staff in 2007 and continues as our music teacher. She became part of our teaching staff in 2014. Denise teaches in our two-year-old program. She holds a B.A. from Seton Hall University. Denise is pursuing early childhood education credits at Norwalk Community College. She lives in Easton with her family. Email: dlynch@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Amy McCarthy joined our staff in 2017. Amy has taught in our three and four year old programs. She holds a BS from St. Michael’s College, and is pursuing an Early Childhood Education Certificate at Norwalk Community College. Amy resides in Fairfield with her family.; Email: amccarthy@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Jeanie Melvin joined our staff in 2016 as an Assistant Teacher in our three-year-old program. In 2020 Jeanie will be co-teacher with Meredith Donahue in a four year old class. Jeanie earned a B.A. in Psychology from Marist College, with a Minor in Special Education. She also earned master credits at Central CT State University. Jeanie lives with her family in Fairfield. ; Email: donahuemelvin@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Jane Purcell graduated from Clarkson University with a B.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She also earned Early Childhood Education credits from Norwalk Community College and possesses a Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate. Jane teaches in our three-year-old program. She joined our staff in 2001 and lives in Fairfield with her family. Email: jpurcell@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
AJ Schwarz joins our staff this year. We’ve added a two-year old classroom and AJ will be its head teacher. She has a Masters in Early Childhood Education from St. Joseph’s College and has taught both preschool and Kindergarten. AJ has previously been an active member of our school Board of Trustees. AJ lives with her family in Fairfield. Email: ajschwarz@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Pam Ryan rejoined our staff in 2018 and teaches in our four-year-old program. She holds a teaching certificate from the College of St. Elizabeth and a BA from Villanova University. Pam has experience as both a preschool teacher and an early elementary educator. She resides in Fairfield with her family. Email: pryan@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Lynn Van Deusen joined our staff in 2014 and teaches in our four-year-old program. She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Norwalk Community College as well as an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts from Sacred Heart University. She also earned her Child Development Credential (CDA) and Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate. Lynn resides in Fairfield with her family. Email: lvandeusen@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Assistant Teachers and Support Teachers
Rachel Alcosser joined our staff in 2004. She rejoins us this year after a brief sabbatical. Rachel graduated from University of Connecticut with a degree in Human Development and Family Relations with a concentration in Early Childhood. Prior to coming to us, Rachel was the Associate Director of Westport-Weston YMCA Childcare. She will be teaching in a three year old classroom. Rachel resides with her family in Fairfield.
Lori Babey attended Endicott College and has taken Early Childhood Education classes at Housatonic Community College. Lori joined our staff in 2002 and is currently an Assistant Teacher in our four-year-old classroom. She resides in Stratford with her family.
Zoe Bebon joins our staff this year, having previously been a substitute teacher for us. Zoe has a bachelor’s degree from American University of Paris. She will be a Support Teacher in the two year old program. Zoe resides in Fairfield with her family.
Claudia Brown joined our staff in 2017, after launching our Spanish class for four-year-old and Pre-K classes in 2016; Claudia is both an Assistant Teacher and Support Teacher in our two-year-old classrooms. She’s obtained early childhood education credits from Norwalk Community College and attended Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras. Claudia’s resides with her family in Fairfield.
Elizabeth Duke re-joined our staff in 2015; this year she is an Assistant Teacher in our two-year-old program. Elizabeth is a graduate of Boston College and is pursuing Early Childhood Education credits at Norwalk Community College. Elizabeth’s lives in Fairfield with her family.
Daphne Fernandes joined our staff in 2014, after working as a substitute teacher in our school. She is a Support Teacher in our Pre-K program. Daphne is a graduate of the University of Bombay. She lives with her family in Fairfield.
Lisa Ferrio joined our staff in 2005. She is a graduate of Katherine Gibbs College and is earning Early Childhood Education credits at Housatonic Community College. Lisa is currently an Assistant Teacher in our two-year-old program, and our three-year-old program. Lisa resides in Fairfield with her family.
Molly Galbo joins our staff this year. Molly earned her Master’s in Literacy, Birth-Sixth Grade from College of St. Rose. She has taught preschool in NY and Chicago. Molly will be a Support Teacher in our three and four year old program. She resides with her family in Fairfield.
Allie Gallagi joined our staff in 2010, after working as a substitute teacher in 2009. Allie is currently an Assistant Teacher in our Pre-K program. She is a graduate of Iona College and is earning Early Childhood Education credits at Norwalk Community College. She resides with her family in Fairfield.
Susan Innaimo joined our staff in 2017, after working as a permanent substitute teacher. Susan is currently an Assistant Teacher in our three-year-old program. Susan holds a BA from Marist College and is pursuing Early Childhood Education credits at Norwalk Community College. Susan and her family reside in Fairfield.
Eileen Weber joins our staff this year after having been a permanent substitute teacher last year. Eileen will be in the four-year-old program. She lives in Fairfield with her family.
Margaret Wong joined our staff in 1998. She is a Support Teacher in our three and four-year-old program. Margaret taught kindergarten in Hong Kong before coming to America. She lives with her family in Fairfield.
Our teachers attain 20 continuing education hours per year. They attend workshops, seminars and conferences sponsored by the National Association, the Connecticut State Association, and the Fairfield County Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Association of Early Learning Leaders. Several teachers attend local colleges and universities.
Directors
Margee Ready, Director joined St. Paul’s in 1974. Margee has taught all ages, and was our Pre-K teacher from 1992-2016. She has a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College and has completed graduate courses from Fairfield University. Margee possesses both her Connecticut Director’s Credential and Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate. Margee sits on the National Accreditation Commission’s Policy Council; is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children (CTAEYC); is an Ambassador for the Association for Early Learning Leaders; and has been a validator for the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. She grew up in Fairfield, and now lives in Stratford with her family. Email: mready@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Jeanne Bartko, Assistant Director and Pre-K teacher graduated from Fairfield University with a B.A. in Sociology. She obtained her Connecticut Director’s Credential, Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate and her Early Childhood Education Certificate from Housatonic Community College. Jeanne is an Ambassador for the Association for Early Learning Leaders and a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children. Prior to joining us in 1994, Jeanne provided in-home childcare. She and her family live in Fairfield. Email: jbartko@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Head Teachers
Meredith Donahue joined our staff in 2015 as an assistant teacher in the three year old program. This year she and Jeanie Melvin with be co-teachers in a four year old class. Meredith received her M.S. in Education from Sacred Heart University and earned a B.A. at Villanova University. She lives with her family in Fairfield. Email: donahuemelvin@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Laurie Ehlers holds an M.S. in teaching from Long Island University, C.W. Post Center, and graduated with a B.A. in English from Fairfield University. Laurie joined our staff in 1996 and teaches in our three-year-old program. After a brief leave, she rejoined our staff in 2006. Laurie lives in Fairfield with her family.; Email: lehlers@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Lizzy Knisely joined our staff in 2010. She teaches in our two-year-old program. Lizzy is a graduate of the University of Richmond. She earned her B.A. degree in Psychology with a concentration in Elementary Education. Lizzy has also earned post baccalaureate credits in Education at Hood College. Lizzy resides in Fairfield with her family. Email: lknisely@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Denise Lynch joined our staff in 2007 and continues as our music teacher. She became part of our teaching staff in 2014. Denise teaches in our two-year-old program. She holds a B.A. from Seton Hall University. Denise is pursuing early childhood education credits at Norwalk Community College. She lives in Easton with her family. Email: dlynch@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Amy McCarthy joined our staff in 2017. Amy has taught in our three and four year old programs. She holds a BS from St. Michael’s College, and is pursuing an Early Childhood Education Certificate at Norwalk Community College. Amy resides in Fairfield with her family.; Email: amccarthy@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Jeanie Melvin joined our staff in 2016 as an Assistant Teacher in our three-year-old program. In 2020 Jeanie will be co-teacher with Meredith Donahue in a four year old class. Jeanie earned a B.A. in Psychology from Marist College, with a Minor in Special Education. She also earned master credits at Central CT State University. Jeanie lives with her family in Fairfield. ; Email: donahuemelvin@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Jane Purcell graduated from Clarkson University with a B.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She also earned Early Childhood Education credits from Norwalk Community College and possesses a Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate. Jane teaches in our three-year-old program. She joined our staff in 2001 and lives in Fairfield with her family. Email: jpurcell@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
AJ Schwarz joins our staff this year. We’ve added a two-year old classroom and AJ will be its head teacher. She has a Masters in Early Childhood Education from St. Joseph’s College and has taught both preschool and Kindergarten. AJ has previously been an active member of our school Board of Trustees. AJ lives with her family in Fairfield. Email: ajschwarz@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Pam Ryan rejoined our staff in 2018 and teaches in our four-year-old program. She holds a teaching certificate from the College of St. Elizabeth and a BA from Villanova University. Pam has experience as both a preschool teacher and an early elementary educator. She resides in Fairfield with her family. Email: pryan@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Lynn Van Deusen joined our staff in 2014 and teaches in our four-year-old program. She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Norwalk Community College as well as an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts from Sacred Heart University. She also earned her Child Development Credential (CDA) and Connecticut Head Teacher Certificate. Lynn resides in Fairfield with her family. Email: lvandeusen@stpaulsnurseryschool.net
Assistant Teachers and Support Teachers
Rachel Alcosser joined our staff in 2004. She rejoins us this year after a brief sabbatical. Rachel graduated from University of Connecticut with a degree in Human Development and Family Relations with a concentration in Early Childhood. Prior to coming to us, Rachel was the Associate Director of Westport-Weston YMCA Childcare. She will be teaching in a three year old classroom. Rachel resides with her family in Fairfield.
Lori Babey attended Endicott College and has taken Early Childhood Education classes at Housatonic Community College. Lori joined our staff in 2002 and is currently an Assistant Teacher in our four-year-old classroom. She resides in Stratford with her family.
Zoe Bebon joins our staff this year, having previously been a substitute teacher for us. Zoe has a bachelor’s degree from American University of Paris. She will be a Support Teacher in the two year old program. Zoe resides in Fairfield with her family.
Claudia Brown joined our staff in 2017, after launching our Spanish class for four-year-old and Pre-K classes in 2016; Claudia is both an Assistant Teacher and Support Teacher in our two-year-old classrooms. She’s obtained early childhood education credits from Norwalk Community College and attended Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras. Claudia’s resides with her family in Fairfield.
Elizabeth Duke re-joined our staff in 2015; this year she is an Assistant Teacher in our two-year-old program. Elizabeth is a graduate of Boston College and is pursuing Early Childhood Education credits at Norwalk Community College. Elizabeth’s lives in Fairfield with her family.
Daphne Fernandes joined our staff in 2014, after working as a substitute teacher in our school. She is a Support Teacher in our Pre-K program. Daphne is a graduate of the University of Bombay. She lives with her family in Fairfield.
Lisa Ferrio joined our staff in 2005. She is a graduate of Katherine Gibbs College and is earning Early Childhood Education credits at Housatonic Community College. Lisa is currently an Assistant Teacher in our two-year-old program, and our three-year-old program. Lisa resides in Fairfield with her family.
Molly Galbo joins our staff this year. Molly earned her Master’s in Literacy, Birth-Sixth Grade from College of St. Rose. She has taught preschool in NY and Chicago. Molly will be a Support Teacher in our three and four year old program. She resides with her family in Fairfield.
Allie Gallagi joined our staff in 2010, after working as a substitute teacher in 2009. Allie is currently an Assistant Teacher in our Pre-K program. She is a graduate of Iona College and is earning Early Childhood Education credits at Norwalk Community College. She resides with her family in Fairfield.
Susan Innaimo joined our staff in 2017, after working as a permanent substitute teacher. Susan is currently an Assistant Teacher in our three-year-old program. Susan holds a BA from Marist College and is pursuing Early Childhood Education credits at Norwalk Community College. Susan and her family reside in Fairfield.
Eileen Weber joins our staff this year after having been a permanent substitute teacher last year. Eileen will be in the four-year-old program. She lives in Fairfield with her family.
Margaret Wong joined our staff in 1998. She is a Support Teacher in our three and four-year-old program. Margaret taught kindergarten in Hong Kong before coming to America. She lives with her family in Fairfield.
