Our Teaching Philosophy
At St. Teresa Early Learning Center, our philosophy is anchored in the belief that every child is a divine gift, worthy of unconditional love and a safe, faith-filled space to grow. We provide an environment where academic excellence is seamlessly woven with heart-led character development, inspired by the teachings of St. Teresa of Calcutta.
Our dedicated educators partner with families to create a nurturing classroom community that inspires curiosity and spiritual growth through relational, hands-on learning. We embrace teachable moments while maintaining high academic standards, ensuring that curiosity is fueled and every child feels safe, valued, and loved as they begin their educational journey.
Our wonderful, experienced, and masterful teachers are listed in no particular order, that way you get to know our entire family and not just one classroom. Loving them first and educating them next with great care and expertise in the field of Early Education.
Mrs. Tara Melville
DIRECTOR of education & Operations
Ms. Tara brings over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and leads our center with a vision rooted in faith and academic excellence. She has taught children from early education through 3rd grade since 1992 and is a certified teacher in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. She holds a bachelor’s degree and has completed master’s coursework focused on Infant-Toddler Mental Health and advanced early education studies. Ms. Tara believes every child deserves a fresh start each year and is passionate about meeting children where they are while guiding them toward growth and success. She is dedicated to creating a loving, safe environment where children feel known, valued, and at home during their day. Through clear communication and genuine care for families, teachers, and staff, she fosters a warm, supportive culture that inspires a lifelong love of learning.
Mrs. Bridget Newmiller
PRE-K TEACHER/TLL Teacher of the year nomination 2026
Ms. Bridget inspires children’s curiosity and love of learning while helping them build a strong foundation for Kindergarten. In our PreK Plus program, she guides students through thoughtfully designed activities that strengthen higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills. She enjoys incorporating STEM experiences into everyday learning, using students’ interests as a starting point for deeper exploration and discovery. In her classroom, children often work toward meaningful goals through planning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Ms. Bridget is passionate about nurturing both academic and social-emotional growth so each child feels confident, supported, and valued. She also values strong partnerships with families, working together to support every child’s success.
Mrs. Rachael Zurowski
INFANT CARE COORDINATOR & Operations Administrator
Ms. Rachael creates a nurturing and safe environment for our littlest learners as they begin their spiritual and social journey. In the infant program, she lovingly guides families through each milestone, offering reassurance, knowledge, and encouragement along the way. As a mother of three, she brings both personal experience and a strong understanding of child development, making her a trusted partner for parents during this special stage. She communicates regularly with families, sharing updates and helpful insights so they feel connected and confident in their child’s care. In addition to teaching in the infant classroom, Ms. Rachael serves as our Operations Administrator, helping keep families informed and supported throughout the year. With a warm smile each morning, she prioritizes the safety, well-being, and happiness of every child and family in our community.
Mrs. Tonette Thomas
PreKindergarten teacher/TLL Teacher of the Year nomination 2026
Ms. Tonette brings joy to the classroom through song, art, and creative expression inspired by the beauty of creation. Known for her warmth and bright spirit, she creates a welcoming environment where every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to learn. She thoughtfully recognizes each student’s unique strengths and learning style, guiding them in ways that help them flourish. Ms. Tonette fosters independence and confidence by empowering children to take ownership of their classroom community. Her student-led approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and collaboration as children help shape their learning experiences. Through her gentle guidance, students grow into capable, confident learners who feel proud of their contributions.
Mrs. Josephine Okolie
TODDLER TEACHER/TLL Teacher of the year nomination 2026
Ms. Josephine brings both structure and joy to our toddler classrooms, creating an environment where children feel secure, supported, and happy. She holds a Pennsylvania Child Development Credential specializing in infants and toddlers, giving her a strong understanding of early growth and development. She thoughtfully guides children through important milestones, meeting them where they are and nurturing their progress. Ms. Josephine places special emphasis on language development, encouraging children to express themselves through daily conversations, songs, and stories. Her love of music brings extra joy to the classroom while supporting learning and smooth transitions throughout the day. With patience, warmth, and dedication to continued learning, she ensures each child feels loved, confident, and ready to grow.
Miss. Reilly Bailey
Multi-Classroom Assistant
Ms. Reilly is a valued Classroom Assistant Teacher who supports every classroom in our Early Learning Center. She works with children of all ages, stepping in wherever she is needed to help classrooms run smoothly and ensure consistency for students. Because she spends time with each age group, she builds meaningful relationships across the center and is a familiar, comforting presence for many children. Ms. Reilly enjoys engaging with students through play, projects, and everyday learning moments. She models kindness, respectful communication, and responsibility while helping keep classrooms organized and welcoming. Her dependable, caring nature makes her a wonderful support for both teachers and children each day.
Mrs. Carole Ashley
Assistant Director/Office manager
Mrs. Amy Gerberich
CARES Coordinator
Ms. Lori Weisbach
Preschool Teacher
Ms. Raena Buscher
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Manisha Punjwani
Preschool teacher
Mrs. Ashley Werkheiser
PreKindergarten Teacher
Ms. Lisa Nesbitt
CARES Group Supervisor
Miss Emily Thomas
Prekindergarten teacher
Mrs. Mary Cass
PreKindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Kathy Lennox
Pretoddler teacher
Mrs. Lynda Manegold
Infant room teacher
Mrs. Karina Fitzcharles
Little Learners teacher
Miss Marissa Hanratty
Infant teacher
Miss Lilly Dilworth
Multiclassroom Assistant
Mrs. Sue Jensen
Pretoddler teacher
Mrs. Sonya Pengelly
Little Learners teacher
Mrs. Ricia Onufer
Little Learners Teacher
Join our Family!
St. Teresa Early Learning Center is more than a workplace; it's a vibrant community where faith and educational excellence thrive. We believe that working here is an outstanding job for anyone looking for a rewarding career. To support our mission, full and part-time opportunities come available throughout the year, offering you flexible paths to join our dedicated team and impact the next generation.
Come join our family here at STC ELC!
Click on the link below to share your passion for teaching and children with us! We look forward to hearing from you about your interest in making STC ELC your new work home!