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.
Mrs. Tara Melville
DIRECTOR of education & Operations
With over 20 years in early childhood education, Ms. Tara leads our center with a vision rooted in faith and academic excellence. She has taught in 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 toward an Infant-Toddler Mental Health certification and advanced studies in early education. Thoughtful and intentional in her leadership, she believes every child deserves a fresh start each year and is committed to meeting children where they are, guiding them toward growth and success.
Ms. Tara is deeply passionate about early learning and partnering with families. She strives to create a loving place for children to call their daytime home—one where they feel safe, known, and valued. Communication is key to her relationship-centered approach, and she is thorough and caring in ensuring families and staff feel informed, supported, and connected. She cares deeply about her teachers and staff, wanting them to feel happy and inspired each day so they, in turn, inspire children to love school. Through her encouragement and example, she fosters a culture of warmth, excellence, and heartfelt dedication to children and families alike.
Mrs. Bridget Newmiller
PRE-K TEACHER/TLL Teacher of the year nomination 2026
Ms. Bridget inspires children’s curiosity and love of learning while building the strong foundation they need to grow. Our PreK Plus program flows naturally from PreK, offering thoughtfully designed activities that strengthen higher-level thinking skills. A strong emphasis is placed on the thinking process itself—not just decision-making—helping our oldest students confidently prepare for a successful transition to Kindergarten.
Ms. Bridget truly loves all areas of teaching and learning, including STEM, and she thoughtfully weaves science, technology, engineering, and math experiences into everyday classroom exploration. She pays close attention to her students’ interests and uses them as a springboard for deeper learning, fostering a genuine love of discovery in each child. Her passion for teaching and for children shines through in every lesson, conversation, and project.
In her classroom, you will often see students working toward meaningful goals—carefully planning, problem-solving, and piecing together each step of a project along the way. She encourages them to think critically, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their progress, helping them build both confidence and perseverance.
Above all, Ms. Bridget cares deeply for every one of her students. She nurtures not only academic growth but also social-emotional development, ensuring each child feels supported and valued. She also prioritizes strong family connections, encouraging partnerships throughout the year so that home and school work together to support each child’s success.
Mrs. Rachael Zurowski
INFANT CARE COORDINATOR & Operations Administrator
Ms. Rachael provides a nurturing and safe environment for our littlest ones as they begin their spiritual and social journey. In our infant program, she lovingly leads her baby room families through each milestone, offering reassurance, knowledge, and encouragement along the way. As a mother of three, she brings both personal experience and a deep understanding of child development and care, making her a trusted guide for families during this precious stage of growth.
She partners closely with parents, offering thoughtful suggestions and practical tips to support development not only in the classroom, but at home as well. Drawing from her education and experience, she ensures the babies in her care are well cared for, deeply loved, and progressing beautifully. She communicates consistently with families throughout the day, sharing important details and insights that help parents feel confident and connected in caring for their children.
In addition to her work in the infant classroom, Ms. Rachael serves as our Operations Administrator, where she focuses strongly on building and maintaining family relationships. She ensures all information is complete and organized, and that families are well informed about activities, events, and special moments happening at the center. As the welcoming face of the school each morning, she greets everyone with a warm smile and kind word. Above all, her first priority is the safety and well-being of every child—making certain classrooms are secure, children are healthy, and families feel supported every step of the way.
Mrs. Tonette Thomas
PreKindergarten teacher/TLL Teacher of the Year nomination 2026
Ms. Tonette brings joy to our classrooms through song and artistic expression, inspired by the beauty of creation. An expert in the Living Classroom, she transforms everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences filled with wonder, creativity, and connection.
Bright and sunny by nature, Ms. Tonette’s warmth is felt the moment you step into her classroom. Her positive energy creates a welcoming environment where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. She thoughtfully teaches to each individual student, recognizing unique strengths, learning styles, and interests, and tailoring her guidance to help every learner flourish.
From the very beginning of the year, Ms. Tonette fosters independence and confidence. She empowers her students to take ownership of their classroom community—encouraging responsibility not only in daily activities and routines, but even in decisions such as the thoughtful placement of materials and classroom items. Through her guidance, students learn that their voices matter.
Her classroom operates on a student-led model, where children help map out their learning journey. With gentle structure and intentional support, she guides them in making choices, setting goals, and contributing ideas that shape their shared environment. The result is a vibrant, collaborative space where curiosity thrives, creativity blossoms, and students grow into capable, confident learners.
Mrs. Josephine Okolie
TODDLER LEAD TEACHER/TLL Teacher of the year nomination 2026
Ms. Josephine brings both structure and joy to our young and older toddlers, creating a classroom environment where children feel secure, supported, and happy. She holds a Child Development Credential in Pennsylvania specializing in infants and toddlers, equipping her with a deep understanding of early growth and development. With this strong foundation, she thoughtfully guides children through each stage, meeting them right where they are and nurturing them as they reach important milestones.
She places a strong emphasis on language development, intentionally helping children build the skills they need to express themselves clearly and confidently. Through daily conversations, songs, stories, and meaningful interactions, Ms. Josephine encourages little ones to find their voices. She has a special love for music and regularly brings it into the classroom, using rhythm and song to enhance learning, support transitions, and create joyful shared experiences.
Ms. Josephine is incredibly loving and attentive, caring for each child’s individual needs with patience and tenderness. The children adore her because the structure and consistent routines she provides help them feel safe and secure—allowing them to experience her love in a way that builds trust and confidence. She works hard to continue her education and professional growth so she can better nurture, enrich, and support her students as they develop new skills. Her dedication ensures that each child receives not only excellent care, but also the encouragement and guidance they need to thrive.
Miss. Reilly Bailey
Multi-Classroom Assistant
Ms. Reilly serves as a valued Classroom Assistant Teacher in our Early Learning Center, working closely with children of all ages and supporting every classroom throughout the day. Whether stepping in when a teacher is out or offering an extra set of hands during busy transitions and activities, she brings consistency, calm, and care wherever she is needed. Her flexibility allows each classroom to continue running smoothly, ensuring that children experience stability and support no matter the circumstance.
Because she works with all of our age groups, Ms. Reilly builds meaningful relationships across the center. Children know her as a steady, familiar presence who is always ready to help, listen, and encourage. She takes the time to learn each child’s personality and needs, allowing her to step into any classroom and connect with ease. Her genuine love for being with the children is evident in the way she engages with them—whether assisting with a project, guiding play, or simply offering reassurance and a smile.
Ms. Reilly sets a strong example for all students through her polite manners, respectful communication, and high standards for cleanliness and organization. She models responsibility and kindness, helping children learn the importance of caring for their environment and treating others with respect. Her attention to detail ensures classrooms remain orderly, safe, and welcoming spaces where learning can thrive.
Above all, Ms. Reilly’s heart for children shines through in everything she does. She approaches each day with dedication and positivity, ready to serve wherever she is needed most. Families can feel confident knowing that no matter which classroom she is supporting, their children are being cared for by someone who is attentive, dependable, and truly enjoys being part of their daily growth and development.
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 assistant teacher
Mrs. Ashley Werkheiser
PreKindergarten 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!