
Meet Our Teachers
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Alex Cavaliere
Principal
“My goal is to make your experience at Church of the Savior Preschool the very best it can be.”
I have gone full circle at Church of the Savior, first as a parent, then as a teacher, and now as the principal. Every experience I have had in these different roles has been fulfilling, memorable and rewarding.
I decided to become a teacher to make a difference in the life of a child. Before coming to Church of the Savior Preschool, I worked in some of the best public school districts in Bergen County—Tenafly, Saddle River, and Old Tappan. These experiences gave me broad knowledge in the field of education, making me a well-rounded educator.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from Manhattan College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Manhattanville College. I am married and have two daughters. Victoria is a meteorologist and Julia is a physical education and health teacher. I have two cats and a dog.
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Gretchen Morrow
Teacher
“I feel incredibly lucky to spend my days here, helping foster a love for learning in your children.”.
I teach our PreK-4 class and STEAM enrichment program. I've been part of the COS Preschool family for 10 years. After the birth of my twins, I “retired” from the corporate world and discovered the Mommy & Me program which I attended with my children. While my children were in the preschool, I became a class mom and volunteered at school events and Lunch Bunch. In 2016, I joined the staff as an assistant teacher and was promoted to teacher in 2022. My favorite thing is finding a science experiment that fits perfectly with every holiday and theme throughout the school year!
I graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Business & Technology and earned an MBA in Management from Pace University. In 2022, I earned my Child Development Associate credential, fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. As a teacher, I'm still using my MBA skills, as I manage the little ones through the adventures of our school days.
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Nicole Hazarian
Teacher
“I strive to create a positive and engaging learning environment where they can thrive and grow, spiritually, academically and emotionally.”
I am a PreK-4 teacher and have a strong connection to the preschool. As a member of the congregation, I joined the Board of Education in 2014. In 2020, I joined the school staff, teaching PreK-3 and All by Myself programs. This is my third year teaching PreK-4. Additionally, my 8-year-old son attended our preschool. As a parent and a teacher, I have experienced the nurturing and enriching learning environment at the Church of the Savior Preschool firsthand.
I am passionate about early childhood education and currently pursuing a Bachelor degree in Family Science and Human Development to further my education and enhance my ability to make a difference.
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Suzanne Damato
Teacher
"I find it rewarding to watch a class grow in interaction, imagination, and creativity.”
I am a highly enthusiastic and creative PreK-3 teacher, with a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them make love grow. I started teaching her 23 years ago, initially leading the Happy Times class and then transitioned to All By Myself. I’ve been teaching our 3-year-old class for the past 17 years, fostering social-emotional development and early literacy skills. Before joining the staff, I was a parent as my two sons attended the preschool.
I hold a business degree from Berkeley College and an Associates degree in Child Development from Bergen Community College. I am happily married to my husband Tom and enjoy spending time with my labrador retriever, Zoey. When I’m not teaching, I vacation regularly in Walt Disney World and Lake George, NY.
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Kim Mirchovich
Teacher
“I believe that every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace.”
I teach the All By Myself and PreK-3 classes. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can explore, learn and have fun. My teaching approach is centered around play-based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged and enjoying themselves. I am excited to be a part of your child's learning journey and look forward to creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for them to thrive in.
I have over 15 years of experience working with children in various educational settings. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree and a Child Development Associate Certificate with Honors from Ashworth University.
I'm a mom of three and wife to my husband of 18 years. I'm a huge sports fan. Go Yankees and Steelers! I also have two very spoiled dogs.
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Kathleen Corrubia
Teacher
“My goal is to have every child entering the classroom feel safe, loved and happy.”
I teach our Happy Times and All By Myself classes. I love watching our students grow with confidence in every way. I strive to make the school day fun, exciting and encouraging for every student. I have been a teacher at the preschool since the Spring of 2023. I am also a parent of three students who have been through this wonderful program. My children have not only made incredible bonds with their classmates, but I have made lifelong friends from being a part of the preschool.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a concentration in Elementary Education from Merrimack College. I also completed the NJ Child Advocacy and Policy Certificate Program from Montclair State University.
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Susan Conrad
School Office Manager
“My vision, passion and faith help to foster a positive environment for all who come to Church and School of the Savior.”
As the office manager, I enjoy greeting families, managing the myriad administrative tasks of running the preschool, making sure the operations of the building are running smoothly and communicating with all about the comings and goings of the school and church community.
I am a member of Church of the Savior and have served in a variety of roles; currently, I am the congregation President and a Trustee. I take pride in providing historical knowledge of the school, congregation and the campus and working to meet the needs of our community. My family are long-time members of Church of the Savior, attending the church and school since the late 1950s. I am awaiting my first grandchild in June and celebrating my daughter’s wedding at COS in August. I didn’t know that when I started working here three years ago that I was a grandma in training!
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Claudette Peterson Kline
Music Teacher
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Rita Jones
Teaching Assistant
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Sheryl Ljubicich
Teaching Assistant
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Nicole Conway
Teaching Assistant
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Ashley Chaffiotte
Teaching Assistant
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Janine Hanikeh
Teaching Assistant
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Nicole Giaccio
Lunch Bunch Coordinator
Our Supporting Staff
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Ashley Chaffiotte, Nicole Conway, Renee Froonjian, Rita Jones, Sheryl Ljubicich
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Nicole Giaccio - Supervisor
Assistants- Ashley Chaffiotte, Sheryl Ljubicich
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Teacher- Kathleen Corrubia
Assistant- Janine Hanikeh
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Claudette Peterson Kline
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Chairpersons - Kalina Carlson Pena, Julie Worgul
Members- Laurie Feingold, Nicole Hazarian, Robin McConnell, Lydia Roessler
Join Our Team!
Join us as we enhance our thriving Educational Ministries! If you are interested in applying, please forward your resume to: principal@cosparamus.org qualifications links are listed below: