Meet Our Staff....

Karen Olewnick ~ Director/3's Teacher

It is a pleasure and an honor to introduce myself to you as the Director and Lead Teacher at
St. Stephen’s Pre-K Academy.  I have had the pleasure of teaching at St. Stephen’s Pre-K Academy since its opening in August 2013.  I am passionate and committed to working with our existing and incoming students, families and staff to provide a safe, nurturing and respectful environment that will foster imagination, exploration and creativity.  As an educator and a mother myself, I am a firm believer that parents are the primary teachers in their child’s life.  
​I seek to create partnerships with each family to successfully contribute to your child’s education.  My goal is that your child will develop a lifelong love of learning and thrive academically, socially and spiritually at St. Stephen’s Pre-K Academy.   

---

Kathy Brown ~ 4's Teacher

Kathy Brown has a Master’s degree in Education from Southern CT State University.  She is married with two children.  I believe in teaching  the whole child by engaging students in hands on activities to increase their confidence and vocabulary. When students feel safe and respected they open themselves to learning about the  world around them. I find joy in exploring with students and am always looking to laugh – I love  funny books.   I promote patience, model forgiveness, and encourage compassion to foster our wonderful Christian community at St. Stephen’s Pre-K Academy.”

---

Melissa Volk ~ 4's Teacher

Melissa Volk has a BS in Education from SUNY Oswego. She is married with two children, Cameron and William.  She enjoys fitness activities, reading, and watching funny cat videos. My goal is that students will leave my class fully prepared for kindergarten and with the knowledge that ​Jesus loves them, and I do too.  “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Psalm 10:14

---

Katie Peris ~ 4's Teaching Assistant

Katie Peris is the assistant teacher in the 4’s room. Katie has 7 years experience working with children ages 3-4 as an assistant teacher in a pre-school setting. She is married with two children Carly and Evan. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family, travel and do arts and crafts.

---

Danielle Nagengast ~ 4's Teaching Assistant

Danielle Nagengast has a Psychology degree from Western New England University.  She is married with two children, Oliver and Ava.  Previously, she has worked as a Teacher's Assistant for students on the Autism Spectrum.  She loves to be outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.  Her favorite pastimes are reading, kayaking, taking walks and going on adventures with her family.  She is looking forward to an amazing year of fun-filled learning. ​

---

Monique Oravsky ~ 3's Teaching Assistant

Monique Oravsky is the teaching assistant in the 3's classroom. Monique loves to work with children. She is excited about helping your children learn new exciting things and to having the opportunity to watch your children grow!

---

Ashley DeBartolo ~ 3's Teaching Assistant

Ashley DeBartolo is a teaching assistant in the 3’s classroom. She lives in Glenmont with her husband and daughter, Alba Joy. She is passionate about teaching children kindness, compassion, and the love of Jesus. She loves animals, history, and watching Mets baseball.​

---

Bill Pearce ~ Treasurer

Bill has been a part of the St. Stephen's Pre-K staff from the start of the program in 2013. He is a retired CPA who volunteers his time as the Treasurer of the school. He is also a member of the School Board and has an extensive background in finances.
Contact Information
Email: wpearcecpa@yahoo.com
Phone: 518-729-3723

---