Welcome New Faculty

Please join us in welcoming our new Teacher’s Assistants.

Allison Peet, Toddler Twos: Allison Peet is recent graduate of Baruch College, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Public Affairs. She will continue her studies next year, pursuing a Masters Degree in Adolescent Education. She is also a proud Epiphany alumna (‘11) and returned to the school last year to assist with recess. After such a positive experience last year, she is very happy to be joining the Toddler Two team as a teaching assistant. 

Veronica Di Bari, Toddler Twos:Veronica Di Bari recently graduated from St. John’s University, receiving her Bachelors of Science in Childhood Education. She is continuing her studies this year, pursuing a Masters in Special Education.
She lived and studied in Rome, Italy, where she received an Italian High School Diploma, and studied two years at the University LUMSA Early Childhood Education. She also has done fieldwork at The Epiphany School for the past two years. After a great experience, Veronica is looking forward to working with Kathy Bettigole in the Toddler Twos program.

Katie Weafer, Toddler Twos: Katie, an Epiphany graduate (‘11), received her BA in Psychology from State University of New York College at Oneonta this past May. She plans to further her education in Occupational Therapy, after completing her observational hours at Central Park Early Learning Center in Manhattan, a inclusive preschool for special needs children.
She loves to ski and has taught children, ages 3-6, to ski at Windhan Mountain’s Early Childhood Center.  She was also a volunteer ski instructor at the mountain’s Adaptive Sports Foundation, teaching individuals with cognitive & physical disabilities. 
Katie is thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Epiphany in the Toddler Two program.

Eileen Motherway, Pre-Kindergarten: Eileen (Blanchfield) Motherway grew up in Stuyvesant Town, just a few blocks from The Epiphany School. After graduating from Notre Dame High School, she attended Manhattan College where she earned a BS in Accounting. Eileen married her husband, Jim, and the couple moved to Peter Cooper Village, becoming Epiphany parishioners. After starting a family, Eileen left her career on Wall Street, and she and her growing family moved to New Jersey. As the youngest of her four children reached school age, Eileen began her second career as a teaching assistant. Eileen spent the past 14 years working in both pre-K and kindergarten classrooms at a Montgomery, NJ area school. Recently, Eileen made New York City her home once again, and is very excited to be back at Epiphany. She can’t wait to work with the students in Mrs. Janis’ pre-K class this school year!

Kim-Lien Trotta, Kindergarten: Kim-Lien attended Epiphany and graduated in 2007. Kim-Lien was a teacher assistant at Epiphany for part of the 2013-2014 academic school year where she worked in 4th grade with Ms. McLoughlin. After graduating high school, Kim-Lien pursued her studies at SUNY Oneonta and graduated in December 2016 with a BS in History. Kim-Lien continued her studies at New York University where she earned her Masters Degree in Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education. After her time continuing education, Kim-Lien is excited to back at Epiphany working with Ms. Chesterton and the amazing Epiphany community! 

Ayanna Daniel, 3rd Grade: Ayanna is a recent graduate of New York University where she completed her BS in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Web Development and Applications. Ayanna is currently taking time off from her studies to join Epiphany as a Teaching Assistant to further explore her passion for teaching and learning. She is very excited to be collaborating with Ms. Emma, and looks forward to building community and supporting student success this academic year!

Megan Malewich, 4th Grade: Megan is an Epiphany graduate, Class of 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Loyola Univerity Maryland in 2018. Megan is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education Mathematics at Hunter College. She has a passion for teaching and is excited to be a part of the Epiphany community again.

And we have some promotions to announce.

Kathy Bettigole, Toddler Twos Head Teacher: Kathy Bettigole joined The Epiphany School faculty as an Assistant Teacher in the Toddler Twos program in 2016, she is now the Head Teacher in our second Toddler Twos class. Mrs. Bettigole is a graduate of St. John’s University where she earned a BS in Elementary & Special Education and an MS in Reading.  She placed her teaching career on hold to raise her two children: Sebastian an Epiphany graduate, Class of 2017 and Margo entering the 8th grade at Epiphany. Mrs. Bettigole is an active member of the Epiphany School community. Her numerous volunteer positions include serving as a member of the 2013-15 EFA board. She takes great pride in her new position assisting the youngest members of the Epiphany School on their newest adventure.

Liam Klotzbach, 4-2 Head Teacher: Liam was a 3rd Grade Assistant here at the Epiphany School while pursuing his Master’s in Childhood Education from Fordham University. He completed his Masters in 2018. Liam is excited to be teaching his former students as their new Fourth Grade teacher.

Kristin Reilly, 7-3 Homeroom/ Math 7, 8/ ELA 8: Kristin was a SETTS teacher and 4th Grade Assistant here at the Epiphany School. She has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Manhattan College and has taught for many years in and outside the classroom.  Kristin is the proud parent of two Epiphany graduates: Sean, Class of 2009 and Annie, Class of 2018. She looks forward to working with the Epiphany students, faculty/staff, and parents in her new role.

Ms. Lauren Schlaier, last year’s 4-2 teacher has moved to the Lower School and is now our Kindergarten-3 Head Teacher.

We wish everyone great success in their new positions.