Welcome New Faculty & Staff

Ms. Kristen Jones, Early Childhood Center Director: Kristen is a native of New York City and has been involved in education for over twenty years. She is passionate about early childhood education as it is such a foundational time for children to grow and develop. Kristen finds that being a part of that formative process a joy and honor. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Political Science from New York Institute of Technology she became a preschool teacher for several years before obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education from C.W. Post. Kristen studied the Reggio Emilia method of teaching in Northern Italy. Kristen worked at Saint Thomas More in Manhattan and then at East Woods School in Oyster Bay, Long Island where she lives with her family.

Ms. Neema Shah, Development Assistant: Neema Shah is joining the Epiphany School Foundation after spending 6 years in the classroom teaching Pre-K. Although she will no longer be in the classroom, Neema is dedicated to helping develop resources for the members of our school to succeed. She is also committed to developing and fostering relationships within and outside the school community. Neema holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland University College. Neema is thrilled to be joining the Epiphany School Foundation!

Ms. Alice Keefe, Administrative Assistant, Early Childhood Center: Alice was born and raised in Manhattan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University and her Master of Science for Teachers degree from Pace University. She was previously a 3rd grade teacher before taking a sabbatical to raise her 2 children. Prior to joining Epiphany, she also worked as an assistant teacher. Alice has 2 children; her daughter is a freshman at Providence College, and her son is a sophomore at Xavier High School. Both of her children attended The Epiphany School from Nursery through 8th grade. Alice often volunteered at numerous Epiphany events. Alice is excited about re-joining the Epiphany family as a staff member.

Ms. Juliette McNulty, Head Teacher, 4-2: Juliette has been promoted to Head teacher after two years as an Assistant Teacher in the 3rd grade here at Epiphany. Juliette is a proud alumna of The Epiphany School, Class of 2010. She graduated from State University of New York College at Plattsburgh with a BS in Communication Studies and Marketing. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Childhood Education at Hunter College. 

Ms. Mary Petrosino, Assistant Teacher, 4th Grade: Mary is very excited for this upcoming school year at The Epiphany School, and happy to be working with fourth graders again! She graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Hearing and Speech Sciences, and hopes to one day become a speech-language pathologist. When not in school, Mary likes to read and go running. This past summer she enjoyed hiking the Adirondack Mountains in Northern New York! Mary is looking forward to getting to know everyone at Epiphany soon!

Ms. Abby Spencer, Assistant Teacher, 3-1: Abby graduated from Chapman University in May with a BFA in Creative Writing and a minor in Integrated Educational Studies. While pursuing her degree, Abby worked in a kids’ club and served as a writing mentor to elementary school students. She is very excited to be joining the Epiphany school this year!

Ms. Chantal Cruz, Assistant Teacher, K-1: Chantal has been in the education field since 2015. She graduated in 2019 from New Jersey City University with a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages (Spanish) and is currently finishing her masters degree at Fordham University in Childhood and Early Childhood Education. Her “secret” to being energetic in the mornings is to workout before school, yes, 5am! Chantal loves to travel, spend time with her family/friends and going to new restaurants! 

Ms. Sheley Flores, Assistant Teacher, Pre-K-1: Sheley was born and raised in New York. She attended Lehman College and obtained her BA in Spanish in May 2022. She is looking to pursue her Masters degree in Early Childhood Education with a bilingual extension. As a bilingual individual myself, I know how essential another language is and how many different connections you can make because of it. I am hoping to become a head teacher within the next five years as well as be a good resource to parents who would like to be as involved in their child’s education. 

Ms. Shanice Mike, Assistant Teacher, Pre-K-2: Shanice was born and raised in East Harlem. She completed her Bachelors in English from City College and her Teacher’s Assistant Certification at Hostos Community College. Shanice is a dance fitness enthusiast and teaches dance fitness classes throughout the week. She is excited to be joining the team at Epiphany and looks forward to meeting the students. 

Ms. Grace Kenny, Assistant Teacher, Nursery: Grace Kenny is very excited to join Epiphany! Grace is from South Florida and attended the University of Florida to study journalism. This December, she will receive her Masters of Science in Teaching from Fordham University. Grace plans to become an early childhood classroom teacher. She enjoys reading and trying new recipes with her husband.

Ms. Felicia Tanoff, Assistant Teacher, Toddler Twos: Felicia is so excited to meet all her students! Felicia is a local from Brooklyn, NY and received her Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University. She has two boys, one that just graduated from Epiphany and is now a Freshman at Xavier. Her youngest is in 7th grade at the Epiphany school. Felicia has held several volunteer positions at Epiphany. She was a Co-Chair for the Epiphany Foundation Spring Auction and then most recently was the Co-Chair for the Epiphany Family Association (EFA) for the past several years. Felicia is looking forward to continuing her wonderful Epiphany experience assisting the toddler twos this year.

Ms. Lauren Schlaier, Assistant Teacher, 2-2: Lauren is returning to Epiphany as an Assistant following some time off after the birth of her daughter. She received her BA in English from Quinnipiac University, and a dual Masters degree (MS) in General and Special Education grades 1-6 from the Graduate School of Education at Touro College in New York City. 

Mr. Jason Hadley, Recess Coach, Upper School: Jason is returning to Epiphany after spending some time at home in England and the Upper School students are thrilled to welcome him back. Jason is a soccer coach and is pursuing his degree in Sports Management.