Our Administrative Staff
Eileen Dost
Director/Teacher
My name is Eileen Dost and I am currently the Director at St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool. I have an undergraduate degree in History from Cortland State University College and a Master’s degree from Adelphi University. This will be my 30th year at St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool. I have been an assistant in a 2 year old class, a 2 year old Leader; an assistant in a 3 year old class, a 3 year old teacher; and a 4 year old teacher: an incredible, continuing journey! What began as a “very” part time place and position for me quickly became an integral part of my life. Very early on, it became apparent to me that St. Peter’s was not only the right fit at the right time for me and my family, but fulfilled me in ways that other jobs – careers, had not. I am passionate about education and feel excited about all the little things, and the big ways, I can affect the lives of the children I have met and will continue to work with. I have felt fulfilled working at St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool, and blessed to be given the opportunity to work with a very dedicated staff, who continually strive to ensure that each child receives the very best preschool education possible.
Jane Guttridge
Administrative Assistant
“A grateful heart is a happy heart.”
I am grateful for the 40 years I have been a part of St. Peter’ s Nursery Preschool; first as a Mom and then as a member of the staff. I cherish the heartfelt memories I hold as both Leader and Assistant in the 2-year-old Playgroup -- from the first day of school -- September 1984. I had the opportunity to assist both 3-year-old and 4-year-old teachers throughout the continuing years. In 2007, I moved my “desk” to the Preschool Office and have enjoyed helping new families join the St. Peter’s Family.
Not being able to leave the classroom behind, I started working with the littlest ones in our Mommy and Me program in 2010.
I look forward to meeting both old friends and new friends as we begin another year filled with the joy of learning.
Our Teaching Staff
Candace Baldwin
Assistant 3 Year Old Classes
Started at St. Peter's in 2021
My name is Candace Baldwin. I started working at St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool in 2021 while my daughter attended the St. Peter’s preschool program. She graduated PRE-K in 2024. I am a mother, wife and I have served in the United States Navy.
This year, I will be working with Ms. Larini (MWF) and Mrs. Jaffe (TTh). I cannot wait to meet your child this coming school year.
Peggy Geoghan
Assistant 3 Year Old Class
Enrichment Teacher and Assistant
Started at St. Peter's in 2020
Hi, My name is Margaret (Peggy) Geoghan. I will be working with Mrs. Jessica Romanelli on MWF in the 3 year old class. I will also lead the Wednesday American Sign Language Enrichment class. I have 2 grown sons.
While taking care of my friends children, Peter and Anna, both of whom attended St. Peter's, I immediately recognized that this was a special place for children to thrive in and learn. Once Anna entered kindergarten, I was looking for something to do with my days while she was in school. The opportunity to join the caring and loving staff was presented to me, and I jumped at the chance! What a unique experience to be on both sides, as a caregiver and now a teacher's assistant.
Christa Cajowski
Leader 2 Year Old Classes
Enrichment Leader and Assistant
Before Care
Social Media Specialist
Started at St. Peter's in 2019
My name is Christa Cajowski. I am thrilled to be leading the MWF and TTH 2-Year-Old class working along side Mrs. Prasert. I have been working with the 2’s for the past 5 years both as an assistant and a lead teacher. This will be Mrs. Prasert’s and my third year working together. We have known each other since high school.
As the lead teacher, I enjoy deploying play-based, hands-on learning experiences to help children develop and grow. I also know that each child is different, and each day is different, as well. I hope my compassion and adaptability along with the assistance of Mrs. Prasert will ensure the children’s success and enjoyment.
I am thankful for this opportunity, and I look forward to meeting you and teaching your child this coming school year. Our class is going to have a terrific year!
Renee Gervasio
Leader 2 Year Old Classes
Treasurer
Started at St. Peter's 2003-2007 & 2021
My name is Renee Gervasio. I began my journey as a mom at St. Peter’s when my 3 boys attended school here.
Shortly after they began school, I started to sub as an assistant in 2, 3 &4’s. I worked as an Assistant in the 2’s & the Leader of Mommy & Me from 2002-2007. I returned in 2021 as Leader of M/W & T/TH 2’s and the school Treasurer. St. Peter’s is such a welcoming place. I am proud to be a part of.
I enjoy being a part of helping your babies grow. Mrs. Marsden & I have such a great time teaching the children how to share, follow directions, play together etc. They start in September as small babies & leave in June as Little People with fabulous personalities, who have learned so much.
I look forward to another wonderful year working closely with all staff & helping your babies grow.
Alysse Crescenzo
Assistant - 3 & 4 Year Old Classes
Started at St. Peter's 2024
Hi, I’m Alysse Creczenzo! This year I am looking forward to being an Assistant Teacher for Pre-K program MWF’S with Mrs. Getfield & Mrs. Sesterak. And for the 3-year program TTH’S with Mrs. Romanelli.
I started my career many years ago as a licensed Cosmetologist. But like many mom’s, priorities shifted and I wanted to be available to our children and as a result became a stay-at-home mom raising our three girls.
As my eldest daughter started school, I began volunteering as Class mom. I have continued this over the past 9 years for all three of my children’s teachers. I also volunteer as Band mom for my children’s after school band sessions overseeing the children as they cycle through their instrument training.
In the 2023-2024 school year, I started working as a substitute assistant teacher. This was a great opportunity to work a few days a week and get to know the children. When the opportunity was presented to join St. Peter’s team and I couldn’t have been happier to say yes!
I am so exited to be part of the St. Peter’s family and look forward to an enriching and exciting 2024-2025 school year.
Mary Getfield
Teacher 4 Year Old Class
Pre-K Enrichment Teacher
Started at St. Peter's 2014
My name is Mary Getfield and I am a teacher for the Pre-K program. I have been teaching at St. Peter's Nursery Preschool since 2014. I currently hold a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Cortland State College as well as a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Dowling College.
After teaching in the Harborfields and Lindenhurst School Districts, I stayed home to raise my two children. When my own were of school age, I soon realized that being in the classroom was my true passion and where I wanted to be. I am inspired by their constant eagerness to learn new things and continue to grow and thrive in the environment provided for them at St. Peter’s.
I feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach these amazing children and be part of such a wonderful program and staff.
Jennifer Jaffe
Teacher 3 Year Old Classes
Started at St. Peter's in 2024
My name is Jennifer Jaffe and I am so excited to be joining the St. Peter’s Nursery School staff. This upcoming school year I will be leading the MWF and TTH 3-year-old class. I currently hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University at Albany and a double Master’s degree in General Education and Special Education from Queens College. I started my career in education at The Genesis School, working with children with autism.
In 2016 I began working for the NYC Department of Education. After having my second son, I knew that I wanted to find a teaching opportunity closer to home in order to spend more time with my family, while still doing the job that I love. My older son attended the 3-year-old program at St. Peter’s Nursery School this previous year and thrived.
When the opportunity to join the staff at St. Peter’s came up, I was thrilled to jump on board. I look forward to providing other families and children with the same welcoming and loving school experience that we had at St. Peter’s Nursery School.
Kristy Marsden
Assistant 2 Year Old Classes
Started at St. Peter's in 2020
My name is Kristy Marsden and I am assisting in the MW and TTH two year old program with Renee Gervasio. I have been a SAHM , raising my 4 children. I have been class parent for my sons elementary classes .
I began as a substitute assistant teacher here at St. Peter’s. What a wonderful environment filled with such incredible staff! I find working with children to be so rewarding.
I am so excited to be a part of this amazing school this year!
Jamie Larini
Teacher 3 Year Old Classes
Enrichment Assistant
Started at St. Peter's in 2018
My name is Jamie Larini. I am excited to be teaching the 3-year-old program. The Assistant Teacher on MWF will be Mrs. Candace Baldwin and on TTH will be Mrs. Christine Lublin.
My experience has been in childcare for over 28 years. I worked in Early Intervention as an Early Intervention Specialist for 13 years in Fairfield, Connecticut. I moved to New York in 2014. My children attended St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool for the 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s program. I loved St. Peter’s so much I decided to come work here. I have been a Teacher at St. Peter’s since 2018 working in both the 2’s and 3’s classes.
This is my fourth year teaching the 3-year old program.
Tara Prasert
Assistant 2 Year Old Classes
Enrichment Assistant
Before Care
Started at St. Peter's in 2022
My name is Tara Prasert and I am so excited to assist Mrs. Cajowski in both the MWF and TTH 2 year old class this coming year.
After working in the corporate world for over 20 years, I was so excited to have an opportunity as a Substitute Assistant Teacher and Camp Leader at St. Peter's. My children Lila and Noah are both St. Peter's alumni.
I am looking forward to meeting all the children and to all the fun activities.
Christine Lublin
Assistant 3 Year Old Classes
Started at St. Peter's in 2016
My name is Christine Lublin. I started working at St. Peter’s in 2016. I have been a stay-at-home mom and an active member of my children's school's PTA as well as a class mom for their classes.
I look forward to working with Ms. Larini (TTH) and Mrs. Jaffe (MWF) and getting to get to know all your children this coming school year.
Jessica Romanelli
Teacher 3 Year Old Class
Enrichment Teacher and Assistant
Started at St. Peter's in 2019
My name is Jessica Romanelli. I will teaching one of MWF and TTH 3 year old classes . I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Child Study from St. Joseph’s College and a Master’s degree in Reading from LIU. I have taught Pre-K for most of my career.
After I had my twin boys, in 2013, I decided to stay home and raise them. When my youngest son turned three, I knew I would enroll him at St. Peter’s as well. I always found St. Peter’s to be such a warm and welcoming place.
I am so excited to be a part of this school and look forward to a rewarding year with all of your children.
Vanessa Sesterak
Assistant 4 Year Old Class
Pre-K Enrichment Assistant
Started at St. Peter's in 2014
Hello. My name is Vanessa Sesterak. I have been an assistant in the Pre-K class with Mary Getfield for the past 4 years.
Before Pre-k, I led and assisted in a 3 year old class. I have my bachelor's degree in Education from Dowling College. I have always wanted to teach since I was a little girl.
After I had my son in 2010, I was a SAHM. When it was time, we enrolled my son in to the Mommy & Me program at St. Peter’s. He continued through Pre-k and I became lucky enough to start working in the most loving, warm place on earth. My whole career is based on education, but my most favorite job of all is at St. Peter's.
Looking forward to a great year!
Regina Mauceri
Music Enrichment Teacher
Started St. Peter's 2017
Hi, I’m Regina Mauceri. I’m a New York State licensed orchestral string teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience. I am looking for forward to working with your child this upcoming school year.