Staff

Our Director:

Kelly Steinberg

I first learned about the Manahawkin Methodist Preschool from my mothers group where I served as the membership vice-president.  I was looking for a caring and quality preschool for my son who was 3 at the time.  The Manahawkin Methodist Preschool came highly recommended from many members of my mothers group.  After sending my son here, I understood why so many Moms and Dads felt so strong about the incredible program offered here.  That being said, when an opportunity to teach became available, I jumped at the chance to become a part of the school. This past year I was head teacher for one of the Pre-K classes, prior to that I taught in the 3 year old room for 2 years.  I have also substituted in the beginner room. As I take on this new opportunity I feel these experiences, coupled with my enthusiasm for the school will enable me to contribute to the growth and success of the program.  Prior to becoming a stay at home mom, I was the World Language teacher at the McKinley Avenue School in Stafford Township.  I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle University in Philadelphia in Spanish and International Business.  I have also completed several education courses at Richard Stockton State College and completed the Alternate Route Teaching Program through the State of New Jersey.
My goal is to ensure that the quality program that has been established continues as well as hope to bring some new and creative ideas to inspire both students and staff.

PreK Teachers

Lisa Mower:

I began working as a teacher’s assistant in a Pre-K class in 1988. I continued to work in the summer camp program throughout college and during my years as librarian at St. Catherine’s School in Spring Lake. After only a few years, I left St. Catherine’s to go back to the preschool as Pre-K teacher. My degree is in Library Science but my heart is in the preschool. I came to Manahawkin Methodist in 2008 after 3 years at home with my daughter.

Jessica Selert

I graduated from Kean University with a BA in Psychology.  After graduation I worked in a group home with troubled children and then moved on to teaching preschool for autistic children.  I finally found my niche in life.  After being a stay at home Mom I decided to go back to teaching.  The first and only place I looked was Manahawkin Methodist Preschool.  My family had a great experience with this preschool, so I felt that I should give back.
My goal is to have your children experience new things in a fun way while preparing them for Kindergarten.  For every letter that is introduced, your child brings in an item beginning with that letter for show & tell.  We also do journals, letter books, arts & crafts and sometimes we even come to school in our pajamas!  We sing, dance, play outside, read stories and have special guests.  During the holidays we always give great projects to mom and dad.  Your child will have the chance to learn some computer skills while playing an educational game.  Science lessons are also a part of our curriculum. We will make ice cream three different ways, lava lamps and plant vegetables and flowers in our garden.  At the end our our day we eat lunch and talk about our favorite thing for that day.  And most days my favorite thing is seeing all the smiles from my class.

Preschool Teachers

Letitia Kolbman

This is my 12th year working here at the Preschool.  I started in the Beginner room when the school was small and only had two classrooms.  As our school grew I moved up to the Preschooler Class.  I have been in this class for 9 years.  I have a degree in Business and a Certificate in Food Service Management, along with many courses in Childcare Education.  When asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?  My answer was always “A Teacher”.  So after many years working in the Hospitality Industry I finally fulfilled my dream here at the Preschool.
I love this age when the children are growing and ready for exploring and learning new things about their world and themselves.  They are so curious and asking a lot of questions.  And we strive to answer these questions.  They are making new friends and learning how to cooperate together.  In this class they are getting ready for the big step into PreK.    Here is where they learn the skills needed to build a solid foundation for their future education.

Lauren Jones

I have a BA in Early Education from Dowling College in Oakdale, NY.  After graduation, my first position was Assistant Director at a preschool/daycare center.  From there I went on to teach 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades at the Saint Mary Star of the Sea School in Brooklyn, NY for twelve years.
We moved to NJ in 2009 and I became a stay at home mom.  During this time, my oldest
daughter attended the Pre K program at MMP. Our family enjoyed our experience at MMP, so when a position became available I jumped at the opportunity to join the team.
I love teaching in the Preschool classroom. It is truly amazing to see how much the children learn and grow in such a short period of time.

 

Beginner Teacher

Michelle Dahlberg

I have lived in Manahawkin for 17years, with my husband, two children and our dog. I graduated from Kutztown University, PA. with a BS in Psychology. After working for more than five years, I decided to become a stay at home mom. When my children started in school, I became a trained volunteer in the local school system. I went in the classroom to help the teacher with the school’s writing and reading programs. I also became the Room mom, a PTA volunteer, and a Girls Scout Leader too. These activities lead me to find the most rewarding job, which is working with children. When my son was three, he began preschool right here at the Manahawkin Methodist Preschool. While he was enjoying his preschool time, I began substituting for our school. After substituting, I was very thrilled to become the teacher’s aide in the three-year-old room and then the teacher in the Beginner Program

 

Music/Enrichment Teacher

Ellie Lomauro

Site being updated come back soon for more details.