Rachel Patterson
Ms. Patterson has been an integral part of the Glen Ridge Public Schools for the past ten years, teaching both first and second grade. She currently teaches first grade at Central School and is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in her young students. She holds her Masters degree in Literacy and is an Orton Gillingham certified instructor. Ms. Patterson is dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging environment where all students thrive.
Stephanie Appleby
Mrs. Appleby has been a dedicated member of the Glen Ridge School District since 2012, with more than a decade of experience teaching Kindergarten. Holding a Master’s degree in education, she is passionate about inspiring a love of learning in her students. Over the years, Mrs. Appleby has had the privilege of working in all three lower elementary schools, and she is currently teaching at Central School. Stephanie is deeply invested in the Glen Ridge community and finds daily inspiration in the children she teaches.
Lisa Petruzzi
Mrs. Petruzzi is a dedicated educator with over 24 years of experience in the Glen Ridge Public School District. Throughout her career, she has taught a range of grades, from second and first grade to kindergarten. However, her true passion lies in her current role as the preschool teacher at Forest Avenue School, where she nurtures a love of learning in her students through exploration and play-based learning. Mrs. Petruzzi is also a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher, deeply committed to laying the essential building blocks for reading and writing in the early childhood years. She is thrilled to be part of the amazing team of Glen Ridge educators, and is eager to continue sharing the joy of learning with students throughout the summer. She looks forward to seeing you at Camp Discovery!
Cassandra Gibbons
Mrs. Gibbons has been teaching second grade at Linden Avenue School for five years. She is a passionate and devoted teacher, who nurtures creativity while ensuring that her students feel safe and engaged. By creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment, she not only helps her students reach their full potential but also inspires a love of learning that can last a lifetime.
Abby Lapone
Ms. Lapone has been part of the Glen Ridge community for the last five years teaching both Kindergarten and First Grade. She currently teaches first grade at Forest Avenue School where her young learners feel safe, valued, and excited. Ms. Lapone is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Literacy Instruction. She is excited to be a part of your child's experience at Camp Discovery!
MaryClare Bacha
Ms. Bacha is excited to be part of the Camp Discovery team! A newer member of the Glen Ridge community, she brings experience teaching both 1st and 2nd grade at Forest Avenue School. Ms. Bacha is passionate about creating joyful, engaging learning experiences for children and is dedicated to helping every child grow. She’s looking forward to a fun-filled summer and can’t wait to help make lasting camp memories this year!
Grace DePalma
Ms. DePalma is a special education teacher here in the Glen Ridge community and is heading into her 3rd year at Linden Avenue School, where she has the pleasure of teaching grades Kindergarten, First, and Second! Ms. DePalma is fun, devoted, and passionate about helping all children discover their strengths and talents. She believes learning should be engaging and joyful, and loves creating a supportive environment where each child can thrive.
Katie Brody
Ms. Brody has eight years of teaching experience and previously worked at Ridgewood Avenue School before recently joining Central School in Glen Ridge. She currently teaches special education and holds dual master’s degrees in general and special education. She is also Orton-Gillingham certified and has taught a wide range of grade levels, from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Ms. Brody is passionate about her work and deeply committed to supporting the success of all students.
Lisa Walter
Mrs. Walter has been a teacher in Glen Ridge for 40 years. She spent the first half of her career as a first grade teacher at Linden and Forest Avenue Schools and is currently a reading specialist at Forest Avenue and Central Schools. Mrs. Walter has a master's degree in reading and is certified as a reading specialist. She is also Orton Gillingham certified. Mrs. Walter loves supporting children as they learn to read. She is passionate about promoting family read aloud time. Among her favorite books to read aloud are Charlotte's Web and the Mercy Watson series.