Faculty and Staff
Administration
Mrs. Sara Siano Biography
Teaching since 2017
Teaching at SSPJ since 2018
Qualifications/Certifications
From Monmouth University:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Specialization in Graphic Design/Computer Graphics
- Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Concentration in Photography
- Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with a focus in Art, History and Art History
- Master of Education
- Master of Science in Education Principal/Supervisor
Administrative Certification
- State of New Jersey Supervisor Standard Certificate
- State of New Jersey Principal Certificate (CE/Provisional)
State of New Jersey Standard Teaching Certificate:
- Preschool through Grade 3
- Elementary School Teacher Grades K-6
- Teacher of Art (P-12)
- Teacher of Supplemental Instruction in Reading and Mathematics Grades K-8
What I Love About Teaching
I am truly blessed to be able to serve on the administration of Saints Philip & James School. At our Catholic school we fill our days with exciting learning opportunities. Students develop confidence and build all necessary academic skills, in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment. I am blessed to be able to guide them as they explore, discover and build a foundation for a lifetime love of learning. It's great to be a Saint!
Mrs. Arrianna Scarponi Biography
Teaching since 2010
Teaching at SSPJ since 2014
Qualifications/Certifications
- B.S. in Elementary Education from Cedar Crest College
- Masters in Curriculum Instruction from Concordia University
- Trained in Lindamood-Bell approach to reading and spelling ("Seeing Stars" program)
What I Love About Teaching
Everyday is a blessing watching the students gain confidence as they work their way through academic hurdles, gaining knowledge and strategies to become life long learners.
Mrs. Eileen Dean Biography
Teaching since 1994
Teaching at SSPJ since 2007
Qualifications/Certifications
- B.A. in Education (K-8) from College of Staten Island. B.A. in Communications from Seton Hall University
What I Love About Teaching
There are many reasons I love being a teacher. First, there is the feeling of accomplishment seeing students grow in knowledge, confidence, and social skills. I enjoy the collaboration with my peers and the creativity of teaching lessons. I “teach to reach” students by supporting, preparing, nurturing and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
Faculty
Mrs. Loren Hunsicker Biography
Teaching since: 1988
Teaching at SSPJ since: 2024
Qualifications/Certifications
- Dual Certification in Elementary and Special Education from Kutztown University, PA
- Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College, MI
- NJ Certification: Prk-8 Elementary Education
- Prk-12 Special Education
What I Love About Teaching
As a mother of 3, I realize the important role a teacher has in the development of a child and I hope to really make a difference! I hope to instill a spark of curiosity and a love for learning in each and every child I teach! I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to teach Preschool here at SSPJ, and I am excited to see how much my students will grow emotionally, socially, intellectually and spiritually this year.
Miss Shannon Lynch Biography
Teaching at SSPJ since 2022
Qualifications/Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) from Cedar Crest College
What I Love About Teaching
The thing I love the most about teaching is my students. I love interacting with them, watching them grow, and learning from them.
Mrs. Amy Carrig Biography
Teaching since 2007
Teaching at SSPJ since 2022
Qualifications/Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising, Indiana University of PA
- Masters in Education in Elementary Education, Cedar Crest College
NJ Certification:
- K-6 Elementary Education
What I Love About Teaching
I love inspiring students to love learning and become lifelong learners. I am truly blessed to be teaching first grade here at SSPJ and I am excited to see how much my students will grow in faith and academics this year.
Mrs. Christine Laquintano Biography
Teaching since 2000
Teaching at SSPJ since 2020
Qualifications/Certifications
- B.S. Elementary Education/Early Childhood - Cabrini University
- M.E.D. Elementary Education- Cabrini University
- Certified in the states of Pennsylvania & New Jersey & Wisconsin
What I Love About Teaching
There are many reasons why I love to teach. I think the 2 most important reasons why I love being a teacher are that I can positively influence a child’s way of thinking or doing and that I can make a difference for the ones that I do teach.
Mrs. Elizabeth Raab Biography
Teaching since 2012
Teaching at SSPJ since 2022
Qualifications/Certifications
- BA Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University
- Master's Degree in 21st Century Learning in progress through LaSalle University
- Maryland Educator Certificates: Early Childhood Education Pre-K-2 and Elementary Education 1-6 (2013)
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate K-6 (2016)
What I Love About Teaching
I love being able to share my love of learning with my students. We are all life long learners, learning something new each day. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to watch students learn and grow each day!
Ms. Shawne O’Connell Biography
Teaching since 2007
Private School & Curriculum Administration: 5 years
Teaching at Saints Philip & James School since 2021
Qualifications/Certifications
- BA Elementary Education from DeSales University
- Elementary Education Certification grades K-6
- Private School Administration Certification
What I love about Teaching
Teaching brings me pure joy because it provides the opportunity to inspire hope, ignite imaginations, and instill a love of learning that will last a lifetime. As an educator it is my duty to create an environment which is supportive, safe, and engaging, while allowing children to grow as students, citizens, and human beings. I feel blessed to be a part of a school community that shares the same goals and values as I do.
Mrs. Arrianna Scarponi Biography
Teaching since 2010
Teaching at SSPJ since 2014
Qualifications/Certifications
- B.S. in Elementary Education from Cedar Crest College
- Masters in Curriculum Instruction from Concordia University
- Trained in Lindamood-Bell approach to reading and spelling ("Seeing Stars" program)
What I Love About Teaching
Everyday is a blessing watching the students gain confidence as they work their way through academic hurdles, gaining knowledge and strategies to become life long learners.
Ms. Summer Centeno Biography
Teaching since 2025
Teaching at SSPJ since 2025
Qualifications/Certifications
Bachelor in Education, Arcadia University
What I Love About Teaching
What I love about teaching is the opportunity to guide students through their journey of growth and discovery. There’s nothing more powerful than seeing them connect ideas and ignite their curiosity. I’m passionate about fostering critical thinking and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
Mrs. Eileen Dean Biography
Teaching since 1994
Teaching at SSPJ since 2007
Qualifications/Certifications
- B.A. in Education (K-8) from College of Staten Island. B.A. in Communications from Seton Hall University
What I Love About Teaching
There are many reasons I love being a teacher. First, there is the feeling of accomplishment seeing students grow in knowledge, confidence, and social skills. I enjoy the collaboration with my peers and the creativity of teaching lessons. I “teach to reach” students by supporting, preparing, nurturing and encouraging them to be the best they can be.
Mr. Christopher Shick Biography
Teaching since 2009
Teaching at SSPJ since 2022
Qualifications/Certifications
- B.A.- History, with Political Science minor, East Stroudsburg University
- NJ Teacher of Social Studies Certification
What I Love About Teaching
I have spent 6 years teaching high school Social Studies and 13 years working in educational settings as a teacher, substitute and coach. Seeing the expressions on the faces of the students during the moments that they begin to truly understand the topics at hand is what makes teaching so satisfying.
Mrs. Dianna Partin Biography
Teaching since 2009
Teaching at SSPJ since 2024
Qualifications/Certifications
- B.A. in Middle Grades Education, Specializing in Mathematics from Saint Leo University, FL
- FL Dept. of Education Math 5-12 Educators Certificate (Issued in 2012)
- NJ Substitute Certification (In Progress)
What I Love About Teaching
I love helping students realize their potential and ability in the world of Mathematics! To watch a student who doubts their ability to do middle grade concepts change that perspective of themselves is just priceless! I also love helping students find their love for learning and the desire to become lifelong learners.
Mrs. Maria Perna Biography
Teaching since 1999
Teaching at SSPJ since 2023
Qualifications/ Certifications
- BA in Education (K-8) from East Stroudsburg University
- Master’s Degree in Reading from East Stroudsburg University
- NJ Standard Teaching Certificate Middle School ELA/Reading Teacher
What I Love About Teaching
I love connecting with students and sharing my love of reading and writing with them. It gives me great joy when I use the techniques I have learned over the years and see student’s eyes light up with excitement. I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues and creating meaningful lessons that will keep students engaged in their learning. I am supportive and strive to show my students they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Ms. Lorraine Veal Biography
Teaching since 1985
Teaching at SSPJ 1985-2020; 2023 - current
Qualifications/Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and Studio Art - Art Teacher Education from William Paterson University, Wayne, N.J.
- NJ Standard Teaching Certificate Teacher of Art PK-12
What I Love About Teaching
I work hard to be a positive influence in the lives of my students and I have a serious commitment to be the best teacher for each group of students I have the opportunity to teach. I am always creating new and interesting projects to motivate learning and to stimulate artistic growth.
Ms. Jacqueline Ballarin Biography
Teaching since 2000
Teaching at SSPJ since 2024
Qualifications/Certifications
- Bachelor of Music from Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University, Philadelphia and Rome Campuses
- Master of Music from Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University/Graduate Teaching Assistant
- State of New Jersey Substitute Teaching Certificate
Musical ministries have spanned from: St. Anthony’s of Padua, St. Timothy’s in Philadelphia, Roman Catholic Church of St. Monica, and St. Patrick’s Basilica in NYC.
What I Love About Teaching
I am very excited to join the faculty and family community spirit built at SSPJ! I hope to bring the joy of music led by by my passion for teaching and joined in faith to inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning to each student I am blessed to work with with this coming year.
Mr. Jake Merrick
Middle School Business Marketing, S.T.R.E.A.M. Grades 5 - 8, Phys Ed / Health Grades Kindergarten - 5
READ BIOMr. Jake Merrick Biography
Teaching since 2025
Teaching at SSPJ since 2025
Qualifications/Certifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Centenary University
- State of New Jersey CE/PTP: Comprehensive Business
What I Love About Teaching
I enjoy inspiring students and helping them reach their goals academically each and every day. I am very excited to be starting my first year here at SSPJ and watching my students grow throughout the year!
Mrs. Maria Castro Biography
Teaching since 2023
Teaching at SSPJ since 2025
Qualifications/Certification
- Associate in Science from Union County College at Cranford New Jersey
- State of New Jersey Substitute Teaching Certification
What I Love About Teaching
I am blessed to be part of the SSPJ family and I am passionate about sharing the richness of the Spanish language, culture, and faith. I believe in active learning and bringing students closer to God, awakening their passion for learning Spanish, and establishing a sense of community from God's perspective.
Ms. Zulymar Nieves Biography
Teaching since 2025
Teaching at SSPJ since 2025
Qualifications/Certifications
- Associate of Arts in Social Science Warren County Community College
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Montclair State University
- Master of Information in Library Science from Pennsylvania Wesleyan University (In Progress)
State of New Jersey Substitute Teaching Certificate
What I Love About Teaching
Being able to teach others is truly a blessing. I love being able to connect with students to help them bloom and grow as they learn. I’m excited to join the school family at SSPJ and share my passion for reading!