Father Andy
I ordained as an Anglican Priest in November 2011 in South Africa, where he served in several parishes including as a youth pastor and leading student ministries. I have a Masters in Theology from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and worked on the Anglican Church of Southern Africa's Prayer Book Revision Project. My wife, Heather and I arrived in the United States in the Fall of 2016 for Heather to pursue her PhD Astrophysics at Princeton University. I was called to Trinity, Cranford soon afterwards and commenced ministry on Feb. 5, 2017. Our son Edward, was born in 2020 and loves attending TEDS. In my 'downtime' I love hiking, archery, swimming, skiing, and spending time outdoors with my family.
Ms. Nancy
Executive Director/RN
I have been with TEDSsince it opened in 2011. I was hired as the Andministrator/RN. Three years later I became the Director and in 2018 was promoted to Executive Director. Prior to coming to TEDS I worked as a registered nurse in Intensive Care for 22years. I am alongrime parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church. Born and raised in Cranford, I am married and have 4 wonderful sons and 10 grandchildren. I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy reading and spending time at our house in Pennsylvania.
Ms. Ely
Educational Director
I joined TEDS in October 2017 as the Kindergarten teacher for our K-Wrap program. I come wiht 27 plus years of early childhood education and 7 years of elementary education. I received my Associate's Degree in Education in 2014 and my Bachelor's Degree in Science/Psychology in 2016. I just received my Master's Degree in the masters of Art in Education/Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2025. And I will graduate wiht my Doctorate in 2028!!!! I am a proud mother of 3 beautiful children and 2 grandchildren. Education is my passion, while helping others to grow and understand how much education changes lives in a positive way! I am a published author, and plan on writing more books in the future.
Ms. Kim
Admin./Art Teacher
I joined TEDS in 2016 as a Floating Aide. Since then I have become part of the office staff and Arth teacher for the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working in the field for 24 years. I have experience working as a Para in the public school system and working with children on the Autism Spectrum. Aside from my love of working with children, I aslo love creating arts and crafts and I do it whenever I have spare time. My hobbies are hiking, crafting, traveling and spending time with my family. I am also an animal lover and dream about living on a farm. I am a proud mom of 4 amazing boys and have been happily married to my best friend for 22 years. My husband and I want to show our children everything this world has to offer. TEDS is a job I love coming to every day and I hope to be here for a long time.
Mr. Derek
Floating Aide/Aftercare Supervisor
I have been waorking with TEDS for 2 years now. I started as an Aftercare aide only but now I'm part of the day staff and bus aides. I enjoy working with children because being able to teach them about new things gives me a great feeling as I'm helping them to prepare for their future. I also enjoy working with my coworkers. To give a little info on myself, I enjoy things such as swimming, hiking, fishing, going to the movies, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and ice skating. I was alos recently accepted into Kean University where I will be studying Criminal Justice.
Ms. Diane
Teacher's Aid
I am Ms. Diane and I have worked in the 2.5 year old classroom for the last 8 years. I could never have children of my own so this job is a blessing. Before TEDS i worked for Pathmark for 43 years. Not only do I love children but I also love animals. My pets are my babies. Right now I have a dog named "Rosie". I attended ST Johns School and then Cranford High School. I also worked at Hillside Ave School with the Autistic children where I learned a lot. This enabled me to help my own nephew who is autistic. I am so glad I am at TEDS and I consider all my family. My goal in life is to be here and I am very happy.
Ms. Carter
K-Wrap Teacher
My name is Shamiya Carter. I am currently a Psychology mafor at Bloomfield College "Class of 2025". I have been with TEDS as an assistant teacher since 2022. I love working with chilren, seeing them learn and grow is amazing! My dream is to be a child behavioral therapist and eventually open up my own private practice. My hobbies include traveling, shopping, and enjoying time with the family and friends. I am the youngest of three and I have one nephew. I love music as well!
Ms. Beth
Kindergarten Teacher
I have an Associates Degree in Elementary and Secondary Education. I have worked in Special Education for ten years and have been teacher at TEDS for four years. There is nothing more satisfying than instilling a love of learning in a child. An avid reader, history buff, and crocheter, I love spending time with my children and family.
Ms. Spencer
Young 4's Teacher
I have been working at TEDS for a year. I love working with children because I enjoy watching them grow into themselves while teaching and working beside them. Some hobbies of mine are playing volleyball, cooking and coloring. I am currently a senior in college.
Mr. Branch
Gym Teacher
I joined TEDS in January of 2023. Before my journey at TEDS began, I studied Sports Management and Communications at Saint Peter's University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree and a minor in Math. Afterwards, I worked as a Program Monitor for the Newark Youth One Stop Center, helping coordinate young workers wiht new jobs whild they were in high school. After that I worked a sa Supervisor at the South Mountain YMCA in November of 2019 until I began here at TEDS. My hobbies include playing basketball, traveling to adventurous theme parks, listening to music, and reading fiction novels. I also enjoy spending quality time with those I love dearly.
Ms. Falak
Pre-K Teacher
I am Iqra Falak, a devoted mom of 3 with a heart full of love for learningand nurturing young minds. In my free time, I enjoy getting lost in the pages of a good book and tending to my garden, where I find peace and serenity. As a quick learner, I'm always looking for new ways to grow and develope. My true passion lies in teaching Pre-K students, where I get to spark curiosity, creativity, and joy in the next generation. With patience, enthusiasm, and a love for learning, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of my students and watch them thrive.
Ms. Jada
Pre-K 3 Teacher
I'm Jada and my passion revolves around children. I am soon going to be attending school at UCC to study in Psychology to be a therapist that specializes in children. I became a teaers aide to add more experience and improve myself with being around different children. Now I am a teacher.
Ms. Amna
Pre-K 3 teacher
Hi! My name is Amna Falak. I currently reside in Elizabeth but grewup in Pakistan. I have three wonderful children and a lovely cat named Bubbles. I love to read, dance and spend time with my family. I finished my studies in Pakistan and I am continuing my education at Kean University. I became a teacher as childrne are my passion. Making a difference in lives of others gives me a drive everyday. I am excited for what this school year has to bring.
Ms. A
Pre-K 4 Teacher
Hello, my name is Ms. A. I'm new to TEDS but I have worked with children for 5 ears. I went to Malcolm X Shabazz High School and attended Essex County College. I really enjoy shaping and moslding young minds. I love to cook, listen to music and spend quality time with my family. I'm really looking forward to helping our kids become their best.
Ms. Hall
Mr. Poole
Teacher's Aide
Pre-K 4 Teacher
Hello TEDS families, I am Ms. Hall. I am from Orange NJ and my passion and love for teaching children has been ongoing for 4 years now and I cannot wait to continue to help every child around me grow.
Mr. B
Teacher's Aide
My name is Yasir Baptiste and I am a teacher's aide at TEDS. I graduated from High School in 2020 and attended Delaware State University from 2020-2021. I am now looking to go back to school and get my bachelor's degree. In enjoy working with children because they are filled with joy and positive energy. They also lift you up on days you may feel down and they can definitely teach you a thing or too.
Mr. Jeffrey
Teacher's Aide
Hi, my name is Mr. Jeffrey and I am a teacher's aide at TEDS. I started working at TEDS a few years ago in aftercare but took a break when I started college. Now I have been back as an aide for 2 years now. I am currently a senior at Montclair State Unveristy studdying accounting. On my free time, I enjoy spending time wiht my friends and family, cooking and watching movies.


