Pre-Kindergarten
“A good school provides a rounded education for the whole person. And a good Catholic school, over and above this, should help all its students to become saints.”
-Pope Benedict XVI
Mrs. Beena DeSouza, Pre-Kindergarten Director
Beena DeSouza was born in India to a devout Catholic family and immigrated to the United States as a young child. She holds a BA in English Literature & Writing and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction (Grades K-12). In addition, she is a certified Montessori specialist for ages 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12.
Mrs. DeSouza has more than three decades of teaching experience within preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary grades. She has also served as a consultant for Montessori-specific schools, helping them craft Montessori's distinctive student-led, self-paced approach within a nurturing environment.
Mrs. DeSouza is excited to share her passion for Montessori education with OLMC's littlest learners, particularly because her son is a student at the school.
Mrs. Judy Swetlitschnyj, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Judy Swetlitschnyj has enjoyed teaching and tending to young children since her own childhood, when she cared for her younger cousins. From there, she worked at an early education both in high school and while attending William Paterson University, where she majored in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. Mrs. Swetlitschnyj continued her work in early education while raising four children of her own.
She has also enjoyed sharing her faith as a first grade religious education teacher at her home parish of St. Ann’s Melkite Catholic Church (Woodland Park) for the past eight years.
Mrs. Swetlitschnyj is overjoyed to share both her faith and her love of learning with OLMC’s Kindergarten students, and is excited to be a part of such a God-loving community. Particularly inspired by the gentle methods of Fred Rogers, she often uses puppetry to engage and enchant her little learners.
During her free time, Mrs. Swetlitschnyj enjoys drawing, painting, sewing, and crafting, and has even dabbled in refinishing old furniture. Mostly, though, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her children, and her two grandchildren.
Mrs. Maria Vasquez, Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Bio coming soon- Please check back!
Mrs. Valerie Jimenez, Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Bio coming soon- Please check back!