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. Olivia Higgins, Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher/ Director of Pre-K Division
Mrs. Olivia Higgins has been in the field of education since 2006, including nearly ten years as Director of an Early Childhood school. She is thrilled for the opportunity to combine her love of teaching with her passion for faith by serving OLMC's lead pre-K teacher.
Mrs. Higgins earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Studies from Montclair State University, with a concentration in Early to Middle Childhood. She holds a New Jersey teaching certification for grades K-5 and a Montessori certification for ages 3-6.
The middle child of five in a strong Catholic family, Mrs. Higgins now strives not only to raise her own four children with the same devotion, but also to foster in her students a lifelong love of learning and a yearning to become the saints God is calling them to be. She feels very blessed that her service at OLMC allows her to grow in her own faith journey as well.
When Mrs. Higgins is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and relatives,
taking trips to the beach, and enjoying some rest and relaxation on her porch.
Mrs. Beena DeSouza, Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher
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.
Laurie Hain, Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Mrs Hain has been teaching for over 25 years, and most recently was a Pre-K teacher for 5 years. We are very happy to have her expertise and enthusiasm in our Pre-K classroom! Check back soon for more!
Ms. Jeannie Zachok, Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Jeannie Zachok, is dedicated to working with the children in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. She’s been a Catholic Summer Camp Counselor for many years and enjoys working with the youth of OLMC, fostering their faith and love of learning. Her creativity is one of her greatest strengths and you can usually find her writing or reading. Being hands-on is one of her main motifs, and Jeannie is always ready to get crafty with any of the students. Her love for imagination, her faith, and her high ideals are her tools to try and inspire those she comes in contact with. With God always at the center, she strives to help the children and community flourish by her example and assistance.
Sumbal Samson, Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Bio coming soon- Please check back!