Our experienced staff is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of each child in the areas of religious, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development while providing a loving and safe environment.  Our goals are for each child to develop a lifetime love for learning and a positive, confident, self-image which will enable them to succeed in adulthood.

Mrs. Susan deBrigard, Director of Preschool Education and Ministry

Mrs. deBrigard is excited to be the Director of Preschool Education and Ministry at St. Catharine Preschool and Church. Early Childhood Education is not new to Susan as she brings with her over thirty-five years of experience in the field of advocating for children and families. Susan and her husband are both originally from NJ and are happy to return and be closer to their two children after living in Connecticut for three years. Susan holds an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree in early childhood Curriculum and Instruction and a NJ Director's Certification in Early Childhood Education. Prior to coming to St. Catharine's Preschool Susan was the Head of School for St. Matthew’s Preschool for three years and Director of Tower Hill School, a cooperative preschool in Red Bank, NJ, for sixteen years. Susan's career highlights include Senior Development Specialist for the Child Welfare League of America located in Washington, D.C. as part of the development and training team for the first competency-based curriculum for foster and adoptive parents, Director of Training for Foster and Adoptive Family Services, Court Appointed Special Advocate for children, Adjunct Professor, Preschool Classroom Teacher, and a Stephen Minister.

"It is an exciting time to be the Director of St. Catharine Preschool reopening the school and now entering into the school’s third year. The school’s developmental philosophy and Reggio Emilia inspired curriculum is an important foundation for success in academics, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of school.   It is a wonderful experience working with such a talented group of teachers in a faith-based Catholic preschool.”
 

Mrs. Debbie Neubauer

Mrs. Neubauer has spent the last 20 years working at St. Catharine Preschool. She can be seen in her classroom working as a co-teacher with the two-and-a-half-year-old class. The days are filled with prayer, song, joyful and fun activities, and lots of laughter. Debbie lives in Holmdel, NJ with her husband of 40 years and their two cats, Abigail, and Molly. They have one son who currently resides in California.

Mrs. Jennifer Incorvaia

Mrs. Incorvaia is the Pre-K co-teacher at St. Catharine Preschool. She has over ten years’ experience as a teacher.  Her goal as an educator is to guide students, watch them develop in their own way as they grow and become lifelong learners.  She has been married for twenty-two years and has two teenage boys.  She enjoys curling up with a good history book and loves a good cup of coffee.

Mrs. Rose Buffa

Mrs. Buffa has a background in special education, and she has worked in the Hazlet School District as a resource room teacher. She has two children. Her youngest attended St. Catharine Preschool. Her daughter’s experience was nurturing, and faith filled. For the past ten years she has been working at St. Catharine Preschool and the past two years has been a co-teacher in the pre-Kindergarten. Rose truly enjoys teaching our littlest learners.

Mrs. Lois Beccarelli

Mrs. Beccarelli started working with pre-school children when her own children were young. As a long-time member of the parish with two grandchildren attending St. Catharine’s Pre-School, she was excited when a position became available and she was invited to join the staff. Helping children become more independent in an environment where they have freedom to express their needs, while developing friendships have always been important to her. At St. Catharine’s, she is able to do that every day and the wonderful families and teachers in this community have been a blessing that adds joy to her life. 

Mrs. Audrey Krastins

Audrey Krastins has been a part of St. Catharine Preschool for many years and is actively involved in several parish ministries.  She is passionate about teaching children to develop key skills that will provide the basis to become successful learners while also building their faith. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, relaxing on our Jersey beaches and she always looks forward to family Sunday dinners with her husband, her four grown children and two grandchildren.

Ms. Bianca Toto

Ms. Toto is very excited to be teaching the three-year-old class at St. Catharine Preschool!  She graduated from Monmouth University and grew up in Manalapan, NJ.  She has planned many fun and exciting activities for the children.  She knows that for many parents, this will be their child’s first time in a school setting.  She promises to build a safe and secure learning environment for him/her!  She looks forward to meeting and working with you and your family in the coming school year!

Ms. Mary Verange

Ms. Verange, also known to the children as Ms. V. graduated from Georgian Court University in 2022. She did her undergraduate internship at The New School of Monmouth County. She has always had a strong connection with children as she says she has the soul of a kid. On a personal note, she is a huge music fan. Ask her about Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen and she will talk to you about it for hours!

Mrs. Leslie Marotta

Mrs. Marotta is honored to be a teacher in the 2-and-a-half-year-old class.  She has 10 years of experience in preschool classroom and her love of children is obvious. As an alumni parent she supports the warm and play based philosophy of St. Catharines preschool. Mrs. Marotta truly enjoys encouraging children’s natural curiosity to learn and express themselves. She is committed to creating a supportive and engaging environment Mrs. Marotta feels it's a privilege to watch your children grow and blossom throughout the year.
 
Mrs. Erica Colangelo

Mrs. Colangelo is one of the Pre-K teachers at St. Catharine Preschool and has over ten years of experience in elementary education. She is dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where young learners can thrive and discover their unique strengths. Mrs. Colangelo looks forward to spending the school days sharing exciting and rewarding activities with her students. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Colangelo enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog, Sammy.

Ms. Lori Reuter

Ms. Reuter is one of our new pre-school co-teachers, and will be working with the three-year-old classes at St. Catharine Preschool. She has over fourteen years of teaching experience ranging from High School to pre-school aged children. She also has her certification in special education, and elementary and preschool education.

Ms. Reuter believes children need fun, creativity and play to be engaged and active learners. Ms. Reuter has two children, Chase, 8th grade (13) and Abby 6th grade (11) who are both active with school and travel soccer. You can find Ms. Reuter at a soccer field with her Black Labrador Pepper.