Meet Our Staff

The Heart & Soul of Our School

Katie Macias

4-year-old Class Teacher

Mrs. Katie has been teaching at the Co-op since 2018. She has taught in the three's class and is now teaching our four's class in the Robin's Nest. Her experience teaching preschool began prior to her time at the Co-op, but this community stands out from others because of the wonderful family that forms here. Mrs. Katie loves how everyone works together to give the children play-centered, hands-on learning experiences that shape their growing minds. She strives to make each learner's school year full of imagination and fun!

Kim Relton

3-year-old Class Teacher

Mrs. Kim has been working at the Co-op for 8 years now, and she has been part of our community for 13 years as a parent. Her three children have all attended and graduated from the Co-op. Mrs. Kim happily teaches our three's class in the Duck Pond and sets out to make each day magical for each young learner in her class. She feels grateful to be a part of this school!

Lacey Trongone

2-year-old Class Teacher

Lacey is a mom of three who recently moved to Chester from Bergen county. She attended William Paterson University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. She has an extensive background in childcare and education working as both preschool teacher at KinderCare and a private nanny. Recently she has pursued her passion for photography by opening a photography studio in Chester focusing on children's and family photography. You can find her there on the weekend at Big Three Creations. We are so happy to include Lacey as part of our Co-op family and look forward to a wonderful school year ahead.

Wanda Connolly

2-year-old Class Teacher

Mrs. Connolly has been with the Co-op since 2000! First joining our community as a parent, she has said that she feels forever grateful to have found our school, but we are the lucky ones to have her here!

Mrs. Connolly devotes her time to our school's youngest learners in the Bunny Hole and creates a warm and loving experience for each of her students. Of her time at the Co-op, she is most proud that our school has remained true to its philosophy and goals, which is always with the children FIRST in mind.

Staci Christian

2-year-old Class Assistant

Mrs. Christian has worked at the Co-op for 9 years and loves helping in the two-year-old class. Her favorite thing about the Co-op is summed up in one word: friendship. A mom to two Co-op graduates, Mrs. Christian knows that this truly is a special place, where lifelong friendships are made; she is proud that this spirit remains alive at our little yellow school, year after year!

Faith Raughbaugh

Assistant Teacher

Miss Faith has been with the Co-op for two years. She previously assisted in another local preschool. Miss Faith is happy to be part of our little yellow school!

Giselle Vella

Assistant Teacher

This is Miss Giselle's second year at the Co-op, and she is honored and extremely excited to be part of the team! Miss Giselle lives in Mendham Township with her husband and son. She will be assisting in the Bunny Hole and looks forward to not only helping the children learn and grow, but also aims to develop meaningful relationships with the Co-op families and staff alike!

Katelyn Marini

Mendham Co-op Board President

Katelyn Marini is currently serving her first year as Board President. She and her husband live in Mendham with their three children. As an elementary school teacher, Katelyn knows firsthand the importance of building a solid home to school connection!

2024-2025
Board of Directors

President - Katelyn Marini
Vice President - Madie Caruso
Fundraising - Lauren Loughman
Social - Jessica Crawford & Hailey Matarazzo
Publicity - Brittany Webster
Maintenance - Yelena Aiwazian