Our Administrative Staff

Candace Baldwin

Assistant 3 Year Old Classes

Enrichment Assistant

Started at St. Peter's in 2021

My name is Candace Baldwin. I started working at St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool in 2021 while my daughter attended the St. Peter’s preschool program. She graduated PRE-K in 2024. I am a mother, wife and I have served in the United States Navy.

This year, I will be working with Ms. Larini.  I cannot wait to meet your child this coming school year.

Christa Cajowski

Leader 2 Year Old Classes

Enrichment Leader

Before Care

Social Media Specialist

Summer Program Coordinator

Started at St. Peter's in 2019

My name is Christa Cajowski. I am delighted to lead the MWF and TTH 2-Year-Old class alongside Mrs. Prasert. I have been working with the 2-year-olds for the past seven years, both as an assistant and a lead teacher. This will be Mrs. Prasert’s and my fourth year collaborating. We have known each other since high school.

As the playgroup leader, I am passionate about designing play-based, hands-on learning experiences that foster children’s development and growth. I recognize the unique needs and personalities of each child, and I am adaptable to the varying dynamics of each day. I believe that my compassion, adaptability, and the support of Mrs. Prasert will ensure the children’s success and enjoyment.

I am grateful for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate meeting you and your child this upcoming school year. I am confident that our class will have an exceptional year.

Alysse Crescenzo

Assistant -  3 Year Old Class

Enrichment Assistant

Started at St. Peter's 2024

Hi, I’m Alysse Creczenzo! This year I am looking forward to being an Assistant Teacher in the MWF 3 year old class working with Mrs. Martin and Ms. Geoghan.

I started my career many years ago as a licensed Cosmetologist. But like many mom’s, priorities shifted and I wanted to be available to our children and as a result became a stay-at-home mom raising our three girls.

As my eldest daughter started school, I began volunteering as Class mom. I have continued this over the past 9 years for all three of my children’s teachers. I also volunteer as Band mom for my children’s after school band sessions overseeing the children as they cycle through their instrument training.

In the 2023-2024 school year, I started working as a substitute assistant teacher. This was a great opportunity to work a few days a week and get to know the children. When the opportunity was presented to join St. Peter’s team and I couldn’t have been happier to say yes!

I am so exited to be part of the St. Peter’s family and look forward to an enriching and exciting 2026-2027 school year.

Peggy Geoghan

Assistant 3 Year Old Class

Enrichment Leader

Started at St. Peter's in 2020

Hi, My name is Margaret (Peggy) Geoghan. I will be working with Mrs. Samantha Martin and Alysse Crescenzo on MWF in the 3 year old class. I will also lead the Wednesday American Sign Language Enrichment class. I have 2 grown sons.

While taking care of my friends children, Peter and Anna, both of whom attended St. Peter's, I immediately recognized that this was a special place for children to thrive in and learn. Once Anna entered kindergarten, I was looking for something to do with my days while she was in school. The opportunity to join the caring and loving staff was presented to me, and I jumped at the chance! What a unique experience to be on both sides, as a caregiver and now a teacher's assistant.

Mary Getfield

Teacher 4 Year Old Class

Assistant Mixed Ages

Started at St. Peter's 2014

My name is Mary Getfield, and I am a Pre-K teacher on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I also assist in the mixed-age class on Tuesdays and Thursdays this year. I have been teaching at St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool since 2014. I currently hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Cortland State College and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Dowling College.

After teaching in the Harborfields and Lindenhurst School Districts, I chose to stay home to raise my two children. When my children were of school age, I realized that teaching was my true passion and where I wanted to be. I am inspired by their constant eagerness to learn and their ability to thrive in the environment provided for them at St. Peter’s.

I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to teach these remarkable children and be a part of such a wonderful program and staff.

Renee Gervasio

Leader 2 Year Old Classes

Treasurer

Started at St. Peter's 2003-2007 & 2021

My name is Renee Gervasio. I began my journey as a mom at St. Peter’s when my 3 boys attended school here.

Shortly after they began school, I started to sub as an assistant in 2, 3 &4’s. I worked as an Assistant in the 2’s & the Leader of Mommy & Me from 2002-2007. I returned in 2021 as Leader of M/W & T/TH 2’s and the school Treasurer. St. Peter’s is such a welcoming place. I am proud to be a part of.

I enjoy being a part of helping your babies grow. Mrs. Marsden & I have such a great time teaching the children how to share, follow directions, play together etc. They start in September as small babies & leave in June as Little People with fabulous personalities, who have learned so much.

 I look forward to another wonderful year working closely with all staff & helping your babies grow.

Jennifer Jaffe

Teacher 3 Year Old Classes

Started at St. Peter's in 2024

My name is Jennifer Jaffe and I am so excited to be part of the St. Peter’s Nursery School staff. This upcoming school year I will be leading the MWF and TTH 3-year-old class. I currently hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University at Albany and a double Master’s degree in General Education and Special Education from Queens College. I started my career in education at The Genesis School, working with children with autism. 

In 2016 I began working for the NYC Department of Education. After having my second son, I knew that I wanted to find a teaching opportunity closer to home in order to spend more time with my family, while still doing the job that I love. My older son attended the 3-year-old program at St. Peter’s Nursery School  and thrived. 

When the opportunity to join the staff at St. Peter’s came up, I was thrilled to jump on board. I look forward to providing other families and children with the same welcoming and loving school experience that we had at St. Peter’s Nursery School.

Jamie Larini

Teacher 3 Year Old Classes

Enrichment Teacher

Started at St. Peter's in 2018

My name is Jamie Larini. I am excited to be teaching the 3-year-old program. My Assistant Teacher will be Mrs. Candace Baldwin.

My experience has been in childcare for over 28 years. I worked in Early Intervention as an Early Intervention Specialist for 13 years in Fairfield, Connecticut. I moved to New York in 2014. My children attended St. Peter’s Nursery Preschool for the 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s program. I loved St. Peter’s so much I decided to come work here. I have been a Teacher at St. Peter’s since 2018 working in both the 2’s and 3’s classes.

This is my eighth year teaching the 3-year old program.

Kristy Marsden

Assistant 2 Year Old Classes

Enrichment Assistant

Started at St. Peter's in 2020

My name is Kristy Marsden and I am assisting in the MW and TTH two year old program with Renee Gervasio. I have been a SAHM, raising my 4 children. I have been class parent for my sons elementary classes .

I began as a substitute assistant teacher here at St. Peter’s. What a wonderful environment filled with such incredible staff! I find working with children to be so rewarding.

I am so excited to  be a part of this amazing school this year!

Samantha Martin

Teacher 3 Year Old Class

Started at St. Peter's in 2026

My name is Samantha Martin and this is my first year at St. Peter’s. I will be teaching the MWF 3 year old program along with Mrs. Crescenzo and Ms. Geoghan. 

I have been a teacher for 11 years and have always loved working with children. As a mom of two young children, I wanted the opportunity to spend more time with my family while continuing to do what I love. When the chance to join St Peter’s came along, I was beyond thrilled. I am so excited to meet your children, build meaningful relationships, and create a fun, nurturing classroom where they can learn and grow. I know we’re going to have a wonderful year together!

Tara Prasert

Assistant 2 Year Old Classes

Enrichment Assistant

Before Care

Started at St. Peter's in 2022

My name is Tara Prasert and I am so excited to assist Ms. Cajowski in both the MWF and TTH 2 year old class this coming year. 

After working in the corporate world for over 20 years, I was so excited to have an opportunity as a Substitute Assistant Teacher and Camp Leader at St. Peter's. My children Lila and Noah are both St. Peter's alumni.

I am looking forward to meeting all the children and to all the fun activities.

Kathy Rapp

Substitute Teacher

Started at St. Peter's in 2025

My name is Kathy Rapp and I have a long-standing connection to St. Peter’s Nursery School, with all 4 of my children and later my 4 grandchildren attending the school.

Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the nurturing and joyful environment it offers. After spending a couple of years as a substitute teacher, I’m excited to join the team as an assistant teacher.

I will be working as a permanent substitute teacher this year and couldn’t be happier. I’m passionate about supporting young children as they grow, explore and discover in their earliest years of learning.

We look forward to working with you and your children to make their experience a happy and successful one.

Vanessa Sesterak

Assistant 4 Year Old Class

Teacher - Mixed Age

Enrichment Leader

Started at St. Peter's in  2014

My name is Vanessa Sesterak. This year, I will be assisting in the Pre-K class with Mary Getfield on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and teaching the mixed-age group on Tuesday and Thursdays. Additionally, I will be leading the Music and Movement Enrichment class on Fridays.

Prior to Pre-K, I led and assisted in a three-year-old class. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Education from Dowling College. I have always aspired to be an educator since childhood.

After having my son in 2010, I became a stay-at-home mother. When he was ready, we enrolled him in the Mommy & Me program at St. Peter’s. He continued through Pre-K, and I was fortunate enough to begin working at the most nurturing and supportive environment. My entire career has been dedicated to education, but my most fulfilling role is at St. Peter’s.

I eagerly anticipate a successful year ahead.