STAFF BIOS
Ms. Hanna is our Director of three years. She began her career at the Goddard School of Hazlet back in 2004 and quickly found that education was her passion. Over five years she continued her career in early elementary education through the Goddard Schools across NJ as well as Bright Horizons in NYC while studying at Fordham University. She joined the Long Branch School District in 2009 and delved into Special Education. Through 12 years, Ms. Hanna has devoted herself to the education, love, and development of all children. Joining the Little Waves family in 2021 and leading a center has been a dream. Finding joy, love, excitement, and promoting success in children and adults every day is a continuous aspiration that pushes her to continue her education. Ms. Hanna is also a wife and a mother of three beautiful children.
Ms. Linda is our Co Teacher in our Infant Room (ages 6 weeks-9 months). Ms. Linda has been with the Long Branch family since 2015. Ms. Linda is certified in BLS and CPR. Ms. Linda also has many certifications and trainings through the Child Care Resources Program in Monmouth County. Ms. Linda successfully received her CDA in Infant and Toddlers in May 2022. Ms. Linda is a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. She loves to teach and watch infants grow and learn. She finds her job incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Ms. Josefa is a co-teacher with Ms. Linda in the Infant room (ages 6 weeks-9 months). Ms. Josefa has been with Little Waves since 2015, beginning as a permanent sub, and then officially joining the Little Waves Family in September 2021. Ms. Josefa holds her BA in Early Elementary Education and an associates in Childcare. She is also certified in BLS and CPR. Ms. Josefa has raised 3 children of her own and proudly has 6 grandchildren whom she spends as much time with as possible.
Ms. Shana joined the Little Waves family in March 2022. She has years of experience in Early Childhood care as well as 24 years of experience with Autism. Her vast array of experience allows Shana to bring a different compassion and understanding to the Little Waves children. Ms. Shana is always eager to learn and willing to help. She has been the Toddler Teacher this past year but is looking forward to a new year as the First Steps teacher. Ms. Shana enjoys showing her creativity, charisma, differentiated teaching experience, and love for all young children. Ms. Shana is a proud parent of two Long Branch High School Graduates.
Ms. Hyiesha has been with the Little Waves family for two years. Beginning as the Infant teacher and then transitioning to the Get Set Teacher. This year she looks forward to working with Ms. Shana in the First Steps class. Ms. Hyiesha comes with over 30 years experience in childcare ranging from 6 weeks-6 years. She has worked with corporations such as The Learning Experience, Ft. Monmouth, and KinderCare. Ms. Hyiesha is also a mother to three children of her own.
Ms. Tina joined our Little Waves Family in September 2023 and quickly became a favorite of all the children. Her vigor to learn, her creativity, her authenticity, and her determination to be better has made her an asset to our program. Last year Ms. Tina was our First Steps teacher and this year she is excited to loop with her class and grow with them as their Toddler Teacher. Ms. Tina is a Long Branch High School Graduate and looks forward to many years with the Long Branch family. She is also a proud mother of a little girl.
Ms. Erin joined Little Waves in September 2023 with such a joy of life. She is truly a child at heart. Ms. Erin loves to get creative with the children and is known to bring in favorites such as her bubble machine and even a walking and talking cactus! Ms. Erin will also be looping with her class this year and joining them as their Toddler Teacher along with Ms. Tina. Ms. Erin is looking forward to an amazing year ahead. During her downtime, Ms. Erin is an exceptionally talented painter.
Ms. Juscelina (Ms. J as we affectionately call her), joined the Little Waves family in September 2023. This will be her second year as the Get Set teacher alongside Ms. Jessie. Ms. J holds a BA in Early Elementary Education in Brazil and 20 years experience as an early childhood educator. Ms. J is bilingual and loves to integrate Portuguese into our curriculum. Ms. J spent her summer working with the Long Branch Bilingual Department and adult education. Ms. J is also a proud mother of a little boy.