Hi, I'm Jezenia Mendez-Gardener. Teaching art has been my dream since I was a little girl. Joining the Saint James family is like a dream come true for me. I received my BA in Art in May 2005 from Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ. I am a fully certified teacher in the state of New Jersey with years of experience teaching visual arts to individuals of all ages.

As an art teacher, I aim to create a classroom environment where my students are encouraged to grow artistically, academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. I genuinely believe that every child is an artist. Children are God's greatest masterpiece, and I am dedicated to giving them the high-quality, NJ standards-aligned instruction they deserve to grow, develop, and unleash their inner creativity.

In addition to being a teacher, I am the proud owner of Dibble and Dabble Creativity Center in Carteret, NJ. My desire to create a space and place where individuals, families, and diverse community groups could gather inspired me to open the doors of Dibble and Dabble in October 2014. It was an act of faith that God honored and blessed.

My basketball coach husband, dancer daughter, and basketball player son keep me very busy at home and in my spare time. I love to travel and spend quality time with my family and friends.