Related Services and

PICS/PIRS/CPIS/ Social Worker

Preschool Instructional Coaches (PIC)

Kim Longfellow

My name is Kim Longfellow and the children like to call me Teacher

Kim. I started teaching in Washington Township 43 years ago. At GTECC I was a Teacher of the Preschool Disabled program for 21

years. This is my 5th year as the Preschool Instructional Coach of the

Washington Township Preschool Program. I have 4 children who all

went to school in Washington Township and now I have 6

grandchildren. Four of my grandchildren are students in our school district. Being a teacher in this school district and working with all the children is one of my greatest joys!

Nicole White

Hi, my name is Nicole White. I am a Preschool Instructional Coach in Washington Township. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, along with certification in Special Education. I also have a master’s degree in Teacher Leadership. Outside of work, I stay busy with my three children at home.

Meaghan Ross

Preschool Intervention Referral Specialist (PIRS) and School Counselor

Jena Driscoll

My teaching philosophy is that each child is a unique individual with varied abilities, interests, and needs. Preschool aged children learn best through play in a well organized, engaging environment. With over 20 years of special education experience, I am looking forward to bringing a unique perspective to my current role as a Preschool Intervention Referral Specialist.

Jon Gerwald

My philosophy for teaching is to make all children feel safe, valued, and loved. I believe in an enriching environment that provides a safe and loving climate for children to explore and learn.

Lauren Krupa

I have proudly served as the school counselor at Grenloch Terrace Early Childhood Center for the past 15 years, supporting our youngest learners as they grow, explore, and build the foundations for lifelong learning. The children know me as Ms. Lauren, and my goal is always to make sure they feel safe, understood, and excited to come to school each day.

In addition to my counseling role, I also serve as one of our PIRS (Preschool Intervention Specialists). In this role, I coach teachers on implementing the Pyramid Model, consult with outside experts, and provide strategies and interventions that promote young children’s social–emotional success in the classroom.

I am also a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) specializing in early childhood and play therapy. I am passionate about helping young children develop emotional skills, confidence, and healthy ways to express themselves. I’m grateful to work alongside our dedicated staff and families to create a warm, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Community and Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS)

Kristin Egan

My name is Kristin Egan, and I am the Community and Parent Specialist (CPIS). I have my B.A in Sociology and Elementary Education along with my M.A. in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. I began my career as a preschool teacher in private school and later becoming the Director. Next I came to Washington Township and started at Grenloch as the Special Education Resource Teacher which then lead me to begin teaching Kindergarten then Pre-Kindergarten. After teaching for 9 years, I moved into my current position as the CPIS. I absolutely love my job and the ability to connect with the kids, their families and the community.

I grew up here in Washington Township and I continue to raise our 3 sons here. I have a son at Rowan University, and a Senior and Freshman at Washington Township High School. Our lives revolve around sports, and I can always be found in the stands at WTHS for a football, soccer, lacrosse or baseball game. My family is my world.

Social Worker

Kelly Amato

Kelly Amato, LCSW, brings nearly 20 years of experience in the field of social work to her current role as the Social Worker for the Washington Township Preschool Program. Certified as a New Jersey School Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kelly has built her career around supporting mental health and overall well-being. She considers the opportunity to work daily with the district’s three- and four-year-olds a true blessing, finding great joy in facilitating early learning and development.

Originally from Blackwood, New Jersey, Kelly is a proud graduate of Rutgers University. When she is not working, Kelly enjoys staying active through exercise and hiking. She cherishes time spent with her spouse—a veteran Marine and state corrections officer—their three children (Nicolette, Collin, and Caelyn), and their beloved four pets.

Child Study Team

Julie Travis

School Social Worker

Becky Hansen

Speech Therapist

I am a Speech Language Pathologist and have been working at GTECC for 6 years. I have been a SLP for almost 20 years and previously worked with the birth-3 population through Early Intervention. I am the mother of 3 awesome kids, Teddy, Zach, and Caroline. In my free time I enjoy reading. I founded a book club and am a steward of a Little Free Library. I love my job because I get to be a small part of my student's communication journey. Witnessing a student communicate for the first time is the best feeling in the world!

Melody Laranjeira

Speech Therapist

I've been in education for over 16 years. I've worked as a substitute teacher, as a one to one assistant for a middle school student, and then as a speech pathologist for two school districts prior to starting at GTECC. My favorite thing about GTECC/ PreK is supporting the variety of our students, their learning, and learning how to communicate.

I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, traveling, learning new things and making soap!

Kathy Sexton

Speech Therapist

Stacie Lerro

Physical Therapist

Jill McGinley- Brett

Occupational Therapist

Jodie O'Brien

School Social Worker

Jessica Savage

School Psychologist

My name is Jessica Savage and I am a school psychologist on the Child Study Team. I earned a Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of South Florida. I worked as a school psychologist in Florida at the elementary and middle school levels before moving back to NJ. I began working in Washington Township at the elementary level in 2017. I joined the preschool team at the start of the 2022-23 school year. I truly enjoy working with preschool children and their families! I am the proud mother of two wonderful daughters.

Page updated

Report abuse