Meet The Team

Meet Ms. Courtney

Ms. Courtney serves as the Director of The Mustard Seed Preschool and has more than 10 years of experience working in education. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University as well as a Certificate in Youth and Theology from Princeton Seminary, and she is CPR certified. Since joining MSP in 2022, Ms. Courtney has loved being part of the growth and development of the school and its students. She is passionate about creating a preschool environment where children and families feel welcomed, supported, and cared for. Outside of school, Ms. Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She considers it a privilege to be part of the Mustard Seed family and is committed to always doing what is best for each child and family.

Meet Ms. Gwen

Ms. Gwen serves as our Preschool Support Specialist and brings decades of experience in education, having worked with children since the mid-1970s. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and studied vocal performance at the Debalta Vocal Conservatory. Ms. Gwen loves the purity and innocence of young children and the unique perspective they bring to the world. She is a proud mom of two grown daughters and a grandmother to a young granddaughter. Music has always been a major part of her life—she has sung with the Jersey Shore Chorale, with opera companies, and in concerts. Her love of music, education, and children makes her a wonderful resource and familiar, caring presence throughout MSP.

Meet Ms. Gwen

Ms. Gwen serves as our Preschool Support Specialist and brings decades of experience in education, having worked with children since the mid-1970s. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and studied vocal performance at the Debalta Vocal Conservatory. Ms. Gwen loves the purity and innocence of young children and the unique perspective they bring to the world. She is a proud mom of two grown daughters and a grandmother to a young granddaughter. Music has always been a major part of her life—she has sung with the Jersey Shore Chorale, with opera companies, and in concerts. Her love of music, education, and children makes her a wonderful resource and familiar, caring presence throughout MSP.

Meet Ms. Melissa

Ms. Melissa is a Lead Teacher in our 2-year-old classroom and has nine years of teaching experience, including two years at Mustard Seed Preschool. She loves watching children grow throughout the school year, discover new things, and make new friends along the way. As a mom of two children and grandmother to one, she understands the joy that comes with watching little ones learn and develop. Ms. Melissa enjoys reading and listening to music when she isn't at school, and she brings that same love of fun and energy into the classroom. Whether she's leading a dance party or helping children explore something new, Ms. Melissa loves creating memorable experiences for her students.

Meet Ms. Melissa

Ms. Melissa is a Lead Teacher in our 2-year-old classroom and has nine years of teaching experience, including two years at Mustard Seed Preschool. She loves watching children grow throughout the school year, discover new things, and make new friends along the way. As a mom of two children and grandmother to one, she understands the joy that comes with watching little ones learn and develop. Ms. Melissa enjoys reading and listening to music when she isn't at school, and she brings that same love of fun and energy into the classroom. Whether she's leading a dance party or helping children explore something new, Ms. Melissa loves creating memorable experiences for her students.

Meet Ms. Jess

Ms. Jessica, who goes by Jess, is a Teacher Assistant with our Green Guppies program. She brings five years of experience as a Teacher Assistant and is CPR certified with Grow NJ Kids training. Ms. Jessica loves watching children grow and getting to know the little personalities that make each child unique. As a mom herself, she understands how important it is for children to feel loved, encouraged, and cared for while they are away from home. When she's not at school, Jess enjoys swimming, visiting theme parks, reading, and shopping. She loves seeing her students each day and helping make their classroom experience a happy and welcoming one.

Meet Ms. Ashley

Ms. Ashley is the Lead Teacher for Red Robins 2.0 and brings eight years of teaching experience to Mustard Seed Preschool. She is CPR certified and especially enjoys getting to know each child's unique personality while watching them reach new developmental milestones throughout the year. Ms. Ashley lives in Jackson with her fiancé and her two boys, Mateo and Gabriel. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing and listening to music. Her favorite classroom activities include music and sensory experiences, making her classroom a place where little learners can explore, move, create, and have fun. Ms. Ashley is grateful to families for trusting her with their children and loves watching her students grow throughout the year.

Meet Ms. Maddie

Ms. Maddie is a Teacher Assistant who brings a joyful and creative spirit to the classroom. Although she is newer to Mustard Seed Preschool, she already has experience working with young children and loves seeing how every child learns and grows in their own unique way. She especially enjoys watching the children learn from one another and develop a love of learning. At home, Ms. Maddie enjoys spending time with her family, including her son, and has a creative side that shines through her love of crafts, painting, and drawing. She also enjoys a little organization and cleaning! Her favorite classroom moments are filled with hands-on fun and imagination.

Meet Ms. Jeanne

Ms. Jeanne is the Lead Teacher in our 3-year-old classroom and brings more than 10 years of experience working with young children. Her background includes teaching preschool, working as a Gymboree instructor, and teaching Sunday School at the YMCA. She has studied psychology and developmental psychology and holds certifications in Early Childhood Education, CPR, and First Aid. What she loves most about teaching is watching children grow, reach important milestones, and gain confidence as she encourages them toward their goals. Outside of school, Ms. Jeanne enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach with her family, and planning special events. She is a proud mom of three grown children and a grandmother and stepmother. Her favorite classroom activity? Music and dancing!

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