Miss Joan’s Little School is a private school licensed by the Department of Welfare. We participate in the PA Keystone Stars Program and our director and teachers are members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Teachers, as well as some assistants, hold a degree in Education and many years of experience. All of our teachers continue their education through classes and workshops each year. Our staff meets and exceeds PA State requirements in all aspects of early learning.
Mrs. Krista Alessandrini, M.Ed – Owner & Director
I have been in Education for over 25 years as a preschool teacher, elementary school teacher, Reading Specialist, and director. Many of my years were spent in the public school system, and I always enjoyed working with children in their early years. I am PA certified in Education PreK-4, Elementary Education, Special Education, and Reading. I also hold my Director’s Credential Certificate for the state of PA. Teaching early literacy has always been my passion, and favorite children’s books is Officer Buckle and Gloria. I am an active member of the community and love spending time with my husband and three teenage children who also attended Miss Joan’s Little School. In my free time I love to run, garden, and watch baseball!
Miss Gina Mancuso, B.S. – Assistant Director
I am coming to Miss Joan’s Little School with experience in education and administration. I have my degree in Elementary and Special Education. I have worked in both private and public school and behavioral health. Working with children and watching them learn and grow is my passion. This is my third year in an administrative position at MJLS. My favorite book is Oh, The Places You’ll Go. I love spending time with my family. We like to have fun. Some of our favorite things to do are go to the beach, cook, and play Jeopardy!
Miss Lena – Lead Teacher
I have been working at Miss Joan’s Little School for almost 30 years. In my time here, I have had the pleasure and honor of getting to know, and to teach, countless children. My favorite time of the day is Story time, and some of my favorite books include The Kissing Hand, Stellaluna, and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. I am married to my husband of 38 years and I am a proud mother of two very successful women who are graduates of Miss Joan’s Little School!
Miss Eileen – Assistant Teacher
I have been with Miss Joan’s Little School for 20 wonderful years. I have spent most of my years as an assistant with four year olds, but have worked in all three classes at one time or another. I have a wonderful son named Brandon who is a plumber by trade. I love to work and teach children of preschool age as they seem to absorb so much at this young age. It is a pleasure to be around children everyday, and I’m sure they enjoy coming to see us everyday too!
Miss Jennie – Lead Teacher
I am in my third year as Class B teacher this year! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Ohio State University, and have worked with children in both the preschool and elementary school level. Over the years, I have also been an active school volunteer while raising my five wonderful children. Life is busy while my husband and I juggle soccer schedules, family activities, and our two chocolate labs.
Miss Annie – Assistant Teacher
I am a graduate of Shippensburg University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. This is my second year in Class B, and I love being in the three year old class! Throughout my college years I worked with many different ages of children. I love working with young children and exploring the world through their eyes. In my free time, I enjoy traveling to new places, staying active, and spending time with my family and friends!
Miss Meghan – Lead Teacher
I am very excited to be teaching at Miss Joan’s Little School for another year. I have been teaching in the early childhood field for six years, and have my degree in both regular and special education. I love teaching children and enjoy watching them learn new things. I love to read, and most enjoy sharing my love for reading with my class of toddlers. My favorite children’s books are Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Green Eggs and Ham. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and one year old daughter.
Miss Carol – Assistant Teacher
I have been working with young children for over twenty years and have loved every minute of it! Thirteen of those years have been right here at Miss Joan’s Little School! I am a proud mother of four sons and two grandsons. I look forward to teaching each day, and I also look forward to the years to come!
Miss Tara – Assistant Teacher
I am happy to have worked with children in a child-care setting for over seventeen years, with this being my fourth at Miss Joan’s. I enjoy laughing with the children and watching them learn new skills. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. In my free time, I love traveling and spending time with my friends and family.
Miss Joanne – Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, and have a Bachelors Degree in Business and Marketing. However, I have always loved working with children, and for many years was a school volunteer and Home and School Board member. Now I am happy to be a teacher’s assistant for my fourth year at Miss Joan’s Little School. I live with my husband and two boys ages 17 and 14. My favorite children’s books are Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Goodnight Moon. In my free time I love to cook, dance, and travel!
Miss Lisa – Extended Day Teacher’s Assistant
I have worked with preschoolers for the past 17 years and have found it to be so rewarding. I love working at Miss Joan’s Little School as an extended day teacher’s assistant and have enjoyed the past three years! I’m a mom of three successful children and a grandmother to one. I enjoy traveling with my husband, and in my free time I love to shop…. a lot! 🙂
Miss Chrissy – Substitute Teacher
This is my third year at Miss Joan’s Little School as a teacher’s aide and substitute. I enjoy working with the children and watching them grow. They are always making me laugh! I have been married for sixteen years and am the mother of three active boys! Outside of school, my favorite activity is watching kids play sports and traveling.
