Meet Our Staff

The Heart & Soul of Our School

Deb Sepe

Mendham Co-op Director

Deb Sepe is thrilled to be joining the Mendham Co-op family! She has over ten years experience teaching preschool and was Assistant Director at a small preschool before recently moving to Long Valley. She’s eager to work with our youngest learners and their energetic, caring teachers. Deb believes that early education plays a significant role in children’s lives and loves the idea of parent involvement at the Co-op. She looks forward to meeting new students every year and building relationships with their families. In her free time Deb enjoys reading, gardening and finding new walking trails with her dog.

Katie Macias

4-year-old Class Teacher

Mrs. Katie has been teaching at the Co-op since 2018. She has taught in the three's class and is now teaching our four's class in the Robin's Nest. Her experience teaching preschool began prior to her time at the Co-op, but this community stands out from others because of the wonderful family that forms here. Mrs. Katie loves how everyone works together to give the children play-centered, hands-on learning experiences that shape their growing minds. She strives to make each learner's school year full of imagination and fun!

Kim Relton

3-year-old Class Teacher

Mrs. Kim has been working at the Co-op for 8 years now, and she has been part of our community for 13 years as a parent. Her three children have all attended and graduated from the Co-op. Mrs. Kim happily teaches our three's class in the Duck Pond and sets out to make each day magical for each young learner in her class. She feels grateful to be a part of this school!

Lacey Trongone

2-year-old Class Teacher

Lacey is a mom of three who recently moved to Chester from Bergen county. She attended William Paterson University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. She has an extensive background in childcare and education working as both preschool teacher at KinderCare and a private nanny. Recently she has pursued her passion for photography by opening a photography studio in Chester focusing on children's and family photography. You can find her there on the weekend at Big Three Creations. We are so happy to include Lacey as part of our Co-op family and look forward to a wonderful school year ahead.

Wanda Connolly

2-year-old Class Teacher

My son started in the 2's program when we moved here from Atlanta in 1996. I was so happy at the time to find a warm and welcoming place for our family. I have a BA in early education, with an emphasis on special ed from Penn State. When I was asked to teach the 2's in 2000 I had not worked in many years and had 3 children, so it was a big decision for me. However, I can say that NEVER in these 24 years have I ever regretted saying "yes" to that offer! The school has given me SO much more than I have given it. Throughout all the years our school has remained true to its philosphy and goals, which is always with the children FIRST in mind. I am forever grateful and proud to be a part of it.

Staci Christian

2-year-old Class Assistant

Mrs. Christian has worked at the Co-op for 9 years and loves helping in the two-year-old class. Her favorite thing about the Co-op is summed up in one word: friendship. A mom to two Co-op graduates, Mrs. Christian knows that this truly is a special place, where lifelong friendships are made; she is proud that this spirit remains alive at our little yellow school, year after year!

Faith Raudabaugh

Assistant Teacher

Miss Faith has been with the Co-op for two years. She previously assisted in another local preschool. Miss Faith is happy to be part of our little yellow school!

Giselle Vella

Assistant Teacher

This is Miss Giselle's second year at the Co-op, and she is honored and extremely excited to be part of the team! Miss Giselle lives in Mendham Township with her husband and son. She will be assisting in the Bunny Hole and looks forward to not only helping the children learn and grow, but also aims to develop meaningful relationships with the Co-op families and staff alike!

Katelyn Marini

Mendham Co-op Board President

Katelyn Marini is currently serving her first year as Board President. She and her husband live in Mendham with their three children. As an elementary school teacher, Katelyn knows first hand the importance of building a solid home to school connection!

2024-2025
Board of Directors

President - Katelyn Marini
Vice President - Madie Caruso
Fundraising - Lauren Loughman
Social - Jessica Crawford & Hailey Matarazzo
Publicity - Brittany Webster
Maintenance - Yelena Aiwazian