Stephanie Letizia
Director of South Church Preschool
Stephanie has been directing our Preschool Program at South Church for over 19 years. During this time, she has taught ages 3 through 5. She studied at Manchester Community College. Stephanie has designed a curriculum program that enhances both social and academic growth for our students. The program is inclusive of nurturing their early development through play and creativity. It is designed to empower their confidence and build the necessary skills they will need for their future kindergarten experience. The students do this within a caring developmentally appropriate environment. Stephanie owns and runs Summer Sprouts; a summer day camp for children ages 3 through 6. She is on her thirteeth year running the camp along with our Music Teacher, Kathye Flanagan.
Stephanie Murtha
Associate Director of South Church Preschool
Stephanie has worked at South Church Preschool since 2018. She has taught within each classroom setting and worked as the Assistant Director for the past 3 years. Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Queens College and a Master of Science in Childhood Education and Literacy Education from Long Island University NY. She has previously worked with children three to six years of age in a variety of childcare settings and schools both in New York and Connecticut. Stephane currently lives in Glastonbury with her husband and two daughters. Both her daughters went through South Church Preschool and had many memorable experiences. Stephanie feels preschool is so important because it is the ideal place to help children playfully learn about the world around them.
Stephanie Murtha
Associate Director of South Church Preschool
Stephanie has worked at South Church Preschool since 2018. She has taught within each classroom setting and worked as the Assistant Director for the past 3 years. Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Queens College and a Master of Science in Childhood Education and Literacy Education from Long Island University NY. She has previously worked with children three to six years of age in a variety of childcare settings and schools both in New York and Connecticut. Stephane currently lives in Glastonbury with her husband and two daughters. Both her daughters went through South Church Preschool and had many memorable experiences. Stephanie feels preschool is so important because it is the ideal place to help children playfully learn about the world around them.
Heidi Gourley
Registration Administrator
Heidi has been working at South Church since 2009. She previously spent six years as a Head Teacher at South Church Preschool working with three and four year old students. Heidi's current role is Registration Administrator. Prior to coming to South Church Heidi worked in Human Resources and Marketing for Patrons Mutual Insurance Company. She attended Central Connecticut State University where she studied Communications and Psychology. She earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification at Manchester Community College.
Katie Loiacono
Head Teacher
2-Day Class
Katie has over a decade of teaching experience, and is passionate about nurturing children as they learn, play and grow. She is currently the Head Teacher in the 2- Day Program. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Connecticut in 2011, followed by a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven in 2014. Katie has extensive training and experience working with students with varying learning needs, focusing on language based learning differences, ADHD, and Executive Functioning. Most recently, Katie has supported the SCPS community as a substitute while her two small children attended, reinvigorating her love of teaching preschool age students. In the classroom, Katie aims to nurture the whole child and believes that all children deserve to feel safe, valued, accepted, and loved for exactly who they are. In her personal life, Katie enjoys cooking and baking, spending time on the Connecticut shoreline, and exploring all that Glastonbury has to offer with her family.
Lori Bigliazzi
Head Teacher
3-Day Class
Lori received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northwestern CT Community College and did her student teaching with four year olds. She received her Bachelors Degree from UConn in Human Services. She is currently the Head Teacher in the 3-day program. She has boy/girl twins that currently attend Glastonbury High School. They attended South Church for two years and have wonderful memories there. For the past two years she has been assistant coach for first through third grade cheerleaders for the Glastonbury Tomahawks. Previously she worked as a Para at Hebron Elementary School. During her free time she loves to visit with her family in Oregon where she grew up. We are so excited to have Lori on board at our center.
Gabrielle Chiappetta
Head Teacher
4-Day Class
Gabrielle is currently a head teacher in the 4 day program. She previously worked at South Church as a substitute teacher. She earned her BA from Fordham University and her MA in Childhood Education and Special Education from Hunter College. Gabrielle moved to Glastonbury from the New York City area in 2022 with her husband and two children. Prior to relocating, Gabrielle worked for several years as a fourth grade tenured teacher in a New York City Public School in Elmhurst, Queens. After the birth of her daughter in 2017, Gabrielle returned to the NYC public school system, working as a special education teacher support service provider where she coached small groups using their individualized learning goals and plans. She is a passionate cook and loves spending time outside hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, or playing sports with her family. Gabrielle loves writing, most often poetry and she loves to read, especially children’s books. Her first of many positive experiences with South Church began as a parent in the 2 day class and her son is now a recent graduate of the 4 day program. Gabrielle adores working with young children. She believes that all behavior is sensory related and helpful information. She loves using social-emotional strategies and stories to help kids feel seen, special, supported and strong in their classroom, at home and in their community. Gabrielle believes that children who are provided many opportunities for purposeful play and interest based learning develop a foundational love for knowledge and understanding that transcends the classroom and encourages them to become lifelong learners.
Jennifer Ruchwa
Head Teacher
4- Day Class
Jennifer has worked with children since 2002 and as a Pre-K teacher for seven years. She has worked in a variety of early childhood education settings including, both state and privately funded nationally accredited programs, an enrichment after school program and a private art program. Jennifer incorporates her experience and love of art, through lessons focused on age appropriate activities surrounding the principles and elements of art.
Jennifer received an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Manchester Community College, as well as a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Visual Arts and a Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
Prior to South Church Preschool Jennifer worked at the Child and Family Development Resource Center at Eastern Connecticut State University as a program assistant. Jennifer enjoys sharing her passion for art with her students and has taught art enrichment in the Pre-K.
Larissa Nardi
Head Teacher
5-Day Pre-K
Larissa has been teaching at South Church Preschool for over thirteen years. She has her Masters Degree in Pedagogy and a background of more than twenty eight years in Education. Larissa is a Head Teacher in the 5 day Pre-K program and is our Spanish Enrichment teacher. Her energy and spirit enhanced our program in every way.
Angela Salonia
Assistant Teacher/Program Assistant
Angela is currently an Assistant Teacher for the 3 day class and Program Assistant for the 2 day Class. Angela received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Siena College. After graduation she worked at a Children's Mental Health Clinic in Syracuse, NY. Then she moved to Albany NY where she received her Master's and Licensure in Social Work. She worked for NYS Department of Children, Youth & Families for six years. Angela moved to Glastonbury five years ago and is excited to be joining the team.
Kelly Tavano
Assistant Teacher
Kelly is currently an assistant teacher in the 4-Day program. She is married and has two wonderful daughters. Kelly grew up in Florida and attended the University of South Florida. Kelly's professional background is in Orthodontics, where she worked with children and families as they had treatment that brought them smiles and self-confidence! Kelly's volunteer work consistently led her to caring for young children. Kelly has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with little ones in elementary school while my own children attended, as well as teaching religious education in my church community. Kelly's philosophy is that each child is unique, therefore they learn and thrive at their own pace. Kelly enjoys seeing the excitement and pride in each child's eyes as they discover new things and ideas. When she is not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and our two labrador pups, Braley & Magic!
Heather Bronzi
Assistant Teacher
Heather is the program Assistant for the 5 day Pre-K. She has been teaching for 5 years, working with kids ages 2-18. Heather has had schooling for early education as well as special education and has also worked as a behavioral therapist. Outside of teaching pre-k, Heather is also a dance teacher as well as a professional dancer. She loves bringing a caring and creative environment into the classroom and seeing the kids grow as students as well as people!
Sophia Cicchiello
Assistant Teacher
Sophia received her B.A. from Fordham University in Psychology with a minor in music Starting from a young age and throughout her life, she has always been enthusiastic about teaching children. After college she worked as a preschool teacher on Long Island before she moved to Connecticut to start her family. Sophia has experience teaching parent/tot classes and has also worked as a Teaching Assistant in a PreK 3s classroom here in CT. Sophia loves working with the little ones, she is energetic and loves getting to know each and every child in her class. She and her husband, Manny live in South Glastonbury with their three children: Adrianna, Amelia and Andrew.
Christie Grant
Assistant Teacher
Christie has worked at South Church Preschool since 2022. Through her time she has been assisting with children ages three-five years old. Christie graduated with a Bachelors Degree from The Ohio State University and has worked in many childcare settings including being a Faith Formation teacher at Saint Isidore and Maria in Glastonbury from 2008-2021. Further, she was the Head Glastonbury Cheerleading coach form 2007-2019. Her squads consisted of children from grades 1st-8th. Being the mother of five children she is able to adapt and appreciate all children's personalities. As the mother of preschool alumni from South Church, her heart is warm to continuing being a part of the preschool family.
Melissa Uriarte
Program Assistant
Melissa has worked at south church preschool since 2017. She has her bachelors degree in psychology from Central Connecticut State University. Melissa has been working in education in some capacity for over 15 years. Some of her experience includes working as an ABA therapist for CREC River Street Autism Program, supervising visits for DCF clients, working as a mental health counselor at Manchester Hospital, substitute teaching in the Glastonbury public schools, as well as assistant teaching in second grade and preschool. Melissa’s view on education is that every child is unique and should have a variety of learning opportunities and approaches in which to help them succeed in her free time, Melissa enjoys reading, pottery, and spending time with her two children.
Program Assistant
Melissa has worked at south church preschool since 2017. She has her bachelors degree in psychology from Central Connecticut State University. Melissa has been working in education in some capacity for over 15 years. Some of her experience includes working as an ABA therapist for CREC River Street Autism Program, supervising visits for DCF clients, working as a mental health counselor at Manchester Hospital, substitute teaching in the Glastonbury public schools, as well as assistant teaching in second grade and preschool. Melissa’s view on education is that every child is unique and should have a variety of learning opportunities and approaches in which to help them succeed in her free time, Melissa enjoys reading, pottery, and spending time with her two children.
Lucy Hartnett
Program Assistant
Lucy Hartnett is a program assistant for the 3-day class. She is married with 4 loving, active children with one child at Glastonbury High, one at Smith Middle school and two at Nayaug Elementary school. Lucy graduated from UCONN with
a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy and has worked in many different settings with various age groups. Being involved in the many different activities with her children keeps her busy and she cherishes the time with them. Last year, Lucyjoined the South Church community as a substitute teacher. She also volunteeredto help care for young children at a daycare setting at a church ministry. In herfree time, she enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with family. Lucy is soexcited to be a part of this wonderful team at South Church!
Hima Kosh
Program Assistant
Hima is a program assistant for the 4-day class. With a background in Engineering and experience as a teacher's assistant at the University of Connecticut, I bring a deep passion for fostering a lifelong love of learning, particularly in math and the natural sciences. Having worked with engineering students, I developed a strong foundation in education and the ability to break down complex concepts for young minds. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for STEAM fields, especially in making them accessible to girls, and look forward to bringing this dedication and patience into the preschool environment, nurturing curiosity and a love for learning in four-year-olds.”
Greer Pattison
Program Assistant
Greer is a mom of two SCPS graduates and a big believer that great early learning comes through play and interacting with peers and teachers! She holds a degree in Theater Arts with a specialization in creative writing from Clark University and is the president of a community theater in East Hartford. She has worked with kids for years as a choreographer and co-director for the group’s musicals. She began subbing at SCPS in 2024 and was hooked! To her, witnessing children growing and learning, and helping them find confidence when they conquer hard things is an honor! She lives in Glastonbury with her husband, two children, twin sister, and two cats.
Naiana Bower
Program Assistant
Naiana is a proud parent of a 4-year-old currently attending SCPS. She has a background in pediatric dentistry and education, including several years as a professor in Brazil, Naiana brings a mix of experience and passion to supporting young learners. Naiana finds so much joy in watching kids explore, ask questions, and get excited about learning—especially those everyday moments when curiosity leads to something new. Her background has fueled her commitment to helping children feel supported, safe, and confident as they grow.
Naiana lives in Glastonbury with her family and enjoys exercising, skiing, reading, solving logic puzzles, cooking with her husband and son, and taking care of their vegetable garden."
Program Assistant
Naiana is a proud parent of a 4-year-old currently attending SCPS. She has a background in pediatric dentistry and education, including several years as a professor in Brazil, Naiana brings a mix of experience and passion to supporting young learners. Naiana finds so much joy in watching kids explore, ask questions, and get excited about learning—especially those everyday moments when curiosity leads to something new. Her background has fueled her commitment to helping children feel supported, safe, and confident as they grow.
Naiana lives in Glastonbury with her family and enjoys exercising, skiing, reading, solving logic puzzles, cooking with her husband and son, and taking care of their vegetable garden."
Tamara Carella
Program Assistant Floater
Tamara has been with South Church Preschool since the Spring of 2016. She started as a long-term substitute and is currently a Program Assistant Teacher in the 4-day program. Graduating from UConn with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, she has been working with school aged children for over 10 years in both public and private education. She has also worked in the corporate sector, with 15 years’ experience, in marketing and management. She integrates her professional and educational experience, creativity and organizational skills to help students develop a strong foundation for their educational journey. This is very rewarding to Tamara and she loves to see the student’s growth from the beginning to the end of the year. Tamara is a valued member of our staff and is excited to be part of our team at South Church Preschool. Tamara lives in Portland, CT with her husband and two children.
Program Assistant Floater
Tamara has been with South Church Preschool since the Spring of 2016. She started as a long-term substitute and is currently a Program Assistant Teacher in the 4-day program. Graduating from UConn with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, she has been working with school aged children for over 10 years in both public and private education. She has also worked in the corporate sector, with 15 years’ experience, in marketing and management. She integrates her professional and educational experience, creativity and organizational skills to help students develop a strong foundation for their educational journey. This is very rewarding to Tamara and she loves to see the student’s growth from the beginning to the end of the year. Tamara is a valued member of our staff and is excited to be part of our team at South Church Preschool. Tamara lives in Portland, CT with her husband and two children.
Claudia Marcinczyk
Support
Claudia has been at South Church Preschool for over 6 years. This year our beloved Claudia is our floating substitute and a favorite of all the children. She has her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Nursing from Boston University. Pediatrics was her specialty practicing in Boston, San Francisco and New Haven. She also has an MBA from UCONN in Health Care Administration. After a 30 year career as the CEO of VNA EAST, Claudia came back to her first love-working with children!!