Hello!  My name is Laura Boudreau and I teach grade 2/3 at Mother Teresa Academy.  I have been working in the education field since the summer of 2003 at a Literacy Summer Program.  I have a lot of experience teaching whole class, small group, and one-to-one instruction in various grade levels.  I grew up in the small town of Waterford, NY where I still reside today.  I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education (1-6) and a Master’s Degree as a Literacy Specialist (B-6).  My hobbies include reading, art, piano, movies, and volleyball.  
 
I believe that all children can and will learn at higher levels given the right time and conditions.  Commitment, dedication, compassion, and flexibility are qualities that I believe make me a successful teacher.  Children need to be given opportunities and learning experiences to help them grow into caring, successful life-long learners.  Creating a comfortable, safe learning environment is essential for children to explore and to learn from hands-on activities and a variety of teaching methods.  Visit my classroom website.

Mrs. Tara Leander (formerly Ms. Durning) has been a teacher at Mother Teresa Academy for 2 years; this will be her third year at MTA and her second year teaching second grade.  In addition, Tara runs a number of extra-curricular clubs including the Science Club and newly created “National Geographic” Club.Tara earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and geography, cum laude, from SUNY Oneonta in 2007. In 2009, Mrs. Leander obtained a Master of Science Degree in literacy, summa cum laude, from the University at Albany.

Mrs. Leander is certified to teach Pre-K through Grade 6 and is a certified Pre-K through Grade 12 literacy specialist. Mrs. Leander was recently featured in Differentiation Daily and published in the August/September issue of Mailbox Magazine’s 2-3 edition; both widely circulated professional resource magazines.  Mrs. Leander’s hobbies include creating teaching materials, reading, spending time with her two pets (classroom celebrities Kloey and Oliver), watching movies, and relaxing with her new husband.  Visit my classroom website.

Hello, my name is Abby Rose and I am a graduate of Cazenovia College with a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.  After college, I moved to Vermont where I worked as a preschool teacher at the Little School. In the summer of 2009, I moved to the Albany area to continue my education at Saint Rose College, where I received a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I am NYS certified for Birth through Sixth grade, Infant/Child CPR and First Aid trained.

This year will be my first year at Mother Teresa Academy and I am very excited to be joining the team. I will be your child’s first grade teacher. We have an exciting year ahead that will be filled with lots of hands-on opportunities, exploration and meaningful learning experiences. I look forward to a fun filled year with both you and your child.

My hobbies include photography, traveling, camping, hiking, spending time with friends and family, reading, watching movies, listening to music, going to the beach, swimming in my pool, and spending time with my puppy Eli.  Visit my classroom website.

Hello! My name is Joanna Francis and I am a Kindergarten teacher at Mother Teresa Academy. MTA holds a special place in my heart because I student taught here as an undergraduate student at The College of Saint Rose. For the 2010- 2011 school year, I taught the half-day Nursery Program, and Spanish to grades Pre-K through 2nd grade.

Let me tell you about myself! As I stated above, I graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Spanish from The College of Saint Rose in 2010. I am returning to Saint Rose in the fall to complete my Master's Degree in Special Education Birth- Grade 2. I was raised and still live in Clifton Park, where I graduated from Shenendehowa. During my high school career, I played many sports which included lacrosse, track and field, and crew. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, scrap-booking, watching sports, being outside, and listening to music. On the weekends you might find me trekking back and forth from Boston or New York City to visit family and friends.

Teaching has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. There is nothing I want to do more in life than help children learn and grow to their full potential. In fact, at my high school graduation, I opened up my 5th Grade time capsule and it read: "I want to be a teacher when I grow up". Being a teacher is about having fun with your students as you learn and grow together. I love coming up with new and creative lessons that get the children excited about learning.  Visit my classroom website for a calendar, sign up sheets, and reminders.  Visit my classroom blog for funny stories, pictures, and adventures from our days at school!

Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Mrs. Edwards, and I will be your child’s teacher this year. This will be my first year teaching at Mother Teresa Academy.  Before joining the team at Mother Teresa Academy I taught a full day Kindergarten program for two years.  During the summer months I directed a summer camp program with 70 children and I tutor on the side.  Prior to becoming a teacher I was a certified nurses assistant for 11 years.  I received my Bachelor's degree in Education and English from Russell Sage College in 2005 and my Master's degree in Literacy from Sage Graduate School in 2007.  I am extremely excited to be teaching at Mother Teresa Academy starting this fall.  I am looking forward to meeting you and your family.  Visit my classroom website.

Hello, my name is Ms. Rachel Tanchyk.  I am from the beautiful town of Saratoga Springs, NY.  I obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from SUNY Geneseo.  Before joining MTA, I was a substitute teacher in rural, suburban, and urban school districts.  I was also the director of an enrichment program for at-risk youth and taught science at a the Children’s Museum in Troy.  The 2011-12 school year will be my second year teaching kindergarten at MTA.  My hobbies include anything related to fitness (running, tennis, kickboxing, Zumba), shopping to find unique items at flea markets and garage sales, collecting children’s books, traveling, playing with my new Puggle puppy and fixing up my recently purchased home. 

I am committed to fostering the academic, social, and emotional needs of my students.  I work to ensure that differing abilities and learning styles are addressed appropriately.  I encourage students to take  an active role in their own learning by using a hands-on creative approach to teaching.  I center my instructional focus on the needs, interests and inquiries of my students.  Visit my classroom website.

Hi, my name is Cynthia Ciotti.  I am a graduate of Mercyhurst College and Edinboro University.  I hold a Master's in Education, and have over 25 years of educational experience.  I have been granted the great privilege of teaching the preschool class at Mother Teresa Academy. 

My philosophy is to instill the life skills of respect, cooperation, kindness, friendship, work ethic, and humor.  These qualities will build confidence and enhance success.  I am an enthusiastic teacher.  I use an abundance of literature, science experiments, and fun activities such as crafts to make the learning experience interesting.  The most integral part of my teaching strategy is to teach from the heart.  I cannot wait to meet your child, and spend a year of wonder and learning with them.

Hello, my name is Candace Cady and I am so excited to be a part of the MTA team!  Working as an assistant in the classroom has allowed me to work with wonderful teachers and see the children grow, change, and learn!

I love to work with children and I am thankful to work with them in a “hands on” manner in such a loving environment.  I also participate in the school’s aftercare program which has given me the opportunity to get to know the children better and continue to provide them with care and the Mother Teresa values after the school day is over.

I am a graduate of Siena College and have four children.  I enjoy reading and spending time with my family!

Hello, my name is Ms. Kristin Farley and have been blessed to be apart of the MTA family for 4 years and counting. I have had the opportunity to work with many of the wonderful teachers and classrooms from Pre-K to 3rd grade. 

I love being a part of all the children's lives and enjoy watching them grow.  I also enjoy teaching the art club and have fun using different types of materials and letting the children's imagination soar. 

I also have fun playing games with the children in the aftercare program!  I am honored to be able to be a part of such a special school and look forward to working with all the wonderful children and teachers that make it that way!

I graduated from the college of St. Rose in 2010 with a B.S in Special Education and Elementary Education with a concentration in English.  I am currently attending the college of St. Rose to obtain my Master's Degree in Early Childhood.  Prior to MTA I taught at New Covenant Charter school as the special education teacher for grades K-2.  I was also a Teacher's Assistant at Crossroads Center for Children.  All of my prior experiences have made me a stronger teacher and taught me different strategies to use within my classroom.

Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to teach preschool.  My mom taught at Head Start ever since I was seven years old.  I would help in her classroom and tell her everyday, “I will have a classroom just like yours one day!”

My goal is to keep the line of communication open between school and home.  This will enable all of my students to grow to their full potential.  Visit my classroom website.

Hello My Name is Ashley Amedio.  I am very excited to join the Mother Teresa Academy team working with Ms. Reittinger.  I have many years of experience working with children and have two little boys of my own.  I look forward to a fun school year to come.

Hello, my name is Miss Kayla Grant.  I will be teaching the three year old nursery program at MTA for the 2011/2012 school year.  As some of you may already know, I became a member of the MTA family in September of 2010 when I joined the team as a teacher’s assistant in Pre-Kindergarten. 

I attended Siena College for my Undergraduate Degree and I recently graduated from The College of St. Rose with my Masters Degree and New York State Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education.  I am very excited to begin my teaching career at Mother Teresa Academy.  Visit my classroom website.

Hello, my name is Theresa Manilenko.  This will be my first year at Mother Teresa Academy as a teacher assistant for Ms. Grant's Nursery Program.  I am a 2011 graduate from Siena College with a degree in Psychology.  I plan to obtain my Master’s in Early Childhood Education in the future. 

I have worked with children for years in summer camps, after school programs and as a daycare assistant. Some of my hobbies include reading, running, camping, fishing and spending quality time with my friends and family.  I look forward to an exciting school year and to assisting in the growth of your children.