Trinity Episcopal Day School
“Enrichment beyond the classroom”

Meet our Staff
Father Andy
​ President of the Board
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I ordained as an Anglican Priest in November 2011 in South Africa, where I served in several parishes including as a youth pastor and leading student ministries. I have a Masters in Theology from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa and worked on the Anglican Church of Southern Africa's Prayer Book Revision Project. My wife, Heather and I arrived in the United States in the Fall of 2016 for Heather to pursue her PhD in Astrophysics at Princeton University. I was called to Trinity, Cranford soon afterwards and commenced ministry on Feb. 5, 2017. Our son Edward, was born in 2020 and loves attending TEDS. In my 'downtime' I love hiking, archery, swimming, skiing, and spending time outdoors with my family.
Ms. Nancy
Executive Director/RN
I have been with TEDS since it opened in 2011. I was hired as the Andministrator/RN. Three years later I became the Director and in 2018 was promoted to Executive Director. Prior to coming to TEDS I worked as a registered nurse in Intensive Care for 22 years. I am a long time parishioner of Trinity Episcopal Church. Born and raised in Cranford, I am married and have 4 wonderful sons and 10 grandchildren. I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy reading and spending time at our house in Pennsylvania.
Ms. Ely
Educational Director
I joined TEDS in October 2017 as the Kindergarten teacher for our K-Wrap program. I come with 27 plus years of early childhood education and 7 years of elementary education. I received my Associate's Degree in Education in 2014 and my Bachelor's Degree in Science/Psychology in 2016. I just received my Master's Degree in the masters of Art in Education/Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2025. And I will graduate with my Doctorate in 2028!!!! I am a proud mother of 3 beautiful children and 2 grandchildren. Education is my passion, while helping others to grow and understand how much education changes lives in a positive way! I am a published author, and plan on writing more books in the future.
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Mr. Derek
Floating Aide/Aftercare Supervisor
I have been working with TEDS for 2 years now. I started as an Aftercare aide only but now I'm part of the day staff and bus aides. I enjoy working with children because being able to teach them about new things gives me a great feeling as I'm helping them to prepare for their future. I also enjoy working with my coworkers. To give a little info on myself, I enjoy things such as swimming, hiking, fishing, going to the movies, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and ice skating. I was also recently accepted into Kean University where I will be studying Criminal Justice.
Ms. Beth
Kindergarten Teacher
I have an Associates Degree in Elementary and Secondary Education. I have worked in Special Education for ten years and have been teacher at TEDS for four years. There is nothing more satisfying than instilling a love of learning in a child. An avid reader, history buff, and crocheter, I love spending time with my children and family.
Ms. Kim
Admin./Art Teacher
I joined TEDS in 2016 as a Floating Aide. Since then I have become part of the office staff and Art teacher for the Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and have been working in the field for 25 years. I have experience working as a Para in the public school system and working with children on the Autism Spectrum. Aside from my love of working with children, I also love doing crafts and I do it whenever I have spare time. My hobbies are hiking, crafting, traveling and spending time with my family. I am also an animal lover and dream about living on a farm. I am a proud mom of 4 amazing boys and have been happily married to my best friend for 23 years. My husband and I want to show our children everything this world has to offer. TEDS is a job I love coming to every day and I hope to be here for a long time.
Ms. Falak
Pre-K 4 Teacher
I am Iqra Falak, a devoted mom of 3 with a heart full of love for learning and nurturing young minds. In my free time, I enjoy getting lost in the pages of a good book and tending to my garden, where I find peace and serenity. As a quick learner, I'm always looking for new ways to grow and develop. My true passion lies in teaching Pre-K students, where I get to spark curiosity, creativity, and joy in the next generation. With patience, enthusiasm, and a love for learning, I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of my students and watch them thrive.
Ms. Carter
K-Wrap Teacher
My name is Shamiya Carter. I am currently a Psychology major at Bloomfield College "Class of 2026". I have been with TEDS as an assistant teacher since 2022. I love working with chilren, seeing them learn and grow is amazing! My dream is to be a child behavioral therapist and eventually open up my own private practice. My hobbies include traveling, shopping, and enjoying time with the family and friends. I am the youngest of three and I have one nephew. I love music as well!
Ms. Hall
Pre-K 4 Teacher
Hello TEDS families, I am Ms. Hall. I am from Orange NJ and my passion and love for teaching children has been ongoing for 4 years now and I cannot wait to continue to help every child around me grow.
Ms. A
Pre-K 4 Teacher
Hello, my name is Ms. A. I'm new to TEDS but I have worked with children for 5 years. I went to Malcolm X Shabazz High School and attended Essex County College. I really enjoy shaping and molding young minds. I love to cook, listen to music and spend quality time with my family. I'm really looking forward to helping our kids become their best.
Ms. Jada
Pre-K 3 Teacher
I'm Jada and my passion revolves around children. I am soon going to be attending school at UCC to study in Psychology to be a therapist that specializes in children. I became a teachers aide to add more experience and improve myself with being around different children. Now I am a teacher.
Mr. B
Teacher's Aide
My name is Yasir Baptiste and I am a teachers aide at TEDS. I graduated from High School in 2020 and attended Delaware State University from 2020-2021. I am now looking to go back to school and get my bachelor's degree. I enjoy working with children because they are filled with joy and positive energy. They also lift you up on days you may feel down and they can definitely teach you a thing or too.
Ms. Spencer
Young 4's Teacher
I have been working at TEDS for a year. I love working with children because I enjoy watching them grow into themselves while teaching and working beside them. Some hobbies of mine are playing volleyball, cooking and coloring. I am currently a senior in college.
Mr. Branch
Gym Teacher
I joined TEDS in January of 2023. Before my journey at TEDS began, I studied Sports Management and Communications at Saint Peter's University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree and a minor in Math. Afterwards, I worked as a Program Monitor for the Newark Youth One Stop Center, helping coordinate young workers with new jobs while they were in high school. After that I worked as a Supervisor at the South Mountain YMCA in November of 2019 until I began here at TEDS. My hobbies include playing basketball, traveling to adventurous theme parks, listening to music, and reading fiction novels. I also enjoy spending quality time with those I love dearly.
Ms. Amna
Pre-K 3 teacher
Hi! My name is Amna Falak. I currently reside in Elizabeth but grew up in Pakistan. I have three wonderful children and a lovely cat named Bubbles. I love to read, dance and spend time with my family. I finished my studies in Pakistan and I am continuing my education at Kean University. I became a teacher as children are my passion. Making a difference in lives of others gives me a drive everyday. I am excited for what this school year has to bring.
Ms. Diane​
Teacher's Aid
I am Ms. Diane and I have worked in the 2.5 year old classroom for the last 8 years. I could never have children of my own so this job is a blessing. Before TEDS I worked for Pathmark for 43 years. Not only do I love children but I also love animals. My pets are my babies. Right now I have a dog named "Rosie". I attended ST Johns School and then Cranford High School. I also worked at Hillside Ave School with the Autistic children where I learned a lot. This enabled me to help my own nephew who is autistic. I am so glad I am at TEDS and I consider all my family. My goal in life is to be here and I am very happy.
Mr. Poole​
Teacher's Aide
Hello TEDS staff and family! My name is Izaiah Poole. I recently graduated from Bloomfield College of MSU majoring in Buisiness Administration with a minor in Psychology. I played 4 years of Division 11 Basketball being a team captain and leading my team to a Conference Championship. My new dream is to become a Fire Fighter.
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