Hank & Joyce Maddalone

In Loving Memory

Founders of Mother Teresa Academy

Mrs. Maddalone followed her vision and listened to God’s voice when He told her to go and open a school where children would learn to apply Catholic Christian values to their everyday lives. It was then that Mother Teresa Academy was founded in 2006 with she as its’ Director.

Joyce was the matriarch of the Maddalone family, sadly she lost her eight-year long fight with cancer in June of 2020. She has joined her husband, Hank of fifty-six years who passed away in April of 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. They left behind eight sons, six daughters, forty-three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

For over 40 years Joyce had an active role in the community, for 50 years, she had been a registered nurse with a Bachelor’s in Human Services. Joyce was the Nursing Director and Founder of Action Nursing Service and Maddalone Medical Supplies. Joyce previously combined her love of children and nursing as the nurse at St. Paul the Apostle and St. John the Evangelist Schools in Schenectady, N.Y. where she donated her time for many years. Even though her children were grown; Joyce was a Girl Scout leader for 20 years as well as having been a Boy Scout Leader for 10 years. Joyce was a member of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Glenville, N.Y., where she was one of the Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters and Lectors. Joyce was a member of the weekly Prison Ministry at Mount McGregor Prison, a Rite of Christian Initiation team member, a member of the Parish Nurses, member of the Elizabeth Mother Ministry, a member of the Welcoming Committee and had participated in four medical missions to Peru and the Dominican Republic. Joyce had been a member of the Glenville Rotary for more than twenty years and was a past President. Joyce was also a member of the Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.
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Have you taken a breath yet? It is hard to believe how much living Joyce gets out of her life. One of her favorite expressions is, “when you need something done, ask a busy person.” Joyce was recently featured in Success Magazine, was awarded the Girl Scouts “Women of Distinction Award” and was recognized by the Times Union as one of the twenty-five people who make a difference in the Capital District.

When we look for role models for our children, Joyce’s name can easily be at the top of the list. Joyce was a leading example of when we put our faith in God and follow the path that He has set before us; blessings happen. Joyce always found a way to be a central part of the community. Her entire life was devoted to her children and the children of others. She was a believer in the dreams of children, a motivator to encourage them, and she had chosen to dedicate her life to the children.

Ms. Debbie Maddalone

Executive Director

Ms. Holli Riviezzo

Assistant Director

Ms. Holli is entering her 12th year at MTA. Her first three years were in the classroom teaching Pre-K and for seven years she has been the Assistant Director position. Holli received her Early Childhood Education degree from Sage College of Albany and she has twenty plus years of Early Childhood Education experience.

Ms. Holli currently resides in Halfmoon with her three children. Isabella 24, Noah 22 and Daniel 19. She is excited to continue in her 7th year as assistant director and looks forward to working with the amazing staff, children and parents this year. She also enjoys reading, taking walks and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Jessica Segura

Office Manager

Hi, My name is Jessica, and I’m thrilled to be returning for my 3rd year at Mother Teresa Academy. With over 20 years of experience in business management, I’m passionate about sharing my expertise and supporting our incredible staff as we continue to grow here at MTA. In my free time, I love spending time with my 2 children, Mario & Lorenzo, my husband Leo & our pup Sky! My boys are super active with travel baseball & basketball, so my evenings & weekends are spent cheering on my boys! When we have downtime, I enjoy movie nights, reading, cooking and spending time with family & friends.

I am Ms. Debbie’s sister, number 12 of 13 Maddalone siblings, and an Aunt to 66 (and counting) nieces/nephews! I love my big, beautiful family! My parents Joyce & Hank had always instilled the values that are taught here at Mother Teresa Academy. I can not wait to share those values and continue their legacy here with the MTA family and meet you all! 😊

Mrs. Kristin Felano

Administrator Building 2, Uniform Coordinator

Hello MTA Families and Welcome! 😊 My name is Mrs. Kristin and I am the Uniform Coordinator as well as Kindergarten administration in building 2. If you think I look familiar it is because I am Ms. Debbie’s daughter 😉. I have been a part of MTA for 16+ years and have had many positions along the way. I have loved working here and being a part of such a fun and loving community. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family; My husband Tim and 3 daughters Charlotte, Francesca and Giavanna! I also have 2 big dogs, Zoey and Dozer. Next time you see me make sure to say Hello, I look forward to sharing MTA with your children and family.

Ms. Mary Cortese

Head of Food Services/ Teacher Assistant

Hello my name is Ms. Mary also known as Noni to my three beautiful granddaughters, Charlotte, Francesca and Giavanna. I am also a mother to 3 wonderful children, Timothy, Marissa, and Michael. I am excited to start my 4th full school year at MTA. I love to cook, garden, hike, and spend time with my family. I will be sharing in many positions at MTA including assisting in the classrooms and lunchroom. I look forward to meeting all the amazing MTA children and families. Say Hello next time you see me!

Ms. Michele Sobieski

Preschool 1 Teacher

Hi! My name is Ms. Michele I am so excited to be teaching all of these wonderful children. This will be my 10th year teaching at Mother Teresa Academy. I love preschool and all the fun we have exploring and learning. I am a mother of two active boys, John and Tyler. Both boys play travel basketball, baseball and football. We are an active family that loves the outdoors, sports and exploring. My hobbies include running, weightlifting, cross training, camping, bike riding and spending as much time as I can with my family. I can’t wait to spend time this year learning about you and your children!

Miss. Gabriella Larned

Preschool 2 Teacher

Hi! My name is Miss Gabby! This will be my 3rd year teaching Preschool here at MTA and I could not be more excited! 😊 I have over 9 years of experience working with preschool age children and have always had a love for it. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology-Child Life from Utica University in 2022.

In my free time, I love to travel, cook, and spend time with my 2 dogs, April and Dixie. I look forward to another wonderful year here and meeting you!

Mrs. Priscila Paixao

Preschool 3 Teacher

Hello, my name is Mrs. Priscila, and I am so excited to begin my 7th year here at Mother Teresa! I truly love working here and feel so blessed to teach and spend time with children each day. I am ready for a wonderful year ahead with your child!

My family and I are originally from Brazil, and we have lived in Clifton Park for 9 years. We are fluent in Portuguese and love sharing a bit of our culture. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas. Before moving to the United States, I worked at the largest oil company in Brazil. Before working here, I began volunteering at my daughter’s elementary school and quickly discovered my passion for early childhood education. Since then, I’ve known this is my true path. I love working with kids and helping them learn and grow!

At home, I have a wonderful family, my 14-year-old daughter, Julia, my husband Marcelo and our dog, Snow. Julia is very active and loves playing soccer and skiing. In my free time, my family and I love to travel, explore new cultures, and try different foods. We have a large wooden world map in our living room where we mark the places we’ve visited and the ones, we dream of exploring next!

I can’t wait to learn all about your children and make this a wonderful school year together! ❤️

Mrs. Michelle Ploof

Preschool 4 Teacher

Hello, my name is Ms. Michelle, and I am overjoyed to welcome your children to our preschool program! This is my 4th year at MTA, but I have over 5 years’ experience teaching nursery and look forward to many more years here. I live in Charlton with my husband, my daughter and my large Goldendoodle name Eli. I have 2 older children that are out on their own now. We enjoy traveling, swimming, and spending most of our free time with family and close friends. I look forward to starting school and meeting you all!

Mrs. Cassandra Hickey

Nursery Assistant Teacher

Hi there, my name is Ms. Cassie, and I am super excited to be returning for my 2nd year here at Mother Teresa Academy as a Teacher Assistant. I live in Malta with my husband and sons: Donovan (10) and Jonah (6) as well as our two Dogs Ziggy and Roo.

Before joining MTA, I spent my time raising my boys as a stay-at-home mom. In my free time I love to cook, camp, and travel with friends and family.

Ms. Tauheed Bibi

Nursery Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name is Tauheed & I’m very excited to be joining MTA this year as a assistant teacher for Ms. Michele! I enjoy helping and assisting students, I’m a childcare professional with 7.5 years of nannying and childcare experience with children of all different ages. I have 3 children who are toddlers. My hobbies are walking, cleaning, baking, cooking and  prioritizing family time. I look forward to meeting you all!

Mrs. Allie DeCosmo

Nursery Teacher Assistant

Hello, my name is Allie and I am so excited to start my first year assistant teaching at MTA. I’m overjoyed to help teach and guide all these new little friends this coming year.

My family and I just moved here this summer from Massachusetts for my husband Rob’s job. Before this I owned my own daycare for 5 years so I could be home with my two boys Jack (5) and Bobby (3) who will also be starting their first year at MTA as well.

I was a nanny for 8 years prior to starting my own family. I also have my degree in business management. I love spending time with my family especially at the beach in Sea Isle City, NJ. Walking our two dogs Louie and Maggie, traveling, cooking and reading!

Ms. Kate O’Connell

Nursery Teacher Assistant

Hi my name is Ms. Kate and this is my first year at MTA! I work in nursery 3 along side Mrs. Priscila! Before taking this job as a teacher assistant, I worked in a preschool for 3 years. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my daughters 8 and 4. I also have 2 amazing stepsons age 15 and 11. You can catch me at all their games and cheer practices! I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of this amazing school!

Mrs. Marissa Rogowski

Pre-K 1 Teacher

I was born in Northampton England. I moved to New York in 1996 to work as a Nanny. I have over 20 years’ experience in childcare. I recently worked at Shen as a sub with Special Ed. I was a stay-at-home mom with my three children Ethan 21, Matt 19, and Bell 14. I have two doodles Max & Millie and my cat Logan! I reside in Halfmoon and enjoy spending time with my family. I love walking my dogs, reading, art and interior design. This will be my 9th year teaching at MTA!

Mrs. Karen Muzio

Pre-K 2 Teacher

Hello to all the MTA families! My name is Ms. Karen, and I excited for my 7th year at MTA. This will be my 5th year teaching Pre-K here, but I have previously taught nursery at MTA. I am very excited to be part of the MTA family and look forward to a great year! I come to you with over 25 years’ experience with the preschool age. I also coach preschool gymnastics at cartwheels gym in Clifton Park. I live in Latham with my husband Dave, and we have two grown beautiful, hardworking adult daughters! Recently, I have started working on Saturdays at Galway Rock Winery. We love to spend time at our Camp on weekends and golf when we can!!

Mrs. Tara Terrell

Pre-K 3 Teacher

Ms. Tara graduated from Shenendehowa HS in 2010 and graduated from Marist College in 2014. Throughout her high school and college years, Tara dedicated her time to working with children through volunteering as a Junior Plainsmen Cheerleading Coach and being a Teacher’s Assistant at Albany Medical Center’s preschool program and The Astor Head Start program, which serves low-income families in Poughkeepsie, NY. She has also run initiatives to help youth contribute to their communities and was able to lead the installation of a new city playground in Watervliet, NY.

In her spare time, Tara can be found filming weddings for her sister’s video production company, exploring new restaurants and towns with her husband, spending time with her niece and family, and tutoring students. Teaching and nurturing her Pre-K loves is her passion. She’s very excited to start her 9th school year at MTA!

Ms. Ann Marie Forte

Pre-K 4 Teacher/ Curriculum Coordinator

Hello! My name is Ms. Ann Marie, and this will be my 2nd year teaching at MTA. In addition to being the Pre-Kindergarten teacher, I am excited to be taking on the role as the Curriculum Coordinator. I will be overseeing the classrooms, teachers, and ensuring that the curriculum meets the educational standards and the needs of the children.
You will get to know me throughout the year, so I want to introduce myself formally. I grew up in Albany, New York and am the youngest of six. I lived out of state for several years and am happy to be back in New York permanently with my family and friends.
I graduated from the University of Central Missouri where I earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education. I have over 30 years of experience working as an educator with various age groups. I taught at preschools and elementary schools. I was a Director at Sylvan Learning Center for several years and also a Director of Curriculum for an elite early childhood center.
In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, read novels, cook, and take my Siberian Husky and English Pointer on an evening stroll. Here is to a fantastic year of learning and fun!

Ms. Kim Alix

Pre-K 2 Teacher Assistant

Hello to all our MTA families. My name is Ms. Kim, and I look forward to joining the MTA staff as a preschool teacher assistant. I have dedicated my working career to early childhood education and the ultimate goal to provide a safe, nurturing and loving environment for every child. One where children strengthen their skills, gain confidence and develop a passion for learning.

Also, I truly cherish time spent with my family, which includes summer fun at our camp. I’m very excited to meet all of you and to provide your children with an amazing preschool experience!

Mrs. Laurie Wilson

Pre-K 3 Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Wilson is so excited to continue on the role of assistant teacher in Pre-K. She has fallen in love with the children and is excited to help them learn and grow this year. She has her masters degree in elementary education. In addition to having classroom experience she also ran a home daycare for several years.

Mrs. Wilson enjoys reading, and spending time outdoors with her family and two dogs. She is excited to be returning to MTA for her seventh year!

Mrs. Kim Gilligan

Pre-K 4 Teacher Assistant

Ms. Heather Staulters

Kindergarten 1 Teacher

Ms. Heather is very excited to start her 9th year at MTA! This year she will be returning as the Kindergarten 1 Teacher. She had been involved in early childhood education her whole life. Ms. Heather is a New York State Certified Early Childhood, Childhood, Special Education and Literacy Teacher. She did her undergraduate work at SUNY College at Oneonta and her Master’s work at Sage College. Ms. Heather has spent some time subbing in area districts until she fell in love with kindergarten age children. She looks forward to getting to know her students and their families!

Ms. Heather lives in Ballston Lake, NY. She has two wonderful parents, a younger brother, and a cute puppy, Hoss. When not teaching, Ms. Heather enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, working out, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs. Brittany Desso

Kindergarten 2 Teacher

Hello! My name is Brittany Desso. I am excited to begin my 5th year at Mother Teresa Academy teaching Kindergarten! I have over ten years’ experience as an early childhood educator. I enjoy watching children learn new skills and grow in their confidence throughout the year. I was most recently a PreK teacher for Head start, and prior to that I taught toddlers.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Master’s degree in Literacy. My husband Nick and I have lived in Clifton Park for the past 8 years. In my free time I enjoy visiting with family, traveling, reading and taking my dog Brandon for walks.

Ms. Carol Castle

Kindergarten 1 Teacher Assistant

My name is Ms. Carol, and I’ll be working with Ms. Heather again as her teaching assistant for my 2nd year at MTA. I’m thrilled to be back in the classroom!

I’ve been working with children for over 16 years, and I’ve had the privilege of working for the North Colonie Central School District for sixteen years. Every summer, I continue to work for North Colonie Central School District in their ESY (Extended School Year) program, where I get to work with special needs students.

I have a wonderful and supportive family consisting of my husband and daughter. We love spending our free time together, whether it’s going on vacations, taking day trips, having game nights, going for nature walks, hitting the gym, or doing crafts. We always have a great time together!

Ms. Janice Cristiano

Religion & Spanish Teacher

Hello to all the MTA families. My name is Ms. Jan! I will be joining the MTA family as the Religion & Spanish teacher and floater. I have a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Rose, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta, and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from HVCC. I come to MTA with over 25 years of classroom teaching experience in grades Pre-K through Grade 3. As a former catholic school teacher, and student of catholic schools myself. I am looking forward to nurturing the spiritual development of your children while teaching the values that MTA’s mission is built upon.

I grew up in the Capital District and raised my children, Ava 25 and Matthew 21, here as well. Traveling, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying live music and theater events are some of the things our family enjoys in our free time. We will be moving from Loudonville to our new home in Halfmoon this fall. I’m so excited to be joining your school community!

Mr. John Sobieski

Aftercare Coordinator

John has been a part of the MTA family for the last two years.  He has worked part-time assisting the classroom staff and has been a reliable member of the aftercare team while being a full-time student at Shen High School and now undergraduate at HVCC.

Mr. John will continue at MTA as the aftercare coordinator and most fun staff member amongst the students.

John is also the son of Ms. Michele (Preschool 1 teacher) and brother of Tyler, a former MTA graduate.  John loves playing any outdoor sports and spending time with his friends and family!