Ms. Debbie Maddalone

Executive Director

Joyce Maddalone – In Loving Memory

Marketing Director and Founder 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-grandchild.

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 Scout’s “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. Holli Riviezzo

Assistant Director

Ms. Holli Riviezzo is entering her ninth year at MTA. Her first three years were in the classroom teaching Pre-K and for six 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 Niskayuna with her three children. Isabella 21, Noah 20 and Daniel 16. She is excited to continue in her 6th 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.

Ms. Heather Ottati

Curriculum Coordinator and  Religion Teacher

Ms. Heather is very excited her sixth year at MTA! This year she will be returning as the curriculum coordinator and specials 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 undergrad 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 Pre-K age children. She looks forward to getting to know her students and their families.

Ms. Heather grew up in Ballston Spa, NY. She has two wonderful parents and a younger brother. When not teaching, Ms. Heather enjoys traveling with her husband Patrick, reading, spending time with her family, and shopping.

Ms. Michele Sobieski

Nursery 1

Hi! My name is Ms. Michele I am so excited to be teaching all of these wonderful children. This will be my seventh year teaching at Mother Teresa Academy. I love nursey 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, weight lifting, 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!

Mrs. Priscila Paixao

Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Michelle

Nursery 2

Miss. Karen

Pre-K 1

Mrs. Amy Parker

Pre-K Assistant

Hello, my name and Amy and I have been working at MTA since September of 2020. I am a Pre-K assistant teacher and love working with Miss Karen. I currently live in Clifton Park with my husband and three children. I love spending time with my family! I have previously worked in a private school setting and enjoyed watching the children grow. Before, entering the school setting I was a nanny for many years too.

Ms. Mary

Teacher Assistant

Hello my name is Ms. Mary also known as Noni to my two beautiful granddaughters, Charlotte, 4 and Francesca, 20 months. I am also a mother to 3 wonderful children, Timothy, Marissa, and Michael. I am excited to start my first 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!

Mrs. Marissa Rogowski

Pre-K 1

Ms. Hannah Pell

Nursery 3

I’m Miss Hannah and I have been working at MTA since January 2020. I started out in aftercare, but am now a Pre-K Assistant in Miss Marissa’s classroom. Along with my duties here at MTA, I am a student at the University at Albany studying biology and psychology. When I have some free time, I like to paint, make earrings, and go on walks. I am originally from Medford, New York all the way out on Long Island where I live with my parents, grandpa, younger brother, two dogs, two cats, and six chickens! I have loved every second working here and cannot wait for another school year here at MTA.

Ms. Kristin Felano

Administrator Building 2, Uniform Coordinator

Hello MTA Families and Welcome! 😊 My name is Ms. Kristin and I am the Uniform Coordinator as well as Kindergarten administration in building 2. Also if you think I look familiar it is because I am Ms. Debbie’s daughter 😉.  I have been a part of MTA for 15+ 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 2 daughters Charlotte (4) who is in Pre-K here at MTA and Francesca (20 Months) who will soon be joining us next year in nursery. 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.

Miss Tara Burke

Pre-K 3

Miss Tara graduated Shenendehowa HS in 2010 and graduated from Marist College with a BS in Business Marketing 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.

In her spare time, Tara loves running her business, Freely Clothing, which gives a portion of its profits to young people who want to give back to their communities.

She’s very excited to start her fourth school year at MTA!

Vanessa Gomez

Art, Music and Spanish

Ms. Sara Ryan

Kindergarten 2

My name is Ms. Sara and I am very excited to join MTA for my fourth year teaching! I have an Early Childhood Education degree as well as a Masters Degree in Literacy and reading. I have been living and teaching in the Clifton Park area since 2007. I have taught second grade, preschool and have been a substitute for children ages 3-12. I love working with all ages but have been drawn to teaching the younger children. They have such a quest for knowledge! Watching and helping young children learn to read and write is so rewarding! When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my two children, Katherine (12) and Ryan (10). We all enjoy being outside, reading, watching movies, and doing family activities.

Mrs. Laurie Wilson

Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Wilson is so excited to be taking on the role of assistant teacher in kindergarten. 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 third year!

Mrs. Brittany Desso

Kindergarten 1

Hello! My name is Brittany Desso.  I am excited to begin my first year at Mother Teresa Academy teaching Kindergarten!  I have over seven 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 Masters degree in Literacy.  My husband Nick and I have lived in Clifton Park for the past 5 years.  In my free time I enjoy visiting with family, traveling, reading and taking my dog Brandon for walks.

Mrs. Sara Marchesiani

Teacher Assistant

I am excited to be a teacher assistant in Mrs. Brittany’s Kindergarten class. I have a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburg. For many years, I worked in corporate positions in Boston, MA and Albany, NY. After, having my kids I was fortunate enough to become a work from home mom. My husband and I live in Clifton Park with our three children and sweet senior dog named Aida. I have volunteered for many years at my children’s school and been an active PTA member.

In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, cooking, baking, and entertaining family and friends. I am excited to join the MTA family and to be working with Mrs. Brittany. I look forward to working with your children and to see them learn and grow in the classroom!

Mrs. Leivis

Nursery Teacher Assistant

More information coming soon!

Mrs. Carissa

Kindergarten 3

My name is Mrs. Carissa. This is my first year at MTA! I have been a 1st grade and 2nd grade teacher before taking last year off to spend with my baby. I love to spend time with my family. I have a husband, a son who is almost one year old, and a sheepadoodle named Cooper! I cannot wait to have a great year in kindergarten this year!

Miss Jonna

Teacher Assistant

Hello, my name is Miss Jonna! I am coming to Mother Teresa Academy from the North Colonie School District. I worked at Shaker High School as a TA in the special education department for thirteen years. I currently live in Clifton Park with my fiancé Christopher. We will be getting married October 7th of this year. I also have two fur babies. A little dog named Ralphie who is 1, and a cat named Jazmine who is 15. Some hobbies that I enjoy are camping, fishing, and hiking. I am looking forward to the start of the new school year and happy to be a part of MTA!