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-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. Debbie Maddalone

Executive Director

Ms. Holli Riviezzo

Assistant Director

Ms. Holli  is entering her tenth 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 Niskayuna with her three children. Isabella 23, Noah 21 and Daniel 18. 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 Staulters

Curriculum Coordinator and  Religion Teacher

Ms. Heather is very excited her eight 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, reading, spending time with her family, and shopping.

Ms. Jessica Segura

Office Manager

Hi, my name is Jessica & I am looking forward to joining the MTA family! I have 20 plus years of experience in business management & real estate!  I look forward to sharing my expertise with the staff here at MTA. In my leisure, I love spending time with my 2 children, Mario & Lorenzo, my husband Leo & our pup Sky! My boys are super active with travel baseball, football & 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 56 (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!😊

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 (6) who is in Pre-K here at MTA and Francesca (3) 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.

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 eighth 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!

Ms. Arul

Nursery 2 Teacher

Hello everyone! My Name is Ms Arul and I’m from Sri Lanka. I’ve received a chemistry degree in Sri Lanka. After marriage, I went to Singapore with my son, where I found my love for children. Once we relocated to Australia, I got my associate degree in children’s services while I was working with children. After we relocated to Albany my first job was with MTA. I am excited to be rejoining the team again. I live in Clifton Park and have two grown-up kids Agsayan and Nishe. I love to travel, garden, and cooking. I have loved working with children and cannot wait for another with your children here at MTA.

Ms. Hannah Pell

Nursery 3

I’m Miss Hannah and I have been working at MTA since January 2020. This is my second year teaching Nursery. I graduated with my BA in Biology and Psychology from UAlbany in 2022. I now live in Albany with my guinea pigs Chive and Onion who love to make special appearances in the classroom too! When I have some free time, I like to paint, read, and go on walks. I have loved every second working here and cannot wait for another school year here at MTA.

Mrs. Priscila Paixao

Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Michelle Ploof

Nursery Assistant

Ms. Katelyn McQuire

Nursery Assistant

Hi! I’m Miss. Katelyn! I am so excited to be the assistant teacher in the nursery program! This is my second year at MTA, but I have experience working with children and absolutely love it! In 2021, I received my bachelor’s degree from Siena College. I am currently a student at Sage College working towards my master’s degree in community and counseling psychology. I plan to become a licensed mental health counselor specializing in working with children. In my free time I enjoy shopping, baking, and going camping with my friends. I also love spending time with my family and new maltipoo puppy, Luna!

Mrs. Marissa Rogowski

Pre-K 1

Miss. Karen Muzio

Pre-K 2

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 seventh school year at MTA!

Mrs. Abigail Hicks

Pre-K Assistant

Hi! My name is Miss Abbie and this is my first year at Mother Teresa Academy! I will be a teaching assistant in Ms. Karen’s Pre-K class this school year and I am very excited to be joining the MTA family. I have many years of volunteering experience with kids of all ages and I also coach preschool gymnastics at Cartwheels Gym in Clifton Park. I currently live in Clifton Park and enjoy traveling, reading and watching football in my free time!

Ms Jonna Weekes

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 husband Christopher. I also have three fur babies. A little dog named Ralphie who is 2, Hamlin who is 9, and a cat named Jazmine who is 16. 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 start my second year at MTA!

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 sixth year!

Ms. Mary Cortese

Teacher Assistant

Hello my name is Ms. Mary also known as Noni to my two beautiful granddaughters, Charlotte, 5 and Francesca, 2 . I am also a mother to 3 wonderful children, Timothy, Marissa, and Michael. I am excited to start my second 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. Vanessa Gomez

Art, Music and Spanish

Mrs. Brittany Desso

Kindergarten 2

Hello! My name is Brittany Desso.  I am excited to begin my third 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 Masters degree in Literacy.  My husband Nick and I have lived in Clifton Park for the past 7 years.  In my free time I enjoy visiting with family, traveling, reading and taking my dog Brandon for walks. I am excited to be in my third year teaching at MTA!