Liz peck
(Preschool director)

Liz is the Director of St. Matthews Preschool. A long-time educator, Liz received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in NYC. She taught Early Childhood for 4 years at the Episcopal School in Manhattan, 25 years at Rippowam-Cisqua School in Bedford and the last two years here at St. Matthews. Liz also owns her own dog training business. She enjoys walking in the woods with her dogs, mornings in the gym, cooking with her husband and visiting with her children. Her favorite new role is that of Grandma to her little Granddaughter, Lucy.

Denise Moccia
(2’s Teacher)

A native of Wisconsin, Denise moved to New York and received her teaching degree from Herbert Lehman College. Over the past 13 years, she has worked at St. Matthews as a substitute, assistant teacher and a teacher’s aide. Her love of St Matthews keeps bringing her back! This is her third year teaching the twos. She has four grown children that she raised here in Bedford. Denise enjoys being part of the Bedford Fire Department, and working at Athleta in Mt Kisco. She is also an avid fan of cooking and cars and is CNA certified, she a passionate eldercare professional.

JILL MCCOURTNEY(2’S TEACHER MWF)

This is Jill’s second year and she is excited to join Denise in the 2’s class. A graduate of Keene State College with a degree in communications, Jill began her career as a sales representative for several handbag manufacturers. She has spent the last 16 years raising her four wonderful boys in her hometown of Katonah. Jill comes from a family of educators and has always wanted to try he hand in the classroom. She enjoys Pilates, meditation, and hiking with her dog Tanner. 

Bonnie Bocklet casey
(2’sTeacher T/TH)

This is Bonnie’s third year with Denise in the 2s class. She works with Jill McCourtney in sharing the 2’s co-teacher position. Bonnie started teaching as a substitute at St. John’s Early Learning Center and came to St. Matthew’s several years ago. Before settling in the 2’s she was a substitute and an assistant teacher in Sue Ross’s Bedford Learning Center (our after school and June program) Bonnie is a long-time resident of Katonah Lewisboro and has 3 children and 2 puppies. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, and watching her youngest son play sports.

Avery David(3’s Teacher)

Awaiting info…

SOPHIA DEGL(3’s Teacher)

This is Sophia’s first year and she is in the “3 to Be’s” classroom. She started as a substitute teacher with us and loved it so much she came on as Haley’s assistant Thursdays and Fridays. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a degree in communications, Sophia began her career as an Account Executive at a promotions agency. However, her greatest joy has been as a mom for the last 17 years raising her three lovely children with her husband, they currently live in Waccabuc. Sophia loves to watch her children play sports, go estate sale hunting and snuggling her dog Maisie as she mentally prepares to send her oldest off to college.

Betty seraita
(3’steacher)

Betty graduated from The American University in Washington, DC with a degree in communications/broadcast journalism. Before becoming a mother of two daughters, she worked in advertising. A longtime Katonah resident, she started teaching preschool in the Bedford area almost 20 years ago. Betty loves spending time with her family on vacation. She is very thankful that her adult daughters still enjoy going away with her and her husband. Betty is a big fan of Penn State football and spending her Saturdays watching the games during the fall.

Kate hordan
(3’steacher)

Kate is so happy to be co-teaching the 3’s this year. Last year She and Betty co-taught a section of Pre K. She has her Masters in Education and is a NYS certified teacher in grades N thru 6th. Kate spent much of her teaching career as a first grade teacher in the Yonkers Public School System. which she loved but, “Early Childhood,” she says, “is her favorite!” Kate lives in Yorktown with her husband and enjoys spending time with her grown daughter and son. Cooking, gardening, and hiking are her favorite hobbies.

Maria Elena Kieley
(pre-k teacher)

Awaiting info…

KRISTINA PARKER(PREK TEACHER)

Kris is thrilled to be working in the Pre-K classroom.  After earning her master’s degree in journalism, she spent several years working in media relations for an art museum and a film nonprofit. The past four years, she has been a full-time parent to two energetic kids and a dog. Kris loves skiing, crafting, reading, and sharing her love of the outdoors.  She has recently taken up gardening and paddle boarding and lives in South Salem. 

STEPHANIE GOODKIND
(yoga & art specialist)

Stephanie is our SMP Yoga and Art specialist. After many years as a full time teacher, Stephanie spends part time with us at SMP and part time with her grandchild. Stephanie lives in Katonah with her husband. She has three grown children and is thrilled to now be a Grandmother. Stephanie loves animals and has 5 cats and 3 dogs to keep her busy. When she can find a few minutes to herself, she loves to garden, swim and practice yoga,

Support Staff

Kelly Napolitano  Administration Manager   

Cindy Johnson Bookkeeper

Liz Frascella Administrative Assistant

Amanda Garzon Preschool Housekeeper