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 Co-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 second 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 CNA certified, she a passionate eldercare professional.

JILL MCCOURTNEY(2’S CO-TEACHER MWF)

This is Jill’s first 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 enjoys Pilates, meditation, and hiking with her dog Tanner. 

Bonnie Bocklet casey
(2’s co-Teacher T/TH)

This is Bonnie’s second year with Denise in the 2s class. She joins 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.

Haley ross
(3-to-be co-Teacher)

Haley is starting her third year at St. Matthews. She was Co-Teacher of the young twos, and is starting her second year with the “3- to-Be’s” (young threes). Haley attended college in Connecticut where she studied history and then in Westchester for Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching at the preschool level for nine years. Haley has a love for animals and is often referred to as the “animal whisperer”. She enjoys donating her free time to help rescue animals of all sizes including her own wonderful pup. Haley also loves to spend time with her family on vacations and exploring different parts of the country.

LILLY INNOCENTI(CO-TEACHER 3-TO-BE)

Lilly was born and raised in New York City. She studied fashion textiles at FIT and worked for a fabric house representing Japan, Italy, and Spain. She and her wonderful husband Jeff moved to Bedford in 2007. She is mom to 3 amazing girls and one Golden Retriever. She enjoys traveling with her family, and most recently, reading to the children in her classroom.

SOPHIA DEGL(CO-TEACHER 3-TO-BE)

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’s co-teacher)

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’s co-teacher)

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.

penny cataldo
(pre-k co-teacher)

Penny Cataldo has over 40 years experience teaching preschool and Kindergarten. Most of those years were spent at Rippowam-Cisqua School in Bedford. In addition, she has also been a Pre-K thru Second Grade Math Specialist. Penny has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She is married and has two children. During her free time, Penny enjoys spending time outside gardening and swimming. Penny is also an avid reader.

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 has spent many years as an assistant teacher at St. Matthews. Deciding to cut her days, but not her ties, Stephanie became the SMP Yoga and Art specialist. 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