Our Good Shepherd staff is a dedicated group of persons that work diligently every day in this important mission of our congregation. We give thanks for their commitment. The fine reputation of our school and its staff has inquiring parents tell us they keep hearing “Good Shepherd is THE place to send your children”.
Vanessa Bigam holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and Administration and has been working in childcare for over nineteen years. She enjoys her job at Good Shepherd Lutheran School as the School Director. Seeing the smiling faces of the children as she greets them at the door is what Vanessa loves most about being at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. She also loves spending quality time with her family—husband, Shawn, and children, Sophia, William, and Alessandra.
Natasha Pecora has been a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School for the last 8 years, since her son, Luca was a student in the nursery program. Shortly thereafter, Natasha and her family joined the Church as well. Natasha loved being a school parent and now a Church and staff member. She enjoys the warm, familial atmosphere at Good Shepherd and looks forward to seeing all of the wonder and excitement through the children’s eyes on a daily basis.
Alison received her Bachelors degree in Music from Hofstra University. She spent a few years singing on tours and in amazing places like Carnegie Hall. She loves baking and spending time with her husband and two precious children. Alison also assists couples that are hoping to adopt. She is thrilled to share her love of music and God with all of the children at Good Shepherd!
Breanna has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Long Island University. She has worked at Good Shepherd for five years prior to taking on the position of pre-k teacher. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs. She hopes to create a classroom environment in which her students feel excited and motivated to learn and grow.
Dawn Ciulla has been teaching at Good Shepherd for six years. She holds a Child Development Associate certification. She is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn, grow, and have fun, with a focus on the “whole child” development. Mrs. Ciulla loves spending time with her husband, three children, and dog.
Heather has a Bachelors Degree in Social Work, and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys spending time with her 3 children, watching them play sports and do the things they love. She hopes to help children explore, learn, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Joanne Rodriguez earned her Child Development Associate certification in 2018. Prior to that, she spent years caring for children in her home. She loves spending time with her two grown sons. Her true passion is taking care of the infants at Good Shepherd and has formed bonds with all of the families here. She truly believes that when caregivers and parents work together, babies benefit and feel loved.
Justine Sciortino has served as a caregiver of children for seventeen years and has her Child Development Association (CDA) certification. She enjoys spending time with her husband, three children and two grandchildren. She is delighted to take care of all the toddlers at Good Shepherd and watching them learn and grow.
Melissa has been teaching Full Day Nursery at Good Shepherd since 2013. She has her Bachelor Degree from N.Y.I.T. and her Master of Science in Education from Dowling College. She loves spending time with her family, travel, and going to the movies. Her favorite thing about being a teacher at Good Shepherd is the warm family atmosphere.
Stephanie has two Bachelor Degrees from Long Island University and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Touro College. She loves spending time with her daughter, family, and friends. Stephanie attended Good Shepherd as a child and feels blessed to watch the children of Good Shepherd grow.
