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 11th 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.

Mrs. Jessica Segura

Office Manager

Hi, my name is Jessica & I am looking forward to returning for my 2nd year here at MTA! 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! 😊

Mrs. Kristin Felano

Administrator Building 2, Uniform Coordinator

Hello MTA Families and Welcome! 😊 My name is Mrs. 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. Mary Cortese

Head of Food Services/ 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 third 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. Michele Sobieski

Nursery 1 Teacher

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

Miss. Gabriella Larned

Nursery 2 Teacher

Hi! My name is Miss Gabby! This will be my second year teaching nursery at MTA and I could not be more excited! 😊 I have over 8 years of experience working with preschool age children and have always had a love for it. I received my bachelors degree in Psychology-Child Life from Utica University in 2022.

In my free time, I love to travel, cook, and spend time with my 2 dogs, April and Dixie. I look forward to another wonderful year here and meeting you!

Mrs. Priscila Paixao

Nursery 3 Teacher

Hello! My name is Mrs. Priscila and I am so happy to be here for my 6th year at Mother Teresa. I love to work here and love to work with kids! I’m ready to be their teacher this year!

My Family and I are from Brazil and we have lived here in Clifton Park for 8 years. We are fluent in Portuguese. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas. Before coming to the USA, I worked at the largest oil company in Brazil. When we moved here, I started working at my daughter’s elementary school as a volunteer and fell in love with early childhood education. Since then I feel like I found my path and my love for working with kids!

I have a 13 year old daughter named Julia and a dog named Snow. Julia loves to play soccer, Basketball and Ski. She plays on travel teams. In my free time, my family and I, love to travel and experience new places, cultures and try different kinds of food. We have a large wooden World Map in our Living Room with all the places we have been and all the places we have plans to go!

I look forward to meeting your child and learning all about them soon and we are going to have a wonderful school year!

Mrs. Michelle Ploof

Nursery 4 Teacher

Hello, my name is Michelle and I am overjoyed to welcome your children to our nursery school program! This is my third year at MTA, but I have 4 years experience teaching nursery and look forward to many more years here. I live in Charlton with my husband, my daughter and my large Goldendoodle name Eli. I have 2 older children that are out on their own now. We enjoy traveling, swimming, and spending most of our free time with family and close friends. I look forward to starting school and meeting you all!

Mrs. Cassandra Hickey

Nursery Assistant Teacher

Hi there, My name is Ms. Cassandra (Cassie) and I am super excited to be joining Mother Teresa Academy this fall as a Teacher Assistant. I live in Malta with my husband, sons: Donovan (9) and Jonah (5) as well as our two Dogs Ziggy and Roo.

I have spent the last nine years raising my boys as a stay at home mom. In my free time I love to cook, camp, and travel with friends and family.

Ms. Tauheed Bibi

Nursery Assistant Teacher

Hi, my name is Tauheed & I’m very excited to be joining MTA this year as a assistant teacher for Ms. Michele! I enjoy helping and assisting students, I’m a childcare professional with 7.5 years of nannying and childcare experience with children of all different ages. I have 3 children who are toddlers. My hobbies are walking, cleaning, baking, cooking and  prioritizing family time. I look forward to meeting you all!

Mrs. Allie DeCosmo

Nursery Teacher Assistant

Hello, my name is Allie and I am so excited to start my first year assistant teaching at MTA. I’m overjoyed to help teach and guide all these new little friends this coming year.

My family and I just moved here this summer from Massachusetts for my husband Rob’s job. Before this I owned my own daycare for 5 years so I could be home with my two boys Jack (5) and Bobby (3) who will also be starting their first year at MTA as well.

I was a nanny for 8 years prior to starting my own family. I also have my degree in business management. I love spending time with my family especially at the beach in Sea Isle City, NJ. Walking our two dogs Louie and Maggie, traveling, cooking and reading!

Ms. Kate O’Connell

Nursery Teacher Assistant

Hi my name is Ms. Kate and this is my first year at MTA! I work in nursery 3 along side Mrs. Priscila! Before taking this job as a teacher assistant, I worked in a preschool for 3 years. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my daughters 8 and 4. I also have 2 amazing stepsons age 15 and 11. You can catch me at all their games and cheer practices! I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of this amazing school!

Mrs. Marissa Rogowski

Pre-K 1 Teacher

I was born in Northampton England. I moved to New York in 1996 to work as a Nanny. I have over 20 years experience in childcare. I recently worked at Shen as a sub with Special Ed. I was a stay at home mom with my three children Ethan 19, Matt 17, and Bell 13. I have two dogs Max & Millie, and two cats Logan & London. I reside in Halfmoon and enjoy spending time with my family. I love to travel, cook, interior design, and hang out with cats. This will be my 8th year teaching at MTA!

Mrs. Karen Muzio

Pre-K 2 Teacher

Hello to all the MTA families! My name is Karen Muzio (Ms. Karen) and I excited for my sixth year at MTA. This will be my fourth year teaching Pre-K here but I have previously taught nursery at MTA. I am very excited to be part of the MTA family and look forward to a great year! I come to you with over 25 years experience with the preschool age. I also coach preschool gymnastics at cartwheels gym in Clifton Park. I live in Latham with my husband Dave and we have two grown beautiful, hardworking adult daughters! Recently, I have started working on Saturday’s at Galway Rock Winery. We love to spend time at our Camp on weekends and golf when we can!!

Mrs. Tara Terrell

Pre-K 3 Teacher

Ms. Tara graduated from Shenendehowa HS in 2010 and graduated from Marist College 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. She has also run initiatives to help youth contribute to their communities, and was able to lead the installation of a new city playground in Watervliet, NY.

In her spare time, Tara can be found filming weddings for her sister’s video production company, exploring new restaurants and towns with her husband, spending time with her niece and family, and tutoring students. Teaching and nurturing her Pre-K loves is her passion. She’s very excited to start her eight school year at MTA!

Ms. Ann Marie Forte

Pre-K 4 Teacher

Hello! My name is Ann Marie Forte and I am looking forward to joining the MTA family. I lived out of state for the last 35 years and am excited to be back in my hometown (Albany) with my family and friends. I am the youngest of 6 siblings and love to spend time with my nieces and nephews.

I graduated from the University of Central Missouri and have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education. I have 30 years of experience working as an educator with various age groups. I taught at preschools and elementary schools. I also worked at Sylvan Learning Center for several years as a Director. My true passion and heart is teaching prekindergarten children. Aside from teaching, I love to spend time with family and friends, read mysteries, cook, and take my two dogs on an evening stroll. Here is to a fantastic year of learning and fun!

Miss. Abigail Hicks

Pre-K 2 Teacher Assistant

Hi! My name is Miss Abbie and this is my second 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 returning to 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!

Mrs. Laurie Wilson

Pre-K 3 Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Wilson is so excited to continue on the role of assistant teacher in Pre-K. 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 seventh year!

Mrs. Kim Gilligan

Pre-K 4 Teacher Assistant

Ms. Heather Staulters

Kindergarten 1 Teacher

Ms. Heather is very excited to start her 9th year at MTA! This year she will be returning as the Kindergarten 1 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 undergraduate 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 kindergarten age children. She looks forward to getting to know her students and their families!

Ms. Heather lives in Ballston Lake, NY. She has two wonderful parents, a younger brother, and a cute puppy, Hoss. When not teaching, Ms. Heather enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, working out, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs. Brittany Desso

Kindergarten 2 Teacher

Hello! My name is Brittany Desso. I am excited to begin my fourth 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.

Ms. Carol Castle

Kindergarten 1 Teacher Assistant

Hi, my name is Ms. Carol! This is my first year at MTA. I’m  a teacher’s assistant in Ms. Heather’s Kindergarten class. I’m coming to MTA from North Colonie School District, with over fourteen years of experience working with elementary age children. Some of my favorite things are crafting, crocheting, hiking, board games and exploring new places with my family. I am excited for this next chapter and getting to know all of the students and my new co-workers at MTA!

Ms. Penny Weeks

Kindergarten 2 Teacher Assistant

Hi! I am Ms. Penny! I feel so blessed to join the MTA family as a Teachers Assistant this fall.

Miss. Katelyn McGuire

Religion & Spanish Teacher

Hi! I’m Miss. Katelyn! I am so excited to be the Specials Teacher this year! This is my third 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!