I am Mrs. Karen Santoro, and I am very proud to serve as the Head of School at Edgarton Christian Academy.

With 38 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of serving as a high school Biology teacher, Assistant Principal, and School Principal. Each of these roles has strengthened my commitment to creating schools where students feel safe, supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

I look forward to working collaboratively with our entire school community to provide a safe, wholesome, and academically rigorous learning environment—one that inspires students to engage, grow, and attend school each day with enthusiasm.

Together, we can create an environment where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to achieve their very best.

I graduated from Glassboro State College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Home Economics and I am the Assistant Head of School at ECA. In 2008, I was hired by Dr. Alimenti as the Advancement Director at Notre Dame Regional School where my three children attended school. I valued a private education for my family and was an instrumental part of the opening of Edgarton Christian Academy so other families could benefit from a similar school experience. I have always believed “it takes a village” and consider it an honor to be part of the village that educates the children of ECA families.

I graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s Degree and went on to earn my Master’s Degree from Southern New Hampshire University. As a new member of the Edgarton community, I couldn’t say enough wonderful things about the warm welcome I have received. Edgarton has been a part of my families life for a few years, as my daughter attends preschool here. I truly admire the school’s values, commitment to its students, and the welcoming environment that makes Edgarton such a special place. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three daughters, who are the loves of our lives.

I am excited to be the PK2 teacher at Edgarton Christian Academy! I hold a BS in Elementary/Special Education and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, with over 30 years of experience in education.

I believe children learn best through play, routine, and structure. My goal is to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where every child can learn and grow. The most rewarding part of teaching preschool is seeing the world through my students’ eyes.

It is an honor to continue my career at a school I proudly call family!

My Promise to You

“Every day your child will learn something. Some days they will bring it home in their hands, some days in their heads, and some days in their hearts!”
— Valerie Welk

My name is Lindy Mapp. I have been the pre-k 2 teacher here at Edgarton Christian Academy for 6 years. I am also the mom of two boys. One who graduated from ECA, and one who is currently attending ECA.  One of the most rewarding parts about this job is watching the children learn and grow. The change in each and every child from September to June is unbelievable! I feel blessed to be a part of the Edgarton team, and to have the opportunity to work with such amazing children everyday!

Hello! My name is Valerie Fisher. I’ve been employed at ECA Since 2013, I have worked as a classroom assistant before taking on the role of PK3B teacher at Edgarton in the 2020–2021 academic year. I hold a degree in early childhood education. In addition to being a teacher, I have 3 amazing children. I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to educate little children about love and kindness in addition to helping them learn new things daily.  I’m honored to be a part of such an amazing Christian school with extraordinary students. “Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together they make the world a beautiful garden.”- Unknown. 

I am currently the PK 4A teacher and head teacher for our preschool staff at Edgarton Christian Academy. I graduated from Rowan University in 2006. I have been teaching at Edgarton since we opened 12 years ago and previously taught at Notre Dame Regional School for 6 years. I believe that all children are unique and deserve positive learning experiences. I strive to provide an educational environment where they can grow mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially.

 Mark Twain once said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I have had the pleasure of coming to school and educating young children for 16 years. I have a BA in Education as well as a BA in Historical Studies. I taught Kindergarten for 8 years, then taught in the Learning Resource Center for 3 years, both in public schools. 

 I spent 3 years in PK4 at ECA and this is my 4th year in Kindergarten.  I feel that God has blessed me with the gift of teaching Kindergarten here at ECA. I look forward to seeing the daily excitement in my student’s eyes when they learn something new and I am a proud teacher when they gain independence in life skills. I look forward to many more passionate years of “not working” in Kindergarten at Edgarton Christian Academy.

My name is Susan Caione.This is my 15th year teaching 1st grade here at Edgarton Christian Academy.   I received my BS in Elementary Education (K-8) from West Chester University in 1996.  Previously, I have taught Kindergarten, Pre-K, and 3rd grade, culminating in a total of 25 years spent educating children.  It is my goal to provide students with a solid and sturdy foundation which to build upon.  I aim to provide each student with the tools necessary to help them acquire the knowledge to blossom into confident learners.

I am thrilled to bring my 31 years of skills and experiences to my 2nd graders! It is a privilege to have the opportunity to help shape young minds and make a positive impact in their lives. My passion for teaching drives me to inspire students to embrace the joy of learning.

My name is Meghan Houlihan, and I have been teaching at ECA since 2015. I currently teach 5th Grade Language Arts, 3rd & 4th Grade Accelerated Reading, and Computers for Kindergarten through 4th Grade. I also serve as the 5th Grade Homeroom teacher. I earned my B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Chestnut Hill College in 2015.

Teaching is my passion, and I love helping students discover their own excitement for learning. In Language Arts, I encourage them to build confidence in reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, communication, and self-expression. As a Computer teacher, I guide students in developing their skills on the Google platform, practicing typing, and using their Chromebooks creatively in everyday learning.

Beyond the classroom, I’m grateful to have two children who are also part of ECA in the preschool program. Our family feels truly blessed to be part of such a loving and spiritual learning community.

My name is Mrs. Cassandra Brennan. I am the upper school Social Studies and Geography teacher. I have worked at Edgarton Christian Academy for six years. I have worked at Edgarton in the past as a teachers aide and summer camp counselor. I hope to nurture a love of history in my students and inspire them to become adults who are engaged in making their communities a better place through civic-mindedness. Together with our school community we can create a safe environment where we foster a love of learning for all of our students.

My name is Veronica Duross and I am currently the 7th grade Homeroom and Regular Math teacher for students in grades 5 through 8.  I have been teaching at Edgarton Christian Academy since it opened in 2012.  I am a graduate of Seton Hall University and am certified in Elementary Education and highly qualified in Middle School Mathematics. I believe that every student is capable of learning and achieving their goals when they are provided with a variety of methods and strategies.

My name is Leah Frie, and I’m a 5th to 8th-grade science teacher at Edgarton Christian Academy. This is my 9th year teaching science, and I truly love what I do. There’s nothing more rewarding than conducting experiments with my students and seeing that moment when the “lightbulb” clicks on, as they grasp a new concept. Along with my teaching responsibilities, I also have the privilege of advising the Student Council and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), where I guide and support our young leaders in their growth and development.

My name is Mrs. Lauren Cardillo. I am honored to work here at Edgarton Christian Academy, as the 5th-8th grade Religion Teacher. I began my time here at ECA in 2021, as the 4th grade aide. For the past two years, I have enjoyed leading the 4th grade class studying the book of Acts.  I believe it is one of the greatest privileges to teach at and attend a school where learning about God is the foundation of all instruction. Understanding who God is and what His Word says is essential for understanding who we are and how we are to live. I am trusting God to lead me, as I lead your students, in learning how to have a personal relationship with God, study His Word and love others as He has loved us! John 13:34

  My name is Mrs. Lauren DellaRova, and this is my fourth year teaching at ECA. I graduated with a BA in English (and teacher certification) from Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington). I am a K-12 certified educator; my previous experience includes teaching 7th and 8th grade English in a public school and educating all ages in homeschool individual and group settings. 

      I believe that every child is uniquely created by God with specific strengths and weaknesses. My job is to bolster strengths and empower students to tackle their weaknesses in the areas of literature, vocabulary, grammar, and composition. My goal is that every child at Edgarton develops a love of literature and can communicate effectively through writing.

I am the Music Teacher for all grade levels at ECA: Pk2 through 8th Grade. I also direct the Christmas concerts, the Violin Ensemble, the Passion Play, and the Spring Musical. Additionally, I give private lessons in violin.

I am a lifetime violinist and singer from a young age.  I studied violin performance at Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music.

I began as a classroom aide at ECA in 2017, assisting in a number of grades while also supporting the music teacher as a voice coach for the Spring Musical and director of a 1st and 2nd grade choir.

I moved into my position as the Music Teacher starting in the Fall of 2021.

As a proud ECA Mom of 2 kids (both Alumni now) since 2013, I know firsthand what this incredible school has to offer, and I’m honored to be a part of its faculty.

I believe the words of Shinichi Suzuki that “music exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart”. Every child has music inside them, and it’s my job to bring it out as musical performers and appreciators.

Presently I am the Reading Specialist of ECA where I have served for the past four years. Previously I served as a Resource Room and In-class Support teacher in the public school system. My educational background includes a BA in Special Ed and Elementary Education, an MA as a Reading Specialist, a Certified Dyslexia Therapist (CRT), and a Wilson Fundations trained teacher. It is my belief that every child needs to be given the opportunity to develop to his or her fullest potential. I help them achieve this by teaching those with challenges to read. When a child is able to read he or she possesses the world and it becomes theirs to explore.

My name is Debbie Curcio and I have been a Reading Specialist at ECA for the last 5 years.  Prior to joining the ECA family, I worked in the public school system as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach for over 25 years.  My background in education includes a BA in Elementary Education as well as a MA as a Reading Specialist.  I am also trained in Wilson’s Fundations, Spire, LLI and Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop.

In my small groups I focus on the specific needs of each of my students and differentiate my lessons, so that each student’s needs are addressed.  I believe that all children are unique and deserve to  have a supportive, engaging and loving environment in which to learn. It is my goal to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential and become lifelong learners.