Marianne Aitken

My name is Marianne Aitken. I graduated from Saint Leo College in Florida with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Currently, this is my eighth year teaching at Atlantis Prep. I spent my first three years in the “First Step” class. The last four years in the ‘Junior Learner” and “Junior Kindergarten Enrichment” classes. This year I will be in a “Starters" group! I have three wonderful daughters, Amy, Keira, and Kendra. They all now have children of their own. My adorable grandchildren are Quinn, Luke, Reid, Ella, Delaney, Devon, and Hudson.

Laurie Aravich 

My name is Laurie Aravich. I am teaching Half-day Jr. Learners this year. I have a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and I am a certified teacher in the State of NJ. This is my 12th year working at Atlantis Prep School and my 8th teaching; prior to having children I was the Assistant Director on the Administrative Team. My husband Michael and I live in Wall with our two children. Izabella is in 3rd grade at Old Mill School and Emmett is in First Grade here at Atlantis Prep.

Missy Badach

Hi! My name is Missy Badach and I am a Full Day Starters teacher here at Atlantis Prep. This is my second year teaching this class. I have also taught Junior Learner Enrichment and half day Starters. I attended Florida State University and graduated with a degree in Psychology. This is my eleventh year here at Atlantis Prep. I find teaching very rewarding and in my spare time I enjoy running, playing tennis, shopping and going to the beach. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with both the children and the parents.

Sharon Buechler

Hello, my name is Sharon Buechler and I teacher the Mommy and Me program here at sch. I have been at Atlantis Prep for the past 3 years. I live in Point Pleasant with my husband, Doug. I have two sons, a daughter and five grandchildren. I received my Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials from Montclair State University and previously taught at Morrow Preschool in Maplewood, NJ for 21 years.

Robin Burkard

My name is Robin Burkard. I graduated in 1984 from Centenary College with a BS Degree in Elementary Education with Nursery School Endorsement. While substituting at Atlantis Prep, teaching opportunities became available. I have taught Kindergarten, Second Grade and Basic Skills Instruction. I am currently working as a Kindergarten Assistant Teacher. I have a son working in the family business and a daughter who is in her junior year at Red Bank Catholic

Sue Carone

Hi my name is Sue Carone and I am a Kindergarten teacher here at Atlantis Preparatory School. I graduated Lycoming College in PA with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and hold a NJ certification in Elementary Education. I met my husband Jim 36 years ago at Lycoming. We have two children; Jimmy is 29 and is a college baseball coach at Villanova University and Lisa is 26 and is the Director of Inside Sales for the Philadelphia Phillies Class A Lakewood Blue Claws Organization. I enjoy the beach, cooking and baseball. Jim and I reside in Point Pleasant Beach.

Pete Coviello

My name is Pete Coviello. I am a Junior at Monmouth University majoring in Marine Biology and Environmental Science. I started working at Atlantis Prep School this past summer with the prek and Kindergarten groups. During the school year I work aftercare and I’m the coach for Fun and Fit Club.

Shaina Chagrin

Hi, my name is Shaina Chagrin and I am the half day Midstream teacher at Atlantis Preparatory School. I live in Jackson and graduated from Monmouth University with a Business Degree. After graduating I attended Georgian Court University and earned my teaching certificate for K-5 Elementary Education, Special Education, and Business Education, as well as one year towards my Master’s. I enjoy working with students of all ages and always try my best to make learning fun! I have taught the kindergarten summer camp class here at Atlantis Prep as well as various enrichment classes.

Judy Clayton

Hi, my name is Judy Clayton. I have been at Atlantis Prep since 1999.I attended Monmouth College in the days before it was Monmouth University. I am a teacher assistant in the Junior Kindergarten Enrichment class. I have two “adult” children, one son and one daughter and a wonderful grandson, Thomas. I like to draw, read, ride my bike and go to the beach in Bay Head where I live.

Laurie Colombo

My name is Laurie Colombo. I graduated from Monmouth College (yes, before it became a University!), with a Degree in Education and a Degree in Psychology. This is my 15th year teaching at Atlantis Preparatory and my 18th year teaching overall. I have taught many different levels most recently teaching Junior Kindergarten with Ms. Sharon Hoagland for 6 years. I have been happily married for 14 years and I have two children, a 10 year old son named Tyler and a 6 year old daughter named Ashley, both former students of Atlantis Preparatory.

Leigh DeVito

My name is Leigh DeVito and I am teaching the Junior Kindergarten Enrichment program this year at Atlantis Prep. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Development. I accepted a position at Creative Campus (Atlantis Prep's original name) and have been fortunate in being part of the Junior Learner, Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs throughout my career. My husband of 14 years, Michael and I are also former Atlantis Prep parents with one son Evan who graduated Kindergarten in 2006 and one son Jared who graduated in 2009. We love spending our summer at the beach and the winter on the ski slopes! We live in Howell and are NY Giant fans!

Nancy Ficuciello

My name is Nancy Ficuciello. I have been teaching at Atlantis Prep since its inception. I previously taught in the Ocean Township School System before leaving to raise a family. I have three children: Carrie, 28, Kathleen, 25 and Anthony, 23. I have also sung for many years with the Metro Lyric Opera Company and am currently involved with the children's workshops at the Spring Lake Community House as well as the music ministry at St. Rose Church.

Joyce Figaro

Hi my name is Joyce Figaro. I have been a Wall Township resident for the past twenty-two years. I attended Bergen Community College in the field of Early Childhood Education. I have two children, Ashley, 23 and Stephen, 19.This will be my seventh year with Atlantis Prep School, assisting with the Midstream Class. During the summer months I continue on with summer camp working with the three and four year olds. I have found teaching the most rewarding and fulfilling career I can imagine. My love for those special personalities and helping children learn makes every year more satisfying than the next. My own growth and education continue every September as we begin our adventure into learning.

Janet Ford

Hi! My name is Janet Ford and I am currently the Midstream teacher at Atlantis Prep. I hold a New Jersey Elementary Education Certificate as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. My experiences are supported by 10 years business administration at various supervisory levels in the financial industry and 9 years of teaching in various capacities within the educational field. I am a mother, a wife and an educator. I find great pleasure in my chosen roles in life and treasure each equally and individually. As an educator, I believe, while working together, the school, the family and the community, can share responsibility of developing students who become successful members of our society. I approach my students with the same respect that I show for myself. I value diversity and display this by embracing all my students and seeing each child for whom he/she is. Mutual respect between my students, their parents and myself is the foundation of my philosophy.

Melissa Girkesh

My name is Melissa Girkesh and I have been a part of the Atlantis Prep family since 2003. I taught second and fourth grade in our primary school and assisted in preschool plus and our starters program. This past year I was part of our fabulous administration team and after many years of teaching summer camp classes, was moved to coordinator of our summer camp team here at AP. My son Brayden is in Atlantis Prep's Junior K this year and absolutely loves school. My father is also part of The Atlantic Club family as well as my younger sister.

Joni Grodeck

My name is Joni Grodeck. I am married and have two lovely daughters. I love the beach, cooking and reading. I also have a small passion for baseball. I live in Wall Township and am beginning my eighth year teaching Junior Kindergarten here at Atlantis Prep. I spend my days with very busy children who are drawing and counting, learning their letters and numbers and singing lots of songs. I am able to read wonderful stories and have amazing conversations. I truly enjoy working with children each day and am fortunate to touch their lives for a short time each September through June.

Sharon Hoagland

My name is Sharon Hoagland. I have been working at Atlantis Preparatory School for 11 years. I received my Associates Degree and a Group Teacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education. I taught the Starters 2 program for four years before moving on to assisting Mrs. Laurie Colombo with the Junior Kindergarten program. We have been a team for the past 6 years. I find teaching extremely rewarding!!!

Margaret Hoang

Hello, my name is Margaret Hoang. For the past eleven years I have been employed by the Atlantis Prep School as a kindergarten asst. teacher. I attended Manasquan HS, and graduated from The College of NJ in 1980, with a BS degree in Elementary Education.. Prior to my arrival at Atlantis Prep, I had been a pre-school, third grade, and substitute teacher in Howell Twp., where I also have resided for many years. I have been married for 25 years and am the proud mother of two wonderful children -- Christopher, 24, is a graduate of Virginia Tech U, and is employed as a Mechanical Engineer, and Laura, 21, who is entering her junior year at Rutgers U. In the summer, I work at a local banquet facility helping coordinate social functions. I enjoy hiking, reading, museums, theater, water sports, and especially the beach.

Gwen D. Holloway

Hi! My name is Gwen D. Holloway. I am originally from North Caldwell, NJ, moved to Manalapan in 1970, after attending college in Bryn Mawr, PA. I now live in Pt. Pleasant Boro. I have two sons, Buck, age 24, is a chemical engineer and Ben, age 21, is a senior at Towson U. I was employed by The Atlantic Club in 1995 for three years as the Mini Gym Director. I then accepted a position as a teacher assistant at Atlantis Prep for Junior Learners, a position I have held for over twelve years. I enjoy the Junior Learner age group immensely as well as my co-workers at Atlantis Prep.

Angela Idzahl

Hi! My name is Angela Idzahl. I have been teaching for nine years. I taught second grade at Atlantis Prep School from 2001-2006. I have also taught Kindergarten and First Grade. I graduated from Caldwell College and hold a New Jersey State certification in Elementary Education. I have been happily married for 11 years. We have three children. Ben is 4 ½ and twin girls, Emma and Molly, are 3. Ben, Emma, and Molly attend Atlantis Prep School and love it! We reside in Brick Township.

Andrea Lach

My name is Andrea Lach. I have been at Atlantis Prep for ten yeas. I began working at Atlantis Prep as a part time nurse and I am now the full time school nurse as well as part time summer camp nurse. I graduated Jersey City Medical Center, School of Nursing. I have three grown children and two grandchildren. I love going to the beach, reading, cooking, gardening and walking the boardwalk.

Tom Manni

My name is Tom Manni. I graduated from Fairfield University with a BA in English. I have also earned a certificate of eligibility in elementary school education (K-6) and English (K-12) from the NJ Dept of Education. In addition, I have earned the following certifications: Personal Training, Yoga, and Children’s Fitness Specialist. I have three children and two grandsons. I have been working at Atlantis Prep for six years. Personal interests include sports, music, cooking and travel.

Patty Raftery

My name is Patty Raftery. I have been working at Atlantis Prep for three and a half years. I am married to a lovely husband Ron and we have two beautiful children. Tara (23) graduated from Quinnipiac University and is now attending Clemson University to obtain her PhD in Environmental Toxicology and Doug (19) is a junior at Hood College majoring in Mass Media. He plays soccer and is involved in many activities. Now that we are officially “Empty Nesters” we look forward to spending time walking the boardwalk, going out to dinner, enjoying a movie or jogging. When the opportunity arises we look forward to going on vacation and visiting our children.

Kendra Remlinger

Hi, my name is Kendra Remlinger! I have been working at Atlantis Prep School since 1999. While working here, I have obtained my CDA (Child Development Associates Credential). I have taught both the “Junior Learners” and the “Starters” classes during those years. My husband Brian and I have two children, Quinn and Delaney. They are currently also both students here at Atlantis Prep! I look forward to another year at Atlantis Prep.

Jennie Luna Repsher

Hello, my name is Jennie Luna Repsher. I am a member of the administrative team here at Atlantis Prep. I am a NJ native, and I attended Neptune High School, Georgian Court College and Monmouth College. I have been at Atlantis Prep since 1998 and in the Early Childhood Education field for 20 years. My experiences include teaching classes from infants and toddlers to four year olds, as well as being a director. I have three adult children, Michael, Angelina and Nick each having the distinction of being born in a different state. My husband Frank and I live in Bradley Beach with our dog Dutchess. I enjoy going to the beach here and on vacation, knitting, reading, and traveling. I am also a huge NJ Devils hockey fan.

Miss Shannon Rule

Hello, my name is Miss Shannon Rule I have been working at Atlantis Prep for 9 years. I hold a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts with concentrations in Painting, Ceramics, and Video from Alfred University. I taught ceramics at Pine Grove Day Camp every summer throughout college and enjoyed working with the children. After college I worked as a graphic designer for NJ.com, but I missed working with children. I soon found a home at Atlantis Prep. When I am not at school I work in my studio creating unique pieces of stained glass, ceramics, paintings, and jewelry.

Dawnn Sandfort

Hi my name is Dawnn Sandfort and I am a Kindergarten teacher here at Atlantis Prep. I have been teaching at Atlantis Prep since September of 1998. I began as a full day Jr. Kindergarten assistant and the following year I had a Jr. Kindergarten class of my own. The next year I moved with some of my Jr. Kindergarten students to Kindergarten. I have been teaching Kindergarten for ten years with Mrs. Hoang as my assistant. I love teaching Kindergarten and my students make me smile every day! I graduated from Somerville High School in NJ and Lycoming College in PA with a BA in Psychology and certifications in Elementary Education and Teacher of Psychology. I met my husband Thomas at Lycoming and we’ve lived at the Jersey shore for thirty one years while raising our four children who are now young adults pursuing careers of their own. Tom and I love to travel and have had the privilege of seeing mountain peaks and volcanoes in Hawaii, to exploring the southwestern culture of Arizona and viewing the expanses depths of the Grand Canyon.

Lisa Schulz

My name is Lisa Schulz, I am a graduate of Rutgers University with a BA degree in Communication. Currently, this is my fourth year at Atlantis Prep. I have been in the Junior Learner program and in the Starters program. I also teach the Manners Matter program and assist during summer camp in the Preschool and Pre K groups. My husband Matt and I live in Toms River. Aside from spending time with family and friends, in my spare time I enjoy going to the beach and scrapbooking.

Kathy Siderko

Hello, my name is Kathy Siderko. I graduated from Kean University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading Specialization. This is my thirteenth year at Atlantis Prep. I have taught PreK, Midstreams, Kindergarten, and First Grade. I have two daughters. Erin is a CPA who works for an accounting firm in Wall. Alison is attending graduate school for a Masters in Public Health. My husband, Rich, works in Cranford at Banker’s Cooperative Group.

Sue Smith

Hi my name is Sue Smith. In 1987 I started working at The Atlantic Club. Thirteen years later, I came to work at Atlantis Preparatory School. I have worked with children from ages six months through age five. In 2003 I started working in the Junior Learner program since then I have also worked in the Preschool Plus program and the Starters program. I went to Elon College in NC and have taken education classes at Brookdale College. I have been married since 1977 and we have four grown children.

Allison Storer

My name is Allison Storer. I handle all the billing for the Atlantis Prep School and Summer Camp Administration. I have been employed at The Atlantic Club for almost 5 years. Prior to moving to the Atlantis Prep School, I was the Jr. Program Director at the Fieldhouse. I received my undergraduate degree in Human Development from George Washington University and a masters degree in Education from Georgian Court College. I have been married to Michael for 14 years and we have 2 children- Evan and Abby. We live in Brielle.

Senor Eduardo Torres

Hola! Me llamo Señor Eduardo. I was born in Costa Rica and I have been teaching Spanish here at Atlantis Prep for the past 10 years. I also teach Latin Dancing and Cardio Caliente at The Atlantic Club and have been teaching Ballroom Dancing for the past 18 years. I have danced since I was a child and have trained at the Fred Astaire School of Dance. In the past I have brought my passion for dance to our school as part of our physical education curriculum with Zumba for Kids. I incorporate a lot of music and movement into my Spanish classes with the children. I have two sons who both attended Atlantis Prep. Dylan is 9 years old and Evan is 7 years old.

Gayle Torode

My name is Gayle Torode. I am a graduate of Montclair State. I grew up in Belmar, N.J. I now live in Lake Como with my husband, Tim, my daughter, Chelsea, and my dog, Nikky. My daughter, Chelsea is 13 years old and will graduate from the eighth grade at Belmar Elementary School this year. When I started teaching at Atlantis Prep, she was starting Kindergarten!! I always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was a little girl. This is my ninth year teaching the Five Full Day Junior Kindergarten class at Atlantis Prep.