Our classes are taught by experienced, state Certified teachers, all of whom provide high quality instruction that educate the whole child, each mind in its own time.

Our teachers all have Bachelor’s Degrees, are specialized in the age they teach, and have Tools of the Mind Curriculum training. Our teachers are the heart of our school, whose primary focus is to connect with each child and help them reach their fullest potential. Our fun specialty teachers are educated and experienced and bring so many great elements to our school day.

Our Teachers

Hannah Scansaroli

Hannah Scansaroli is a highly dedicated and passionate early childhood and special education teacher with a strong foundation in both general and special education settings. Hannah has had over four years of teaching and she holds a P-3 Certificate and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities Degree. Mrs. Scansaroli has extensive experience in effectively incorporating ABA principles and individual supports to promote student growth. She works to foster a nurturing classroom environment where all children fell safe, supported and empowered. She is currently pursing a Master’s Degree in ECE from William Paterson University. Mrs. Scansaroli is committed to building strong partnerships with families and believes in the power of collaboration among educators and parents. With a background in music and a love for creative play-based learning, she brings enthusiasm, warmth and professionalism to the Whitehouse Prep community.

Laura Gonnella

My name is Laura Gonnella, and I am extremely excited to be joining the Whitehouse Prep family this school year.

Experience:

I have substituted for various grades and taught 2nd grade. I have been teaching Preschool for the past 5 years. What I love most about teaching is seeing a student go from uncertainty to clarity, when they have their “light bulb” moment! I have also found that teaching is not one-way and that I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me!

Education:

I have a BA in Sociology and a Master of Science in Management from the College of St Elizabeth. I also have a Master of Art in Teaching from Montclair State University and have a Standard Teaching Certificate in Preschool to 3rd grade.

Samantha Stern

Experience:

Samantha has a wealth of experience in working with young children. She worked the before and aftercare programs as well as leading the three and four year old program at Camp Deeny Riback during the summers for eight years. Samantha student taught in a Kindergarten classroom and is excited to begin her full time teaching position at Whitehouse Prep as a Jr. Kindergarten teacher. Building meaningful relationships that last a lifetime and creating a safe, welcoming environment where the children can learn, grow and reach their fullest potential are what she loves most about teaching. She embraces each and every child and fosters each child’s individuality. Her enthusiasm for and love of teaching are an asset to our teaching staff at Whitehouse Prep.

Education:

Samantha Stern earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from William Paterson University. She began her career with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the County College of Morris.

Judith L. Serra

Head of School

Judith Serra has been teaching for 35+ years. Judy Serra is a highly qualified and NJ certified teacher.
She graduated from Cabrini College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education/ Elementary Education. She has been trained in Teaching Strategies Gold, Tools of the Mind and she is a member of the Monarch Teacher’s Network. She began her teaching career in Hillsborough Township Schools where she taught Kindergarten for 10 years. After that, she taught first grade at Whitehouse Elementary School for 3 years and then taught kindergarten for 7+ years at Whitehouse Preparatory School. Judy Serra was a Turn-Key Trainer, Lead Teacher and curriculum writer for both school districts. Judy is also trained from the Gesell Institute as a developmental screener. She teaches here at Whitehouse Preparatory School and has been since the school was established in 2009. As the Head of School, Judith Serra does teacher training and curriculum writing for the programs at Whitehouse Preparatory School. She also provides enrichment instruction in the Preschool I,II and Jr. Kindergarten Classes here at Whitehouse Prep. In addition she teaches a Reading Enrichment Program here at Whitehouse Prep. Whitehouse Prep is a fulfillment of her lifetime dream of creating a special school that will provide an excellent preschool foundation for a life time of learning.

Alyssa Coccio

Preschool Teacher

Experience:
I have worked with kids since high school. During college I did placements, volunteer work, and a senior year Internship in different childcare centers in the area. I’ve worked at WPS since last school year.

Education:
I graduated from West Virginia University in May 2023. I have a Bachelor of Science in Youth and Family Sciences with a minor In Psychology. I also have my Preschool-3rd grade certificate of eligibility and am working towards my provisional teaching license.

Specialty Teachers

Stephen Agnew

Music Teacher

Stephen Agnew (“Mr. Steve”), the founder of Lifelong Music School, has well over a decade of experience teaching music to students of all ages from infants to adults, in group classes as well as private instrumental instruction. At Whitehouse Prep and online, he teaches private lessons and music classes for students of all ages during the school day, afternoons, and weekends. Stephen began taking piano lessons in kindergarten, adding guitar lessons in middle school, and continuing lessons in both instruments through college. Upon graduating, he performed as a guitarist in a series of bands. He has experience in recording, synthesizer programming, MIDI and digital audio production, arranging, and composing. He frequently creates personalized arrangements of pop and rock songs for his older students to perform in recitals. Stephen graduated with honors in music from Hamilton College in 2001, with a double major in economics. He went on to earn his Master’s in Teaching from Montclair State University in 2006. He worked as a long-term substitute teacher in various elementary and middle schools, while also working as an SAT math tutor, and then spent a few years as a preschool teacher before shifting to teaching music around 2010. In 2012, Stephen began teaching music classes at Whitehouse Preparatory School, implementing his own early childhood music curriculum. In 2013, he also began to offer private guitar and piano lessons at Whitehouse Prep for students of all ages. Stephen teaches guitar, piano, bass guitar, ukulele, banjo, rock band classes, early childhood music classes, music technology, music theory, recording and sound design, composition, and ear training. He is comfortable instructing students of all ages, from very young children to senior citizens, and has experience in a wide range of musical styles, including classical, rock, folk, blues, jazz, and popular music. He is very comfortable teaching students with special needs and has several current students who fall at various points on the autism spectrum. He has successfully prepared countless students to perform in annual recitals, graded music competitions and evaluations, high school jazz band auditions, and college entrance exams. For more information, email LifelongMusicSchool@gmail.com or schedule a phone or video call.
Whitehouse Preparatory School