Leadership & Staff
The School is led by experienced educators who are passionate about its mission. A lead teacher and assistant teacher are present in each of the eight classrooms, with additional staff in place to support our children’s nutrition, safety, and learning needs. All teachers meet or exceed the minimum state requirements for education level, years of experience, and health & safety training.

Bouchaib Akbaoui
Co-Teacher - Food Services
About Bouchaib

Cassandra Behrens
Class Teacher
About Cassandra
Cassie brings a variety of experiences to her work as a Lead teacher in the toddler program. She has worked in clinical settings, classrooms, and administrative roles supporting children and families. Cassie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from Carlow University in 2015.

Madisyn Bender
Class Teacher
About Madisyn
Madisyn has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for the past 9 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Millersville University in 2021.

Kathleen Bierbower
Director - Family Services
About Kathleen
Kathleen joined CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health as a Family Wellness Case Manager with the Behavioral Health team in July 2018. In 2021, Kathleen transitioned to her current role as a Resource Coordinator with CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health’s Healthy Communities Initiatives. She primarily supports the children and families enrolled at the St. John Neumann School for Children & Families. Prior to working at CHI St. Joseph Children’s Health, she spent eight years working with adjudicated youth and their families. Kathleen graduated from Kutztown University with a Master’s in Social Work. She grew up in northeast Pennsylvania and moved to Lancaster after college. In her spare time she enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and son along with their dog, as well as exploring in and around Lancaster.

Liz Cauchon
Class Teacher
About Liz

Claudia Chavez
Co-Teacher
About Claudia

Susan Cooper
Co-Teacher
About Susan
Susie came to the St. John Neumann School for Children and Families in November of 2021 with 9 years of valuable experience in early childhood education and her Child Development Associate credential. She enjoys helping children learn and develop and values building strong relationships with our students and their families.

Ana Elliot
Co-Teacher
About Ana

Kelly Farrell
Co-Teacher
About Kelly
Kelly comes to the St. John Neumann School for Children and Families with 3 years of experience in childcare. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at York College of Pennsylvania. In her free time she loves to sing and read.

Zulaika Febo-Young
Co-Teacher
About Zulaika
Zully has several years of experience working in special education. She is passionate about enriching the lives of children of all abilities through meaningful and engaging learning experiences. She holds an Associate of Arts in Teacher Education and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Her experience, both professionally and as a classroom volunteer in her local school district, has helped her gain the skills and knowledge to support the needs of children in a positive, supportive, and nurturing environment. In her free time, Zully enjoys spending quality time with her husband and four children.

Kristy Humbert
Co-Teacher
About Kristy
Kristy has been working in Early Childhood since 2007. She is an Assistant Teacher in the Blooms classroom. She has a passion for creativity and helps “water” the children in her care to bloom each and every day. Kristy is pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time she enjoys sewing, painting and taking care of her plants and two fur babies.

Sarah Jeffery
Manager - Community Engagement
About Sarah

Maddie Lehr
Class Teacher
About Maddie

Nicole Marcello
Class Teacher
About Nicole
Nicole has 11 years of experience in the early childhood education field, serving families in Lancaster and Dauphin counties, and teaching children of all ages from birth through kindergarten. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University. Nicole is happy to be serving her hometown of Columbia. She looks forward to supporting our community and young children as they explore, learn, and grow!

Kierstan Mclasky
Co-Teacher
About Kierstan
Kierstan has been working with young children for the last 4 years. She earned her Child Development Associate position during that time and she brings that knowledge to her work at SJN where she serves as a teacher and Food Service and Nutrition Assistant.

Carissa Noel
Co-Teacher
About Carissa

Amanda Schein
Class Teacher
About Amanda
Amanda came to the St. John Neumann School for Children and Families in June of 2021 with 7 years of experience in childcare serving children and families in the Elizabethtown area. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Children and Family Ministries from Lancaster Bible College and she enjoys watching children grow and develop – each in their own unique way.
Amanda lives in Lancaster with her husband, young daughter and a Morki named Piper, and has a passion for music.

Amy Seeger
Class Teacher
About Amy

Tira Wooten
Co-Teacher