Mrs. Lucy R. Fasanella,

Preschool Director

Lucy Fasanella has worked for the YWCA Trenton at the preschool for the past 20 years. Her work started as a classroom assistant and through the years has progressed to lead teacher, head teacher, and being appointed the director of the preschool last year.

Through the many years of involvement with the school she has developed an understanding of the needs of the children and families who we serve in the community.

It is of utmost importance for us to place the children in age-appropriate classes to meet each child’s individual developmental needs, and to work with the families to prepare each child for their future school experiences in a positive, nurturing way so that when they enter kindergarten they are prepared emotionally, socially, and academically.

It is very interesting and satisfying to watch children who have began their school experiences in our program with the enrichment classes while in attendance with a parent, then moving on to classes where they experience a little time away from Mom by themselves, and then finally onto our regular preschool classes where they are ready to flourish away from the family unit with the confidence they need to succeed in the elementary school environment.

Mrs. Mary Anne Leonard, Assistant Director

Mary Anne has been associated with the YWCA Trenton for over 20 years--first as a parent, then as a teacher, and most recently as an administrator here at the preschool.

“Over the years many things have changed but the one thing that stays constant is the commitment of this school to give each student a quality preschool education. It is here that we lay the foundation for a lifetime love of learning. The children are so excited to come to class each day. It is a joy to spend time with them knowing you have a hand in shaping our future. It’s an awesome task and a huge responsibility but I love each and every day here at Young Wonders,” says Mary Anne.

I look forward to many more years here at the preschool and I believe that the best is still ahead!

Mrs. Liza Zauner, Marketing Manager

Mrs. Sandy Palazzollo, Lead Teacher

Sandy has been working with the YWCA for the past ten years. She started out working as an assistant teacher in the preschool and also worked in the enrichment classes. She is currently a lead teacher in the 3 year and 4 year classes. Sandy is extremely attuned to the needs of the children, and how to best teach them at their individual learning levels. “What makes working here special is watching the children mature each year, and meeting the many families in our community.” 

Mrs. Lori Monaco, Enrichment Program Teacher

Lori has been our Enrichment Program teacher for the past three years. She has had previous experience working in an afterschool program and summer programs for preschool age children. Lori is very creative and has a kind and gentle manner when working with our “youngest wonders” and their families. Lori feels that her background in producing educational videos and media provides the organizational and creative background she needs, but the most valuable experience stems from years of being an active parent organizing activities, crafts and parties at her children’s schools.

Mrs. Colleen Cestare, Assistant Teacher

This is Colleen’s 19 th year here at the preschool. She has taught in the 3 and 4 year old classes, as well as assisting in some of our enrichment classes. She is currently the assistant in the Pre-K class and our P.E. instructor for both the 3 and 4 year old classes. Colleen has boundless energy and always has a smile on her face. “It’s the children’s faces that I love seeing each day,” says Colleen. “I feed off of their energy so together we have a great time!”

Mrs. Shirley Nami, Assistant Teacher - Enrichment Program

Shirley is the newest addition to our teaching staff. She is the assistant teacher in our Enrichment Program, and is a wonderful asset to this program, and a great compliment to the lead teacher. Her kind and gentle nature is exactly what is needed for the youngest children that are served in this program.