Featured Brooklyn Child Study Students

Alondra CabaAlondra Caba ’20
Child Study

Caba teaches math, reading and writing as a general education teacher to third graders at Zeta Charter School.

“Every day in my graduate classes, I get to reflect on my teaching and talk about the week’s challenges. During my time working toward my undergraduate degree and especially now as I pursue my master’s, St. Joseph's University taught me that no matter how hard the road gets, support and assistance will always be there for me. I am truly blessed to be part of such an amazing community, where my feelings, worries and concerns are valued.”

Learn more about Alondra

Shannon DavidShannon David ’20
Child Study, with a concentration in Psychology

David teaches at the Dillon Child Study Center, working with toddlers.

“I had some absolutely incredible professors who not only presented a rigorous curriculum, but who challenged me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of,” she said. “They know their students well and consistently ensure that we are given the best tools and skills to become the best teachers we can possibly be.”

Learn more about Shannon

Marisa Nikas Marisa Nikas ’20
Child Study, with a concentration in Human Relations

Nikas teaches students from kindergarten through second grade in a bridged class at District 75 Schools in the P4K Building.

“St. Joseph's University gave me the opportunity to work with a range of students and teachers in various settings. I learned how to create lesson plans, units and different curriculums, and how to navigate systems with the school, including Seis, Google Classroom, and Stars. The Child Study program prepared me to teach grades birth through second grade (early childhood), first through sixth grade (childhood education) and special education.”

Learn more about Marisa

Katherine DaninoKatherine Danino ’07 ’09
B.A. in Child Study; M.A. in Literacy and Cognition

Danino teaches at P.S. 52 in Brooklyn.

“When I think about my first year teaching, I remember that it was really hard … But I was prepared. When I reflect on that, and my time at St. Joe’s, I realize I was prepared to be in my first classroom, and I was prepared to be part of a school community. I felt ready, and I had a passion for it.”

Learn more about Katherine

Andrew WenzlerAndrew Wenzler ’21
Child study major with a concentration in Speech

“St. Joseph's University is the best school I could have asked for. I’ve learned how to become a great teacher, explored my passion for service, and I’ve made friends that will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful for the impact St. Joseph's has left on my life.”

Learn more about Andrew

Jocelyn Panameno Jocelyn Panameno ’18 ’20
B.A. in Child Study; M.A. in Literacy and Cognition

Panameno teaches at P.S. 255 in Brooklyn.

“Trust the education you received at St. Joseph’s. I saved most of my stuff and believe it or not: at some point, you will go back to them and say, ‘I’m so happy I did a demo IEP.’ A lot of the paperwork in the IEPs and intervention plans go into your teaching and helping you be the best teacher in the classroom. They start to go hand-in-hand, and they start to become less scary, and you start to see how important they are.”

Learn more about Jocelyn

Jenna DiMauro Jenna DiMauro ’11 ’13
B.A. in Child Study; M.A. in Literacy and Cognition

DiMauro teaches at P.S. 255 in Brooklyn.

“Your first year is crazy. You’re going to be up for many nights thinking, ‘What can I do to make my lesson fun?’ or ‘Am I meeting the needs of all of my learners?’ or if I’m getting observed, ‘Is the principal going to think my lesson was rigorous enough?’ All that stuff will come with practice and time. My biggest takeaway is to really build that relationship with your students. Kids know if you have a soft spot for them, and they are more willing to open up to you if you open up to them.”

Learn more about Jenna