Our full-time teaching staff at St. John Paul II Regional School holds New Jersey State Certifications in Education.
Mrs. Helen Persing – Principal
Telephone: 856-783-3088
Email: principal@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Persing holds an M.A. in educational administration from Rider University along with a B.S. in business management. She has both her NJ State Principal/Supervisor Standard Certification and NJ State Elementary School Teacher Standard Certification, and she completed the New Jersey Leaders to Leaders Program in October 2008. Mrs. Persing was nominated 2013 Camden Diocese Principal of the Year. She is beginning her seventeenth school year as Principal of St. John Paul II Regional School since its inception in 2008 and was Principal at Queen of Heaven School in Cherry Hill for two years prior. Mrs. Persing taught middle school math, science and language arts as well as second grade in the Diocese of Trenton where she was named Outstanding Catholic Educator. Mrs. Persing is passionate about Catholic Education and continues to devote her time to meeting the needs of the students at St. John Paul II R.S.
Mrs. Dianette Delgado- Administrative Assistant
Email: ddelgado@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Delgado holds an Associates degree in Office Systems Technology Administrative Assistant from Camden County College. She brings several years of business administration, human resources, and clerical experience to our school office. Mrs. Delgado feel privileged to work in a Catholic elementary school and enjoys interacting with students and parents. Mrs. Delgado is beginning her seventh year here at JPII.
Mrs. Kathy Chesnut – Advancement Director
Email: kchesnut@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Chesnut holds a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Education. She has taught K through 8th grade. She has a NY and NJ States Standard Certification as well as a Supervisor of Curriculum Certificate. In her free time Mrs. Chesnut enjoys traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.
Mrs. Bernadette Strickland – Bookkeeper
Email: bookkeeper@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Strickland holds an A. S. in business management with a minor in accounting and is Certified in Business Accounting and Bookkeeping. She also cares for the students in After School Care and leads, with Mr. Strickland, our Athletic Department. Mrs. Strickland is an asset to JPII!!
Learning Center
Mrs. JoAnne Bertini
Email: jbertini@jp2rs.org
Mrs. JoAnne Bertini holds a B.A. in sociology and elementary education from Rutgers University as well as Teacher of Students with Disabilities degree from Rowan University. With over 15 years of teaching experience in the Camden Diocese, she brings a fun and creative style to ensure that all types of learners succeed. Mrs. Bertini believes that every child has a special talent or interest and she works to tap into those areas for students to love attending school every day. She infuses religion into all subjects through books, Bible stories, Saint of the day or a proverb that relates to a present topic. Students will learn through hands-on activities to enhance math and language arts skills and promote curiosity. In her spare time, Mrs. Bertini enjoys time with her family, walking her dog and attending education workshops to stay up with current trends.
Mrs. Cynthia Recarte – PreSchool 3
Email: crecarte@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Recarte holds an Associates Degree as a Medical Assistant and has previously worked as a paraprofessional for two years at JPII. She is excited to teach her students about animals, nature, colors, shapes, seasons and the weather.
“I am a dedicated and compassionate teacher who believes in fostering a love for learning in all my students.”
In her free time, Mrs. Recarte enjoys cheering for her kids at their sports events and traveling.
Mrs. Allyson Trethaway – PreSchool 4
Email: atrethaway@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Trethaway holds an Associates Degree in Early Education and is pursuing a BA from Walden University. This is Mrs. Trethaway’s first year at JPII and she is excited about helping her students to develop their personalities and gaining independence. She is looking forward to super cool science experiments, Dr. Seuss’ week, and field trips. Students will learn about plant’s life cycle, animals and pumpkins.
Mrs. Trethaway is a Kappa Delta Pi member and enjoys singing in church, hiking and traveling.
Ms. Nichole Ayala- Kindergarten
Email: n.ayala@jp2rs.org
Ms. Ayala has a B.A. in Art from the College of St. Elizabeth (now Saint Elizabeth University). She taught K-8 Art for 12 years at St. Joseph Regional Elementary and is very excited to continue her teaching career in a Catholic school. She is looking forward to teaching our kindergarten students to read and write. “Kindergarten is a time to build the foundation for literacy. We will spend most of our time decoding letter sounds to be able to read. Reading will then open the door to learn in a limitless way.” Outside of school, Ms. Ayala enjoys painting, spending time with her cats and dogs, and reading. She loves live theater/musicals and visiting museums and zoos.
Grades 1 to 5
Mrs. Patricia Babnew-First Grade
Email: pbabnew@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Babnew holds a B.A. in early childhood education from Holy Family University. She has over 11 years of teaching experience teaching second grade in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and also in the public school system working with autistic children. Mrs. Babnew believes in active learning where children benefit from hands-on activities and are an integral part of the learning process. She wants her students to be excited about learning every day. She looks forward to first grades’ traditional Saints Project and developing strong math and literacy skills in her students. Most importantly, Mrs. Babnew wants their love of God and each other to grow in our great school community! Mrs. Babnew teaches Children’s Liturgy at her parish on Sundays and enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time at the beach with her family.
Ms. Morello studied Early Education with Special Education at Cabrini University from 2016-2020. She completed her student teaching at Cardinal Foley Catholic School in Havertown, PA. This is her third year teaching at JPII and she is super excited to have a great school year!
Ms. Morello played Field Hockey at Cabrini University while studying education. She wanted
to keep doing something with field hockey and is an assistant field hockey coach at Sterling High School. In her free time, she likes to spend most of her time at the park with her dog as well as reading new books and cooking!
Mr. Joshua Whalen – Third Grade
Email: jwhalen@jp2rs.org
Mr. Whalen holds a B.A. from the College of New Jersey. He is looking forward to teach third grade to multiply and divide, how to read a map and help them to strengthen their ability to write and reading comprehension. “I am going to push and encourage my students to become more independent and take accountability for their actions.”
Ms. Alaina Logan – Fourth Grade
Email: alogan@jp2rs.org
Ms. Logan studied Elementary Education, Special Education and American Studies at La Salle University from 2017-2021. She completed her student teaching, then worked as a learning support teacher, at Freedom Prep Charter School in Camden, New Jersey. Prior to her college career, Ms. Logan was educated in Catholic schools from preschool through grade 12, attending St. Mary’s School in Williamstown and Paul VI High School. This is her third-year teaching, and she is excited to have a wonderful school year with her 4th grade students!
Ms. Logan looks forward to helping her students grow in their faith, while furthering their academic skills, promoting independence and responsibility, and preparing them for the challenges and exciting times that lie ahead in 5th to 8th grade.
In her personal time, she loves spending time with family, including her two dogs. She loves reading in a cozy spot, cooking, and crafting!
Middle School – Grades 5th-8th
Mrs. Brenda King – Fifth Grade
Email: bking@jp2rs.org
Mrs. King holds a B.A. in elementary education and sociology with over 34 years of K-8 teaching experience. She is eager to engage her class in writing workshops to foster a love of writing and encourages her students to become lifelong writers. In Social Studies, she wants to keep her students current with world events through projects throughout the school year. “Middle School is both challenging and fun. It helps prepare students for high school and fosters friendship”. In her personal time, Mrs. King enjoys reading, spending time with her family and “glamping.”
Mr. Matthew Frankunas – Sixth A Homeroom; Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Language Arts
Email: mfrankunas@jp2rs.org
Mr. Frankunas holds a B.A. in elementary education and social studies from Rowan University and has over 10 years teaching experience. Mr. Frankunas has been an ABA Facilitator for the Washington Township School District since 2001, where he provides at-home instruction to students with autism. He is a member of Phi Alpha Theta (National Historical Honor Society) and Honor Society.org. ‘Mr. Frank” provides students in his classroom with a skill set to develop strong research, writing and public speaking skills. He motivates students to think for themselves and develop strong problem-solving skills. In the classroom, while learning the traditional components of Language Arts, students will also learn various historical periods, issues, and cultures based on the novels they read. Mr. Frankunas is the director of our school’s spring plays, which have included: Aladdin, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King. He feels theater is an excellent way for students to express their creativity and to build a sense of community within the student body. His interests also include: zoology, mythology, and film/art history and brings his love of learning to the classroom.
Ms. Zuleika Fernandez – Sixth B Grade Homeroom; Middle School Religion
Email: zfernandez@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Janet Gorelick – Seventh Grade Homeroom; Middle School Math
Email: jgorelick@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Gorelick holds a BS in elementary school from St. Joseph’s University and has worked as an educational assistant and long-term substitute. She has taught CCD for 25 years.
Mrs. Gorelick hopes her students will develop the confidence and knowledge to find and apply different strategies when working with math and that they find everything about math as exciting as she does! “My classroom is a place where everyone is comfortable enough to ask a question, make a suggestion, or share a strategy. In her free time, Mrs. Gorelick likes to read, knit, and spend time with her family and her cats.
Mrs. Danielle Hurd – Eighth Grade Homeroom; Middle School Science
Email: dhurd@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Hurd holds a B.A. in elementary education and psychology with over 15 years of teaching experience. In addition to science, she has taught language arts, mathematics, and religion in fifth through eighth grade. Mrs. Hurd motivates her students by incorporating creative, educational programs into her science lessons. Her science classes frequently work in our new Science Center with laboratory experiments and observations to follow up on material taught in the classroom. Mrs. Hurd also enjoys using the smart board with her students, sharing PowerPoint presentations, and using Science World magazines that are internet friendly. Mrs. Hurd runs Science Explorers after-school club for Grades 1-5 and facilitates student council activities.
Mrs. Ana Curiel-Spanish
Email: acuriel@jp2rs.org
Ms. Curiel was born in Spain and has lived in several different counties such as England, France, and Mexico. She holds an Associate degree and has worked as a Technical Nurse Aide and a Clinical Laboratory Technician. She has been a volunteer Spanish teacher for adults in France and has been a Spanish tutor in the United States for two years teaching grammar and conversational Spanish. Ms. Curiel wants her students to learn Spanish, its culture and to have fun with activities and plays. She wants her students to be able to communicate with each other and other Spanish-speaking individuals. Ms, Curiel is married with two boys and a cute cat. She likes to spend time with her family traveling and playing tennis. She enjoys reading and crocheting.
Ms. Teneyah Dorsey – Technology
Email: tdorsey@jp2rs.org
Ms. Dorsey holds BS in Engineering from Drexel University and under her teaching students will have the opportunity to experience careers in tech by learning about coding, CAD, Canva and more! “In tech, every grade can combine learning and fun through challenging and creative activities”.
Ms. Dorsey owns a dance studio and coaches cheerleading. She loves spending time with her family!
Mrs. Catherine Bishop – Art
Email: cbishop@jp2rs.org
Mrs. Bishop holds a BA in psychology and an AA in fine arts. Under her guidance, students will learn all types of media and master artists. Students will be encouraged to use their creativity and will get an in-depth art lesson in each class. Mrs. Bishop has been a local artist for over 10 years and enjoy spending time in nature and finding the beauty in everything.
Mr. Brandon Grace – Gym
Email: bgrace@jp2rs.org
Mr. Grace earned his B.S. in Management and Marketing and is currently the varsity football coach at Sterling High School. He is excited to teach students a variety of sports while aiding them in honing their motor skills. Mr. Grace loves sports, played college football and loves being outdoor whether is fishing or walking the dog.
Mr. Dave Davenport – School Counselor
Email: ddavenport@jp2rs.org
Mr. Davenport holds a B. A. in Psychology and a M. A. in school Psychology and a Certificate in Substance Awareness. He has been a school counselor for 34 years. “As a counselor, I hope to impress upon the students that they ca handle and deal with any of life challenges.” In his free time Mr. Davenport likes to bake and is a huge Philadelphia sports teams’ fan.
Teacher Assistants
Mrs. Angela Lipenta-Pre School 3 Aide
Mrs. Diana Peralta-Pre School 4 Aide
Mrs. Tricia Bonagura-Kindergarten & First Grade Aide
Mrs. Lynda Chesterton-Outdoor Recess