Meet Our Team | ivyhill

Our Teachers

Ivy Hill Teachers are chosen carefully and mentored continually. Lead teachers are all degreed or credentialed. Our teachers are true professionals. They believe in providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. They are the foundation of Ivy Hill Preschool. All teachers have had criminal background checks and healthchecks. Our entire staff is First Aid and CPR trained.

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Team

Director

Erin Hawley

Started: Part time June 2011 full time May 2014
BA in ECE
Interesting Fact: My husband and I are high school sweethearts
Why they love their job: "I love my job because I get to change the lives of so many children each day. The joy of seeing them happy to come to school because of something I/we did is unmeasurable. Every child that walks through the door becomes my child; I treat and love them as if they were my own."

Infants

Ms. Diana

Started: August 2023
Associates in ECE
Interesting Fact: I have 2 cats and used to be in a band; I played the electric bass! I also can play just by listening to the music.
Why they love their job: "I love my job because it's rewarding watching everyone grow and reach new milestones. I cherish the bonds I get to build with not only the infants in my class but the whole school! I love all the smiles, giggles, and hugs!"

Infants

Ms. Johanna

Started: June 2025
RBR Alum graduating in 2022
Children call her Ms. Joey
Interesting Fact: I'm bilingual, I speak both English and Spanish.
Why they love their job: "I love my job because I absolutely love kids, especially infants. I just love being able to watch them grow and I love being a part of their growing process. Being able to teach kids/infants new things makes me really happy and seeing them happy and laughing warms my heart."

Young Toddlers

Shannon Burke

Started: December 2022
In School for Education
Interesting Fact: I grew up in Wisconsin.
Why they love their job: "I love to laugh with the kids, there is never a dull moment, and it makes me so happy! I also love watching them grow physically and mentally. There is something very rewarding about watching them become more independent!"

Toddlers

Ms. Iwona

Started: August 2016
Certified Midwife from Poland since 2007
Interesting Fact: I am from Poland with 2 children (Mr. Dan and Ms. Gabi) and I am a World Dragon Boat champion.
Why they love their job: "I love my job because every day with toddlers is full of joy, laughter, and discovery. Watching them laugh, grow, and share their little milestones makes my heart so happy. "

Toddlers

Mr. Ryan

Started: September 2022
MHSN Alum graduating in 2020
Mr. Ryan is a center favorite amongst the children and families.
Interesting Fact: I have a hairless cat.
Why they love their job: I love seeing the kids make new friends and how they build relationships with everyone.

Ms. Jess

Started: November 2014
Associates in ECE
Interesting Fact: I'm an avid reader. I read about 60 books a year.
Why they love their job: "I love every child that comes through my classroom, like they are my own. Throughout the year I get to see them become more independent. I love seeing how proud they are of themselves when they do something independently for the first time. I adore watching the children grow and learn. "

Ms. Marleigh

Started: October 2023
BA in Elementary Ed/History
MA in Education
Interesting Fact: I have been teaching swim for over 25 years!
Why they love their job: "I love seeing the growth children make throughout the year. It is such a thrill to see their faces light up when "the lightbulb goes on" and they realize that they understand something better. I really enjoy laughing as we learn, growing into a little class family, and being a beginning part of their educational journey. The small class size and family atmosphere allows me to know the children better, and to focus on their individual growth."

Ms. Gabi

Started: October 2024
Attending College Majoring in Chemistry.
Interesting Fact: I am Ms. Iwona's daughter!
Why they love their job: "I love seeing their achievements, no matter how big or small, and watching them grow!"

Ms. Alyssa

Started: April 2025
Attending High School
Interesting Fact: I am an only child.
Why they love their job: "I love my job because I enjoy creating bonds with little ones and watching and helping them grow day by day. "

Why Ivy Hill Preschool:

Well-rounded curriculum
Highly Trained Team
Literacy Focused
Great Parent Partnership
Structured Routines
Great Legacy Retention and Reputation

Welcome to Ivy Hill Preschool!

See What We Are Up To

Why Trust Ivy Hill Preschool:

30 years of caring for young children
Grant winner: Tylenol Foundation, Monmouth Conservation, STEM from JCP&L
Safety 1st Education- Markel Insurance Co.
2023-2024 Gold Status: New Jersey Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign
95% of our Parents would recommend Ivy Hill Preschool

Ivy Hill welcomed our three young kids with open arms when we recently moved to the area. The staff was accommodating, patient and very friendly. All three of our children love their teachers (special shoutout to Miss Marleigh & Miss Jess!). The curriculum is well balanced between learning and playing time, with fresh outside air each day! – The Haslett Family

Ivy Hill Preschool

732-530-0060

www.IvyHillPreschool.com

Infants-PreK

Our Teachers

Team