Owner On-Site
Anzhela Krimer
Anzhela's passion in life is creating a space where children can feel at home while at Prodigy Academie. She has over 25 years of experience in childhood & educational development. Including a bachelor's degree, two master's degrees, and several certifications such as Behavior Management, ABA, and Speech & Hearing.
Before starting Prodigy Academie in 2016, she was an owner & operator of a pre-school starting in 2008.
Anzhela worked in the special education field and was an Assistant Principal at an Elementary School in New York.
She believes in creating a unique curriculum with individual instruction in a professional environment.
Her mantra is "The Little Things Matter”, and no detail goes unnoticed under her watch. As the owner on-site, parents feel comfortable under her watch.
Our Team
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Donna Bissell
I often remark that preschool is an extraordinary time for children. I enjoy witnessing their excitement and learning journey every day. Mornings are my favorite, spent teaching the Young Pre-K class, while I continue to fulfill my administrative responsibilities in close collaboration with Ms. Anzhela. I hold a B.S. degree in Psychology and Social Work, along with a Childhood Associate Development certification.
As a mom of four boys, I bring personal experience and empathy to my role, understanding the importance of a supportive experience for young learners and their families. There is no better way to start the day than by warmly welcoming children and their families to school each morning.
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Joy Hollander-Fink
Joy has been enjoying her career as a speech-language pathologist since 2000 while working in various settings including public and private schools, clinics, preschools, early intervention and mentoring numerous graduate student clinicians. In addition to treating children with speech and language delays and disorders, she has extensive training in oral placement and feeding therapy.
Having previously worked at Sara R. Johnson and Associates, Joy was trained by Sara Rosenfeld Johnson and Lori Overland. She is highly trained in diagnosing children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and has evaluated children in conjunction with Dr. Marilyn Agin of New York City, co-author of The Late Talker, What to Do If Your Child Is Not Talking Yet, (St. Martin’s Press, 2003).
She is also trained in various methods in treating children with motor speech disorders including the multi-dimensional PROMPT method.
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Kerry Ackerman
I have my Masters Degree in Special Education and Supervision.
I have been a special educator since 2000. Working with children is my passion and I love to see children grow and develop.
I have worked in various school and home settings and am always looking for new ways to make learning fun!
I am excited to bring a unique social skills curriculum to the Prodigy Academie.
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Ms. Pillow
Music Teacher
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Barbara J. Toepert
I am a 1986 graduate of Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Nursery School Education. In May 1993, I received my Master’s Degree in Continuing Education in Special Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York.
My initial vocational experience was working with pre-school handicapped students and primary grade special education students. After that, I taught kindergarten for 11 years; “Mommy and Me” classes and nursery school classes for children 3 to 4 years of age for 6 years and then Pre-K (4’s) for 5 years before coming to this building in September of 2023. Last year, I was the teacher in the 2 year old’s room.
I am a resident of Waldwick since 1992, where I reside with my husband who is a retired police captain and have two sons (ages 30 & 27). I volunteer as a coach for bowling, floor hockey and softball for a Special Olympics NJ program. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, Disney, watching Florida Gator football, and spending time with my family.
I look forward to working with your children during this upcoming school year and watching them grow.
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Vicky Grullon
I’ve been working with young children for 15 years, and I especially enjoy caring for infants. I have two children of my own, a boy and a girl.
In my free time, I’m actively involved in my community church and I love arts and crafts and do-it-yourself projects. And, of course I love my coffee.
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Lauren Diaz-Rinaldi
I have a certification in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication.
I have worked with children in public and private school settings and
General Education and Special Education.I believe in order to foster a child’s love for learning they should feel safe,
happy and successful in school. Children learn as individuals and reach
milestones at their own pace.They should be proud and celebrated each day of all accomplishments no matter how big or small. I love spending time with my husband, our three boys and our 4 rescue dogs.
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Melissa Correa
I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 4 years and am currently pursuing a degree in Social Work.
I thrive in a work environment that is equally as rewarding for myself as it for those I work with, which has bred my love for teaching little ones. I especially enjoy teaching toddler-aged children, as I have experienced how quickly they learn at this stage and their innate desire to dig even deeper.
Though it has its challenges, I always tell myself that one toddler hug makes all of the hard moments worth it.
Making my classroom feel like a child’s safe space is truly my passion and I look forward to working with all of you!