Our team
The people who care for your child.
Led by a pediatric nurse and a lifelong educator, our teachers are certified, experienced and, in many cases, parents themselves. Several have been with us since we first opened our doors.
Leadership
Led by a pediatric nurse and a lifelong educator.
Founder & Pediatric Nurse
Jeralen Mascarinas, RN, BSN
Jeralen brings over 12 years of experience in pediatric and nursing care and serves as the visionary founder of Mighty Sprouts Montessori. Motivated by a deep passion for child development and inspired by her role as a mother of two, she set out to create a nurturing environment where children can truly flourish.
Her journey from nursing to founding Mighty Sprouts reflects her unwavering dedication to supporting the holistic growth of every child, ensuring they are cared for, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Director
Judith Ann Fredericks, BA ECE, NAMC
Judith leads Mighty Sprouts as our Director, bringing over 15 years of experience in education and more than 6 years in leadership roles. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Special Education and is also a proud mother of three.
Her career includes over five years as a Head Preschool Teacher and seven years running a successful in-home daycare, giving her both classroom expertise and administrative insight. Judith is passionate about building an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Our teachers
Experienced, certified and deeply caring.
Head Preschool Teacher
Ms. Alyssa
Ms. Alyssa began her Mighty Sprouts journey as a Toddler Teacher and has served as our Head Preschool Teacher for over two years. With five years of toddler experience, a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education, a NJ State K-12 Teaching Certificate, and certification as a NAMC Montessori Primary Teacher, she brings a wealth of expertise to our program.
Known for her patience and creativity, she fosters a nurturing classroom where each child is supported with individualized goals and meaningful activities.
Infant · Toddler · Primary
Ms. Christine
Ms. Christine has led our Infant team for over a year, supported our Primary classroom for more than two years, and now serves in a crucial support role across all rooms. Her versatility and wealth of knowledge make her an invaluable leader within our school.
As both an educator and a mother of three, she deeply understands the importance of secure attachments and nurturing care.
Infant Teacher
Ms. Tara
Ms. Tara first joined Mighty Sprouts as a Toddler Teacher and has spent the past two years leading our Infant classroom. With over three years of toddler experience, she brings both knowledge and a deep passion for nurturing our youngest learners.
Her genuine love for engaging with infants shines through each day, creating a warm and joyful environment.
Primary Teacher
Ms. Isabel
Ms. Isabel began her journey with us in the Infant classroom and, over the past two years, has grown into a leadership role with our Preschool teaching team. As both an educator and a devoted mother, she creates an atmosphere of warmth, security, and affection for children of all ages.
Since beginning her early childhood career in 2019, she has nurtured and guided young minds with passion and care.
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Franziska
Ms. Franzi co-leads our toddler team, bringing over five years of early childhood experience. She has cared for children from infancy through preschool, previously serving as a Lead Preschool Teacher. As both an educator and a mother of three, she understands the importance of building trust so every child feels safe, loved, and supported.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling back to her homeland in Germany, exploring nature, and making memories with her children.
Toddler Teacher
Ms. Maria
Ms. Maria has been with Mighty Sprouts since our opening in 2019 and brings over 15 years of toddler teaching experience, including more than 8 years of leadership in toddler classrooms.
She thrives in the lively energy of her students, using interactive, hands-on methods that spark curiosity. Her classroom is filled with warmth, color, and laughter, the perfect environment for energetic toddlers to grow and thrive.
Come meet our teachers in person.
Book a tour to see the classrooms in action and meet the people who would care for your child.
Mighty Sprouts Montessori School1 Barnida Drive, East Hanover, NJ 07936 · (973) 503-9010 ext. 1 · Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 6:00pm
Mighty Sprouts Montessori welcomes students regardless of race, gender, national and ethnic origin, and is non-discriminatory in all our policies.