Our Staff

From Left, Ms.Madelyn Smith, Ms.Cristina Rionda, Ms.Padmaja Hari, Ms.Heba Said and Ms.Kimberlee Berteletti

Padmaja Hari, Owner/Director Ms. Hari has a MBA in Finance from Rutgers University. She is also the owner of another Traditional Child Care center. Prior to starting her child care centers, she was the Financial Controller in a multi-million dollar Software Consulting company. She has two children, boy who is a middle schooler and girl who is in elementary school. Heba Said, Administrator Ms. Said has over 4 years of experience in childcare administration. She has Bachelors Degree in English Literature. Her pleasant personality and customer-oriented approach adds immense value to Lil Sparks. Madelyn Smith, Head Teacher, Primary Classroom Mrs. Smith is certified as a Montessori Primary Teacher with the International Montessori Society .She has 20 years of Early Childhood Education experience, with 5 years of traditional education. She holds a BA in Early Childhood and is approved and licensed to teach Preschool through Kindergarten in the State of New Jersey. Mrs. Smith enjoys meeting and greeting every one of her students on a daily basis. She strives to help each individual reach his potential with a respectful and nurturing approach. Previously Mrs. Smith attended the School of Visual Arts in N.Y.C. The children delight in experiencing fun and challenging art projects. Kimberlee Berteletti, Head Teacher, Pre-primary classroom Mrs. Berteletti is a trained Montessori teacher with over 7 years of experience. She also holds a Masters degree in Education and is instrumental in developing specialized preprimary curriculum based on muscle memory and music memory. She is dedicated to creating a stable learning environment and inspire children reach their potential. Cristina Rionda, Teacher Ms. Rionda is a trained Montessori teacher and has over 9 years of experience in Montessori as well as a non-Montessori setting. She holds a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood and has had keen interest in being involved in children’s education from early on. She assists in primary classroom with implementing the curriculum and substitutes in the infant and toddler classrooms as and when required. Her innovative project ideas are both fun and educational. Eileen Darabant, Teacher Ms. Darabant is in charge of the After-care program in the Primary Classroom. She goes to school during the day and is working on her Early Education credits. She loves to work with children and plans for interesting projects that the children enjoy immensely.