Hello! My name is Marlene Cacciola. I am the Director of the Jericho STEM Academy and have worked in early education for over thirty years. I earned my BA in Early Childhood Education from Adelphi University and began my career as a teacher at Temple Israel in Great Neck, NY, where I taught the Threes.
In 2010, I started at Jericho JC as the leader of the Mommy and Me Program and taught the Threes. Later, I became the lead teacher for the Toddler Program. In June 2024, after nearly 14 years as a dedicated teacher, I began my new role as the Director of the Jericho STEM Academy. I truly enjoy this position. I married my high school sweetheart, and we had three amazing sons. We now have added two wonderful daughters-in-law and a cherished 3-year-old grandson to our family. I lived in Jericho for 27 years, and two of my sons attended this preschool. Therefore, working here and becoming the school's director has truly been a full circle moment. One reason I chose a career in early education is that I love watching children discover the joy of learning. I love seeing the sense of wonder and excitement on a child’s face when they have one of those “aha” moments and achieve a goal or milestone.
Throughout the years, I have learned the significance of teaching from the heart. One of my favorite quotes comes from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I have endeavored to apply this lesson as a mother, grandmother, teacher, and now director. This school embodies my heart and soul. I take great pride in knowing that our school strives for excellence and quality in early education while partnering with families to nurture their children’s love for learning. Jericho STEM Academy believes that every child has the power to change the world. We are dedicated to equipping students with the essential skills for success in life while nurturing their sense of self-worth. Thanks for taking the time to get to know a little about me.
