Ms. Cesia- Director/Teacher-Family and Child Development Specialist
Director and Co-Founder of Smart Start Academy. She received her B.A. in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language from Montclair State University. She completed training in various schools, including The Northwest Therapeutic School and Preschool in Belleville, NJ and Benjamin Franklin Elementary in Newark, NJ. After graduating, Cesia joined the Regional Enrichment and Learning (REAL) program and began providing supplemental education services within the Jersey City school system. During her time with the REAL program, Cesia’s main goal was to provide opportunities to her students to help them improve their academic achievements.
Throughout her teaching career, Cesia has believed that children should be provided with an environment rich with choices that will develop independence, a sense of ownership and respect for their environment. She aims to provide a diverse program that reflects both group and individual needs.
Ms. Darling - After school/ Lead Teacher / Music & Dance Instructor
Ms. Darling is a graduate of St. Peter’s College. She obtained her B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Child Psychology. She has been an educator since 1991. Ms Darling has been a third grade teacher at Mother Seton School in Union City for the past 24 yrs. Ms. Darling is a native of Ecuador and is fluent in Spanish and English. She contributes a large part to our bilingual program. Ms. Darling has a strong passion for dance and music and has been teaching dance to both children and adults for the past 10 years.
Working with children and teaching them the necessary skills to succeed in future grades has been Ms. Darling’s main goal since beginning her career as an educator. Smart Start Academy is very lucky to have such an energetic, experienced and passionate teacher!
Ms. Theresa- Lead Assistant /Yoga instructor
Theresa Suazo is currently studying at Seton Hall University. She will receive her B.A. in Special Education and Elementary Education. Ms. Theresa plans on continuing her education and becoming a speech pathologist. Being the third of eleven children, Theresa has gained experience taking care of children of all ages. Theresa is a great asset to our school and contributes to our bilingual program as she is fluent in both English and Spanish.
In addition to her passion of teaching, Theresa enjoys volunteering at the Boys and Girls. She is very nurturing and caring.
