Meet Our Staff
Our staff consists of loving individuals who have a passion for Early Childhood Education and serving young children and families. Every staff member meets New Jersey State Licensing requirements for their position including Early Childhood Education as well as CPR and First Aid certifications. Sand Hills staff is committed to the opportunity to serve and teach each unique child and family with grace and love.
Mrs. Sara Jones, Director
This is Ms. Sara's first year as Director of our school, but she has been a part of the Sand Hills community in several capacities over the years! Her youngest son attended preschool here, and since then, she has worked as a substitute teacher and our Toddler Time teacher! Ms. Sara has her Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of New England. Before beginning her own family, she worked as a family and child counselor in specialized school and family programs. She has been a resident of Kendall Park for the last eight years with her husband (a local pastor) and her two boys. Ms. Sara says, “I love getting to be a part of this amazing team and getting to know our community’s children and families!” |
Mrs. Romano, Lead Teacher
Mrs. Romano is entering her third year on our teaching staff as a Lead Teacher, but she has been a part of our Sand Hills family for many years. All three of Mrs. Romano's children attended Sand Hills Preschool, and she served as a substitute teacher for seven years before becoming a Lead Teacher. In her spare time, Mrs. Romano enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She is a life long resident of Kendall Park. She attended Widener University, and has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and is Certified in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She is so excited for a wonderful year together making new friends and exploring the world around us! |
Mrs. Symon, Teaching Assistant
This is Mrs. Symon’s twenty-sixth year at Sand Hills Preschool as a Teaching Assistant. A long-time resident of Kendall Park, Mrs. Symon loves spending time with her family and her dog Harley, reading and gardening. She has two daughters and 4 grandchildren. It is a joy for her now getting to see her grandchildren come to Sand Hills Preschool too. Mrs. Symon has a gift of encouraging kids to create and express themselves through art. She also loves to talk with them and to do music and singing with them. She says, “I really love getting to know them and their families.” |
Mrs. Puri, Lead Teacher & Teaching Assistant
This is Mrs. Puri’s sixth year working at Sand Hills as a Teaching Assistant and her first as a Lead Teacher, but she has been a part of our school for longer since both her children attended preschool here. Before coming to the United States, Mrs. Puri earned her Masters in Computer Science and was a college instructor. Mrs. Puri loves working here at Sand Hills because the students and staff feel like family to her. |
Mrs. Thomson, Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Thomson has been working as a Teaching Assistant here at Sand Hills for six years now. Mrs. Thomson has been a member of the church here since 1982. Over the years she also served as a substitute teacher and serves on our school board as well as the Church Session. She has two grown sons, but her “favorite child” is her precious dog, Sadie. Mrs. Thomson loves to watch a child finish a project or a task and see their little face light up with the pride of accomplishment! She loves to hear them proudly proclaim, “I did that all by myself!” |
Mrs. Audrey Coleman, Toddler Time Teacher
This is Ms. Audrey's first year as Toddler Time teacher. She is looking forward to joining the Sand Hills family as more than just a parent. Her middle daughter attended preschool here as well as toddler time. Her youngest will be starting out at toddler time this year. Ms. Audrey has her Bachelor’s in Psychology from University of Phoenix. She has lived in South Brunswick her entire life and is raising her three kids here as well. She has homeschooled her oldest daughter who just started college. When she is not teaching toddler time you can find her at Girl Scout events with her multiple troops or at the local ice rink. Ms. Audrey is excited to start this new journey and is looking forward to hearing the most wonderful sound in the world, children playing and laughing, every week. |
Mrs. Alka Bhardwaj, Teaching Assistant
Alka moved to South Brunswick in 2007 with her husband and 2 children! A mom of two college kids, Alka loves kids and spending her time volunteering as a language teacher with HindiUSA. She has been teaching kids of all ages over the past 11 years! In her spare time, Alka enjoys music and loves taking care of her garden.
Alka moved to South Brunswick in 2007 with her husband and 2 children! A mom of two college kids, Alka loves kids and spending her time volunteering as a language teacher with HindiUSA. She has been teaching kids of all ages over the past 11 years! In her spare time, Alka enjoys music and loves taking care of her garden.