OUR DIRECTOR - Florence D’Adamo

It is a privilege to be the Director of Gloria Dei Preschool since July of 2000. I have a Master’s Degree in Education from Arcadia University and a B.S. in Individual and Family Studies  (developmental Psychology) from Penn State University. I am certified to teach Preschool and Kindergarten in PA. I am a “hands on” director and enjoy spending time in the classroom. My husband and I live in Hatboro with our 12 year old daughter Samantha. In my spare time I teach Sunday school and sing in a praise band.  It is a blessing to  work with many talented people and as well as see the children grow and enjoy their preschool experience.   

OUR SECRETARY - Laura Stark

This September begins my fifth year here at Gloria Dei Preschool.  My job here as the secretary is very diverse and keeps me on my toes.  I enjoy the varied responsibilities and interactions with the staff, parents, and especially with the children.  Some of my favorite duties require applying bandages, helping out in the classroom, or reassuring a toddler that Mommy will be here soon!  I live in Philadelphia with my husband who is a Philly Police Officer, and my two daughters who attend St. Albert the Great.  

Mrs. Janine Cahill CE3’s and CE2’s

I became a part of the Gloria Dei Preschool family in 2004 with my oldest daughter. My husband and I live with our three children (Justina, Breana and Jake) in the Northeast of Philadelphia. My bachelor degree is in Marine Science and Biology, I did graduate work in the education field. I started teaching science in the High School and then tutored part time to all ages of children. I really enjoyed teaching science at summer camp here at Gloria Dei. I am having a wonderful experience with the two and three year olds in our Christian Education program.

Verna McDermott –Toddler Teacher

I have been working at Gloria Dei Preschool for 14 years, all of them in the Toddler Room.  I love my toddlers!  They are so funny, trusting, loving and full of life!   They are what keep me feeling young!

I live in Warminster, with my husband Tom of 27 years, my two sons Patrick and Brendan and my mother-in-law.  My daughter Kelly lives in Tampa, FL.  During my summers I work as the pool manager at the Vereinigung Erzgebirge German Club in Warminster.  I also cashier and hostess in the dining room as a part time sub, and spend my free nites on the soccer field with the Mighty Mites! 

Lynn Buss – Assistant Teacher

I am currently very much enjoying my first year working at Gloria Dei Preschool, where all three of my children spent a total of eight fun filled years. I love spending time and having fun with the toddlers. Their smiles warm my heart!

I live in Huntingdon Valley with my husband Gary and our children Kaitlyn (12), Christopher (9), Andrew (6), and our three cats. In my free time I enjoy being a spectator at my kids’ soccer games and chess tournaments, running, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I enjoy the diversity of working with the fours as well as the Toddler class. 

Theresa McCracken Rm 105 MWF 4’s &  T/Th 3’s

 This is my tenth year here at Gloria Dei. I began my career here when my boys were going to preschool– they are now 13 & 15!  I had previously taught in an Early Intervention program and I am very invested in integrating children with various abilities into our classrooms. I love to stimulate the children’s excitement and energy with Science experiments, movement experiences, and language enrichment activities. My family and I live in Elkins Park and we can often be found at Alverthrope or Lorimer Park walking or riding bikes. 

Dorothy Glasgow  Rm 105 MWF 4’s &  T/Th 3’s

 I began my career at Gloria Dei when my youngest son, Albert, was in Mrs. Bellomo’s class.  It was fun to substitute, but I have found a home in room 105. I love working with the children and watching them grow throughout the year.  I never knew you could paint in so many different ways and still learn and have fun with it!  My husband, Al and I have four children ranging in age from 8 to 20. They are a joy and keep me busy.  In my spare time, I like to take care of my home and garden. 

Edie Pappentick Teacher Room 108

I am excited about being part of the Gloria Dei Preschool team for the past 14 years. Before Gloria Dei, I was a kindergarten teacher in Jenkintown. I graduated from Temple University with a degree in Early Childhood Education.  I live in Abington with my husband Mark of 26 years. I am the proud mother of Mark who is 24, Scott who is 21, and 11 year old Cherokee who we adopted last year. I am very active with the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth and my husband and I have been foster parents for the past 6 years. I have always had a love for children and that is why I call Gloria Dei my home. 

Christine Grossi Assistant Teacher Room 108

Although I have only been an official staff member for two years, my association with Gloria Dei goes back to 1997 when the first of my four children began preschool here. Now I am thrilled to be able to “give back” and share with others the same kind of nurturing environment all of my children experienced. There is something so rewarding about playing a part in a child’s development and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do that here. My favorite things are exploring through arts and crafts and making up games for chasing the children around on the playground.

Dianne Primus Room 109 CE4’s Teacher

This is my sixth year teaching here at Gloria Dei Preschool; along with that I have 12 years of teaching experience. I chose Early Childhood Education because I enjoy helping young children in their early stages of learning and development. It is gratifying to watch children expand their skills throughout the school year. A child’s early years are magical and I take pride in saying that I help children become better little people. My husband Matt and I will be celebrating our eleventh wedding anniversary and we have two daughters. Meghan graduated from Gloria Dei in 2005 and Caroline graduated last year. 

Patricia Hearn Assistant Room 109 CE4’s

Time flies when you are having fun! I have been a teacher’s assistant now for 8 years. Working with the children is the best part of my career, you never know what they are going to do or say. Since I have 3 children of my own, now ages 17, 13, and 11, it brings me back to when they were toddlers and the fun and excitement I had in watching them grow. This feeling continues with every new school year, meeting with the new class of children. Currently I am continuing my education by working on my CDA; a year long course offered to professionals in our field. My husband John and I live in Pine Valley where we enjoy spending time with our family especially with summer road trips to the Jersey shore.

Joan Heiselmoyer MWF 3’s, T/Th 3’s Room 110

It is great to be back at Gloria Dei Preschool.  I feel blessed to work with such wonderful children and their families.  My little busy bees are happy, fun loving and so excited about their many new experiences in school.  Together we are learning to be kind, be safe and be the best that we can be. My husband Kurt and I live in Abington.  We have 4 grown children (the youngest just moved to California) and 6 grandchildren.   My volunteer time involves helping The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Laurel House in Montgomery County.  Almost everyday you will find me walking, running or riding my bicycle in my neighborhood.

Annette Bellomo Teacher M-F 4’s Room 111

I have been a teacher of young children for over 20 years and every year is as exciting as the first! I find personal satisfaction in watching the children blossom and grow as they progress through the school year. My husband Mark and I have 21 year old twins. In the Fall, our daughter will be senior attending Bloomsburg University and our son will be a senior at Arcadia University. Together we enjoy family activities and visiting old friends. At the end of this month I will have completed my 13th year here at Gloria Dei Preschool.  I wish everyone a wonderful summer vacation!

Theresa Pinto Assistant Teacher M-F 4’s Room 111

This is my 16th year as a teaching assistant at Gloria Dei Preschool.  As a parent whose children attended Gloria Dei, I find that it keeps getting better year after year. I so very much love being part of the children’s lives-watching them grow to their full potential. This is extremely rewarding work. Currently I am continuing my education by working on my CDA; a year long course offered to professionals in our field. My husband Bob and I have been married for 32 years and have 3 wonderful children. Our daughter and her husband have just blessed us with a granddaughter and we are thrilled beyond belief!