Skip to content

Our Staff

Interim Director

Kimberly Klitzke-DeSarno –  Ms. Kim is recently retired from a long career as an elementary school teacher in the Franklin Township (Somerset) Public Schools. She began her teaching career as a Pre-K and then Kindergarten teacher in the public schools. She has a BA from Gettysburg College in Psychology and a NJ teaching certificate. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University and serves as the Senior Warden (president) of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Kim resides in Sayreville with her husband Paul and is the parent of three adult children, all of whom attended Calico Cat.

Ms. Kim is a presence in the school and is available to meet with you at drop off or pick up, or by appointment. She works hard to insure that the staff are fully supported, and that the program is safe and fun for the kids and meets the needs of our families.

Jackie Rodriguez – Asst. Director

Joaquina (Jackie) Rodriguez (Assistant Director) –  Ms. Jackie is the lead teacher in the two-year-old room. She has over 20 years of experience working with children of all ages and also taught Sunday School. She has recently received her Child Development Associate degree as well as additional certifications from Middlesex County College in Preschool teaching and learning disabilities in children. She enjoys every aspect of teaching and loves working with toddlers: “I believe this is the age they receive their foundation for the future and our guidance, love, patience and understanding is the single most important part.”  When not at school she enjoys spending time with her husband and twins Kaitlin and Matthew, and her elderly mother.  “My passions are reading and learning.” 

Maricela Fermin

Ms. Maricela is the lead teacher in our three-year-old classroom, she has been employed by Calico Cat since 2010. Maricela speaks Spanish fluently.

She worked at Bright Beginnings Preschool for seven years. Maricela holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from the Dominican Republic.

She is the mother of three children ages twenty, seventeen and eleven. Maricela’s most cherished times while not at work are spent with her family, she loves to cook and takes much pride in her garden.

Amal Tawfik

Classroom Assistant…

” My name is Amal Tawfik. My husband and I have two children, ages nineteen and sixteen years old. I have more than six years of experience working with children in childcare settings. I began my career when I started serving my church by helping out with summer camp and Sunday School. I wanted to learn more about child development so I completed studies and earned the Child Development Associate credential. When I am not at work I enjoy cooking and spending time with my husband and kids.”

Stephanie Evans

Stephanie is the Parish Administrator at Holy Trinity and also serves as a substitute teacher for Calico Cat. Before joining the Church staff, she was a childcare provider at Karen for Your Kids in East Brunswick, a family childcare caring for infants and toddlers. She is also a mom of three young children. Stephanie has a Master of Public Administration degree from Seton Hall University and worked for many years in development and marketing for non-profit arts organizations.