Our Team
Samantha Grab, Head of School
Samantha Grab will be the Village School’s head of school when we open in 2022. Samantha is a passionate educator who has more than 10 years of experience as an early childhood and elementary teacher. She has held the head of school position for the last six years, first at Kean University’s early childhood learning center and then at Sprout House, in Chatham. And she has taught kindergarten, second and fourth grades.
Samantha is also an adjunct faculty member at Kean University, where she has taught teachers-in-training for the last 7 years. The courses she has led include “Integrated Curriculum” and “Creating Partnerships with Families.”
Throughout her career Samantha has maintained a strong commitment to a progressive education that is responsive to children's developmental and intellectual pursuits. She has spent the course of her career deeply committed to anti-bias, culturally sensitive teaching and community building. Samantha is looking forward to developing a close-knit school where children learn to collaborate and problem solve; learn to listen to their feelings and empathize with others’ feelings; and where children feel respected and valued as they develop a love of learning.
Samantha holds a Masters in Education from Bank Street College and dual certifications in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. She lives in Maplewood with her four children, and one cat. In her spare time Samantha enjoys reading, traveling, and interior design.
Millie Neu, PreK & Kindergarten
I am so excited about the prospect of joining The Village School community in 2022! I have a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development, Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori Certificate, which I have put to use during my 30 year teaching career.
My many years as an educator in both private and public schools has made me passionate about expanding my students’ curiosity and creativity through active learning within and out of the classroom.
By continuing to facilitate The Village School’s close knit environment, I know I will connect with my coworkers, parents, and students alike!
My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family! Whether it's adventures on the road, museum visits, or nature walk, I love the quality time I spend with my daughter and husband!
When I get to relax, I enjoy reading a good book. I read all types of books- romance, mystery, and history. I have a passion for reading, which I am excited to share with my new class!
Marie Jarrett, 1st & 2nd grades
I am super excited to embark on this journey with the Village School in 2022! I have been teaching in New Jersey for 10 years, after graduating from Rutgers University with my Masters Degree in Elementary and Special education.
I pride myself on developing instructional strategies that attend to the differentiating needs of all students.
My instruction focuses on the "whole child" approach involving not only the intellectual aspects but the physical, social and emotional aspects as well.
I have teaching experience in general and special education classrooms in both the public and private setting. I am also trained in the Orton Gillingham Multisensory Reading Program that provides a hands-on approach to phonics, vocabulary and fluency instruction for grades kindergarten through fifth.
I believe that school is a place where students should always feel safe, have fun and be inspired to be their best selves.
In addition to teaching children and spending time with my family, I love traveling to new places, seeing new sights and trying new foods. I love to cook and bake and try new recipes, as well as go to the beach and spend time outdoors walking my dog. I can also totally get lost in listening to some music or watching a Netflix series!
Heather Martinez, 3rd & 4th grades
I'm dedicated to celebrating the whole child and guiding them in their personal journeys. Over the past 16 years, I have developed curricula that are relevant and meaningful to diverse student bodies, culturally responsive and supportive of all children, and essential to their role as change makers in a global community.
I have over 14 years of experience teaching in New Jersey schools and two years at The American School of Milan in Milan, Italy where I helped create their first learning support program. I am also an adjunct faculty member at The College of New Jersey, where she I have taught a Children’s Literature course for undergraduates and Multicultural Social Studies for Students with Disabilities for graduate students in the Special Education department.
I live with my energetic and curious three-year-old son and in my spare time enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and being outdoors. I will be joining the Village School in 2022.