Our Staff
Meet Our Founder
Mrs. Daniela Sarbu
With a spark in her eye and a vision to bring a change in young lives, Daniela Sarbu, a mother of three beautiful children, has been successfully running the prestigious Waldo International School for over 11 years now. Starting in the fall of 2020, Mrs. Sarbu introduced the concept of The Waldo Preschool, a program that focuses on the social-emotional development, and well-being of students and staff, in addition to the Waldo International School's historic academics and milestone development. Additionally, since 2020 she started focusing on revolutionizing the Waldo International School – Middle School Program with emphasis on STEAM, Public Speaking and Drama and rigorous academics.
Waldo International School is an International Baccalaureate accredited and certified school and is located in Downtown Jersey City, NJ. As per Mrs. Sarbu: “My kids are my biggest inspiration behind the foundation of this school! I’m excited about creating well-rounded students who become successful adults”. Mrs. Sarbu believes every single child deserves to receive a world-class education to open up opportunities throughout their lives. This is why she gives back to the community and offers scholarships to her school for children less fortunate. Mrs. Sarbu was born and raised in Romania. She graduated from high school with a degree in Informatics and Technology and was accepted into New York University, however, decided to stay in Bucharest to continue her education. She completed her Bachelor’s degree with a major in International Economy and Business at the International Economic Relations School within the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest, Romania, graduating with honors. In 2004, she decided to move to the United States and enrolled at the Baruch College – Zicklin School of Business. Also, since then she has completed several business certifications at eCornell University and Harvard Online School of Business. Mrs. Sarbu has been holding the position of Member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Phoenix, Jersey City campus since 2015. She is also serving on the Board of The Youth Foundation of Jersey City since 2023.
Administration and Office
Mrs. Courtney Vitale
Mrs. Courtney graduated from Rutgers University in 2012 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a concentration in child development. She joined the school soon after, starting as a lead teacher before being promoted to head teacher. In 2016, she began her position as school director, first at the World of ABC Preschool campus for two years before moving to the World of ABC Waldo School campus in 2018. In addition to her role as director, Mrs. Courtney is also the International Baccalaureate PYP Coordinator, and works to ensure students are learning in an inquiry-based, collaborative, and caring environment, where the goal is to prepare each student to be successful in an ever changing world. Her passion is to help teachers and students succeed with best practices in education in mind, and to make sure students love learning and coming to school each and every day!
Ms. Danielle Larsen
Ms. Danielle is a graduate of La Salle University with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, with a minor in American Studies. She taught in the early childhood education field for three years before coming to The Waldo School in 2018. As a first grade teacher, she strived to ensure her students were both kind and well-educated learners. She believed in using hands-on experiences in the classroom where students actively learned about the world around them and could ask questions in a secure environment. Along with teaching, Ms. Danielle has taken her experience into her new role as Assistant Director. She works with the students, teachers and parents to create a positive environment at the Waldo School.
Ms. Rene Gonzalez
Ms. Rene holds a degree in International Relations / Political Science. Prior to joining The Waldo School she managed Bambino Chef which she founded in 2012. Ms. Rene has an extensive experience working with families and bringing communities together as she has been hosting food drives, cooking events for shelters, lemonade stands for local non profits, building food pantries and educating youth on fighting food insecurity and preventing food waste. She has served on the board of the Historic District of Special Improvement Downtown and currently serves on the board of The Youth Foundation of Jersey City and Drug Alliance Committee of Jersey City. Rene Gonzalez also serves with the Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliary of The United States Air Force. She speaks 6 languages and is an avid reader. Working with children and giving back to our youth has been one of her most treasured missions.
Ms. Angela Mohabir
Ms. Angela graduated from The New Jersey Institute of Technology, majoring in Electrical Computer Engineering Technology and a minor in Business. She is currently a Substation Engineer working in Protection & Control. Ms. Angela has been working with the Waldo School for 7 years and we are proud to have Ms. Angela with us as the Head of STEM and Robotics Teacher. Along with her beautiful laugh, Ms. Angela gives the children love and care that is above our imagination. She is a wonderful addition to our school family. Ms. Angela loves to see all the children grow educationally and socially and we at the Waldo School community love to see her grow with us!
Mrs. Cathy Melando
Miss Cathy, a graduate of The Bayonne School of Nursing, has been a nurse for over 30 years. Although she has experience working in the Emergency Room, Operating Room, and Same Day Surgery units in several of our local hospitals, she found her true calling and professional passion in Pediatrics and has devoted more than half her career to caring for children. Miss Cathy was the World of ABC nurse at the schools inception, and now returns to the Waldo school after a 9 year hiatus. “The health, well-being, safety, and security of your child is my #1 priority”. She lives in Bayonne with her husband Dan. In her spare time she enjoys music, travel, dining out, and spending time with her grandsons.
Ms. Lyliana Santos
Ms. Lyliana was born and raised in Newark, NJ where she watched teachers who failed to support students with learning disabilities. She is a graduate student at Saint Peter’s University, and has obtained her Master’s Degree in School Counseling. Ms. Lyli’s objective with her Master’s degree is to be an advocate for individuals who needs guidance and one-on-one support.
Dr. Gurpreet Kour Sharma
Dr. Gurpreet Kour Sharma is serving as a Head of Gifted & Talented Program and Aftercare Coordinator at Waldo International School. With nearly 12+ years of pioneering experience in education, Dr. Gurpreet has demonstrated a commitment to delivering high-quality, results-oriented lessons that inspire and challenge her students. Her specialization in economics, allows her to offer a unique and enriching learning experience. She focuses on developing critical thinking, communication, data analysis and problem solving skills as part of her role. Dr. Gurpreet holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur, India. Her work was focused on the Impact of MGNREGA on rural employment in C.G. State in India. Dr. Gurpreet has published several research papers in esteemed journals including studies on Economic Transparency, Employment Schemes and the impact of government policies on rural livelihoods. In addition, she worked on creating strategies to maximize the efficiency of federal budgets.
Mrs. Krystal Rabindradat
Mrs. Krystal, originally from Guyana, relocated to Jersey City in 2013. From the age of 16, she knew she wanted to work with children, as she finds joy in watching them learn and grow. As Aftercare Coordinator, she plays a vital role in supporting the lead teacher by helping manage the classroom and keeping students engaged, fostering their development. In addition to her passion for education, Mrs. Krystal is also a talented balloon artist and event planner, bringing creativity and excitement to special occasions. Her love for working with different age groups allows her to make a meaningful impact both in the classroom and in event styling.
Elementary School
Ms. Gianelle Cepeda
Ms. Gianelle graduated with her Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Hudson County Community College and a Bachelors in English with a concentration in Literature at New Jersey City University. This is her fourth year teaching at The Waldo School. Being granted the opportunity to aid in shaping young minds is something never taken for granted in her classroom. Ms. Gianelle sees herself lucky to be entrusted with each student as it is not only an academic setting, but one where the foundation of social, emotional development, and life skills are being initiated.
Ms. Claudia Guglielmo
Claudia Guglielmo is excited to join our staff in her first year here at The Waldo School. Ms. Claudia is a recent graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in Family Science and Human Development. Her concentrations were Child Advocacy and Child Development. Prior to joining the Waldo family, Ms. Claudia had been working with children in a variety of settings for over 6 years! She’s very enthusiastic to be on board and is so excited for the upcoming school year.
Mrs. Leana DeSimone
Mrs. Leana is very excited to start her first year at The Waldo School. She has always had a love for children at such a young age. Her diligence, determination, and dedication are her trademarks. In 2014 she graduated from Siena College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She then studied at Sage Graduate School, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Childhood Education. She has taught many different grade levels, and has worked with many different age groups. She is currently going on her sixth year of teaching. When she’s not teaching, Ms. Leana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and traveling.
Ms. Holly Silverman
Ms. Silverman graduated from Susquehanna University and earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She is extremely excited to join The Waldo School as a kindergarten teacher! Ms. Silverman has always had a passion for teaching. She knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl. She feels teaching is such a rewarding experience, both inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Silverman believes it is essential to create a classroom environment where her students feel mentally, physically and emotionally safe. She strives to make her students love learning and love coming to school! She feels very grateful to have this opportunity to teach at The Waldo School. In her free time, she likes to cook, practice yoga, and spend time with her dog, Luna!
Mr. Erik Vitale
Mr. Erik is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Education. His interest in STEM and teaching began in high school, where he began taking courses in computer science, mathematics and physics. In college, Mr. Erik also participated in a mentoring and tutoring program for local 3rd and 4th Graders in math and science. After graduating college, Mr. Erik joined the Waldo School as the Robotics and Technology teacher, before becoming the 3rd Grade teacher. He is passionate about science and technology and integrating it into his daily teaching, ensuring his students are also excited and motivated about STEM! In addition to teaching, Mr. Erik also leads a variety of after school activities, including basketball.
Ms. Danielle Manno
Ms. Danielle is a graduate of Farleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor’s in Humanities. Ms. Danielle graduated in 2015 with her Masters degree in Arts and Teaching, also from Farleigh Dickinson University. Before joining the Waldo community in 2018, Ms. Danielle was a teacher at the Bayonne Board of Education and continued to work for the BOE for three years. During that time, she gained very insightful knowledge on not only teaching but how dedicated she was to this profession. Ms. Danielle’s hard work shines in all she does in the classroom and her senior level mastering of developmental education is translated to her students. Ms. Danielle is always willing to give a helping hand and especially thoughtful to all the students at the Waldo School.
Middle School
Ms. Praneta Kasbe
Ms. Praneta had the joy of being apart of the teaching world for the past 3 years. With a Master’s degree in Computer Science, she brings both knowledge and curiosity into the classroom. What she loves most about teaching is working with the children — their energy, imagination, and endless questions make every day exciting! Ms. Praneta enjoys turning lessons into hands on experiments, tech adventures, and playful learning experiences that spark creativity and confidence.
“Teaching isn’t just about textbooks it’s about laughter, discovery, and making each child feel like a superhero in their own learning journey”.
Mrs. Shradha Hindocha
Mrs. Shradha Hindocha is a dedicated educator with extensive teaching experience across both India and the United States since 2017. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from University of Calcutta, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education, with a focus on Learning, Cognition, and Development.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Hindocha has taught Math, Language Arts, and Coding to students across elementary and middle school levels and she currently specializes in middle school Math and Language arts instruction.
Mrs. Hindocha is particularly passionate about supporting students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). She brings a student-centered, inclusive approach to education, creating learning environments that are both nurturing and academically rigorous.
Preschool
Mrs. Vanessa Dominguez
Ms. Vanessa Dominguez joined the Waldo school in 2012. Since then she received an associates degree, in Elementary and Secondary Education from Hudson County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree, in Psychology from New Jersey City University.
She has taught various ages, from infants to first grade since being on our team. Her passion is to help children become inquirers and worldly people. Her hope is to shape future world leaders, who lead the world with truth and compassion.
She spends her free time with her husband and baby boy. They spend lots of time in New York City exploring. She love’s seeing her son’s reaction to new things, being in the moment, and having quality time with him is what’s most special to her.
Ms. Maria Gregorio
Ms. Maria joined the Waldo School in 2014 shortly after graduating from New Jersey City University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Ms. Maria has been a visual part of our school system, being a teacher in the Preschool program and Elementary program. She brings a great sense of health and wellness to her classroom, along to all the students of the Waldo School. Ms. Maria’s background, experience, and love for children is felt the moment you walk into her classroom. She is currently working on a mastered level nursing degree from William Paterson University. In her spare time, Ms. Maria likes to read and spend time with her friends and family.
Ms. Ariana Taveras
Ariana Taveras has been a dedicated member of the Waldo International family since 2021, starting as a teacher’s assistant. This year, she is excited to step into her new role as a Pre-K 3 teacher. Ariana is passionate about fostering social emotional learning in young children, helping them develop essential skills for life. In her free time, Ariana enjoys reading, writing, and making music. Above all, she cherishes spending time with her siblings and her kitten, finding joy in family and creativity.
Ms. Alyssa Moyeno
In 2013, Ms. Alyssa earned an Associate of Arts degree from Hudson County Community College. She made the move to New Jersey City University in 2013, where she earned her Bachelor degree in history and women’s studies. She completed an internship with the New Jersey Youth Program. She started working at The Waldo School in 2021. She loves animals, museums and traveling! In addition to that, she is a caring mother to her American Pitbull named Luca, who weighs 75 pounds!
Ms. Nataly Henriquez
Ms. Nataly is a current student at Hudson County Community College, where she plans to graduate with an early education associates. Her days are filled with stories, songs, and the joy of witnessing those magical “aha” moments as her little learners take their first steps into the world of education. Dedicated to laying a strong foundation for future academic success, Ms. Nataly hopes to guide all her students on the exciting journey of discoveries. Ms. Nataly’s hobbies includes reading and trying new coffee shops!
Ms. Aseefa Ali
Ms. Aseefa graduated from Hudson County Community College with her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently enrolled at New Jersey Cit University, pursuing her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology. She first began working with the school in 2012, and has worked with all of the various ages in the school, from infants to 5th Grade. Ms. Aseefa strongly feels that “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Being there to witness the growth of each of her students that she has cared for has brought her joy. She cannot wait to see the impact and types of changes her students will have on their community.
Ms. Emily Diaz
Ms. Emily grew up and resides in Jersey City. She is currently pursuing her nursing career at Hudson County Community College. However, she has always enjoyed watching children grow and learn. She looks forward to graduating with a degree in early childhood education. From babysitting family members to becoming a PreK assistant, Ms. Emily has fallen in love with helping children become educated in their own ways.
Ms. Kaydee Collazo
Ms. Kaydee, is a Jersey City native and her family’s background is Puerto Rican. She has worked with the Waldo School for 10 years. Ms. Kaydee work with all age groups, but mostly with toddlers. She started working in a school setting as part-time and decided she wanted to continue helping young minds grow. When she is not in the classroom, you can find her in the school helping with anything from classroom décor, dismissal, or working at the front desk. Ms. Kaydee loves working in a school environment!
Assistant Teachers
Ms. Amrita Mohabir
Ms. Amrita is a bright and enthusiastic freshman at New Jersey City University, where she is pursuing her degree in Education. With a heart full of dedication and a mind eager to learn, Ms. Amrita is determined to make a meaningful impact in the field of education. Her journey towards this goal began three years ago when she started working at the Waldo School, where she contributes to nurturing young minds. Ms. Amrita loves playing video games and spending time with her family and friends!
Ms. Rovina Sawh
From a young age, Ms. Rovina always dreamed of becoming a teacher. Growing up in a home filled with children, she naturally gravitated toward helping others learn. Every afternoon after completing her own homework, she would assist younger children with theirs and tutor them in any subjects they found challenging. What began as playing “teacher” quickly turned into a true passion, as she found joy in making a positive difference in the lives of those around her. In 2014, Ms. Rovina began her college journey at New Jersey City University while also starting her career in education as an assistant teacher at World of ABC, The Waldo School. She immediately fell in love with the school and knew she had found the right place. After taking a short break in 2016 to focus on her studies, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2019 and has remained a dedicated member of The Waldo School ever since. Outside the classroom, Ms. Rovina enjoys learning more about psychology and how the brain works. She is passionate about supporting students both academically and emotionally and aspires to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology with the goal of becoming a school psychologist.
Ms. Ashley Manno
Ms. Ashley attended New Jersey City University. She loves working with children and has many years of experience. She is excited to watch the students in her class grow throughout the year. She loves to cook and enjoys watching football and cheering on the New York Giants!
Ms. Jamiya Smith
Ms. Jamiya has been igniting young minds since she was just 15 years old. With a rich background that includes her time at the Boys and Girls Club, she’s discovered that her true passion lies in nurturing and guiding children. Energized by the opportunity to assist teachers in creating vibrant and supportive learning environments. Ms. Jamiya brings a boundless supply of patience and love to her work, believing these qualities are the keys to making a lasting impact on young lives.
Ms. Maria De Lourdes
Maria De Lourdes is a dedicated assistant teacher with over 10 years of experience supporting students and educators in the classroom. Originally from Ecuador, Ms. Maria brings warmth, creativity, and a passion for helping children learn and grow. She is known for her kind spirit, her love of singing, and her eye for decorating engaging and welcoming classroom spaces. Maria takes pride in creating a joyful and supportive environment where students feel encouraged and inspired every day.
Ms. Haley Ruiz
Ms. Haley is a dedicated student at New Jersey City University, where she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Pre-Nursing. With a lifelong goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse. Haley is passionate about caring for others especially children. Her journey working with children began at the young age of 14, and over the years she has discovered a deep sense of fulfillment in the way children can brighten even the hardest days. No matter how tired or overwhelmed she may feel, their energy and spirit never fail to uplift her.
As one of seven siblings Ms. Haley understands the importance of connection, patience, and care. In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading, visiting florists, listening to music, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Ms. Anika Shah
Ms. Anika graduated from Georgia Tech in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computational Media. She enjoys supporting young learners at the Waldo School as a teacher assistant during the day, while freelancing for mobile product design in the evenings. She values student-centered learning and providing personalized care for each child. She loves to see their individual social, emotional and cognitive development throughout the year. In her free time she likes to play guitar and pickleball and spend time with friends and family.
Ms. Danna Lindao
Ms. Danna is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary and Secondary Education. She’s been working with children of all ages for over five years and have proudly been a part of The Waldo School community for the past three years.
Ms. Danna is passionate about student success and believe every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and feel supported. She loves bringing global perspectives into the classroom. Traveling and learning about different countries and cultures inspires much of what Ms. Danna teaches.
Working alongside dedicated teachers and supportive families at Waldo has been a rewarding experience. She’s excited to continue growing with this amazing community!
Mr. Teron Sawh
Mr. Teron Sawh is 22 years old and a proud graduate of Ferris High School. He is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Business at New Jersey City University.
Mr. Teron has been working at The Waldo School as an Aftercare Assistant Teacher for about a year where he enjoy supporting students in a safe, engaging environment. This role has helped him grow both personally and professionally, deepening his interest in child development and education. Outside of work and school, one of his favorite ways to unwind is by watching movies. He loves exploring different genres and storytelling styles. Its his favorite way of relaxing and staying inspired.
Ms. Emily Barrientos
Ms. Emily is entering her second year at The Waldo School and has quickly become a great part of the Pre-K 2 team. She began as an aftercare assistant and is now a full-time teacher’s assistant bringing her positive energy and warm heart into the classroom every day! Ms. Emily has a passion for sports, especially cheerleading and soccer. In fact, when she’s not at school, she’s on the field coaching soccer, something she absolutely loves! Her enthusiasm, bright smile, and can do spirit to help kickstart the day for her students and make learning fun and exciting. Ms. Emily is currently studying psychology for her undergrad. She hopes to continue working with children and help them grow both in and out of the classroom. Her joyful personality and genuine love for kids make her a favorite among students.
Specialist Teachers
Ms. Angela Mohabir
Ms. Angela graduated from The New Jersey Institute of Technology, majoring in Electrical Computer Engineering Technology and a minor in Business. She is currently a Substation Engineer working in Protection & Control. Ms. Angela has been working with the Waldo School for 7 years and we are proud to have Ms. Angela with us as the Head of STEM and Robotics Teacher. Along with her beautiful laugh, Ms. Angela gives the children love and care that is above our imagination. She is a wonderful addition to our school family. Ms. Angela loves to see all the children grow educationally and socially and we at the Waldo School community love to see her grow with us!
Mr. Luke Grande
A versatile all-around entertainer, Mr. Luke Grande has recorded four albums as a singer/songwriter and producer: Poder Pandémico, Canción Jardín, Bienvenida La Utopía (Luky), and Todo es Rosa (with his former band Los Astrolabios); and has a long career as a stage, TV and film actor in his native Venezuela and Miami. He was a cast member in some of the most successful musicals staged in Venezuela, The Producers, The Fidler on The Roof, and Jesus Christ Superstar, in which he played an unforgettable Judas. He has also studied Illustration at Institute of Design Caracas, Music at Ars Nova, Theater and Arts at Universidad Central de Venezuela. Currently, he is a Teaching Artist in NYC with Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, and Music Teacher of the Waldo School.
Teacher Staver Klitgaard
Staver Klitgaard has their MFA in painting from Hunter College and their BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Staver is a professional painter but started teaching art as a way to share their knowledge of art history and art making to excite kids. Their first experience as a teacher was as a teaching assistant in grad school for Joachim Pissarro and felt such joy in it that they decided to delve deeper into teaching. For Staver, art making as a child was something that was really important in finding ways to communicate with others and to find ways to express themselves. Art should be something explored and celebrated fearlessly and with support. Staver has shown at Hooloon art gallery, Steven Harvey Fine Arts, M. David and Co. Royal Society of American Art as well as, Half Circle Gallery.
Maestra Carmen Larrovere
Maestra Carmen studied Education with a specialization in Fine Arts at the University of Carabobo in Venezuela. As a native Spanish speaker with a strong foundation in pedagogy, arts, and cultural education, Maestra brings a creative and dynamic approach. She is passionate about fostering a classroom environment where students feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn. With a deep appreciation for culture and creativity, Maestra strives to help students build confidence in their language skills while also developing a greater understanding of the world around them. Their goal is to inspire academic growth, personal development, and a lifelong love for learning!
Mr. Ibrahim Bangoura
Mr. Stephen Straub
Mr. Stephen Straub is a writer, filmmaker, and performer born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. After graduating from Macalester College in 2014, he served in AmeriCorps teaching filmmaking to teens in Minneapolis before moving back to New York. Since, he’s graduated with an MFA in Film Studies and Screenwriting at Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at CUNY Brooklyn College while writing and performing several short films and off-Broadway plays.