Our Team
Administration
Samantha Grab | Head of School
I grew up in a tiny town called Tivoli, located in New York’s Hudson Valley. I was lucky enough to attend a school like Weekday, so I know what it feels like to be a young person in a learning environment where children are encouraged to question, speak their minds, and think critically.
After I graduated from high school, I packed my car and drove down to Austin, Texas where I spent the next six years falling in love with country music, eating breakfast tacos, and learning the Texas two-step.
After six years in Austin, I moved to Manhattan where I received my Master’s in Education from Bank Street College, with dual certifications in Early Childhood and Childhood education.
I feel incredibly passionate about education and strongly believe that every child should be treated with respect, compassion, and empathy. Schools should prioritize a rigorous curriculum along with placing value on the importance of helping children develop into well-rounded individuals who can think critically, communicate effectively, and navigate the world with emotional intelligence. To me, education is about empowering children to reach their full potential and become positive contributors to society. I truly believe that by prioritizing their holistic development and nurturing their unique strengths and interests, we can create a better future for everyone.
I live in Maplewood with my four children, ages 5 to 14, and two cats. In addition to my professional life and being a busy mom, I am a voracious reader, an aspiring runner, and a collector of miniature objects.
Jackie DeLucia | Chief Operating Officer
I am no stranger to South Orange being an alum of Seton Hall University. So, I was excited to find this opportunity to again be part of the Soma community by joining Weekday School.
Upon graduation, I proceeded to begin a career on Wall Street where I worked to become a well-qualified executive over a 25-year period. During much of this time, I focused on client services and high-level global corporate operations. My early years found me working on the floor of the American and New York Stock Exchanges.
My life certainly took a different direction when I boarded a plane to China to adopt my beautiful daughter, Lacey Rose. That was it, she had me hook, line, and sinker. I just did not want to be away from her all day, she was attached and so was I. The only thing to do in my mind was to pivot away from Wall Street and into educational administration where I have now been for over 15 years.
Prior to joining Weekday School, I was with Whittle School & Studios, an independent global school with a network of campuses around the world. I have also spent 12 years working within the Archdiocese of New York as an Admissions, Development, Tuition Management, Financial Aid, and Operations Director.
My greatest joy is watching Lacey navigate her life, as she ends her Junior year at her desired university. When she is home, (which is not often) we enjoy cooking and hanging out in NYC. I think I may need to get a puppy!
I look forward to meeting, working with, and supporting the families of the Weekday School. I am also excited to welcome new families to the Weekday community.
Faculty
Keirah Tomkins | Pre-K
I graduated from Kean University in 2011 with a B.A in Early Childhood Education and Fine Arts. I worked as a lead teacher at the Kean University Child Care and Development Center for 8 years. During my time at Kean I supported many students getting started in the field, as well as children from ages 2 1/2 to 5 years. In January 2019 I was hired as the lead teacher in the Nursery 3s classroom at Far Brook School. I revamped the curriculum, and encouraged the children to ask questions, investigate, and follow their thoughts and ideas.
I live with my husband and 2 children ages 5 and 2. We enjoy taking family walks and working on art projects at home.
Charlyne Emmanuel | Pre-K Assistant
As an experienced educator, Charlyne has worked with children ages 3 to 8 for more than a decade. It is her passion to support a child’s process of self-awareness, free thought, and social-emotional learning.
Charlyne earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Peter’s University. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys reading and staying current on emerging trends in education. Charlyne also enjoys the outdoors and the creative arts.
Sarah Barlow | Kindergarten-1st Grade
Sarah is a respected early childhood teacher who takes a personal interest in the success of students and believes age-appropriate instruction, utilizing various instructional strategies and technology are key to a student’s success. She graduated with honors from New England College with a degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after, Sarah received her Master’s Degree from Fordham University, obtaining her teaching certificate in early childhood and special education. While at Fordham, Sarah was inducted into the National Honors Society, Kappa Delta Pi. Sarah taught First Grade for 6 years at a small private school in New York City. Once her family grew, they moved to New Jersey, where Sarah began teaching Kindergarten in the South Orange- Maplewood School District. While in the district, Sarah was the General Education teacher in an Inclusion Classroom and gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience with children with Autism, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
Kim Charles | 2nd Grade
Kim is a passionate and dedicated educator who firmly believes in the power of progressive education and its transformative impact on children’s lives. She received her MEd in Special and General Education from Bank Street College and holds several advanced certifications. She has devoted her professional career to classrooms, pediatric hospitals and South Mountain Nature School’s Forest School! With her unwavering commitment to fostering a love of learning, Kim strives to create an inclusive and engaging classroom environment where every child will thrive!
Samy Fantacone | 3rd, 4th, 5th grades
My name is Samantha Fantacone ( Samy). This is my twelfth-year teaching. Prior to joining the Weekday School family, I have taught a variety of ages, enrichment programs and afterschool programs. I am excited and looking forward to the new experiences I will be sharing with your children. My educational background includes attendance at Montclair State University where I received an undergraduate Teaching Degree in P-3, a Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification P-3, and in 2012 received a M.Ed. in Inclusive Education. Working with children and developing their curiosity and love of learning through play is my passion. Additional teaching experiences include working at the summer Montclair State University Gifted and Talented Program, the summer Prospect Camp in Maplewood and the summer program at TSTI in South Orange, along with the summer program for the YMCA. Over the years I have tutored children facilitating and enhancing their learning potential.
Chaya Willick | Social Emotional Learning
Chaya is a storyteller, actor, mindfulness teacher, and environmentalist who has worked with children internationally to practice experiential learning and creativity. Through a variety of disciplines such as improv, rhythmic drumming, woodworking, and visual art, she encourages children to honor their questions and have fun exploring. As a traveling performer, Chaya visited schools around the world where she ran a program developing tools for a growth mindset.