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Showing up for Students
Recognizing some of the areas teachers who continue to care for their students.
For almost every student, there is a teacher who has made a lasting impact on their life. These are the educators who show up for their pupils through lessons, extracurricular activities or even through daily encouragement and inspirational words, motivating them to do their best. Even after years of schooling, students recall those beloved individuals who showed them patience and understanding, leaving a continuing impression that stays with them as they get older. Here we recognize several teachers who were selected by their school districts for their effort and dedication.
Rebecca Mills
Paul VI High School
Mills is in her eleventh year at Paul VI High School, where she teaches freshman biology, sophomore biology and AP biology. Beyond the classroom, she serves as the dedicated faculty moderator for Paul VI’s student council. Each week, she meets with more than 20 student leaders to plan and coordinate school events like pep rallies, homecoming and Paul VI’s American Red Cross Blood Drive. From imagining creative hallway themes for spirit week to making sure students get to class safely after donating blood, Mills creates collaboration and creativity among Paul VI’s student council members, where she is appreciated for her commitment to the school community, instilling in her students the knowledge and confidence to lead both inside and outside the classroom.
Gavin Colley
Bishop Eustace
Colley’s passion for science began with a curiosity about performance, studying biomechanics and training as a student-athlete. Inspired by his parents—both educators—he found his calling in science education, combining teaching and coaching to help students grow. At Bishop Eustace, Colley brings energy and care into the classroom, encouraging hands-on learning and embracing mistakes as part of the process. As head of the science department, Colley is proud of his team’s commitment to student success and aims to expand opportunities, including growing AP programs and preparing students for top-tier colleges.
Meghan Mattson
Kingsway Regional High School
Mattson brings real-world experience into the classroom, with over 18 years of experience in the health care industry, to prepare students for future careers. She challenges students to strive for excellence while supporting them in reaching their full potential. Through hands-on opportunities in medical facilities throughout South Jersey, her students gain valuable insight into the health care system, patient care and empathy. Mattson emboldens students to step out of their comfort zone and embrace failure, not as a setback but as a step in discovering their passion. Along with teaching at Gateway, she still remains active as a certified athletic trainer. Mattson’s hope is that students leave her classroom inspired to pursue meaningful paths, develop resilience and leave a positive footprint along the way.
Monique Bougess
Cinnaminson High School
For nearly 30 years, Bougess has taught biological science, helping students grow not only as learners, but as people. She has also been active in leading affinity group programming and cultural celebrations that support student voice, reflection and connection. She organizes heritage celebrations, facilitates meaningful conversations and helps students build leadership, confidence and pride in who they are. Guided by the vision of togetherness and unity, Bougess connects students, families and the broader community through shared experiences. Her influence has been felt for years, and her impact stays with students for a lifetime.
Esmirna Collado
Estelle V. Malberg Early Childhood Center
In her very first year teaching preschool and her first year at Malberg Early Childhood Center, Collado has demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication, compassion and professionalism. She shows love and care for each of her students, creating a warm, nurturing classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported. She has transformed her classroom into an engaging and dynamic space for learning, where curiosity is supported and students are inspired to explore and grow. Despite being new to preschool, Collado has seamlessly adapted to the curriculum, embraced best practices in early childhood education and quickly become an integral part of Malberg’s school community.
Meghan Murphy
Robert B. Jaggard Elementary School
At the heart of Murphy’s practice is a deep commitment to inclusion. She intentionally creates environments where all students and staff feel welcomed, respected and valued. Her ability to recognize and celebrate diverse perspectives creates a culture of belonging that positively impacts the entire school. Equally impressive is Murphy’s support for both students and colleagues where she goes above and beyond to ensure that others feel inspired and equipped to succeed. Whether offering guidance to a struggling student or mentoring fellow educators, Murphy approaches every interaction with patience, understanding and a genuine desire to help others grow.
Luke Bakanas
Cinnaminson Middle School
Bakanas is a devoted teacher who does far more than deliver lessons—he inspires curiosity, builds assurance and creates a safe space for students to grow. He recognizes that every student learns differently and adapts his instruction to meet a variety of needs and learning styles. Beyond the classroom, Bakanas shares his passion for music by conducting the concert band, jazz band and drum line. He also serves as an advisor for several after-school clubs and is the sound technician for the spring musical, promoting a love of music that students can carry into their futures.
Meghan Warren
Robert B. Jaggard Elementary School
Warren is exceptionally organized, approaching all responsibilities with careful planning and attention to detail. This strong organizational skill set creates a structured and supportive learning environment where students can thrive. Warren is also known for demonstrating a deep sense of empathy, taking the time to understand each student’s unique needs, challenges and strengths, creating a classroom atmosphere built on trust and respect. Students feel seen, heard and valued, which not only enhances their academic success but also supports their personal growth. Warren consistently takes on leadership roles to help build a cohesive and positive community and her collaborative spirit and proactive approach enthuse others while strengthening Jaggard’s school culture.
Beth Garofola
Estelle V. Malberg Early Childhood Center
As a classroom teacher, Garofola excels at building meaningful relationships with students, families and colleagues. She creates a welcoming environment where all learners feel recognized and are nurtured to reach their full potential. In addition to her work with students, Garofola has naturally stepped into the role of an informal mentor, especially for those new to the field. Drawing on her experience as a former literacy coach, she generously shares her expertise, provides thoughtful guidance and models best practices in a way that elevates the entire team. The purpose behind every instructional decision she makes is clear, thoughtful and rooted in a deep understanding of student development and curriculum.
Missy DiSibio
Rice Elementary School
DiSibio has been a dedicated educator known for supporting her students and their families. From 1996 to 2003, she devoted herself to her family as a stay-at-home mom, while still remaining closely connected to education as an active Rice School PTA member and board participant. That connection led her back into the classroom, where her influence would be felt for decades to come. By 2005, she stepped into her own classroom, teaching half-day kindergarten until 2008. She then returned to Rice School, where she would spend the next 18 years shaping the earliest school experiences of children in both half-day and full-day kindergarten programs. Throughout her extensive history of teaching, DiSibio has brought thoughtfulness, teamwork and a genuine desire to make things better for students and colleagues alike.
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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 1 (April 2026)
Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 23, Issue 1 (April 2026)
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