Monica Villafuerte
Principal / School Leader
Monica Villafuerte is the Founding Principal of Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She has over 18 years of urban public school experience across a variety of disciplines including dance, mathematics and world language education in New York City and New Jersey. She has taught elementary and middle school grades, working with at-risk students, students with disabilities, and English language learners. Ms. Villafuerte has extensive administrative experience having served as dean of students, school programmer, staff developer, and adult high school coordinator. Most recently she served as Assistant School Leader at People’s Prep, a charter high school in Newark, New Jersey. During Monica’s tenure, People’s Prep grew from 7 teachers to a staff of 70, and from 95 to 380 students. In June 2015, People’s Prep graduated their first class with 90% of students accepted to 2 or 4 year colleges. Monica completed her undergraduate work in Dance Education at New York University. She received her M.Ed. from Cambridge College in Education and her Ed.M. in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. Monica is eager to bring her passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to effective school leadership and serve the children and families of Plainfield.
Meghan Brady
Director of Finance & Operations
Meghan Brady is the Director of Finance and Operations at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She has 8 years experience working for a multinational financial services company. She served as a project manager and business analyst implementing various financial systems projects. She also has international experience working with business partners in Japan. Meghan holds a BS in Business Administration from Fordham University and an MBA from New York University. Meghan plans to leverage skills developed in the private sector to her new role at Cresthaven Academy. She is looking forward to a career change that will allow her to make a difference in the community and for the students of Plainfield.
Daniel Croson
Executive Director, Cresthaven Academy Foundation
Daniel Croson is the Executive Director of Cresthaven Academy Foundation. Previously, Daniel served as Director of Community Development for the Borough of Carteret, and as a School Board member of the same district. During his time in those roles, Daniel planned and oversaw numerous academic enrichment programs for students, including a free homework help program at the local library and the expansion of the local Boys & Girls Club. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kean University and has spent over 10 years working in both youth and children's ministries. Daniel’s work is rooted in the belief that each person has greatness within them and, with access to a high-quality education, can use that greatness to transform the world around them. He enjoys iced coffee, running, and spending time with his fiance, Anjli.