Monica Villafuerte
Principal / School Leader
Monica Villafuerte is the Founding Principal of Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She has over 20 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 Pipchick
School Business Administrator
Meghan Pipchick is the Founding School Business Administrator/Board Secretary at Cresthaven Academy. Prior to working at Cresthaven Academy, she worked for a financial services company as a project manager and business analyst implementing various financial systems projects. Meghan holds a BS in Business Administration from Fordham University and an MBA from New York University. She is grateful to be part of the Cresthaven family and to make a difference for scholars in Plainfield.
Stephanie Avallone
School Psychologist / Student Support Coordinator
Stephanie Avallone is the School Psychologist and Student Support Coordinator at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Prior to joining Cresthaven Academy, Stephanie worked at A Starting Place, which is a preschool that services students with disabilities, and at People's Preparatory Charter School, a high school in Newark, New Jersey. During her time at these positions, Stephanie conducted a variety of evaluations, provided individual and group counseling with at-risk students, and worked closely with administration to ensure all of the students received the support they needed to be successful. In addition to working within a school setting, Stephanie has worked for a Neuropsychologist, conducting private neurological evaluations for children and adults. Stephanie is nationally certified, holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University at Buffalo, and holds a M.A. in School Psychology from Iona College. Stephanie is committed to supporting all of our students in reaching their fullest potential.
Megan Gerity
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Megan Gerity is currently the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Cresthaven Academy Charter School. She received her B.S. and M.A.T. in Urban Early Childhood Education/ESL from The College of New Jersey as well as her endorsement for supervisor certification from Rutgers University. Megan has served as the kindergarten grade team lead here at Cresthaven. Prior to Cresthaven, Megan taught first grade and pre-kindergarten in Newark, NJ where she was also a grade team lead and instructional coach. Megan was a teacher trainer for the National Institute for Early Education Research, where she worked with K-3 teachers across the state on utilizing developmentally appropriate practices in their classrooms. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Megan is eager to support teachers in creating a rigorous and positive school experience for the scholars of Plainfield!
Shannon Wright
Director of Operations
Shannon Wright is the Director of Operations of Cresthaven Academy Charter School. Prior to joining Cresthaven Academy, Shannon led the Technology Department and coordinated operations at a charter school in Newark, NJ for several years. She has a myriad of skills and passion for technology and education combined. Presently, Shannon attends NJIT pursuing an MBA, with an emphasis on Management of Information Systems. She is delighted to join the Cresthaven family to make a profound impact on the scholars and families of Plainfield.