Interview by Kelly Postiglione.
Marisa Sciacca is a dedicated and passionate early childhood educator at St. Gregory the Great Early Childhood Enrichment Program, where she helps shape young minds during their most formative years. With a warm, play-based teaching approach, Marisa creates a nurturing environment where children feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn. As both a teacher and a proud parent of St. Gregory alumni, she understands firsthand what makes this community so special. Get to know Marisa and discover how St. Gregory’s early childhood program fosters growth, creativity, and a love of learning from the very start!
Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?
I’m originally from Hartsdale, NY, and moved to Harrison when I was in the 4th grade.
How many children do you have, and what are their ages?
I’m a proud mom of two amazing kids—my son Charlie, 14, and my daughter Ella, 12. Charlie has a heart full of passion for sports; whether it’s lacrosse or basketball, he pours his energy into everything he does. Then there’s Ella, who is a whirlwind of energy herself. She’s a cheerleader, always with a smile and a spirit that lights up the room. Having teens is a blur of practices, games, events, and social hangouts. Some days, it seems like I’m simply an Uber driver, rushing between school and sports while trying to keep track of what’s happening in their busy social lives. But even with all the chaos, there’s a quiet joy in watching them mature—seeing them navigate their friendships, their challenges, and their successes. Parenting teens is a wild ride. It’s about finding the right balance between giving them space to grow and still holding onto the values I hope to instill in them. Some moments are hard—there are growing pains and the challenge of letting go—but nothing compares to the deep love and pride I feel as I watch them grow into the amazing young people they’re becoming. I love them with everything I’ve got, more than words could ever capture. They are my heart, my joy, my world. Every game, every cheer, every moment reminds me that being their mother is the greatest gift I could ever receive. Even on the busiest of days, when life feels like it’s moving at full speed, I wouldn’t change a thing.
What inspired you to become an early childhood educator?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, and I knew from an early age that it would likely be in preschool. When I moved in 4th grade, I had a teacher, Mrs. Matthews, who was so warm, comforting, and patient with me. That experience really stuck with me, and in many ways, it inspired me to do what I do today—and love it.
How would you describe your teaching style in the preschool classroom?
My teaching style is play-based. Especially when teaching three-year-olds, it’s so important for them to interact with their peers and teachers, build relationships, and learn through play. Using their imagination, sharing, and engaging in activities together helps foster independence and social skills.
What do you love most about teaching at St. Gregory the Great?
I love that I get to shape young minds during their most formative years while creating a nurturing and fun environment for them to explore. There’s such a strong sense of community among the children and their families, which brings me so much joy and truly makes my heart happy.
How do you create a warm and nurturing environment for your students?
I take the time to get to know each child individually, building trust so they feel comfortable coming to school. For many of my students, this is their first time being away from their parents, so I focus on being patient and kind to create a positive and calm experience. Preschoolers thrive on consistency, so having a predictable schedule helps them feel safe and secure.
What does a typical day look like in your classroom?
Our day is a mix of structured activities and free play, with creative play always being a classroom favorite. My favorite part of the day is storytime—I’m a huge reader, and I love sparking my students’ imaginations and helping them discover new worlds through books. When they find a story they love, it’s always on repeat!
How do you incorporate play-based learning into your lessons?
I weave learning into playful activities—singing songs that align with our lessons, engaging in activities that promote language, math, and social skills, and, of course, reading books that tie into what we’re learning that week.
What are some of the children’s favorite activities or lessons?
Center Time! This is when the kids have free play and can explore different areas of the classroom, like dramatic play, the science center, the library, art, and blocks. They love it all! Lately, my class has been really into jumbo floor puzzles—it took them two days to complete a United States of America puzzle, and when they did, they were so proud and excited!
What key skills are you focused on developing in preschoolers?
For me, social skills are the priority, which is why I love free play. This is the perfect age to teach important life skills like sharing, taking turns, using manners, and resolving conflicts. Playtime provides so many opportunities for kids to practice these skills naturally.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to parents whose child is starting preschool for the first time?
Stay positive! Show excitement about school—even if it’s hard for you to let go (I totally get that). If your child sees that you’re excited, they’ll be excited too.
What do you think makes St. Gregory the Great such a special place for early childhood education?
It feels like home—that’s the best way to describe it. Both of my children went to St. Gregory’s, and I loved it so much that I got a job here!
How does the school foster a sense of community among students, teachers, and families?
We host so many wonderful events and activities that bring together our community, families, students, and teachers. We march in our town parade, hold family-friendly activities at school—like the pumpkin patch, a sweetheart dance, and book fairs—and welcome our local fire and police departments to teach students about fire safety and Halloween safety.
We love highlighting local businesses! What are some of your favorite spots in the Sound Shore area for dining, shopping, self-care, or family fun?
I love having dinner at Alessia’s in Mamaroneck and grabbing lunch from Casa D’Italia in Harrison. I cannot go a day without an iced coffee from the Harrison Bagel Shop! Reading is my favorite hobby, but most of all, I love spending time with my two beautiful children and my husband.
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!