Private School Administration and Staff
Meet Our Team (Grades 1-8)
School Administration & etiquette instructor/writing coach
Linda Jo Ferraro-Swearer
Linda Ferraro-Swearer has owned and operated Jenny Lynn Academy, a private preschool and kindergarten since 1979. She wrote curriculum for both grade levels and directed the program. She has served as director and head teacher since the school’s conception. Linda teaches prosocial skills in grades 1-8 in weekly Etiquette & Sociology Class at Jenny Lynn.
Linda is part of the adjunct faculty at Luzerne County Community College, teaching Early Childhood Courses, including a course on Management and Administration. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology (K-6), and has earned a Private Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Linda has also earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Development and Strategies from Wilkes University. Linda sits on Luzerne County Community College's ECE Advisory Board representing the private school sector.
School ADMINISTRATION & writing coach
Marya Nackley
Marya Nackley has over 15 years of teaching experience instructing students in grades 1, 4, and 5. Marya has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education with a K-6 certification and a minor in Psychology. She has earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Development and Strategies from Wilkes University. Marya completed the Graduate Reading Education program at King’s College and is a certified K-12 Reading Specialist. Marya and Linda founded Jenny Lynn Preparatory School in 2014.
CLASSROOM TEACHER: 1st GRADE
Gabrielle Pepe
Gabrielle graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a degree in Middle Level English Education. She has experience working with students from PreK-8th grade. While at East Stroudsburg, she worked with a program called CILLs (Career, Independent, Living, and Learning studies). In this program she worked with students with both physical and intellectual disabilities to mentor them with homework, chores, and living on their own. When she is not in the classroom, she is spending time with family or friends.
CLASSROOM TEACHER: 2nd grade
Stephanie Abualburak
Stephanie graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education. She is certified to teach students from PreK-4th grade. During her undergraduate years, Stephanie was an executive board member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society. Through this organization, she planned and participated in an annual pop up playground. Stephanie has experience as a camp counselor working with students from K-6th grade. Ms. Lyon’s started her career as a preschool teacher. Stephanie enjoys learning and passing that love of learning onto her students. She is excited to get to know her new students and their families!
classroom teacher: 3rd grade
Lauren Devens
Lauren graduated from Luzerne County Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education along with a Paraeducator Diploma. After graduating from LCCC, she continued her education. Ms. Devens graduated from Misericordia University with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She is certified to teach students PreK-4th grade. While attending Misericordia University, she was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society. Aside from teaching, Lauren loves spending time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and camping. Ms. Devens is enjoying her journey as a member of Jenny Lynn.
CLASSROOM TEACHER: 4th grade homeroom & 4th-5TH math instructor
Justine Soprano
Justine has over 20 years of teaching experience. She loves teaching and especially enjoys seeing her students experience the joy of learning and helping them to gain confidence in their abilities. Justine was born and raised in Hanover Township. She has an identical twin sister, as well as a younger brother and sister. She currently resides in Hanover Township with her husband, Joe and their beloved dog. They are all avid Penn State football fans! Justine graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in Individual and Family Studies with emphasis in Early Childhood and a Psychology minor. She later attended King’s College and earned a degree in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Justine looks forward to many more years of teaching the exceptional students at Jenny Lynn!
classroom teacher: 5th Grade homeroom & 4th-5th language arts instructor
Skylar Linn
Skylar graduated from Wilkes University with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, as well as minors in Reading and Studio Art. She has gained experience in various settings working with children from infants through grade 5.
Skylar currently lives in Larksville with her boyfriend, two dogs, and their cat. When she is not at school, Skylar enjoys spending time working on various hobbies. She recently started a photography business with her boyfriend and owns a small handmade jewelry business. Skylar also loves art, reading, and going on new adventures. More than anything, she has a passion for learning and is excited to foster that same love of knowledge in her new students!
classroom teacher: 6th Grade homeroom & 6th-8th math instructor
Amy Kulp
Amy is a graduate of Wilkes University with a major in Middle Level Math Education (4-8) and a minor in Psychology. She has experience teaching a variety of students with different learning styles, grade levels, and ability levels while substitute teaching and teaching at the Summer Academy. While at Wilkes, she held a tutoring position for Panamanian students for one year and was a teaching assistant for the after school SHINE program for two years. Amy believes that learning is a life-long hobby and can’t wait for her students to learn new material. She’s also excited to see what she can learn from her students.
CLASSROOM TEACHER: 7th grade homeroom & 6th-8TH social studies INSTRUCTOR
Jennifer Kadjeski
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters of Science in Early Childhood Literacy. Mrs. Kadjeski is certified to teach Elementary K-6 and K-12 Social Studies. While earning her undergraduate degree at Wilkes University, she spent half of her student teaching experience abroad in Malaysia, and it fundamentally shaped her global view of teaching and fostering a culturally responsive and inclusive classroom. Throughout her career Jenn has had the opportunity to work with students from six weeks old to incoming college students. She resides with her husband and son in Swoyersville. Aside from teaching, she enjoys time at her family’s camper, crafting, reading, and going on adventures with her son!