14 Matawan-Aberdeen School District Teachers, Paraprofessionals Recognized By The State

ABERDEEN, NJ — A total of 14 teachers and educational services professionals from the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District were recognized as outstanding in the New Jersey Department of Education’s 2025-2026 Governor’s Educator of the Year Program.

Each year, New Jersey school districts nominate their educators for recognition through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program. The program seeks to honor educators “who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students,” and to create a culture that recognizes excellence and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.

“Congratulations to our teachers and support staff recognized through the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program,” said superintendent Nelyda Perez. “Their dedication and hard work are truly appreciated and noticed by all of us in the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District.”

The Governor’s Educator of the Year recipients in MARSD are:

Teachers:

• Michelle O’Neill, Matawan Regional High School
• Debra Mescal, Matawan Aberdeen Middle School
• Brittany Whelan, Cliffwood Elementary School
• Melissa Torres, Ravine Drive School
• Vinita Mehta, Cambridge Park Elementary School
• Alissa Levine Nikolic, Lloyd Road School
• Megan Kresevic, Strathmore Elementary School

Educational Services Professionals:

• Robert Wietecha, Matawan Regional High School
• Dominique Jimenez, Matawan Aberdeen Middle School
• Mindy Peters Esposito, Cliffwood Elementary School
• Joyce Pedersen, Ravine Drive School
• Jeand’Arc Maqqar, Cambridge Park Elementary School
• Kathleen Tay, Lloyd Road School
• Madeline Scianna, Strathmore Elementary School