Liz Marinis
Educational Director

Born and raised here in Irvington, Liz understands what makes our village so very special. Her journey with Good Shepherd began as a parent, and her own children are proud alumni of the program.

Over the past eight years, she has transitioned from a beloved classroom teacher to our fearless Educational Director. Backed by a Bachelor’s in Childhood Education and Psychology from Iona University, and a Master’s Degree in Literacy from Mercy College, Liz ensures that every child’s first steps into learning are supported. Liz and her immensely talented staff are here to welcome your family to the neighborhood—helping your little ones feel safe, seen, and truly part of the fabric of Irvington and the wider Rivertown community.

“I love working with children and watching them grow and develop. It is an amazing and rewarding experience to watch children learn, form relationships, and gain independence, in a caring and stimulating environment.”
914.591.4104

Rev. Dr. Blaine Crawford
Minister & Head of Staff

Rev. Dr. Blaine Crawford began serving as minister at Irvington Presbyterian Church in March 2021. He holds degrees from Western Theological Seminary, Denver Seminary, and Northwestern College (IA). He previously served parishes in Flushing, Queens, and in Rochester, New York.
914.591.8124

Andrea Sarayli - Book Keeper
andrea.sarayli@irvingtonpresbychurch.org

Our Teachers

Our teaching staff is carefully screened, trained, supervised, and extremely experienced in the field of Early Childhood.

Our teachers hold a range of qualifications,
from the CDA (Child Development Associate: a nationally recognized credential in the field of early childhood), to Masters Degrees and NYS Teacher Certification. All Head and Assistant Teachers are required to complete 60 hours of training every 4 year licensing period. Most of our teachers have remained on our staff for many years. ​All teachers are trained in CPR and first aid. Our Head Teachers are also MAT (Medication Administration Training) certified, which enables them to dispense medication for emergencies and chronic conditions.

  • Alex Marinis

    Teacher
    I grew up in the Bronx and moved to Irvington to raise my family. My four sons began their schooling right here at Good Shepherd! I have been teaching preschool for over 30 years and hold a BA from Lehman College alongside a Child Development Associate Credential. My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children learn through play, enabling them to make their own discoveries.

  • Amanda Alvarez

    Assistant Teacher
    The children know me as Miss Amanda. I have worked in childcare for over a decade, and at Good Shepherd for over five years. I have always valued providing children with a safe space where their curiosity can grow. Working with children is my passion; I truly believe they are the best of us. When I'm not here, you'll find me teaching barre classes in Dobbs Ferry or exploring local restaurants with friends.

  • Caroline Redmond

    Teacher
    I am a resident of Irvington, raising my family in this community and working at Good Shepherd for more than 20 years. The encouragement I received to secure my Child Development Associate credential while working at this special school led to a deeply rewarding career. As an Early Childhood Educator, I feel privileged to support the growth of each child and partner with families during this important time.

  • Emily Duff

    Assistant Teacher
    I grew up in Irvington and currently live in Buchanan. I love teaching children of all ages, bringing decades of experience in enriching educational programs. I am especially proud of my teaching certification in the Montessori Method, which shares a very similar philosophy to ours at Good Shepherd. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, reading, walking by the Hudson River, and spending quality time with my family.

  • Irene Moynihan

    Assistant Teacher
    While raising our children in Dobbs Ferry, my youngest began attending Good Shepherd. Soon after, I was offered a position and have had the privilege of being an assistant teacher here for almost 20 years. I am passionate about what I do and take pride in calling myself a teacher—though the children teach me every day! Our amazing staff makes coming to work feel like much more than just a job.

  • Jenna Jacobsen

    Teacher
    My journey has brought me full circle, as I am a Good Shepherd alumnus! I grew up in Irvington and hold a Master’s in Literacy alongside my Early Childhood Education certification. When it was time for my son to begin preschool, I knew Good Shepherd was the perfect place. I am honored to be part of an establishment that creates such a warm, nurturing environment that meets children’s individual needs.

  • Kerry Silva

    Teacher
    I have been working at Good Shepherd for almost 20 years, helping children across different age groups learn and grow in their development. It is a wonderful experience to be in the classroom and see the children’s excitement when they learn something new or accomplish a goal. I truly enjoy being a part of this community and supporting each child during these important early years.

  • Sandra Hunnicutt

    Teacher
    I grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Pelham, New York, and now reside in Yorktown Heights. I have been teaching for more than 25 years, and this is my 18th year at Good Shepherd. I feel incredibly lucky to work with young children, and I take pride in making our classroom an inviting space where they feel safe and happy. In my spare time, I enjoy bird watching, gardening, and backgammon.

  • Sharon McLaughlin

    Assistant Teacher
    I was born and raised in Irvington and am still a resident today. My son and daughter attended Good Shepherd for four consecutive years before I was lucky enough to begin working here. The time I spent raising my own children solidified my decision to work with young ones. I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside an incredible staff in such a wonderful community.