– Graduated with an Elementary Education & Psychology degree from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, N.J.
– Second Grade teacher at Beacon Prep Academy for the past 2 years.
– Taught Pre-K, First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade for 25 years at Seashore School in Long Branch, N.J. Additionally taught second grade for 2 years at Southeast Elementary in Kinston, North Carolina.
– Directed, produced, and choregraphed the productions of Frozen Jr. and The Jungle Book Kids at Beacon Prep Academy.
– Along with my husband Craig opened a musical theater company called TheatreCraft in Long Branch, NJ. The program encompasses various disciplines for children in musical theater including full scale productions.
– Program Director for Seashore Day Camp’s Theater Camp and after school program Seashore Players’ for 16 years. Created a comprehensive performing arts program where I produced, directed, and choreographed over 50 full scale productions for elementary and middle school students.
– As an elementary school teacher, I utilize my musical theater experience in the classroom in ways to help keep children actively engaged in their learning and mastering objectives.
When I’m not teaching or working on musical theater, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my Cavapoo dogs JoJo and Lola, and traveling to Disney World.
– Graduated Georgian Court University with a dual degree in Humanities/Psychology and Elementary Education. Teaching Certification K-8.
– Taught 5-8 Language Arts, 5-8 Honors Math, Grade 3, Grade 4 and Grade 5 for over 15 years at Holy Innocents Parish School in Neptune NJ.
– Teacher of 5-8 grade Math Olympics Team.
– Advisor for Mock Trial team.
– What I love most about being a teacher is being with my students each day and becoming a part of their lives. I am fortunate to be able to help mold my students into young adults and help prepare them for their future. I love to challenge and encourage them as if they were my own children.
When I am not at school I love to spend my time with my family, friends and dog. I also love traveling with my family, reading, gardening, cooking and baking.
The artist, Svetlana Rudakovskaya, was born in Minsk, Belarus. While visiting a lot of countries with her mother who is a world-class dancer, just a 3 year old Svetlana first tried to draw with pencils. At age of 5 she already asked her family to take her to art galleries where she enjoyed seeing paintings of classic artists. She explains: “When I had seen so many beautiful works of the geniuses of art, I perfectly understood that my heart belongs to art – forever“.
After immigrating to the United States, she made her final decision to make artwork on her own, plus continue art education in colleges and take private classes from famous artists. She took Graphic Design and Fine Arts in Brookdale College (2008-2010), then Fine Arts in Monmouth University (2010-11) and graduated from Montclair State University with Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts (2012).
From 2009 up to now Svetlana has been doing freelance artwork for some companies as well as paintings for private customers. She provides private art classes and does consulting for special interior design. From 2009 to 2012 Svetlana worked as an art teacher in Genius Kids Academy and from 2014 – in Bloomingdale’s Company as a visual merchandiser. Throughout her career she has participated in numerous art shows. The artist had her first art show in Brookdale College in Lincroft, NJ in 2010. Another show was held in Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ in 2011. In 2012 she was invited to show her works in Museum of Russian Art (MoMA) in Jersey City. In 2013 she joined 25 CPW Gallery in New York, NY. In 2014 Svetlana participated in an art show in Loft Gallery in New York City. Some of her art works were purchased by private collectors.
In her work she uses expressionistic approach with the contribution to abstract forms. It can be seen in her work: the connection between people, ancient and modern architecture, ornaments, geometrical figures and unusual formations. The artist tries to reach harmony and balance in the composition. The dynamic and unexpected use of bright or neon colors are combined with muted colors in order to create emphasis, contrast and movement in her artwork. Svetlana does experiments with the paint by dripping, blending, splashing and scoring. She enjoys working with different tools and materials. She wants people’s perception of harmony and fantasy, wants them to feel differently and to experience something new after seeing her art. The artist would like to see how her artworks effect people’ minds, moods and feelings. Looking at Svetlana’s artwork your curiosity raises and imagination starts to emerge.
Hi, my name is Yuliya Savelyeva and I am so happy to be a part of Beacon Preparatory Academy & Smart Stars Academy II. I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Moscow Aviation Institute. I have also been tutoring and working with children of different ages for over 20 years. I have been with BPA & SSAII since 2020 and look forward to remaining a part of this school for many years to come. I am lucky enough to teach the logic class, Fun Science class, and so much more. I also am the Summer Camp, Spring Camp, Winter Camp, and After School lead teacher. This allows room for plenty of creativity and so many fun opportunities with the students. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us!
Hi, my name is Iryna Pidlypna, but the children know me as Ms. Irchyk. As of an early age I attended a children’s music studio for the class of piano. The competition “Chervona Ruta-91” of super-hits, “Ukrainian Lambada” and other hits had made me, at that time, as the No1 pop singer in Ukraine. In 1991 I released an album and in 1996 one of the songs became the laureate of the music program “The Hit of the year”. A year later I debuted as a dramatic actress-in the theater, Zankovetska, and played Marichka in the operetta “Sharika” and Ophelia in the tragedy of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. In 1997 together with the theater ,M Zankovetska, I toured the U.S., performed at festivals “Soyuzivka” and “Verkhovyna” (USA).
In 1998 I graduated from Lviv Higher musical Institute Lysenko, speciality – actress of theater and cinema, and Lviv State University. I. Franko, Ukrainian philology.
Needless to say that I absolutely love anything and everything related to arts, whether it be music or theater. I believe arts allows us to express ourselves in ways that are not of the “typical” form. Being able to give this experience and opportunity to young children brings me joy, and every new student whom I get to work with is a new adventure. It is so rewarding to see my students gain knowledge, develop an appreciation for the arts, and most of all- when the students find their passion and/or talent through my classes.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and I look forward to getting to know you and your child.
Hi. My name is Irina Ardashnikova and I have been a teacher since 1990. I find this work to be the most rewarding. Since graduating with a Master’s Degree from Gomel State University in Russian Language Arts and Literature, I have surrounded myself with young and enquiring minds. I taught in both public and private settings and have been with Beacon Preparatory Academy and Smart Stars Academy II, from the very beginning. I believe that teaching is assisting discovery and I will work with every child to help them discover and unlock their potential. I look forward to getting to know each child and family, year after year.
Master of Sports of the USSR in judo. Master of Sports of International Class in Sambo. Multiple prize-winner and champion of all-Ukrainian competitions, 9 times winner of the Ukrainian Championships.
I participated in a large number of international class “A” tournaments. 5th place at the 1995 Student Universiade, Fukuoka, Japan. in the individual competition 7m. From 1992 to 1998 I was a member of the Ukrainian national team. I participated in the European and World Championships.
Worked in Ukraine:
1990-1998 Judo coach at a children’s and youth sports school
1999-2020 University teacher of physical culture.
2020-2022 Worked as a gymnastics, acrobatics, fitness and judo trainer in a kindergarten
From 2020 to 2022, worked as a physical education teacher at a secondary school.
Studied Lviv State University of Physical Culture
Completed postgraduate studies (PhD program)
Research focus: theory and methodology of training athletes of various qualification levels (combat sports, judo, sambo)
I am a motivated and responsible, energetic, friendly, positive worker, I learn quickly. My hobby is beekeeping. I speak Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, French. I am learning English.
SPORTS CAREER:
1998. International tournament category “A” Warshaw, Poland. 57 kg
1997. Bronze medal (3rd place). World Championship, Sambo, Yugoslavia, Novi Sad
1995. Bronze medal (3rd place). World Cup, Sambo, Russia, Kaliningrad
1995. 7th place, University Cup, Judo, Japan, Fukuoka
1994. Bronze medal (3rd place). World Cup, Sambo, Russia, Rzhev
1994. Gold medal (1st place). Individual championship, World Cup, Sambo, Russia, Rzhev
1992. Bronze medal (3rd place). European Championship, Sambo, Ukraine, Kyiv
1992. Bronze medal (3rd place). World Cup, Sambo, Belarus, Minsk
1991. Bronze medal (3rd place). USSR Championship, Judo, Russia, Bryansk
1990. Silver medal (2nd place). USSR Championship, Judo, Moldova, Chisinau
Hi everyone! I am Elena Luchak, an assistant teacher at Smart Stars Academy II. I am 23 years old, born in Ukraine and have been living in the USA for three years. I finished studying to be a hairdresser, but chose the path of working with children instead, because I love children very much! I love to teach, take care of them, and sincerely rejoice in their achievements. I strive to help the little ones learn about this world. I see them as my little friends. I have a young son of my own and treat each student with the same nurturing approach, as I do my son. I look forward to working with your children and helping them achieve their greatest goals!
Hello. My name is Nataliia. I am a mother of two children. I am originally from Ukraine and a nurse by profession. I have always loved to work with children in various forms. I enjoy cooking and knitting in my free time. I will be happy to care for your children, as if they are my own. I look forward to a great school year, together!
Hello everyone! My name is Michelle Kozoubei. I am currently a student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and will be graduating very soon. I am majoring in forensic psychology and minoring in criminology. I have been working at Beacon Preparatory & Smart Stars Academy II for over three years now and enjoy working with children of all ages! I have been here from the very beginning, and it has been such a pleasure getting to watch everyone grow into such kind and creative students. In my free time, I enjoy putting my artistic capabilities to use through painting. I also like playing tennis! Most importantly, I love to spend time with my family and find so much joy in getting to travel with them. I truly love working at this school and have definitely created long lasting friendships with all of the wonderful staff.
Hi! My name is Marika Avtandilovna Gudushauri. I was born on August 25, 1985 in Kazbegi, Georgia and graduated from secondary school No. 31 in Kutaisi, Georgia in 2000. I lived in Georgia until 2015, lived in Bari, Italy from 2015 to 2024, and have been living in the USA since December 2024. I have a daughter and son of my own. I love cooking and spending time with my family. I look forward to making yummy meals for each and every child in Beacon Prep & Smart Stars Academy II. I intend to bring all my experience, travels, and various types of food to the kitchen here. I hope you all enjoy!
Hi everyone! My name is Kateryna Turchiniak. I am 41 old years, married, with children of my own. I currently live in Old Brige and originally was born in Ukraine. I love cooking, adventures, and taking care of my family. I am so excited to be able to prepare delicious, healthy meals for each student at Beacon Prep & Smart Stars Academy II.
Good day all! My name is Oleg Godin and I am the bus driver for Beacon Prep and Smart Stars Academy II. I have had many professions in my life, but I find that working with you and your children is what makes me the happiest. I love seeing the smiling faces every morning and being the one to greet them. I am a professional bus driver and my main focus is ensuring safety for all the students that enter my bus. I look forward to taking the children on fun trips throughout the school year, being part of the summer camp, and getting to know all of you!