Our Wonderful Staff

Tricia Simon

Director

Tricia joined the Learning Tree Preschool family over 15 years ago. She volunteered to assist our team when her daughter joined our school. Tricia loved being in the classroom and officially joined our staff in 2012 as an aide. Since then, Tricia has taught Mom and Me, the 2.5 year-old class, 3 year-old class, Enrichment and co-taught the Pre-K Class. Tricia started as our director in 2022.  She infuses art, creativity and engaging ideas into the programs. 
 
Tricia earned her AAS in Fine Arts and a BFA in Advertising from Manhattan’s Fashion Institute of Technology. She has taught private art lessons and has worked with local students hosting and assisting at birthday parties and after-school art instruction. She also paints ornaments and enjoys the arts.  
 
Tricia enjoys working with children and has hosted classes through the Monmouth County Park System. Prior to working with children, Tricia worked as a graphic designer for a fashion company in New York City and for several publications on the Jersey Shore. 
 
Community is important to Tricia. She has served on the Parks and Recreation Committee, Rage Core Group, River Plaza Parent Faculty Association, Parent Information Committee and several other local and municipal groups. 
 
In her free time, Tricia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, biking, hiking, the beach and painting. 

Kelly Hegel

Pre-K & Enrichment Teacher

Kelly joined the Learning Tree family in 2009 as a mom.  Since then, she has worked in all classrooms as a parent, substitute and as a 3’s, Pre-K and Enrichment teacher.  Before Learning Tree, Kelly was an elementary school teacher in Middletown where she taught Kindergarten & 4th grade students.  Kelly graduated from Georgian Court University with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Elementary Education.  She loves to create a nurturing environment where the students feel safe and comfortable but also challenged.  Kelly provides hands on learning that encourages curiosity, active learning, and problem solving.  When Kelly isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family.  Kelly enjoys spending time with her family. She also loves to travel and spend time at the beach.

Diana Scheffling

2.5 Teacher

Diana first came to Learning Tree in 2015 after a friend recommended our school for her daughter.  In 2018, Diana began working as an assistant teacher in our 2.5 and 3’s classes.  She is currently teaching our 2.5 and 3’s Classes. Before working at Learning Tree, Diana worked in both Middletown and Oceanport Schools, after receiving her Masters in Early Childhood Education. Her patience and creativity enable her to help her students adapt and learn to love school. She focuses on the social and emotional development as well as academics. In Diana’s free time, she enjoys time with her family, going to the beach, watching movies and baking with her children.

Desiree Bongiovi

2.5 & 3’s Assistant Teacher

After becoming a mom, Desiree began working as an assistant at a preschool in central New Jersey. Prior to working with children, Desiree worked as an administrative assistant. She loves spending time with the littlest learners! In her free time, Desiree enjoys family time and socializing with her group of friends!

DianDiana Scheffling

3’s Teacher & Enrichment Teacher

Diana first came to Learning Tree in 2015 after a friend recommended our school for her daughter.  In 2018, Diana started as an assistant teacher in our 2.5 and 3’s classes.  She currently teaches the 2.5 and 3’s classes. Before working at Learning Tree, Diana worked in both Middletown and Oceanport Schools, after receiving her Masters in Early Childhood Education. Diana enjoys infusing movement and music into her class routine. She uses her skills to embrace the needs of each child. In Diana’s free time, she enjoys time with her family, going to the beach, watching movies and baking with her children.

Meg Buckman

Pre-K & Enrichment Assistant Teacher

Meg joined the Learning Tree Preschool family back in 2004 when her daughter attended the “Mommy and Me” program. She spent many years at LTP in the “Mommy and Me” room as well and sent her children through the preschool program. Meg has also enjoyed many years of volunteering and being involved at her children’s grade school. She enjoys working with the Pre-K Students!

Meg is originally from Falls Church, Virginia and moved here in 1997 when she married her husband who grew up in Little Silver. Meg met her husband, Chip, while studying at St Francis University in Pennsylvania. Meg and Chip have four children. Meg enjoys playing tennis, walking, hanging with friends, the beach, and spending time with her family.

Learning Tree Preschool is a non-profit, integrated auxiliary of the United Methodist Church of Red Bank. We are an Early Childhood Learning Center licensed by the State of New Jersey, Department of Human Services, and Bureau of Licensing. Learning Tree Preschool does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, age, or disability in the processes of admissions, educational programs or employment.