MaryEllen Castaldo rejoined First Pres as Director of Children and Family Ministries in

2018. She had previously served in that position with the church from 2002-2011. She

then worked as teacher in the Montessori Learning Center in Ridgewood for six years,

but felt called to return to church ministry. MaryEllen shared, “Working as Director of

Children and Family Ministries brings me tremendous joy - not only to be part of a great

ministry, but also part of a warm and wonderful community of people. In sharing God’s

word, we encourage the children by making learning exciting, inviting and

fun, emphasizing the importance of God’s love in action and

leading them to know, love and serve Jesus Christ. I bring to the church a deep faith

and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.”

MaryEllen attended Bergen Community College, majoring in Early Elementary

Education and Early Childhood Development. She and her husband Peter live in

Hawthorne. They have two sons and two grandchildren. Her passion is teaching and

working with children of all ages. Her pastimes include art, cooking,

baking, reading and spending time with friends and family.