Our Teachers
Virginia McDonald, the founder of TCLA, has been a teacher of gifted and talented students for over 35 years and is passionate about helping children develop critical and creative thinking skills. She has created innovative and stimulating curricula to help bright students achieve to their maximum potential.
During her career in public school, Ms. McDonald won the Monmouth County Superintendent’s Teacher Recognition Award. In recognition of her outstanding work and meritorious service at Marlboro Elementary School as the teacher of the gifted and talented, Mrs. McDonald was bestowed this honor by the New Jersey State Assembly.
Ms. McDonald was the founder and owner of Turtle Creek Learning Academy, a private preschool located in Marlboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1998, she brings the same devotion, passion, and commitment to children at TCLA as she does to her enrichment classes. By selling the preschool, she now has more time to devote to the development of enrichment classes.
Deborah Lamoot is the Director of the TCLA Enrichment Program. With 27 years of teaching experience, Deb brings a wealth of knowledge and background to the program. Currently a teacher/library media specialist at Marlboro Elementary School, Deb has deep ties to the community and welcomes an opportunity to shape its young minds.
Currently, Deb has her Masters plus 30 credits with a BA from The College of New Jersey and a Master’s from Georgian Court College. Deb lives in South Brunswick with her husband and twin daughters and their dog Rugby.
Jennifer Blume lives in Old Bridge with her two teenage sons. She is heavily involved in the sports programs in Old Bridge as well as a member of the PTA board at our middle school. Mrs. Blume works in West Orange where she has been a middle school Language Arts teacher for the last 23 years. Despite her commute, she loves her job!
Mrs. Blume speaks fondly about teaching her students about the wonderful world of reading and writing. Her favorite parts of teaching are when she inspires her students to read by sharing a favorite book and seeing the look of pride on their faces when they complete a piece of writing. She enjoys working with students and other teachers in all facets of school life from running the student council to being team leader for her colleagues.
Lynn Krachie, our pre-kindergarten teacher, has the most longevity at TCLA, over twenty years. She teaches the youngest grades at the enrichment center: kindergarten, first and second grades. She fully embodies the energetic and artful spirit of being a highly qualified teacher.
In 1999, Mrs. Krachie received her master of education degree from Rutgers. She makes such an impression on all of the students that she teaches that they come back year after year to tell her what a difference she made in their lives. She gives children great confidence and a deep and genuine love for school that will carry them forever.
Michele Gorcica currently teaches fourth grade in the Montclair Public School District. Having spent the last eleven years employed in Montclair, Michele has also taught both second and third grades as well. Holding a Master’s Degree plus 30 credits with a focus on teaching and learning, Michele has been a teacher for over 27 years and enjoys each year more than the last. At TCLA Enrichment, Michele is responsible for working with our fourth and fifth grade classes. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two boys, reading, and experiencing new adventures.
