It's a new year and there are two new faces that are quickly becoming familiar around the halls of Fair Haven's Knollwood School.
Jessica Soltys, a Toms River native, has replaced retired Fair Haven School District Psychologist Susan Alston. And replacing Victoria Granello, retired seventh grade social studies teacher, is Christopher Stephan.
Soltys, who was hired in October with a start date of Jan. 2, is earning a pro-rated salary of $54,392, Superintendent Nelson Ribon confirmed. Her predecessor, Alston's last reported salary was $89,087, according to state records, which also listed her as having 24 years of experience, 17 of those years spent in the Fair Haven district.
Stephan, who was hired in November with a start date of Jan. 21, Ribon said. His salary is $51,992 (pro-rated). The most recent listing of Granello's salary in state records was $88,762, with 38 years of experience, all in Fair Haven schools.
About Jessica Soltys …
Having worked in both both New Jersey and Delaware public schools, Soltys received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Maryland and completed her graduate training at the University of Delaware.
She worked as a graduate assistant in the Early Head Start program at the University of Delaware, where she earned her master's as well as education specialist degrees in school psychology.
A football fan, Soltys also enjoys adventure sports, such as skydiving and whitewater rafting and volunteering at the Associated Humane Society's Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey Township, according to a release.
About Christopher Stephan …
Stephan comes to Knollwood from his last job was as a full-time social studies teacher at Patrick F. Healy Middle School in East Orange. Before that, he taught technology and social studies at St. Joseph School in Keyport and at St. Rose of Lima School in Freehold.
Stephan has two degrees. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in economics with a minor in sociology/anthropology from Fairfield University in Connecticut, and he has a bachelor or arts degree in History from Kean University in Union.
He has coached cross-country, track and field, basketball, and volleyball and has also provided training and coaching to surfers.
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