Education Specialists

Cristina Soto-Baez

Education Specialist - Madison, St. Thomas & RCAO

With 14 years of experience in early childhood education, Cristina Soto-Baez has had the opportunity to work with children across multiple age groups while using a variety of curricula and assessment tools. Her experience as a preschool teacher has shaped her passion for supporting young learners and their families.

In her current roles as a Preschool Instructional Coach and Preschool Intervention Referral Specialist, Cristina supports teachers, children, and families in creating meaningful learning experiences and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Cristina truly enjoys working with our youngest learners and building strong partnerships with families and the community.

Shaunique Cisson

Education Specialist - Academy, Grover Cleveland & RDCC

Shaunique Cisson serves as an Education Specialist for Rahway Public Schools' preschool program. In this role, she works closely with teachers, staff, and families to ensure that every child has a fun, engaging, and enriching preschool experience.

Shaunique can often be found visiting classrooms, joining in on learning experiences, modeling lessons, and working alongside teachers. Through individualized professional development, collaborative planning, and data-informed reflection, she partners with teachers to create meaningful learning experiences that meet the needs of each child.

Every child enters preschool with unique strengths, experiences, and ways of learning. In Rahway, we believe those differences should be celebrated and supported while ensuring equitable opportunities, resources, and access for all.

Shaunique also supports family engagement through family workshops, parent roundtables, the Community Fair, and other family events. Whether families join us in person or virtually, we hope to see you there!

Lorena Salamanca

Education Specialist - Franklin, Roosevelt, YMCA & RDCC

As a Preschool Coach, Lorena Salamanca supports and mentors teachers in developing effective classroom practices, implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, creating engaging learning experiences, and fostering positive classroom environments. She also provides guidance in child development, classroom management, observation, and individualized learning strategies.

With more than 15 years of experience working with children from infancy through Pre-K, Lorena is passionate about creating nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning environments where every child can thrive.

Her teaching approach is grounded in understanding child development and recognizing each child's unique needs, interests, and abilities. She continually expands her knowledge through professional development, workshops, and current research in Early Childhood Education to provide engaging and effective learning experiences.

Lorena believes that strong partnerships between teachers, families, and school leaders are essential to a child's success. Through patience, trust, and open communication, she works closely with families to support each child's individual growth and development.

CPIS / Social Worker

Devi Misir

Social Worker & Community Parent Involvement Specialist (C.P.I.S.)

The early years of a child's life are filled with little moments that become the foundation for a lifetime of learning. As a Social Worker and Community Parent Involvement Specialist (C.P.I.S.) in the Rahway Early Childhood Department, Devi Misir is honored to walk alongside children and families during these important first steps.

In her role, Devi connects families with resources and support while also listening, encouraging, and advocating for families. Through meaningful family engagement, parent support, community partnerships, and thoughtful transition planning from Pre-K to Kindergarten, she strives to create a caring bridge between home, school, and community.

Over the last few years, the Early Childhood Department has worked closely with community partners including Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, Rahway Recreation Center, Rahway Public Library, Food For Friends, R.C.A.O., Rahway City Social Services Department, S.N.A.P., and United Way of Greater Union County.

Devi believes that sometimes the greatest impact comes from the simplest acts—taking the time to listen, offering a helping hand, celebrating a child's growth, or reminding a parent that they are doing a wonderful job. When we nurture a child's heart, support their family, and believe in their potential, we help create a foundation where children can grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy.

Each day, Devi reflects on her own early childhood experiences to help create a better one for children and families. These are some of the guiding principles that drive her work with the children and families she has the honor to serve.

“A child may not remember everything we teach them, but they will remember how we made them feel while they were learning.”

Every child deserves someone who believes in them. Every family deserves someone who listens. And every beginning deserves to be met with kindness.