Caring and enthusiastic are the adjectives which best describe our staff of carefully selected teachers and aides. 

Most of our teachers and aides have worked at the Center for many years. The average tenure of our staff members is ten years. 

Our Director, Jennifer Jensen, has a bachelor’s degree in Education from Kean University. She has held her position since 2006. 

In addition to our paid staff, our students benefit from our many Heath Village resident volunteers who not only offer valuable lessons on a variety of programs but are also on hand to provide some extra special attention or hugs to help brighten our students’ day.

Staff Qualifications

All Friendship Center staff members are required to complete a background check and submit to a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) and fingerprinting. They are also checked through the Bureau of Licensing in the New Jersey Division of Children and Families for Child Abuse Record Information. They must also pass a health screening. 

All staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid. 

So that we may continue to deliver the highest level of care and education, staff regularly participate in workshops and seminars that keep them informed of the newest trends and studies in the areas of Child Growth and Development, Positive Guidance and Discipline and Health and Safety Procedures.