Meet The Staff

Jamie Bonaroti (Childcare Director)
My name is Jamie Bonaroti and the Director for St. Thomas Kids Daycare Preschool.  My husband's name is Brad and we have been together for 21 years, married for 12 years.  We both are from Oakmont/Verona and graduated from Riverview High School.  We have an 8 1/2 year old daughter, Kenzie and a new puppy named Nova!  I have a dual certification in Elementary and Special Education from Slippery Rock University and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Edinboro University.  Most recently, I worked as the Lead Preschool Teacher for the YMCA Strawberry Patch in Oakmont, for over 9 years.  I have always had a passion for teaching and children.  I also enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, trips to Cedar Point, and Pittsburgh sports!

Amanda (Lead Preschool Teacher)

My name is Mrs. Amanda and I am the lead preschool teacher.  I married my high school sweetheart two years ago and moved to Pittsburgh. Together, we have a daughter Beni, and two fur babies Korra and Bo.  I have a degree in children and family ministries, as well as biblical studies.  I am working towards my master's in leadership.  I have worked with children for over ten years.

Julie McKenzie (Lead Teacher for Older Toddlers)

My name is Julie McKenzie. I live in Penn Hills and graduated from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education PreK-4 & Special Education PreK-12. I love learning right alongside the children that I am taking care of each day. 

Patiente Irakoze (Infant Teacher)

My name is Patiente Irakoze, I am married to Samuel Manirakiza and we have two kids( Adriel Blessing Manirakiza& Shammah Skylar Manirakiza) and we live in Verona, Pa.

I love kids since I was a little girl; I remember how I used to have sleepovers in our neighborhood back home because they had a new baby. When I was a teenager, I used to babysitting my neighbors kids. And above all as the oldest in a family of 8 children, I helped my mum to take care of my siblings. When I joined the high school, I became a Sunday school teacher especially the little ones.

When I had my own kids, I was overwhelmed with joy because the care I used to give to neighbors kids, I gave to my kids too now.

Working with the kids, there is that joy I feel, playing with them, reading a story with them, watching them growing up day by day it’s just amazing.  So when Mrs Jamie called me and asked me if I can work with her, I was so happy because working with the kids is my passion.

Lori Curry

My name is Lori Curry, and I live on the Verona hilltop with my husband Dan and our three cats. We have one daughter and one son, and two grandchildren.  I just retired at the end of 2024 from my full-time job as a bookkeeper for Mozart Management, an apartment management company in Shadyside, where I worked for over 23 years.  Prior to that, I owned and operated Bright and Early Day Care Center in Oakmont for 16 years.  We had children from six weeks through 12 years and had a total enrollment of over 100 children.  I am looking forward to getting back into the childcare profession, on a part-time basis with St. Thomas Kids.