Ms. Kehayas explores her journey that led her to Bound Brook, her motivations to become a school principal and what she is looking forward to the most in the 2023-24 school year.

Please tell us your educational background and what you’ve done prior to joining Bound Brook in August 2023.

I have been in the education field since 2009. I have a masters in Childhood and Special Education as well as a masters in Educational Leadership.

I spent a majority of my teaching career serving the students and families in the Bronx working for the New York City Department of Education. I was a special education teacher, an instructional coach and most recently an assistant principal. I would oversee instruction in kindergarten and first grade as well as all special education classes in kindergarten through fifth grade.

What made you want to work at Bound Brook?

I fell in love with the area years ago, and I have seen the development and growth of the community recently. It has been my dream for a while to move here – close enough to my remaining family on the East Coast but away from NYC. I want to be part of the community where I teach and lead. I want to impact change in the school, in the classroom and in the community. I feel like I can accomplish this in Bound Brook.

What inspired you to become a school principal?

I was fortunate and lucky enough to work with a principal who believed in building capacity and encouraged teachers to use their strengths, genius and talents to build a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren. She was the one who helped me come out of the classroom (literally and figuratively) to share my best practices with other teachers and collaborate to meet the needs of all our students. She is a phenomenal teacher, educator and leader, and if I am half the principal she is – then I would consider myself successful.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

I am looking forward to building relationships with teachers, staff, students and families. I can’t wait to experience the school year with the wonderful people of Bound Brook who made me feel so welcome. I am excited to work with the teachers and support them throughout the year.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I look forward to spending time with my family and friends. I love to visit my mom and sisters in California. You can usually find me on a Soulcycle bike on the weekends. My guilty pleasure is anything Bravo related!