Meet The Team
Director of Special Projects
Steven Lerch, MAED
Director of Special Projects
(609) 965-1034 ext. 145
Mr. Lerch is an educational leader with a rich background in special education, assessment, and curriculum development. He earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Stockton University, followed by a Master’s degree in Special Education in 2016. His dedication to advancing his educational practice and leadership led him to obtain his Supervisor Certification in 2016 and later a Principal Certification in 2021.
Since beginning his teaching career in 2011, Mr. Lerch has made significant contributions across various roles, including as a Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, and Principal/Supervisor of Special Education. In 2021, he was appointed as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Wildwood Middle/High School and moved on to the Dennis Township School District where he was a Principal and Supervisor of Special Education. Now, as the Director of Special Projects at Egg Harbor City School District, he oversees special education services, curriculum, and initiatives with a focus on innovation and student-centered outcomes.
Mr. Lerch’s passion for supporting the whole child is reflected in his deep commitment to evidence-based practices and stakeholder input. He has a certification in Life Space Crisis Interventions (LSCI) in which de-escalation techniques are the focus. His dedication to professional growth and his focus on inclusive, high-quality education drive his continued impact in the field.
Learning Disabilities Teacher – Consultant
Tara Macchione, MAED
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C)
(609) 965-1034 ext. 175
Mrs. Macchione received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola College of Maryland, her teaching certificate from Georgian Court University, and her Master of Arts in Education from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. She is certified as an Elementary School Teacher, a Teacher of Students with Disabilities, and a Learning Disability Teacher Consultant (LDT-C).
Mrs. Macchione had taught 2nd grade at the Spragg School in Egg Harbor City for 7 years before moving into her current position as the Learning Consultant on the Child Study Team.
Learning Disabilities Teacher – Consultant
Gianna Miranda, MAED
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C)
(609) 965-1034 ext. 131
Mrs. Miranda holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary/Special Education and American Studies from La Salle University. She furthered her education by earning a Master's degree in Content, Instruction, and Assessment from Stockton University. Mrs. Miranda is certified in several areas, including Elementary Education (K-6), English as a Second Language, and as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C).
During her tenure in the district, Mrs. Miranda dedicated seven years to serving as a special education teacher at EHCCS and spent six months as an intervention coach before transitioning to her current position on the Child Study Team as an LDT-C. In this role, she is responsible for conducting educational assessments and case managing students across the district.
School Psychologist
Ashley Ochoa is a School Psychologist, who is excited to start with Egg Harbor City Public Schools in September 2025! Mrs. Ochoa will bring deep commitment to supporting students’ emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and academic development. Mrs. Ochoa’s progressional journey began as a paraprofessional for a school for students with special needs, where she worked closely with students whose needs focused on emotional/behavioral regulation and cognitive disabilities. Mrs. Ochoa also has gained valuable experience as a Child Developmental Specialist with Early Intervention, where she supported young children and their families in addressing developmental delays.
Mrs. Ochoa completed her Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Rowan University in Spring of 2019. As a School Psychologist, Mrs. Ochoa values upholding ethics and utilizing data-driven practices to guide assessment planning and educational planning. Mrs. Ochoa also brings thorough training in trauma-informed learning through the Nurtured Heart Approach, which provides insight and strategies for creating empowering environments for students who have experienced trauma. Mrs. Ochoa’s other responsibilities include case management, individual and group school-based counseling, and collaboration with staff and families to support students with special needs.
School Social Worker
Jen Connelly, M.S.W.
Certified School Social Worker
(609) 965-1034 ext. 135
Mrs. Connelly received her Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s University in Sociology. She has a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. Previous to receiving her Masters degree, Mrs. Connelly was a case manager for 2 years and case manager supervisor for 1 year at a non-profit agency in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia she worked with children and their families who were experiencing emotional and behavioral problems. For the 2003-2004 school year Mrs. Connelly had a full-time internship as a school counselor/social worker in the Willingboro, NJ elementary schools. Presently she is the school social worker for the Egg Harbor City School District. Her responsibilities include conducting social assessments, individual and group counseling, and case management services.
Speech and Language Specialist
Tiffany Ljoka MS, CCC-SLP
Speech and Language Specialist
(609) 965-1034 ext. 341
Mrs. Ljoka received both her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Speech Pathology from Stockton University. She also has her Clinical Certification of Competency Certification from the American Speech and Hearing Association.
Mrs. Ljoka will be providing speech and language services at both the Charles L Spragg Elementary School and the Egg Harbor City Community School. Speech and language services cover all areas of language, articulation, fluency, social skills and much more!
Mrs. Ljoka can be reached by email at tljoka@eggharborcityschools.com or via telephone at (609) 965-1034 ext. 341.
Secretary
Jasmine Peeler
(609) 965-1034 x 136