New Staff

Alyssa Bruhnsen
My name is Alyssa Bruhnsen and I am so grateful to be teaching grades 3, 4, and 5 Special Education in a Self Contained classroom at Southampton School #2 this year! I grew up in Medford, NJ and graduated with honors from Temple University, where I received a dual degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. Prior to teaching in Southampton, I taught First Grade in Philadelphia, Middle School Special Education and Social Emotional Learning on the Big Island of Hawai’i, and English as a Second Language in Bangkok, Thailand. Over the last several years, I’ve received certificates in Trauma-Informed teaching, traveled to speak on my research in Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices, and cultivated an extensive homeschooling program on the Hawaiian Islands. In my free time, I love to be outdoors, write, cook, listen to live music, and spend time with family and friends. After a decade of much adventure, I’m thrilled to be “home” and a part of the Southampton School District family!

Hello! My name is Mrs. Lehner and I am the School Counselor for School #3. I received a Bachelor's Degree as well as a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Rowan University, and hold a NJ Director School Counseling Services endorsement. I have worked in the NJ public schools since 2007 and have 6 years of counseling experience at the Middle School level. I am excited to now serve the students and families of the Southampton School District and I am committed to both student achievement and personal well being. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, going to the shore, traveling and studying Italian!

Hi my name is Ms. Arianna Martorano and I am a 3rd grade teacher here in Southampton! I started my teaching career here in Southampton as a practicum student, a student teacher and now a full-time 3rd grade teacher! I graduated from Stockton University with my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a focus in Middle School Mathematics and Childhood Studies. I love the beach which is why I always tell my students to, “go with the flow”. I am so excited to be a part of Southampton and cannot wait for the adventure in teaching!
Bridget O'Neill
Hello, my name is Bridget O’Neill! I am so happy to be an official member of the Southampton community as a Third Grade Teacher. Prior to this year, I was fortunate enough to be a Third Grade long-term sub here in Southampton. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University in Maryland where I student taught at multiple Baltimore City Public Schools. In my free time I love to be active, spend time with friends and family and hangout with my Labradoodle puppy! I am so grateful to be a part of the Southampton family and I am looking forward to this school year!

My name is Jacalyn Ruhland. I am a Kindergarten teacher at Southampton School 1. I received my degree in Education from Bloomsburg University. I taught 2nd grade previously before leaving teaching to raise my family. I have 3 wonderful children! I returned to teaching last year as a long term substitute in kindergarten and was so excited to be offered a position in such a wonderful school district. In my free time I love to travel, be with my family, fish and hang at the beach. I am super excited to be an official member of the Southampton faculty and look forward to an amazing year!

Nicholas Steckler
I have been training martial arts for 10 years. I do Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. I graduated from Kean University with a BA in physical education. I have two dogs and 4 chickens.

Hi Southampton families! My name is Sara Steckler and I am the new K-8 Spanish teacher! I graduated from Stockton University in 2019 and have taught elementary school, middle school math, and world languages. I am also graduating with my Masters in Education along with my endorsement for English Language Learners this June. I just bought my first house over the summer and am expecting a baby in December! I am very excited to be a part of the Southampton community!

Hi. My name is Sandie Wray. I am a science teacher in school 3. I teach all the eighth grade students and one class of sixth graders. I also teach one of the new classes, Pathways. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Life/Earth Minor from Sam Houston State University and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. I also proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves at Barksdale AFB. I have lived in Burlington Township for nearly 20 years and share my home with my husband, our two teenage sons, 4 cats and 1 dog. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, home improvement projects and spending time with my family playing games, lounging in the pool, and traveling. Although I have worked in Southampton for a number of years, I am thrilled to now be teaching science again. I enjoy the middle schoolers and am happy to be part of such a strong team.