Faculty and Staff

The teachers at Somerset Academy Early Learning Center are highly qualified, certified professionals. All full-time and part-time staff are required to have state criminal, child abuse and Federal FBI fingerprint clearances. All staff must also complete 18 hours of annual training in Child Development in addition to CPR, First Aid, Fire Safety, Water Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

The Club House After School Leader(s) possess unique skills, after school education experiences and characteristics that promote communication, cooperation and accommodation of the goals and objectives of the after school program.  Our Group Leaders monitor and manage students in and out of the classroom.  They are keen observers of student climate and able to engage students in activities.  The Club House Group Leaders are able to execute a quality, pre-designed curriculum, excel as team players, specialize in varying subject matters and exemplify a commitment to all children having enriched, academic, social and emotional experiences in a safe, caring, supportive environment.

Zachary Knudsen MA, MT-BC is the Director of Programs at Somerset Academy Early Learning Center. Zachary received his BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University with cognates in music and child psychology. He went on to receive his MA from Immaculata University in Music Therapy.

Since graduating, he worked for several early childhood centers as a music therapist, using the power of music to help children grow and reach developmental milestones. The last few years of his career were spent as the director of an early childhood center in New Jersey.

Zachary oversees our internship program, which currently boasts a myriad of interns and practicum students from various universities, namely Immaculata University, Temple University, Drexel University, and Rowan University. The students come from different areas of study, such as social work, music therapy, and recreational therapy. He will also be heading up our PHLprek program, along with other programs at our center.