Teresa McPhail

Teresa McPhail is a longtime resident of Bay Ridge. She has devoted her entire life to educating children and has impacted thousands in her community, spending her early years teaching in the public school system. Ms. McPhail’s primary objective throughout the years has always been to use her skills and education to be a positive influence, with the goal being to mold children into productive, responsible citizens.

Currently, Ms. McPhail serves as Director of a successful universal pre-kindergarten program operating out of Gateway City Church. She has cultivated an impeccable reputation among the diverse people of this community by advocating for everyone who comes through the doors – with love and respect for all. Working in a church ministry for the past 40 years, Ms. McPhail is founder and administrator of two pre-schools, two elementary schools and a high school.

Ms. McPhail continues to seek out ways to use her skills and her heart to impact children and families in the community. She partners with P.S. 102 in an After-School Program at Gateway City Academy, conducts annual summer camp programs that are open to all, spearheads school supplies for poor schools initiatives, organizes gift cards donations to adolescent clients at Mercy First Foster Care Home, and has created an annual Christmas toy store for parents who struggle financially to obtain toys.

Ms. McPhail has dedicated her life to helping those in need, especially children. With her efforts, the children and families of her community have thrived, and are very grateful for all the work she has done. She holds a Master’s in Early Childhood Education.