Joyce Maddalone

Joyce Maddalone of Glenville is a dedicated advocate for children, education and our community.

Ms. Maddalone is the founder of Mother Teresa Academy in Halfmoon, a school which welcomes children from varied racial, cultural, religious and economic backgrounds and offers them a developmentally appropriate learning experience that challenges students to develop their potential and nurtures a lifelong love of learning. Through her leadership, Mother Teresa Academy has helped many Capital Region children to think differently, become confident, independent learners who solve real-life problems, work cooperatively with others and develop their personal talents, integrity and ambition.

Ms. Maddalone started her own Catholic school 15 years ago when she was a school nurse at St. Paul’s and St. John’s schools in Schenectady and watched as some Catholic schools in the diocese were forced to close their doors. Ms. Maddalone, a registered nurse, named the school for Mother Teresa because she could relate to a saint who was a nurse and lived in recent times.

She previously worked at the former St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady and then opened her own nursing service agency and went into school nursing.

Ms. Maddalone has generously donated her own time to volunteer and serve many organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, where she was the recipient of the “Good Scout Award” from the Twin Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America, for her service and dedication to young people and the community.

She began a courageous fight against cancer in 2012, and created, with her beloved late husband, the Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund. The Fund is designed to take her family’s difficult experience and help others in Saratoga and Schenectady counties with the unexpected expenses related to cancer treatment.

Beyond her exceptional work educating and inspiring young minds at Mother Teresa Academy and as a nurse and community volunteer, Ms. Maddalone has been a long-time champion and supporter of small business, the engine of job growth, often serving as a chamber of commerce ambassador.

Ms. Maddalone has truly made her wonderful family and devotion to God and community service a centerpiece of her life.