The Paterson Diocese, N.J., welcomes a new high school principal and two new elementary school principals for the 2026-2027 academic year, the diocesan Schools Office announced.
The new principals are Jennifer Higgins of St. Philip Preparatory School in Clifton, N.J., Marcela Reback of St. Therese School in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, and Stephen Trivino of DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J.
Higgins earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She returns to St. Philip’s, where she spent 14 years teaching and serving as intermediate coordinator.
Throughout her career, Higgins has been passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and spiritually while creating a school environment where every child feels welcomed, challenged, and supported.
As principal, Higgins is excited to build on the strong traditions that have made St. Philip’s such a special place while creating new opportunities for students to learn, grow, and discover their God-given gifts. She is committed to fostering a school community rooted in faith, academic excellence, kindness, and service.
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Born and raised in Queens, N.Y., Reback now resides in Livingston, N.J., with her husband. She holds a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Fordham University in the Bronx, N.Y., and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree.
A product of Catholic education, Reback has dedicated more than a decade to serving students and families in Catholic schools. She began her career as a middle school science teacher in the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., before transitioning into school administration. Most recently, she served as a principal for five years in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y.
Reback is passionate about creating faith-filled learning communities where every student is known, valued, challenged, and encouraged to discover their God-given gifts and talents. She looks forward to partnering with the students, families, faculty, staff, and parish community of St. Therese School as they begin this exciting new chapter together.
Trivino earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Montclair State University. He has dedicated his career to empowering students and educators across classroom instruction, athletic coaching, and school administration.
Trivino began his career at James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, N.J., as a physical science teacher, department chair, varsity head coach, and Key Club advisor, mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. He then spent six years at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, N.J., as vice principal of teacher development and dean of student affairs, guiding all learners within the Catholic community through a philosophy of servant leadership.
Trivino and his wife, Julie, live in Montville and belong to St. Pius X Parish. They have five adult children, four grandchildren, and their Golden Retrievers, Charlie and Harper. He is also a Giants and Yankees fan and a golfer.
At DePaul, Trivino focuses on fostering community ties, supporting faculty growth, and pairing modern ed-tech with time-tested teaching methods. Grounded in the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, he is committed to preparing students to flourish in their faith and as lifelong learners long after graduation.
