Sister Christine Coakley, OP

Sister Christine Coakley, OP, has dedicated her life to nurturing minds and guiding hearts, exemplifying the Caldwell Dominican tradition of education and service. Celebrating 75 years as a Sister of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, she entered the congregation on September 8, 1949. A graduate of Caldwell University with a bachelor’s degree in social studies and an education minor, she later earned a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Villanova University.

Sister Christine’s extensive ministry in education at St. Michael School, Union, NJ, where she served as a teacher for fourteen years. She then became principal at St. Theresa School, Paterson, NJ, for six years, followed by six years as principal at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, East Orange, NJ. Continuing her educational ministry, she taught at St. Cassian School, Upper Montclair, NJ, before taking on a leadership role as assistant superintendent for the Archdiocese of Newark School Office, where she served for five years.

Her leadership and commitment continued as principal of St. Catherine of Siena School, Cedar Grove, NJ, for eight years. Sister Christine then transitioned to roles focused on student guidance, becoming a guidance counselor at Immaculate Conception High School, Montclair, NJ, and later serving as principal at St. Denis School, Manasquan, NJ. She also contributed as an ESL and home school teacher with Essex County Educational Services for three years and as a religion coordinator at St. Thomas the Apostle School, Bloomfield, NJ, for seven years. 

Beyond her educational roles, Sister Christine dedicated eighteen years as a volunteer with the Visiting Nurses Association in Manasquan, NJ, providing compassionate support to the local community. Her excellence in teaching was recognized in 1996 when she was named "Teacher of the Year" by the Archdiocese of Newark. 

Throughout her many years of service, Sister Christine has exemplified the Dominican charism of preaching and teaching, not only within the classroom but in her leadership roles, where she has made lasting contributions to the educational community.