Meet the Galligans: Alyssa, Jimmy and their children JJ and Hadley. As longtime Marple Newtown residents, Alyssa and Jimmy said there’s nothing better than seeing their children grow up in the same tight-knit community they did. And from classrooms to our local ballfields, the Galligans strive to make a positive influence on the people they encounter each day.
Alyssa grew up here in Broomall with her parents and her brother, who still lives in Broomall in the house they grew up in. After attending St Pius X through eighth grade, Alyssa went to Cardinal O’Hara High School, where she ran track and cross country.
After high school, Alyssa went on to St. Joseph’s University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, with certifications in Elementary and Special Education. She then furthered her education at West Chester University, earning her Masters in Special Education. Alyssa said that her desire to work in Special Education began when she was in high school. At age 16, she worked in a local therapy office that provided speech and occupational therapy for children. “I worked with one child in particular that I really bonded with and it was a catalyst for going into the special education field,” she explained.
Alyssa’s professional career in Special Education began right here in our community at Culbertson Elementary School, where she taught in an Autistic Support classroom. Today she works at Hillcrest Elementary in the Upper Darby School District as a Life Skills teacher. “I love working with
children of all abilities and building up their strengths while improving upon their challenges,” Alyssa explained. “One of my favorite parts of my job is building relationships between children with and without special needs.”
Jimmy is also a longtime Marple Newtown resident. He was born and raised in Broomall with his twin sister and his parents, who still live in the home he grew up in. Jimmy attended Russell Elementary School, Paxon Hollow Middle School and then Marple Newtown High School where he played lacrosse and soccer. He furthered his education at Penn State University and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a concentration in Health and Physical Education (PE).
While he was a student at Penn State, Jimmy had the opportunity to join the Big Brother Program, mentoring younger children. “I was able to work with a local young man who needed help academically and socially,” said Jimmy. “It was one of the reasons I was inspired to go into the education field.”
Jimmy’s original plan was to become a PE teacher, but after he graduated from Penn State, he found that positions in the field were few and far between. After landing a job as a special education assistant in the Marple Newtown School District and later an Emotional Support Teacher in the Upper Darby School District, he realized his passion for special education. Today, Jimmy is the Assistant Principal at the Kindergarten Center in
the Upper Darby School District. Jimmy said the best part of his job is connecting with all kinds of people. “Whether it’s parents who are nervous about their child starting kindergarten or a student who needs to get services, I like being someone they can come to for help.”
Despite the fact that Jimmy and Alyssa both grew up in Broomall, their paths didn’t cross until the summer of 2012 at Culbertson Elementary School. Alyssa had just finished up her first year teaching at Culbertson and was working at the district’s Extended School Year (ESY) program that summer.
Jimmy also happened to be working at ESY and worked with some of Alyssa’s former students. “We really connected that summer,” said Alyssa. “Because we work in the same field we really bonded and liked bouncing ideas off of each other.”
After dating for a few years, Jimmy and Alyssa tied the knot on April 8, 2017, at Sacred Heart Manoa Church, followed by a reception at Llanerch Country Club in Havertown. What made the day extra special was that the couple included many of their students in the wedding ceremony. One of their former students even did a reading. “At the time we were both teaching children with special needs. Having our students and former students be a part of our wedding was so much fun!” Alyssa recalled fondly.
The Galligans began their married life in Newtown Square before eventually purchasing a home in the Lawrence Park section of Broomall three years ago. What they love about the neighborhood is how family-oriented it is and the walkability to lots of places for their kids to play. “Growing up in Broomall we both loved this neighborhood,” said Alyssa. “We wanted our children to grow up in a tight-knit community where they can walk out of the front door and play with neighbors!”
Alyssa and Jimmy have two children: JJ and Hadley. JJ just graduated Kindergarten from Cardinal Foley in Havertown this past Spring and is excited to start first grade at Loomis Elementary. Described as funny and determined, JJ loves all things sports. Whether it’s playing or watching sports, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and basketball are his favorites.
JJ’s little sister Hadley was born in 2022. Hadley is an independent and strong-willed two-year-old who enjoys playing with dolls and taking care of both real and pretend babies. The youngest of the Galligans is Fred, a one-year-old Bernedoodle, who they say is a wild animal!
Every summer the Galligans enjoy a little downtime and vacation with both sides of their family in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. When Jimmy’s family gets together in Sea Isle there are nearly 70 people spread out among three houses! “It is definitely something we look forward to every year,” he said.
In the Spring you’ll find Jimmy and Alyssa on the local ballfields where they both serve as coaches for the Marple Little League’s Challenger Division (MTLL.org). “It’s truly the high- light of my Spring!” said Alyssa. The Challenger League is an adaptive baseball program where children of all playing
abilities can enjoy the game of baseball. Modeled after other Challenger leagues in the area, MTLL’s Challenger division was started by former MTLL President Mike Noonan in 2023 and welcomes players ages 4–18 who have physical and intellectual challenges.
The Challenger Division relies heavily on volunteers and participation from community members. Out in the field, players are paired up with buddies — players from the Majors division as well as local sports teams, all divisions, and other local little leagues such as Nell and South Marple. Buddies help the par- ticipants and join them in enjoying a day at the ballfield.
“It has been a pleasure to be a part of MTLL’s Challenger League,” Alyssa said, proudly. “Witnessing a partnership between the athletes, buddies, coaches and families has been inspiring. Everyone is working toward a common goal of creating an inclusive environment where all athletes are accepted and praised.” “We are so thankful to work with various board members who made this possible,” added Jimmy. “It is an amazing addition to the community for players, buddies and families.”
With all Jimmy and Alyssa do Bringing People Together through their work in schools and in our community, it’s not a surprise they said they live by the words: be the change you want to see in the world. The Galligans have a special request for readers: “If you haven’t made it out to a Challenger game on a Sunday in the spring, we encourage everyone to come out as an athlete, buddy or fan! It is truly an amazing and inspiring afternoon!”
Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.