The Harrison Central School District Welcomes New Teachers Harrison High School Katherine Hannon Science Anthony Berardi Health Mr. Berardi will serve as a leave replacement health teacher for the 2016-17 school year. He earned a bachelor s degree in behavioral science from Concordia College and a master s degree in physical education from Hofstra University. Mr. Berardi earned tenure as a physical education and health teacher in New York City and most recently taught physical education and health in the Mount Pleasant Cottage School District in Pleasantville. Ms. Hannon graduated with a bachelor s degree in biochemistry and a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of chemistry from the College of St. Rose in Albany. She earned tenure as a chemistry teacher at the S.S. Seward Institute in Florida, New York, where she also created a forensic science course and an eight-credit chemistry course for students to earn college credit through Syracuse University s Project Advance. Ms. Hannon also earned tenure as a chemistry teacher at the Minisink Valley High School in Slate Hill, New York. Shannon Bruno English Katie Harty Ms. Bruno completed a long-term substitute position teaching English at Harrison High School last spring and returns as a part-time English teacher this year. She holds a bachelor s degree in English literature and a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of English from the State University of New York at Binghamton. She taught SAT preparation classes in Harrison s summer school and completed her student teaching in Deposit, New York, where she taught middle and high school English classes. Ms. Harty holds a bachelor s degree in history and secondary education from Sienna College and a master s degree in special education from Pace University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Harty served as a special education teacher in Harrison s summer school program, and she has experience as a substitute teacher at Nanuet High School, where she taught general education and special education students in Global History I & II and U.S. History courses. Diana Harley Kevin Heathwood Music Ms. Harley earned a bachelor s degree and master s degree in mathematics and special education from Mount Saint Mary College. Her experience includes serving for several years as a special education mathematics teacher in the Clarkstown Central School District, and as a leave replacement special education teacher at Warwick Valley High School, where she helped students meet graduation requirements toward a Regents diploma. Mr. Heathwood earned a bachelor s degree in music education from Indiana University and master s degree in music education from Teachers College at Columbia University. He earned tenure as the band director and general music teacher at MS 180 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Middle School for the Arts in New York City. Since 2013, Mr. Heathwood has also served as the band director for the Education Through Music Summer Music Academy in New York.
Emily Mashal School Counselor Marc Roberts Mathematics Ms. Mashal holds a bachelor s degree in education and Spanish from the University of Michigan and a master s degree in school counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University. For the past two years, Ms. Mashal has served as a school counselor at the Leman Manhattan Preparatory School in New York. Before becoming a school counselor, Ms. Mashal served as a Spanish teacher at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. Sharon Matthews Ms. Matthews will serve as a leave replacement social studies teacher this year. She holds a bachelor s degree in history and secondary education from Manhattan College, where she graduated on the Dean s List. She has also completed course work toward a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of social studies from the City University of New York at Lehman College. Since 2012, she has taught Global History I & II at the NYC Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industries. Mr. Roberts holds a bachelor s degree in mathematics from Ithaca College and a master s degree in secondary education and special education from Mercy College. He served as a mathematics leave replacement teacher at Harrison High School during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years, and he will begin a tenure-track position this fall. In addition to his experience as a teacher, Mr. Roberts also has experience as a math tutor and lacrosse camp counselor. Michael Schweitzer Science Mr. Schweitzer earned a bachelor s degree in mechanical engineering from Stonybrook University and a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of physics from Dowling College. Most recently, Mr. Schweitzer served as a leave replacement science teacher at Syosset High School, and he completed his student teaching in physics at Smithtown High School. Mr. Schweitzer has also experience teaching English in Japan, and he has worked as a project engineer in private industry. James McLoughlin Mathematics Brittany White Mr. McLoughlin will serve as a leave replacement mathematics teacher this fall. He holds a bachelor s degree in mathematics and economics from the State University of New York at Geneseo and a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of mathematics from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. Most recently, Mr. McLoughlin taught math and physics at an International Baccalaureate high school in Madrid, Spain. Natasha Merritt Ms. White holds a bachelor s degree in elementary and special education from LaSalle University and a master s degree in special education with a concentration in autism from C.W. Post University. For the past two years, Ms. White has taught students with autism in a special education classroom at Benjamin Turner Middle School in Mount Vernon. She also taught special education for three years at M.S. 172 Irwin Altman Middle School in New York and worked as a behavior therapist at a private agency. Ms. Merritt earned a bachelor s degree in anthropology and a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of social studies from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She was awarded tenure by the Andes Central School District, where she taught Global I & II, U.S. History, Participation in Government, and Economics. Ms. Merritt has also served as a tutor and an archeological consultant.
Louis M. Klein Middle School Sarah Foster Erin Bermudez Ms. Bermudez holds a bachelor s degree in history from the State University of New York at Albany and a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of social studies from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She earned tenure as a teacher of 6 th grade world civilizations and 7 th grade U.S. History at the Simon Baruch Middle School in Manhattan, where she also mentored student teachers and taught summer school to 8 th grade students. Deanna D Onofrio Psychologist Ms. D Onofrio earned a bachelor s degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a master s degree in school psychology from Iona College. She recently completed an internship in school psychology in the Ardsley Union Free School District, where she provided psychological services to general and special education students. Ms. D Onofrio also provided psychological services to students with autism at the Institute for Child Development in Binghamton. Alyssa Dulin English Ms. Dulin holds a bachelor s degree in English and a master s degree in adolescent education in the teaching of English from Pace University, where she graduated on the Dean s List. She recently completed leave replacement roles as an English teacher at Somers Middle School and the Anne M. Dorner Middle School in Ossining. Ms. Dulin has also served as a leave replacement English teacher at Rye High School. Ms. Foster holds a bachelor s degree in history and a master s degree in teaching with a concentration in history from Union College in Schenectady, New York. She recently completed an assignment as a part-time social studies teacher in the Bethlehem Central School District in Delmar, New York, where she also completed a year-long student teaching internship as a social studies teacher in 9 th and 10 th grade Global Studies and 11 th grade U.S. History classes. Kathryn Garfield Ms. Garfield holds a bachelor s degree in political science from Fairfield University and a master s degree in special education from Fordham University. She earned tenure as a special education teacher in New York City, where she taught middle school students. Ms. Garfield also recently served as a special education teacher at a private school in Connecticut, and she has experience as a special education therapist and tutor. Allana Gauzza Ms. Gauzza earned a bachelor s degree in history from Syracuse University and a master s degree in the teaching of social studies from Teachers College at Columbia University. For the past year, Ms. Gauzza has taught 6 th grade social studies at the School of Diplomacy in the Bronx. She completed her student teaching in middle and high school social studies classes in New York City, and she has served as the technical theater director at Nyack High School since 2014. Brittany O Donnell Mathematics Christina Eveland Science Ms. Eveland served as a leave replacement science teacher at the Louis M. Klein Middle School during the 2015-16 school year, and she will serve this year as a tenure-track 6 th grade science teacher. She graduated on the Dean s List with a bachelor s degree in biology and adolescent education in the teaching of science and a master s degree in special education from Mount St. Mary College. She completed her student teaching at Pawling Middle and High Schools. Ms. O Donnell served as a leave replacement teacher at the Harrison Avenue School in 2014-15 and 2015-16, and she will assume a tenure-track position teaching 6 th grade mathematics this year. She graduated on the Dean s List from Manhattanville College with a bachelor s degree in psychology and childhood education and is currently pursuing a master s degree in middle childhood and adolescent education in the teaching of mathematics. Ms. O Donnell taught mathematics in Harrison s summer school program this past summer.
Debra Clampet Speech Pathology Ms. Clampet served as a part-time speech pathologist during the 2015-16 school year, and she will continue in a full-time role this year. She holds a bachelor s degree in communication from Wake Forest University and a master s degree in speech & language pathology from New York Medical College. For the past several years, Ms. Clampet has served as a part-time speech pathologist at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES. She also has experience delivering speech services to students through local private agencies. Harrison Avenue School Parsons Memorial School Arrington Carr Speech Pathology Ms. Carr earned a bachelor s degree in psychology and a master s degree in communication disorders from Mercy College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Last year she served as a leave replacement speech & language pathologist in the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. Ms. Carr has also served for four years as a speech & language pathologist at the Devereux Millwood Learning Center and for two years at the Alcott School in Dobbs Ferry. Victoria Frank Megan Conner Ms. Frank holds a bachelor s degree in communication from Santa Clara University and a master s degree in elementary and special education from Manhattanville College. She most recently served as a leave replacement 5 th grade teacher at the George Washington School in White Plains. Ms. Frank also has experience teaching 4 th grade at the Pound Ridge School in Bedford and 2 nd grade special education at the Rockwood Park School in Queens. Deanna Russell Ms. Russell served as a leave replacement teacher during the 2015-16 school year, and she will continue in a tenure-track position this year. She holds a bachelor s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a master s degree in special education from Teachers College at Columbia University. Ms. Russell has served as a lead teacher at the Hawthorne Country Day School in New York City, where she has taught students on the autism spectrum. She has also been a lead special education teacher at the Fred S. Keller School in Rockland. Ms. Conner served as a leave replacement teacher in Harrison during the 2015-16 school year, and she will continue as a 5 th grade teacher at Parsons Memorial School this year. She holds a bachelor s degree in childhood education from the College of St. Rose, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude; and a master s degree in special education and literacy from Mount Saint Mary College. Her prior experience includes serving as a special education teacher at the Devereux Foundation. Andrew Del Rosso English as a New Language Mr. Del Rosso earned a bachelor s degree in English literature and a master s degree in English language learning from the State University of New York at New Paltz. He also studied Mandarin Chinese at the Taiwan Normal University. For the past year, Mr. Del Rosso served as an ENL teacher at the Washingtonville Middle School and Taft School in Washingtonville, New York.
Purchase School Kelly Fargo English as a New Language Margaret Hanafin Ms. Hanafin holds a bachelor s degree in early childhood and childhood education from Iona College and a master s degree in early childhood special education from Fordham University. For the past two years, Ms. Hanafin has served as a special education teacher at the Richard Rodgers School in New York City. She also has experience as a teaching assistant and substitute teacher at the Hutchinson School in Pelham Manor. Samuel J. Preston School Lauren Benjamin Instructional Specialist Ms. Benjamin will serve as an instructional specialist at Samuel J. Preston School, where she will provide instructional support and professional development for classroom teachers. She holds a bachelor s degree in business and dance from Skidmore College and a master s degree in elementary education from Teachers College at Columbia University. She has taught at the Manhattan New School, P.S. 165, and most recently in the Dobbs Ferry School District. Throughout her classroom experience, she has worked with various populations of students and taught primary and upper grades. Her classroom served as a lab where teachers and administrators from around the country could view elementary literacy instruction. She has conducted workshops for in-service teachers, led study groups and taught graduate courses in literacy at Pace University, New York University and Hunter College. Fatima Alves Ms. Alves holds a bachelor s degree in psychology from Mercy College and a master s degree in childhood education from Lehman College. She earned tenure as a first grade teacher at the Hector Fontanez School in New York City. She also served for two years as a co-teacher in second and third grade at the Rippowam Cisqua School in Mount Kisco. She has participated in literacy training workshops through Teachers College at Columbia University. Ms. Fargo holds a bachelor s degree in elementary education and a master s degree in literacy and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) from St. John s University. For the past three years, she has taught English language learners at the Bronx Community Charter School. She has also served as a summer enrichment teacher at the Horace Mann School and a lead instructor in the Young Writers Institute at SUNY Purchase. Allison Holden Ms. Holden earned a bachelor s degree in childhood education from Dominican College and a master s degree in literacy from Long Island University. She earned tenure as a second grade classroom teacher in the Goshen Central School District, where she taught for the past eleven years and served for two years as the second grade chairperson. She has supervised several student teachers and participated in literacy training through Teachers College at Columbia University. Laura Kretzmer Ms. Kretzmer has served as a leave replacement teacher at the Samuel J. Preston School and she will continue as a kindergarten teacher this year. She earned a bachelor s degree in liberal arts and humanities from Iona College and a master s degree in elementary education from the University of Bridgeport. Her prior teaching experience includes serving as a 4 th and 5 th grade lead teacher at the West Patent School in Bedford. Multiple School Locations Heather Bishop Ms. Bishop will serve as a special education resource room teacher at Purchase School and Parsons Memorial School. She holds a bachelor s degree in international relations from Boston University and a master s degree in elementary and special education from Hunter College. Her teaching experience includes serving for three years as a special education teacher at Simon Baruch Middle School and more recently as an elementary teacher at international schools Abu Dhabi and Kazakhstan.
Gianluca Ferrito Physical Education Mr. Ferrito will teach physical education classes at Harrison Avenue School, Parsons Memorial School, and Louis M. Klein Middle School. He holds a bachelor s degree in physical education from the State University of New York at Cortland and is pursuing a master s degree in health education from Lehman College. Before teaching in Harrison, Mr. Ferrito completed his student teaching in Scarsdale and Mount Vernon, and he has served as the Grade 7/8 soccer coach in Harrison. Dr. Glen Chernack Psychologist Dr. Chernack will serve as a school psychologist in the Harrison Avenue School, and he will provide district-wide psychological services through the Office of Special Education. He earned a bachelor s degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis; an elementary education teaching credential from San Francisco State University; a master s degree in school psychology from New York University; and a doctorate in psychology from Fordham University. He has served as a school psychologist in New York City and in private school settings that serve special education students.