Garden City Public Schools New

Robert Feirsen, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools District

Robert Feirsen has a B.A. and an M.A. in history from SUNY-Stony Brook, an M.S. in special education from Fordham University, a professional diploma in administration and supervision from Queens College, and an Ed.D. in administration and supervision from Fordham University. Dr. Feirsen was the Deputy Superintendent in the Manhasset Public Schools. He has been an elementary and middle school principal and a teacher whose background was in social studies and special education. Dr. Feirsen has permanent New York State certification as school district administrator. He has been published in many journals and has spoken at various conferences. Dr. Feirsen will serve as superintendent of schools replacing Dr. Stephen Leitman who retired.

Fino Celano Assistant to the Superintendent District

Fino Celano has a B.A. in history from Marist College, an M.A. in reading education from Manhattan College, and a C.A.S. in educational administration from Hofstra University. Mr. Celano served as the assistant superintendent for human resources at Roslyn School District since July 2003. He was principal of Grand Avenue Middle School in Bellmore from 1997-03 and assistant principal at the same school from 1990-97. He served as a teacher of social studies at S.H. Calhoun High School from 1985-90, Msgr. Scanlan High School from 1981-85 and at Our Lady of Lourdes High School from 1978-81. Mr. Celano has permanent New York State certification as school district administrator, school administrator/supervisor, reading K-12 and social studies 7-12. Mr. Celano will serve as the assistant to the superintendent, replacing Tim Rehm who resigned.

James Curran Interim Assistant Principal High School

James Curran has a B.A. in history from St. John's University, an M.A. in elementary education from Hofstra University, and a P.D. in educational administration from Queens College. Mr. Curran served as principal of North Shore Middle School from 1982 through 2003 when he retired. He has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6, social studies 7-12, and as school administrator and supervisor. Mr. Curran will serve as Interim Assistant Principal at the high school.

Lauren Callahan Elementary Education Stratford

Lauren Callahan has a B.A. in elementary education/English from Hofstra University. Ms. Callahan student taught at Center Street Elementary School, Williston Park, and Denton Avenue Elementary School, New Hyde Park, in spring 2005. Her initial New York State certification in childhood education 1-6 is pending. Ms. Callahan is being assigned to Stratford School as a permanent substitute for Julie Psaki who is on a child care leave of absence.

Michelle Ciquera Elementary Education Stratford

Michelle Ciquera has a B.S. in childhood education from SUNY Cortland. Ms. Ciquera has been a teacher's assistant at East Lake Elementary School, Massapequa Park, since October 2004. She has initial New York State certification in childhood education. Ms. Ciquera is being assigned to Stratford School as a permanent substitute for Linda Norton who is on a leave of absence from her elementary education teaching position.

Stacey Costigan Social Studies Middle School

Stacey Costigan has a B.A. in history and psychology from SUNY Geneseo and an M.A. in social studies education from New York University. Ms. Costigan was a social studies teacher in New York City Public Schools since September 2003. She has provisional New York State certification in social studies 7-12. Ms. Costigan is being assigned to the middle school replacing Lois Ayre who retired.

Melissa Coyne Elementary Education Stratford

Melissa Coyne has a B.B.A. in accounting from St. Bonaventure University and an M.S. in childhood education from Molloy College. Ms. Coyne has been an elementary education teacher at Holy Family School, Hicksville, since 2003. She has initial New York State certification in childhood education 1-6. Ms. Coyne is being assigned to Stratford School as a permanent substitute for Debra Sarkis who is on a child care leave of absence.

Mary Jane Falce Elementary Education Stratford

Mary Jane Falce has a B.B.A. in accounting and information systems from Pace University and an M.S. in elementary education from Molloy College. Ms. Falce has been an elementary education teacher at St. Agnes Cathedral Elementary School since 1999. She has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Falce is being assigned to Stratford School as a permanent substitute for Kathleen Gallagher who is on a leave of absence from her full-time position.

Nancy Flatley Elementary Education Stratford

Nancy Flatley has a B.A. in psychology/elementary education from Molloy College and an M.A. in liberal studies/elementary education from SUNY Stony Brook. Ms. Flatley was an elementary education teacher at Jonas E. Salk Middle School from 1989 to 1993 and at Holy Family School from 1988-1989. She has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Flatley is being assigned to Stratford School as a permanent substitute for Deborah Ward who is on a child care leave of absence.

Nancy Gallagher Mathematics Middle School

Nancy Gallagher has a B.A. and an M.S. in mathematics from Hofstra University. Ms. Gallagher was a mathematics teacher at John W. Dodd Middle School in Freeport from March 2005 through May 2005 and at John F. Kennedy High School, Bellmore, from September 2004 through January 2005. She has initial New York State certification in mathematics 7-12. Ms. Gallagher is being assigned to the middle school replacing Kevin Coffey who retired.

Linda Gistedt Speech Districtwide

Linda Gistedt has a B.A. and an M.A. in speech pathology and audiology from St. John's University. Ms. Gistedt served as a permanent substitute speech teacher at Locust School for the 2004-05 school year. She has permanent New York State certification in speech and hearing handicapped K-12. Ms. Gistedt will be based at Locust School serving on a districtwide basis. She is replacing Tina Othman who resigned.

Richard Hoffmann Mathematics Middle School

Richard Hoffmann has a B.S. in business administration from SUNY Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, and an M.B.A. in organizational management from Wagner College, Staten Island. Mr. Hoffmann served as a mathematics teacher at Intermediate School #93, Ridgewood, since September 2003. His provisional New York State certification in mathematics 7-12 is pending. Mr. Hoffmann is being assigned to the middle school replacing Keith Veltri who resigned.

Jennifer Iovino Music Middle School

Jennifer Iovino has a B.S. in music education from Hofstra University. Ms. Iovino served as band director at Selden Middle School for the 2004-05 school year. She has initial New York State certification in music K-12. Ms. Iovino is being assigned to the middle school replacing Eric Mordhorst who resigned.

Angela Jones World Languages High School

Angela Jones has a B.F.A. in dance from New York University and an M.S. in elementary education from Queens College. Ms. Jones holds New York State provisional certificates in elementary education and dance. Her initial New York State certification in Italian and bilingual extension are pending. Ms. Jones served as an elementary education teacher at PS 20, Bronx, New York, for the 2003-04 school year and was a substitute teacher in Brentwood UFSD from 1993-2005. Ms. Jones will be a part-time world languages teacher in the high school. This is a new position at the high school.

Jeanne Kennedy Guidance High School

Jeanne Kennedy has a B.A. in music from the Catholic University of America and an M.A. in educational counseling from Hunter College. Ms. Kennedy was a teacher-aide in the Bayville Schools and a transitional counselor at Locust Valley Elementary School. She has provisional New York State certification as school counselor. This is a new position at the high school.

Wendy LaMountain Science High School

Wendy LaMountain has a B.S. in engineering chemistry and an M.S. in professional studies in waste management from SUNY Stony Brook. Ms. LaMountain was a science teacher at Hicksville High School for the 2004-05 school year and a chemistry teacher at Massapequa High School for the 2003-04 school year. She has provisional New York State certification in physics 7-12, chemistry 7-12, and general science 7-12. This is a new position at the high school.

Deborah Lee Mathematics High School

Deborah Lee has a B.S. in mathematics from Elmira College and an M.S. in secondary mathematics education from Queens College. Ms. Lee has been a mathematics teacher at South High School, Valley Stream, since September 2001. She has provisional New York State certification in mathematics 7-12. Ms. Lee is being assigned to the high school replacing Roger Regan who retired.

Lauren LiCalzi Elementary Education Stratford

Lauren LiCalzi has a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Scranton. Ms. LiCalzi has been a permanent substitute elementary education teacher at Stratford School since December 2004. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. LiCalzi is being assigned to Stratford School replacing Suzanne Viscovich.

Vicky Linardos World Languages Middle School

Vicky Linardos has a B.A. in Spanish from New York University and an M.S. in education/Spanish from Queens College. Ms. Linardos served as a Spanish teacher at Rachel Carson Intermediate School 237Q from 1989 through 1993 and is presently tutoring Spanish and Greek. She has permanent New York State certification in Spanish 7-12. This is a new position at the middle school.

Steven Love Social Studies High School

Steven Love has a B.A. in communications from SUNY-Buffalo and an M.S. in education from Hofstra University. Mr. Love holds New York State certification in social studies. He served as a social studies teacher at Bethpage High School and JFK Middle School from 2003-05. Mr. Love is being assigned to the high school as a permanent substitute filling in for Joan Mazzella who will be on sick leave.

Kathleen Mahoney Art High School

Kathleen Mahoney has a B.F.A. in graphic design from Savannah College of Art and Design and an M.A. in fine arts from L.I.U., C.W. Post College. She has been a permanent substitute art teacher at the high school since January 2005. She has provisional New York State certification in art K-12. Ms. Mahoney is being assigned to the high school as a permanent substitute for Elizabeth deLaricheliere who is on a child care leave of absence.

Lynnette Martella Special Education Middle School

Lynnette Martella has a B.S. in speech and hearing sciences from Hofstra University and an M.S. in special education and elementary education from Adelphi University. Ms. Martella was a permanent substitute special education teacher at Stewart School from January 2005 to June 2005. She has permanent New York State certification in special education K-12, speech and hearing handicapped, and provisional certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Martella is being assigned to the middle school as a permanent substitute for Elizabeth Cleary who is on a child care leave of absence.

Robyn McBride Elementary Education Stratford

Robyn McBride has a B.A. in communications and an M.A. in elementary education from Adelphi University. Ms. McBride was a teacher-aide at Stewart School from September 2004 through January 2005. She student taught at Stratford and Hemlock Schools during spring 2005. Her initial New York State certification in childhood education N-6 is pending. Ms. McBride is being assigned to Stratford School replacing Mary Mathers who retired.

Patricia McCartin Science Middle School

Patricia McCartin has a B.S. in geology from SUNY-Cortland and an M.B.A. in information systems management from Dowling College. Ms. McCartin served as a science teacher at New Explorations into Science Technology and Math College Preparatory School in New York, New York since September 2002. Ms. McCartin has provisional New York State certification in earth science 7-12 and general science 7-12. Ms. McCartin is being assigned to the Middle School replacing Mary Ellen Siegel who retired.

Janet Miller Health High School

Janet Miller has a B.S. in physical education from SUNY-Cortland and an M.A. in health education from Adelphi University. She holds permanent New York State certificates in physical education and health. Ms. Miller was a teacher of health education at St. Catherine of Sienna and Blessed Sacrament School from 1985-88 and served as a physical education teacher at Sewanhaka Central School District from 1988-89 and at Mineola UFSD FROM 1989-91. Ms. Miller is being assigned to the high school as a permanent substitute filling in for Thomas Schalk who is on military leave.

Carrie Moran Elementary Education Stewart

Carrie Moran has a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Scranton and an M.S. in literacy from L.I.U., C.W. Post College. Ms. Moran served as a teacher-aide at Stewart School for the 2004-05 school year. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6 and an initial New York State certification in literacy birth-6. Ms. Moran is being assigned to Stewart School as a permanent substitute for Joan McCarthy who is on a child care leave of absence.

Stephanie Presti Elementary Education Homestead

Stephanie Presti has a B.S. in elementary education from Towson University. She student taught in Owings Mills Elementary School, Maryland, in the spring of 2005. Her initial New York State certification in childhood education 1-6 is pending. Ms. Presti is being assigned to Homestead School as a permanent substitute for Kristine Rascoll who is on a child care leave of absence.

Jennifer Ringer Reading Middle School

Jennifer Ringer has a B.A. in psychology from Brooklyn College and an M.S. in reading education from St. John's University. Ms. Ringer is presently a part-time reading teacher at Port Washington UFSD and served as an elementary education teacher at P.S. 276 in Brooklyn, New York from September 2001-March 2005. Ms. Ringer has permanent New York State certification in reading K-12 and provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Ringer will be a part-time reading teacher at the Middle School. This is a new position due to increased enrollment.

Janet Rogler Physical Education High School

Janet Rogler has a B.A. in social science and marketing and an M.B.A. in marketing and management from Hofstra University. Ms. Rogler also holds an M.S. in physical education from Adelphi University. She served as a physical education teacher in the Lindenhurst School District for the 2004-05 school year and was a teacher-aide in the Garden City Public Schools from January 2002 to January 2004. She has initial New York State certification in physical education K-12. This is a new position at the high school.

Cynthia Sclafani Elementary Education Stewart

Cynthia Sclafani has a B.S. in business administration from Northeastern University and an M.S. in childhood education from St. John's University. Ms. Sclafani was a teacher-aide at Stewart School from April 2005 through June 2005 and student taught at Stewart School in the fall of 2004. Her initial New York State certification in childhood education 1-6 is pending. Ms. Sclafani is being assigned to Stewart School as a permanent substitute for Ginette Kort who is on a child care leave of absence.

Samantha Smith Elementary Education Homestead

Samantha Smith has a B.S. in elementary education and special education from Providence College and an M.S. in elementary education from St. John's University. Ms. Smith served as an elementary education teacher at our Lady of Grace Montessori School since 2001. She has permanent New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Smith is being assigned to Homestead School as a permanent substitute for Marilyn Prager who is on a leave of absence from her elementary teaching position.

Phyllis Unger, Ph.D. Science High School

Phyllis Unger has a B.A. in zoology from the University of Michigan, an M.S. and a Ph.D. in medical sciences from New York University. Dr. Unger has provisional New York State certification in chemistry 7-12, biology 7-12, and general science 7-12. Dr. Unger served as a chemistry and environmental science teacher in the Hicksville Public Schools for the 2004-05 school year and was a chemistry teacher in Great Neck Public Schools for the 2003-04 school year. This is a new position at the high school.

Paraskevy Vassilas-Zaferiou, M.D. Science Middle School

Paraskevy Vassilas-Zaferiou has a B.A. in biology from New York University, an M.S. in education from Hofstra University, and a doctorate from Autonomous University in Guadalajara. Dr. Vassilas-Zaferiou served as a permanent substitute teacher at Garden City Middle School in the spring of 2004. She has been a per diem substitute teacher since 2000. Dr. Vassilas-Zaferiou has provisional New York State certification in general science 7-12 and biology 7-12. Her initial New York State certification in earth science is pending. Dr. Vassilas-Zaferiou is being assigned to the middle school replacing David Miodownik who retired.

Kathryn Ventuleth Social Studies High School

Kathryn Ventuleth has a B.A. in international studies and criminal justice from Fordham University and an M.A. in school administration and supervision from Mercy College. Ms. Ventuleth was a social studies teacher in Yonkers Public Schools since 1998. She has permanent New York State certification in social studies 7-12 and provisional certification as school administrator. Ms. Ventuleth is being assigned to the high school replacing Kenneth Saint who resigned.

Scott Walley Special Education High School

Scott Walley has a B.A. in political science from Fairfield University and an M.S. in special education from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus. Mr. Walley was a special education teacher at Floral Park Memorial High School since 2001. He has permanent New York State certification in special education K-12 and his provisional certification in social studies 7-12 is pending. Mr. Walley is being assigned to the high school replacing Suzanne Dillmeier who resigned.

Administrators & Faculty Members - 2005-06