The following administrators and faculty members joined the staff of the Garden City School District this September.

Albert ChaseAssistant Superintendent for District

Business and Finance

Albert Chase has a B.A. in accounting and economics from Queens College, an M.B.A. in finance from St. John's University, and a P.D. in school business administration from the City College of the City University of New York. Mr. Chase served as the Deputy Superintendent of Schools at the Valley Stream Central High School District from March 2001 to the present. He was assistant superintendent for business in the Long Beach School District from July 1997 to March 2001, business manager at Roosevelt UFSD from June 1995 to June 1997 and was the director of the revenue budget office in the New York City Board of Education from 1982 to 1995. Mr. Chase has permanent New York State certification as school business administrator and school district administrator. He will replace John Powell who is resigning.

Teresa Prendergast, Ed.DAssistant Superintendent for District

Curriculum & Instruction

Teresa Prendergast has a B.S. in elementary education and mathematics from St. John's University, an M.S. in mathematics education from Lehman College, an Ed.D. and P.D. in educational administration and supervision from St. John's University. Dr. Prendergast has been Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Personnel at Lynbrook Public Schools since February 2004, was the principal of Lynbrook South Middle School from July 2000 to February 2004, was an assistant principal from September 1995 to June 2000 and mathematics chairperson from September 1994 to June 2000 at Woodmere Middle School, and taught mathematics at Susan B. Anthony, I.S. 238 from September 1987 to June 1993 where she was also dean of students from September 1993 to June 1994. She has permanent New York State certification in mathematics 7-12, as school district administrator and school administrator/supervisor.

Catherine WheelerDirector of Pupil District

Personnel Services

Catherine Wheeler has a B.A. in physical education from Herbert H. Lehman College, an M.S. in adapted physical education/therapeutic recreation in developmental disabilities from Long Island University, a P.D. in education supervision and administration from Hunter College. Ms. Wheeler was Director of Pupil Personnel Services at the North Merrick UFSD from September 2000 to present, Administrator/Chairperson HHVI-CSE at the New York City Board of Education from October 1998 to September 2000, Director of Early Childhood Programs for The Lighthouse Inc. Child Development Center from March 1996 to October 1998, Director of Special Programs at the Interdisciplinary Center for Child Development in Bayside from October 1993 to March 1996, Assistant Director for the Early Childhood Intervention Program Schneider Children's Hospital from October 1992 to October 1993, Supervisor and Regional Associate at the New York State Education Department Office for Special Education Services, Brooklyn and Director at the Jewish Guild for the Blind. She has permanent New York State certification as teacher of the blind and partially sighted, and physical education, school administrator/supervisor and school district administrator. Ms. Wheeler will assume the position of Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

Francis Banta, Ed.D.Interim PrincipalHigh School

Francis Banta has a B.A. and an M.A. in social studies from SUNY Albany and an Ed.D. in administration from Nova University. Dr. Banta served as interim principal at North Shore High School from September 2005 through June 2006, at Roslyn High School from September 2004 through June 2005, at Paul D. Schreiber High School from September 2002 through June 2004, and at Harborfields High School from September 2000 through June 2002. Dr. Banta was the Superintendent of Schools at Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District from 1991 to 1998, an assistant superintendent at Massapequa UFSD from 1987 to 1991, principal at Paul D. Schreiber High School from 1978 to 1987, and assistant principal at Ward Melville High School from 1974 to 1978. He has permanent New York State certification as school district administrator and social studies 7-12. Dr. Banta is being assigned to the high school replacing Hank Hardy who resigned.

Adele Bacotti, Ed.D.Assistant PrincipalHigh School

Adele Bacotti has a B.S. in economics from Cornell University, an M.A.T. in social studies from Tufts University, and an Ed.D. in school district administration from Columbia University. Dr. Bacotti served as the social studies chairperson in Massapequa Union Free School District from 1998 to 2006, a social studies teacher in North Shore High School from 1992 to 1998, a social studies teacher at Hewlett High School from 1991 to 1992, and at Central Islip High School from 1990 to 1991. She has permanent New York State certification in social studies 7-12 and as school district administrator. Dr. Bacotti will assume the assistant principal position at the high school now held by James Curran.

Adam WinnickPrincipal

Locust School

Adam Winnick has a B.A. in communication from SUNY Geneseo, an M.A. in elementary education and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from Hofstra University. Mr. Winnick has been Director of the Cultural Arts Program since 2005 and elementary education teacher since 1999 at Jericho Public Schools. He was summer services coordinator from 2002 through 2005 and interned with Assistant to the Superintendent and Elementary School Principal from 2002 through 2003 at Jericho Public Schools. Mr. Winnick also taught elementary education at Stratford Road School, Plainview, and Manhasset Summer Center-Shelter Rock School, Manhasset. He has permanent New York State certification as school district administrator, school administrator/supervisor and elementary education PreK-6. Mr. Winnick is replacing Matthew Gaven who resigned.

Gail Bennington

Science Department 6-12High School/

Curriculum CoordinatorMiddle School

Gail Bennington has a B.A. in geological sciences, an M.A. in secondary education, and a C.A.S. in school administration from Hofstra University. Ms. Bennington has been Supervisor of Science and Technology K-12 in the Hicksville School District since November 2005. She was Chairperson of Science and Health K-12 in the Malverne School District from August 2004 to November 2005, an earth science teacher from September 1996 to June 2004 at Oceanside High School, and an earth science teacher at Memorial Junior High School, Valley Stream, from September 1993 to June 1996. Ms. Bennington has permanent New York State certification in earth science 7-12, biology and general science 7-12, and school district administrator; and provisional New York State certification as school administrator/supervisor. This is a new position.

Vera Gallagher

Special Education Department 6-12

High School/Curriculum Coordinator

Middle School

Vera Gallagher has a B.S. in speech and hearing handicapped from Hofstra University, an M.S. in special education from Adelphi University, and a P.D. in school district administration from Long Island University. Ms. Gallagher was Coordinator of Special Education at Long Beach High School from 2002 to the present. She served as administrative assistant at the Mineola UFSD from 2001 to 2002, special education teacher in Mineola from 1989 to 2001, and special education teacher at Eagle Hill School, Huntington, from 1981 to 1989. Ms. Gallagher has permanent New York State certification in special education K-12, speech and hearing handicapped K-12, and as school district administrator. This is a new position.

Peter GiacaloneWorld Language Department 6-12 High School/

Curriculum CoordinatorMiddle School

Peter Giacalone has a B.A. in romance languages, an M.S. in education-reading from Dowling College, and a P.D. in educational administration from L.I.U., C. W. Post Campus. Mr. Giacalone has been the assistant principal at Grand Avenue Middle School, Bellmore, since 1999. He was a Spanish teacher at Mempham High School from 1995 to 1999 and at Holy Trinity High School from 1990-1995. Mr. Giacalone has permanent New York State certification in Spanish 7-12, reading K-12 and as school district administrator, school administrator/supervisor, and school business administrator. This is a new position.

Kim Hardwick

English Department 6-12

High School/

Curriculum CoordinatorMiddle School

Kim Hardwick has a B.A. in literature from CUNY Bernard Baruch College, an MALS in education from SUNY Stony Brook, and SDA certification from SUNY Stony Brook. Ms. Hardwick completed her administrative internship in the fall of 2003 at Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School and served as an English teacher there from 1996 to the present. She was a media specialist for the language arts program at Franklin K. Lane High School, Brooklyn, from 1992 to 1996. Ms. Hardwick has permanent New York State certification as school district administrator and English 7-12. This is a new position.

Kitty Klein

Guidance Department 6-12

High School/

Curriculum Coordinator

Middle School

Kitty Klein has a B.A. in psychology from C.W. Post College, an M.S. in school counseling, and a P.D. in secondary education administration and supervision from St. John's University. Ms. Klein was District Director of Guidance and Counseling Services K-12 in the Manhasset Public School District since July 2004, District Director of Guidance Services in Locust Valley Central School District from July 2003 to July 2004, Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services and Guidance at Norman Thomas High School from July 2001 to June 2003, and guidance counselor at Academy of Environmental Science from November 1997 to June 2001. She has permanent New York State certification as guidance counselor, school district administrator, and school administrator and supervisor. This is a new position.

Jeannot Barr

World Language

High School

Jeannot Barr has a B.A. in European history from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. in finance from The Gaven/American Graduate School of International Management. Mr. Barr served as a French teacher at Sleepy Hollow High School from September 2001 to the present and at the Woodlands High School, Hartsdale, from September 2000 to June 2001. His permanent New York State certification in French 7-12 is pending. Mr. Barr is being assigned to the high school replacing Vania Sitruk-Barrios who resigned.

Jessica Berenbroick

School Psychologist

Stratford School

Jessica Berenbroick has a B.A. in psychology from Bucknell University and an M.Ed. in school psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Ms. Berenbroick has served as a school psychologist at Signal Hill Elementary School, Dix Hills, from September 2005. She has provisional New York State certification as school psychologist. Ms. Berenbroick is being assigned to Stratford School replacing Gary Hall who retired.

Keri CassidyElementary EducationStewart School

Keri Cassidy has a B.S. in elementary education and special education from St. John's University. Ms. Cassidy student taught at Stewart School in the fall of 2005 and has served as a teacher aide there since January 2006. Her initial New York State certifications in childhood education 1-6 and students with disabilities 1-6 are pending. Ms. Cassidy will be assigned to Stewart School filling in for Meredith Petry who is on a child care leave of absence.

Keri Chase

Elementary Education

Middle School

Keri Chase has a B.A. in elementary education from St. Joseph's College and an M.A. in educational technology from L.I.U., C. W. Post Campus. Ms. Chase served as an elementary education teacher at Island Trees Middle School from September 2005 to June 2006. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Chase is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Susan Lee who is on a leave of absence from her elementary education teaching position.

Jessica Crofton

Elementary Education

Locust

Jessica Crofton has a B.A. in political science from Syracuse University and an M.S. in teaching from Fordham University. Mrs. Crofton was a teacher aide at Hemlock School from 12/22/05-6/23/06 and was a leave replacement teacher at Stratford School from 9/05-11/18/05 and a teacher aide there from 11/21/05-12/22/05. She also taught 3rd grade at C.S. 102, Bronx, NY from 7/02-6/05. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Mrs. Crofton is being assigned to Locust School filling in for Debra Sarkis who is on a child care leave of absence.

Lisa Downward-Viskovic, Ph.D.

World Language

High School

Lisa Downward-Viskovic has a B.A. in Italian and comparative literature and an M.A. in Italian from Queens College, and a Ph.D. in comparative literature from the Graduate School and University Center, CUNY. Dr. Downward-Viskovic was a teacher of Italian at Long Island City High School from September 2002 to June 2004 and an adjunct instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Hunter College, and Queens College. She has permanent New York State certification in Italian 7-12. Dr. Downward-Viskovic is being assigned to the high school replacing Carlo Mazarese who retired.

Alison Fasulo

English

Middle School

Alison Fasulo has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in education from Molloy College. Ms. Fasulo has been a regular substitute English teacher at Garden City Middle School since March 2006. She has initial New York State certification in English 7-12. Ms. Fasulo is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Teresa Raffaelli who is on a child care leave of absence.

Jeffrey Fowler

Social Studies

High School

Jeffrey Fowler has a B.A. in history from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. in secondary education from Hofstra University. Mr. Fowler has served as an American History teacher at the Portledge School, Locust Valley, since 2005. He has initial New York State certification in social studies 7-12. This is a new position at the high school.

Kasey Gordon

English

Middle School

Kasey Gordon has a B.A. in English language and literature from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in secondary English education from Hofstra University. Ms. Gordon has been an English teacher at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School since September 2005. She taught at Massapequa School District from September 2004 to June 2005, at Valley Stream North High School from September 2003 to June 2004, and at Woodland Middle School, East Meadow, from February 2002 to June 2003. Ms. Gordon has provisional New York State certification in English 7-12. She is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Suzanne Tavernise who is on a child care leave of absence.

Steven Gordon, Ph.D.

Science

High School

Steven Gordon has a B.A. in biology from Yeshiva University, an M.S. in biomedical sciences and a Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Gordon has been a science teacher at Bronxville High School since September 2004. He taught at Horace Mann School from September 2003 to June 2004. Dr. Gordon has initial New York State certification in biology 7-12 and chemistry 7-12. He is being assigned to the high school replacing Barbara Bergman who retired.

Amanda Holleran

Elementary Education

Middle School

Amanda Holleran has a B.S. in childhood education from SUNY Cortland. Ms. Holleran served as a permanent substitute elementary education teacher at Alden Terrace Elementary School, Valley Stream, from May 2005 to November 2005 and was a per diem substitute teacher in the Westbury UFSD since January 2006. She has initial New York State certification in childhood education 1-6. Ms. Holleran will be assigned to the middle school filling in for Kristie Orrego who is on a child care leave of absence.

Jason Karp

Art

High School

Jason Karp has a B.S. in studio art from Skidmore College and an M.A. in art education from Adelphi University. Mr. Karp student taught at Garden City High School and Stratford School in the spring of 2006. His initial New York State certification in art K-12 is pending. Mr. Karp is being assigned to the high school filling in for Elizabeth deLaricheliere who is on a child care leave of absence.

Walter Koob

World Language

High School

Walter Koob has a B.A. in Spanish from Marist College and an M.S. in education and Spanish from Queens College. Mr. Koob has been a Spanish teacher at East Meadow High School since September 1998. He taught Spanish and French at Van Buren High School from September 1997 to June 1998. Mr. Koob has permanent New York State certification in Spanish 7-12. He is being assigned to the high school replacing Rosemarie Pantin who retired.

William KupfermanFLES

Stewart School

Stratford School

William Kupferman has a B.A. in Spanish from the University of North Carolina and an M.A. in TESL from Hofstra University. Mr. Kupferman has been a teacher of the Spanish language at Long Beach High School since November 2003. He has provisional New York State certification in Spanish N-6/Pre-K Extension and Spanish 7-12. This is a new position at Stewart and Stratford Schools.

Christine Mulderrig

Elementary EducationStewart School

Christine Mulderrig has a B.A. in psychology from SUNY Albany and an M.A. in teaching from Queens College. Ms. Mulderrig served as a leave replacement elementary education teacher at South Salem School, Port Washington, from November 2005 to June 2006. She has initial New York State certification in childhood education 1-6. Ms. Mulderrig is being assigned to Stewart School filling in for Carolyn Horowitz who is on a child care leave of absence.

Jenique Nijboer

Art

Primary Schools

Jenique Nijboer has a B.A. in art education from Adelphi University. Ms. Nijboer has been an art teacher in the Mineola School District since September 2004. She has provisional New York State certification in art K-12. This is a new position.

Cristina Palmieri

Special Education

Stratford School

Crisitina Palmieri has a B.A. in communication from SUNY Albany. Ms. Palmieri student taught at Paumonok Elementary School, Dix Hills, in the spring of 2006. She was a special education teacher in the Garden City Public Schools 2006 summer program. Her initial New York State certifications in students with disabilities 1-6 and childhood education 1-6 are pending. Ms. Palmieri is being assigned to Stratford School filling in for Melissa Maher who is on a child care leave of absence.

Kathryn ParathyrasScience

High School

Kathryn Parathyras has a B.A. in chemistry from SUNY Binghamton and an M.S. in secondary education from Queens College. Ms. Parathyras served as a chemistry teacher at W. Tresper Clark High School from September 2005 to the present. She was a science and chemistry teacher at The Mary Louis Academy from September 2003 to June 2005. Ms. Parathyras has initial New York State certification in chemistry 7-12. She is being assigned to the high school replacing Wendy LaMountain who resigned.

Eric Petrone

Social Studies

Middle School

Eric Petrone has a B.A. in political science from SUNY Albany and an M.S. in adolescent education (social studies) from Molloy College. Mr. Petrone has been a social studies teacher in the Massapequa School District since January 2005. He has initial New York State certification in social studies 7-12. Mr. Petrone is being assigned to the middle school filling in for Alison Vitucci who is on a child care leave of absence.

Tanya Rivera

Reading

Middle School

Tanya Rivera has a B.S. in elementary education from Nyack College and an M.S. in special education from L.I.U., C. W. Post Campus. Ms. Rivera served as a part-time (.5) reading teacher at Garden City Middle School from September 29, 2005 to June 30, 2006. She has provisional New York State certification in reading K-12 and special education K-12. Ms. Rivera is being assigned to the middle school replacing Christine Condurso who resigned.

Anthony Santanastaso

Music

High School

Anthony Santanastaso has a B.S. in music education from Hofstra University. Mr. Santanastaso student taught at Garden City Middle School in the spring of 2006. His initial New York State certification in music K-12 is pending. Mr. Santanastaso is being assigned to the high school filling in for James McCrann who is on a leave of absence from his music teaching position.

Marisa Semmel-ReichmanPhysical Education

Middle School/

High School

Marisa Semmel-Reichman has a B.S. in exercise physiology and an M.S. in physical education from Hofstra University. Ms. Semmel-Reichman served as a regular substitute physical education teacher at the middle school in the spring of 2006 and was a teacher aide at Stewart School from October 2004 to January 2006. She has initial New York State certification in physical education K-12. This is a new position at the high school and middle school.

Meredith StillwellMusic

Stratford

Meredith Stillwell has a B.S. in music education from New York University and an M.S. in liberal studies from SUNY Stony Brook. Ms. Stillwell served as a music teacher at the Mineola UFSD from September 2004 to the present and at Levittown UFSD from September 2003 to June 2004. She has provisional New York State certification in music K-12. Ms. Stillwell is being assigned to Stratford School replacing Adrienne Werring who retired.

Kristen ThompsonElementary EducationHomestead

Kristen Thompson has a B.A. in sociology and an M.A. in elementary education from Adelphi University. Ms. Thompson served as an elementary education teacher at Joshua Tree Elementary School, California, from November 2004 to June 2006. and was a regular substitute elementary education teacher at Stratford School from September 2003 to June 2004. She has provisional New York State certification in elementary education N-6. Ms. Thompson is being assigned to Homestead School filling in for Kristine Rascoll who is on a child care leave of absence.

Gina Tornincaso, Psy.D

School Psychologist

Stratford School/

Stewart School

Gina Tornincaso has a B.S. in psychology and elementary education, an M.S. in school-community psychology and a Psy.D. in school community psychology from Hofstra University. Dr. Tornincaso has been a school psychologist in the Wantagh School District since December 2003. She has provisional New York State certification as a school psychologist. Dr. Tornincaso is filling in for Kim Gennari-Walker who is on a child care leave of absence.

Michael Vetrano

Science

High School

Michael Vetrano has a B.A. in science communication from Cornell University and an M.S. in secondary science education from Queens College. Mr. Vetrano has been a science teacher at Dobbs Ferry High School since September 2003. He was a science teacher at William Cullen Bryant High School, Astoria, from September 1995 to June 2003. His provisional New York State certifications in earth science 7-12, general science 7-12, and biology 7-12 are pending. Mr. Vetrano is being assigned to the high school replacing Philip McCarthy who resigned.

Julie Zafiropoulos

English

Middle School

Julie Zafiropoulos has a B.A. in English education from Hofstra University. Ms. Zafiropoulos student taught at Woodland Middle School, East Meadow, and at West Islip High School in the spring of 2006. Her initial New York State certification in English 7-12 is pending. Ms. Zafiropoulos is being assigned to the middle school replacing Lauren Infranca who resigned.