Portledge in the Now.

Human Resources Update

This summer we onboarded many new faces and welcomed our new teachers at the New Faculty Orientation with the help of Tommy Kolb and Andrea Scarcella. We’d like to take a moment to introduce you to the new members of the Portledge community and recognize those who will be taking on new roles this year.

Faculty:
Upper & Middle School
Peter Facatselis joins Portledge this fall in the position of US History Teacher following RJ Liberto’s transition to his new role as Upper School Dean of Student Leadership and Development, reporting to Chris Disimile. Peter most recently held the position of Global Studies Teacher at The Charter High School for Law and Social Justice in the Bronx, NY, and brings over eight years of instructional experience. Peter earned his Master's in Adolescent Education in Social Studies 7 - 12 from Long Island University.
 
Emma Maurer joins Portledge this fall in the new position of MS/US Dance Teacher, reporting to Chris Disimile. Emma earned their Bachelor's Degree in Dance from DeSales University and most recently held the position of Dance Teacher at Mercersburg Academy in PA. Emma also brings over four years of dance instructional experience and over nine years of choreography experience to this new position and looks forward to their relocation to the New York area.

Carolyn Smith joins Portledge this fall in the position of MS Math Teacher following Jessica Ambrosio’s departure, reporting to Chris Disimile. Carolyn most recently held the position of Mathematics Teacher in the Roslyn school district and brings over thirty years of math instructional experience. Carolyn also earned her Master's Degree in Mathematics and Education from CUNY Queens College.

Julia Weidinger rejoins Portledge this fall in the position of MS French Teacher on a permanent basis following her Leave Replacement role during the 2022 - 2023 school year. 

Lower School
James Conerty joins Portledge this fall in the position of LS Physical Education Teacher reporting to Saralyn Lawn. James most recently held the position of Physical Education Teacher in the Hewlett school district and earned his Bachelor's in Physical Education K-12 from Adelphi University. 

Danielle Franz joins Portledge this fall in the position of LS Homeroom Teacher for the second grade, reporting to Saralyn Lawn. Danielle most recently held the position of Classroom Teacher for the first grade in the Garden City school district and earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Hofstra University.

Megan McCullagh joins Portledge this fall in the position of LS Homeroom Teacher for the fourth grade following Nancy Aranda’s departure, reporting to Saralyn Lawn. Megan most recently held the position of Elementary Teacher for the fourth grade at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Academy and earned her Master's Degree in Special Education from Saint John’s University. 

Leave Replacements:
Julia Burt joins Portledge this fall in the position of Leave Replacement US Math Teacher, reporting to Chris Disimile. Julia will cover Kelly Corby’s US math courses while she is out on maternity leave starting in October and will then cover Chris Corby’s US math courses starting in February. Julia brings over twelve years of math instructional experience and holds a Master's of Education in Mathematics and Science from Peabody College, Vanderbilt University.

Brianna Castro joins Portledge this fall in the position of Leave Replacement LS Homeroom Teacher, reporting to Saralyn Lawn. Brianna will cover Lindsey Caplin’s second-grade courses while she is on maternity leave starting in September. Brianna holds two New York State certifications in early childhood and 1st - 6th Grades and earned her Master’s in Early Childhood / Childhood Education from Hofstra University.

Nicholas Hager joins Portledge this fall in the position of Leave Replacement US Math Teacher, reporting to Chris Disimile. Nick will cover Mo Colaizzo’s US math courses while she is out on maternity leave starting in November and will serve as a Substitute Teacher starting in September. Nick brings over four years of math instructional and tutoring experience and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from SUNY Buffalo.

Administrators & Staff:
Maria Bonilla joins Portledge this fall in the position of Custodial Associate reporting to Jose Velasquez, following the departure of Yesenia Fernandez. Maria brings over ten years of custodial experience to her new position with our Custodial team.

Adam Examilotis
joined Portledge this summer in the position of Maintenance and Grounds Associate reporting to Rich Fioto, following Ivan Segura’s departure. Adam brings over twenty-five years of maintenance, HVAC, and service experience to the Maintenance team. 

Meera Sahney
joined Portledge this summer in the new position of Content & Media Specialist reporting to Ryann Supple. Meera will support the Communications department with content, media, and event streaming in addition to advising our student media club. Meera most recently held several content and social media positions in New York, NY, and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Barnard College, Columbia University.

Jessica Schulteisz
joined Portledge this summer in the position of Educational Psychologist reporting to Stephanie Heins, following Dr. Laura Morizio’s departure. Jessica most recently provided psychology support services to the Baldwin and Copiague districts and earned her Master's Degree in Psychology from Adelphi University. 

Chaise Ward joined Portledge this summer in the position of Maintenance and Grounds Associate reporting to Rich Fioto, following Luis “Bert” Zayas’ departure. Chaise brings over six years of maintenance, grounds, and construction experience to the Maintenance team.

Title & Position Changes:
Lauren Domaradzki has taken on the role of Assistant Director of Lower School in addition to her responsibilities as Lower School Dean of Students, continuing to report to Saralyn Lawn.

Amy Manzone has taken on the part-time role of Teacher Coach to support faculty development and excellence in practice, reporting directly to Chris Disimile. Amy will retain her responsibilities as History Department Chair, History Teacher, Advisor, and MS Interdisciplinary Coordinator.

Zach Pilson has transitioned from his position as IT Support Associate and moved into the role of Security, Athletics Data, and Technology Liaison. In this position, Zach will serve as our main Security Booth Guard and will be integral in managing our visitor management system as well as our Upper School sign-out procedures. Zach now reports to Zoe Schwam under Operations and will also work on assigned projects under Technology and Athletics.

Upper School Deans
Robert “RJ” Liberto
will be transitioning from his position as US History Teacher and moving into the exciting role of Upper School Dean of Student Leadership and Development, reporting to Francisco Lameiro and Karen Crowley. RJ will also continue to teach one section of IB History of the Americas during this school year.

Shelly Kaye will continue her Upper School Dean responsibilities under the title of Upper School Dean of Students, reporting to Francisco Lameiro and Karen Crowley. 

Shoshana Krieger-Joven will continue her Upper School Dean responsibilities under the title of Upper School Dean of Academic Advancement, reporting to Francisco Lameiro and Karen Crowley. 

Eden White will continue her Upper School Dean responsibilities under the title of Upper School Dean of Community Engagement, reporting to Francisco Lameiro and Karen Crowley.
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