Faculty
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Principal: Ms. Riggio
Education has been a life-long passion. From the fist time I visited my mother's classroom at age 5 to then visiting my older sister's classroom while still in high school, I knew that being an educator was in my future. The growth, zealous collaboration, and passion for learning that occur in classrooms is hardly replicable in other professions. Thus, after earning my bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I joined Teach For America and began my teaching career at a middle school in the Bronx. While there, I became a Lead Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Data Team Leader. After graduating from Columbia University's Teachers College, I joined CFN 203 as an Achievement Coach, and supported schools and school leaders throughout New York City. As principal of Yorkville East Middle School, my love for education has continued to grow as we strive to ensure each and every child experiences the growth, collaborative environment, and passion that inspired me to initially enter the field of education. Email: CRiggio@ms177.org |
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ELA: Ms. Biller
I am very excited to begin teaching 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts here at Yorkville East Middle School. I grew up in the Boston area, and graduated from Trinity College in Connecticut with a major in English literature. During college I tutored children in the Hartford area through a college based community program, and pursued interests in women’s studies, literature and human rights. I recently graduated from Teachers College at Columbia University with a Master’s in English Education. During my time at Columbia I was a student teacher with middle and high school students at two NYC public schools. In addition to my passion for reading, writing, and teaching, I also enjoy sports and have played soccer and lacrosse. I will be running an after school soccer club this year. I am thrilled to be joining the Yorkville East community and to share my passions with all of my students, and to learn about theirs! Favorite books: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Email: ABiller@ms177.org |
Special Education: Ms. Brucia
In the 12 years since I stepped into my first classroom in the Bronx, I have fallen in love with the energy of education. I’ve thrown myself into fully supporting my students - kindergartners through 8th-graders - as they mastered rigorous content, developed their love of learning, and recognized their full potential as learners and people. After graduating with an education bachelor’s from the University of Miami, I earned my Masters in Education from Hofstra University; this year I will complete my administrators credential program to continue my own growth as a thoughtful educator. When I’m not teaching or planning, I read, spend time with friends and family, run and practice yoga - passions I love to share with my students whenever possible! I am excited to join the team here at Yorkville East and collaborating with our students and their families to ensure all of our learners unique needs and strengths are supported.
Favorite books: Wonder by R.J. Palaciol; Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moore, Mile Markers; The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run by Kristin Armstrong
Email: JBrucia@ms177.org
In the 12 years since I stepped into my first classroom in the Bronx, I have fallen in love with the energy of education. I’ve thrown myself into fully supporting my students - kindergartners through 8th-graders - as they mastered rigorous content, developed their love of learning, and recognized their full potential as learners and people. After graduating with an education bachelor’s from the University of Miami, I earned my Masters in Education from Hofstra University; this year I will complete my administrators credential program to continue my own growth as a thoughtful educator. When I’m not teaching or planning, I read, spend time with friends and family, run and practice yoga - passions I love to share with my students whenever possible! I am excited to join the team here at Yorkville East and collaborating with our students and their families to ensure all of our learners unique needs and strengths are supported.
Favorite books: Wonder by R.J. Palaciol; Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moore, Mile Markers; The 26.2 Most Important Reasons Why Women Run by Kristin Armstrong
Email: JBrucia@ms177.org
Social Studies: Ms. Byrne
Hello students and families! I am very excited to join the Yorkville East Middle School community and to begin teaching middle school social studies. I grew up in near-by Connecticut and graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in history. After college, I lived and worked in Boston...and cheered for the Red Sox! This year, I completed my Masters in Social Studies Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. In my free time, I love to be outside, to draw, and to run. As a teacher, I love to collaborate with students as we grow together as learners. I cannot wait to explore social studies together this year!
My favorite books include: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Email: Gbyrne@ms177.org
Hello students and families! I am very excited to join the Yorkville East Middle School community and to begin teaching middle school social studies. I grew up in near-by Connecticut and graduated from Connecticut College with a degree in history. After college, I lived and worked in Boston...and cheered for the Red Sox! This year, I completed my Masters in Social Studies Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. In my free time, I love to be outside, to draw, and to run. As a teacher, I love to collaborate with students as we grow together as learners. I cannot wait to explore social studies together this year!
My favorite books include: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Email: Gbyrne@ms177.org
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Social Studies: Ms. Catrone
I am thrilled to be teaching 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies at Yorkville East Middle School. Growing up, I always loved school. The classroom was a safe haven for the shy little girl who moved around a lot and the teenager with a love of history and literature. While attending New York University’s undergraduate program in Secondary Social Studies Education, I was given the opportunity to explore New York City Public Schools firsthand and the role educators play in shaping the lives of young people. Teaching excites me because it is so human. During my time at NYU, I studied abroad on scholarship to Paris and Berlin, was admitted to the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and conducted archival historical research. After teaching 9th and 10th grade global history, I am eager to return to the middle school classroom and to work with the young historians at Yorkville East! Favorite Book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Email: KCatrone@ms177.org |
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Special Education: Ms. Cuartero
Hello Yorkville East community, I'm looking forward to fostering great collaborations with all of you! As a first-generation citizen, education has been a vital foundation for my family. Since being exposed to education through the lense of service learning at a young age, I have been determined to inspire learning in a way that has motivated me. I hope to develop together as a community along with developing self. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and have been teaching in Chicago for 5 and a half years. As a teacher in the Chicago Public School system, I was team lead for our academic and behavior support systems, developed a service learning program, and was an active member of community preservation and development. Additionally, I continued to work with my undergraduate school, Illinois State University, as one of the community managers of the education partnership for urban preparation program. I love learning at every stage of life and will continue to work towards developing that love with all partners and students. A few of my favorite books are The Little Prince by Antonine de Saint-Expuéry, House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and East of Eden by John Steinbeck Email: CCuartero@ms177.org |
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Special Education: Ms. Gallegos
I have loved school as long as I can remember. I come from a long line of teachers who value learning in and outside of the classroom. Originally from Westchester, New York, I have provided instructional support to a variety of learners in diverse communities. I attended Fordham University where I majored in History and began teaching soon after graduation, earning my masters after working hours through the New York City Teaching Fellows. I love challenging myself and my students to their fullest potential and am always willing to provide the instructional support to get there. Favorite book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Email: AGallegos@ms177.org |
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Science: Ms. Gaucher
Hello, my name is Nichole Gaucher. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia, but I finished high school and attended college in New York. I went to SUNY New Paltz where I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in cellular/molecular Biology. While I was in undergrad, I had the opportunity to do research in a developmental biology laboratory. After, I then had the opportunity to tutor at a college, and it was then that I realized how much I enjoyed teaching, and how I could use my passion and love for science to show others how fun and exciting science can be! Recently, I graduated from Columbia University’s Teachers College where I received my master’s degree in Secondary Science Education with a concentration in Biology. I am excited to become a part of the YEMS community, and I can’t wait to support our students as they discover their love and passion for science! Favorite book: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by: Mark Haddon. Email: NGaucher@ms177.org |
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ELA: Ms. Grodner
When I was in 7th Grade, I decided I wanted to be a middle school English teacher. My dream brought me from my hometown in Chicago to New York University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in English Education, and later earned my Masters in Instructional Technology and Curriculum Design at SUNY Albany. In my years teaching in NYC public schools, I have taught on the Lower East Side and spent the last four years teaching 8th Grade ELA at Quest to Learn in Chelsea. My teaching has brought me around the world, speaking at conferences from Austin, Texas and Minneapolis, Minnesota all the way to Lund, Sweden! I cannot wait to share my excitement for reading and writing with the community at Yorkville East Middle School! Favorite Books: There are too many to list! Here's a few: Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, In the House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Email: RGrodner@ms177.org |
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Physical Education: Mr. Hoffman
Hello Everyone! My name is Mr. Hoffman and I am incredibly excited to be the Physical Education and Health Teacher at Yorkville East Middle School. Ever since I can remember, sports and athletics have been my passion. Over the last 8 years, I have been fortunate to work as both an assistant and head coach in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, baseball and track & field. While attending SUNY Cortland’s Undergraduate Program in Physical Education and Coaching, I worked at the Manhattan Academy of Technology in Chinatown, NY where I learned first-hand how to build a sports program and how to be a great teacher. Shortly after receiving my Undergraduate Degree from SUNY Cortland, I coached Girls Middle School Basketball and Boys Middle School Baseball at the United Nations International School in New York City. This past summer, I worked at Coach K’s Duke University Basketball Camp and the Philadelphia 76ers Basketball camp. I am looking forward to inspiring students at Yorkville East to be the best they can be in the classroom and in physical activities. Some of my favorite books are: Leading with the Heart: Coach K’s Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business and Life by Mike Krzyzewski and Donald Phillips; More Than A Game by Phil Jackson and Charley Rosen; The Captain by Ian O’Connor Email: AHoffman@ms177.org |
Science: Mr. Hussain
Hi guys! I am Mr. Hussain, your friendly neighborhood science teacher. My favorite subject has always been science; I find it so exciting! I always want to learn more and in order to do this, I got my Masters of Science degree in the Neuroscience and Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College and my Bachelor’s of Science degree from The City College of New York at the CUNY. I love teaching science and have taught at many different levels. I have had teaching experience at Henry Street School of International Studies (HSSIS) and Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers (MBHS). But my experience doesn’t just end in the classroom, I had the opportunity to experience teaching science to diverse learners of all ages through the New York Hall of Science, the city’s premier hands-on science center of New York. It was a great experience, and I hope to share my excitement and love for science with the YEMS community.
Favorite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Email: MHussain@ms177.org
Hi guys! I am Mr. Hussain, your friendly neighborhood science teacher. My favorite subject has always been science; I find it so exciting! I always want to learn more and in order to do this, I got my Masters of Science degree in the Neuroscience and Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College and my Bachelor’s of Science degree from The City College of New York at the CUNY. I love teaching science and have taught at many different levels. I have had teaching experience at Henry Street School of International Studies (HSSIS) and Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers (MBHS). But my experience doesn’t just end in the classroom, I had the opportunity to experience teaching science to diverse learners of all ages through the New York Hall of Science, the city’s premier hands-on science center of New York. It was a great experience, and I hope to share my excitement and love for science with the YEMS community.
Favorite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Email: MHussain@ms177.org
Art: Ms. Hyne
I am very excited to be the art teacher at Yorkville East Middle School. I received my undergraduate degree from the George Washington University and my graduate degree in Art Education from Columbia University Teachers College. Much of my curriculum is inspired by art museums and exhibitions around NYC. In my free time, I love to make art, run long distances, and travel. I aspire to create an inspiring and encouraging art room where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and imaginations through art.
Favorite Book: Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer
Email: RHyne@ms177.org
I am very excited to be the art teacher at Yorkville East Middle School. I received my undergraduate degree from the George Washington University and my graduate degree in Art Education from Columbia University Teachers College. Much of my curriculum is inspired by art museums and exhibitions around NYC. In my free time, I love to make art, run long distances, and travel. I aspire to create an inspiring and encouraging art room where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and imaginations through art.
Favorite Book: Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer
Email: RHyne@ms177.org
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Math: Mr. Levin
I cannot wait to start teaching 6th grade math here at Yorkville East Middle School! I graduated Williams College with degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy, and then proceeded to teach math in Ghana as a Peace Corps volunteer. I loved the adventure so much so that I extended my service for another year in Jamaica. I am now a Math for America fellow in New York City. In my spare time, I love to race marathons, rock climb, and watch soccer. I hope to bring many of these passions to student both inside and out of the classroom. Favorite books: Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Email: CLevin@ms177.org |
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Guidance Counselor: Ms. Mitchell
Hello! My name is Missy Mitchell, and I am thrilled to be the 8th Grade counselor at Yorkville East. My career in schools began as a dance and theater teacher and Dean. After a decade of teaching, I realized that I most enjoyed helping students realize their future goals, so I transitioned to work in school counseling. I have Masters degrees from NYU and Hunter College and have worked with students of all ages in the public, private and charter school systems. I am excited to support students at Yorkville East as they achieve academic success, make positive contributions to their community, and begin the important transition to high school. Favorite Book: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Email: MMitchell@ms177.org |
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Math: Mr. Mueller
Mr. Mueller earned a B.A. in International Affairs/Political Science from the University of Maine. He went on to earn Master of Arts in Teaching and completed the Poincaré Institute for Mathematics Education through Tufts University. Prior to coming to Yorkville East Middle School, he taught mathematics to middle schoolers in Vermont and Maine, and at Quest to Learn in Chelsea. He brings expertise in not only mathematics content, but in curriculum development tailored to young adolescents. He has developed curriculum through the Integrative Curriculum, Expeditionary Learning, Service Learning, and game-like learning models. He is excited to share his enthusiasm for mathematics with the students of Yorkville East Middle School. Favorite books: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan, and Lies my Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen Email: KMueller@ms177.org |
Secretary: Ms. Morales
I have been working with the DOE for 15 years. My first school was a middle school in East Harlem where I stayed for 13 years. It was a challenging at first but also rewarding. I enjoy working with teachers, students and parents. My responsibilities include a wide range of tasks that consist of Pupil Accounting and Payroll, to name a few.
I am an avid reader and my favorite author is James Patterson. I’ve read everything from his Alex Cross series to Maximum Ride, Daniel X and Witch and Wizard series. Other favorite authors include Rick Riordan, Eoin Colfer and Suzanne Collins.
Email: IMorales@ms177.org
I have been working with the DOE for 15 years. My first school was a middle school in East Harlem where I stayed for 13 years. It was a challenging at first but also rewarding. I enjoy working with teachers, students and parents. My responsibilities include a wide range of tasks that consist of Pupil Accounting and Payroll, to name a few.
I am an avid reader and my favorite author is James Patterson. I’ve read everything from his Alex Cross series to Maximum Ride, Daniel X and Witch and Wizard series. Other favorite authors include Rick Riordan, Eoin Colfer and Suzanne Collins.
Email: IMorales@ms177.org
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Math: Ms. O'Brien
I am so happy to be back in New York City. I am originally from Inwood and grew up in Yonkers. I have spent the past three years teaching 7th Grade Math in North Branford, Connecticut. I received my Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Quinnipiac University. While teaching in Connecticut, I became very involved with curriculum writing and after school activities. Recently, I was the advisor of the Math Team and Homework Club. I can’t wait to get involved at our new school! Favorite Book: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt Email: MObrien@ms177.org |
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Guidance: Ms. Oliveri
I am so excited to be joining the team at Yorkville East Middle School as a guidance counselor! I received my undergraduate degree in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Scranton. During my time in Scranton I worked with children in a variety of non-profit settings, which made me a firm believer that a good education is the most valuable gift that you can give a child. This belief inspired me to pursue my Masters in School Counseling at New York University. After working in a 6-12 school, I am so excited to be focusing solely on middle schoolers and helping them achieve their goals! I can't wait to meet you all and have a fun, productive year! Favorite book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Email: MOliveri@ms177.org |
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Paraprofessional: Ms. Parnell
Helping others has always been my passion. As a paraprofessional, my job is to make sure students are on task and understand their assignments. I also teach them to believe in themselves and understand that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to. Believing in my students has helped me help them become more confident in subjects they previously struggled with. This in itself, is not only the greatest feeling, it also lets me know that I am getting through to my students. I recently graduated from Kingsborough Community College with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. I love my job as a paraprofessional however, my long term goal is to one day become a Pediatric Nurse or Psychologist . Favorite Book(s): I have a lot of favorite books. I enjoy reading authors such as Pricilla Shier and Jenica Johnson |
ELA: Ms. Profeta
My name is Leslie Profeta and I have lived in Yorkville most of my life. I grew up here and raised my two children here, where they attended Manhattan New School and East Side Middle School. I have taught at P.S. 290, Manhattan New School, for the last ten years, teaching fifth grade, fourth grade, first grade, and ICT classes in both upper grades. While teaching ELA in fourth and fifth grades, my classroom was used as a laboratory for research in connection with a book on literacy. We were experimenting with the most effective ways to encourage thinking around texts, and to help students learn to recognize and track their own reading goals. For the last few years I have also been mentoring teachers and assisting in administrative duties at MNS, serving on the SLT and in the Principal's Cabinet. I am extremely excited to be joining Yorkville Middle School at its inception!
Favorite Book: Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
Email: LProfeta@ms177.org
My name is Leslie Profeta and I have lived in Yorkville most of my life. I grew up here and raised my two children here, where they attended Manhattan New School and East Side Middle School. I have taught at P.S. 290, Manhattan New School, for the last ten years, teaching fifth grade, fourth grade, first grade, and ICT classes in both upper grades. While teaching ELA in fourth and fifth grades, my classroom was used as a laboratory for research in connection with a book on literacy. We were experimenting with the most effective ways to encourage thinking around texts, and to help students learn to recognize and track their own reading goals. For the last few years I have also been mentoring teachers and assisting in administrative duties at MNS, serving on the SLT and in the Principal's Cabinet. I am extremely excited to be joining Yorkville Middle School at its inception!
Favorite Book: Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
Email: LProfeta@ms177.org
Special Education: Ms. Reizner
I'm really looking forward to starting a new journey at Yorkville East Middle School. My first school, in Washington Heights, was an amazing experience and I was there for 6 years. I know that I will bring what I learned with me and will be able to grow as an educator at YEMS. Being a special education teacher, I believe that a strong school community inside and outside of the classroom is so important and that is something I always try to uphold within my classes.
Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
I'm really looking forward to starting a new journey at Yorkville East Middle School. My first school, in Washington Heights, was an amazing experience and I was there for 6 years. I know that I will bring what I learned with me and will be able to grow as an educator at YEMS. Being a special education teacher, I believe that a strong school community inside and outside of the classroom is so important and that is something I always try to uphold within my classes.
Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Special Education: Mr. Sawyer
My name is Ryan Sawyer and I am thrilled to be working at Yorkville East Middle School as a Special Education Teacher. For the past five years I have taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, History through Film, and Debate. Early on in life I realized how much I loved working with kids, History, and sports; and I thought what better way to combine those loves than teaching! I attended SUNY New Paltz where I played basketball and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Adolescents Education. During the Spring and Summer, I have been fortunate enough to coach Boy’s AAU Basketball where I get to extend my love for teaching and basketball. I am also recently a parent of an amazing little boy who has helped me to grow further as a man and teacher, and I am beyond excited to work with the young minds of Yorkville Middle School!
Favorite Books: The Laughing Jesus by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Email: RSawyer@ms177.org
My name is Ryan Sawyer and I am thrilled to be working at Yorkville East Middle School as a Special Education Teacher. For the past five years I have taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies, History through Film, and Debate. Early on in life I realized how much I loved working with kids, History, and sports; and I thought what better way to combine those loves than teaching! I attended SUNY New Paltz where I played basketball and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Adolescents Education. During the Spring and Summer, I have been fortunate enough to coach Boy’s AAU Basketball where I get to extend my love for teaching and basketball. I am also recently a parent of an amazing little boy who has helped me to grow further as a man and teacher, and I am beyond excited to work with the young minds of Yorkville Middle School!
Favorite Books: The Laughing Jesus by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Email: RSawyer@ms177.org
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Mandarin/ESL: Ms. Wang
Nǐhǎo! I’m Ms. Wang, and I’m so excited to join Yorkville East school community. I grew up in China and went to school in China until undergraduate school. Then I came here and went to NYU for my Master’s in Teaching Mandarin and TESOL. I’m always passionate about learning languages, and I’m eager to share my knowledge of Mandarin and English as a Second/New Language to help our students. I would also love to introduce the Chinese culture to our school community. We will celebrate some Chinese festivals, such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival! I’m looking forward to meeting all the students and exploring languages and culture with you together! Favorite Books: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini; Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder; 平凡的世界 (Ordinary World) by Lu Yao Email: QWang@ms177.org |
Math: Ms. Zaientz
Hello! I am really excited to be teaching at Yorkville East Middle School. Prior to working at Yorkville East, I worked in New York City as a High School Social Worker from 2001 - 2005 and a fourth and fifth grade teacher from 2006 - 2014. My professional interests include Math and Science education, partnering with families to create ideal learning experiences for students, as well as the interaction between giftedness and learning exceptionalities. I have masters' degrees from Columbia University and the Hunter College School of Education.
Favorite Book: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Email: KZaientz@ms177.org
Hello! I am really excited to be teaching at Yorkville East Middle School. Prior to working at Yorkville East, I worked in New York City as a High School Social Worker from 2001 - 2005 and a fourth and fifth grade teacher from 2006 - 2014. My professional interests include Math and Science education, partnering with families to create ideal learning experiences for students, as well as the interaction between giftedness and learning exceptionalities. I have masters' degrees from Columbia University and the Hunter College School of Education.
Favorite Book: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Email: KZaientz@ms177.org