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 |
Assistant Principal: Ms. Profeta
My name is Leslie Profeta and I have lived in Yorkville most of my life. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and a two-year stint in publishing in Boston, I moved to back to New York City where I pursued a childhood dream of teaching. I attended Columbia Teachers College, and taught upper grades at Manhattan New School for nearly 15 years. I love working with children and studying in-depth the learning process that is individual to each student. A few years ago, I decided to pursue an administrative degree in Educational Leadership at Fordham University, and jumped at the chance to help Christina Riggio open Yorkville East Middle School. After teaching 6th Grade ELA for four years, I was appointed Assistant Principal in 2018. The opportunity to work with teachers as well as students has been very exciting, and I look forward to each new school year and the chance to help create the warm, supportive and rigorous environment that is conducive to empathy among our students, academic questioning and learning.
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. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and a two-year stint in publishing in Boston, I moved to back to New York City where I pursued a childhood dream of teaching. I attended Columbia Teachers College, and taught upper grades at Manhattan New School for nearly 15 years. I love working with children and studying in-depth the learning process that is individual to each student. A few years ago, I decided to pursue an administrative degree in Educational Leadership at Fordham University, and jumped at the chance to help Christina Riggio open Yorkville East Middle School. After teaching 6th Grade ELA for four years, I was appointed Assistant Principal in 2018. The opportunity to work with teachers as well as students has been very exciting, and I look forward to each new school year and the chance to help create the warm, supportive and rigorous environment that is conducive to empathy among our students, academic questioning and learning.
Favorite Book: Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
Email: LProfeta@ms177.org
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ELA: Ms. Biller
Hello! My name is Abby Biller and I am the 7th grade English Language Arts teacher 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 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 practice yoga and enjoy exploring the great outdoors. I feel lucky to be a part of the Yorkville East Community. I love 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
Since I stepped into my first classroom, I have fallen in love with the energy of education. I’ve thrown myself into fully supporting my students 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; I also completed 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 be part of 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
Since I stepped into my first classroom, I have fallen in love with the energy of education. I’ve thrown myself into fully supporting my students 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; I also completed 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 be part of 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 joined the Yorkville East Middle School team in 2017 and have loved being a Social Studies teacher in our community. 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! In 2016, I moved to New York and earned 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 by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Email: Gbyrne@ms177.org
Hello students and families! I joined the Yorkville East Middle School team in 2017 and have loved being a Social Studies teacher in our community. 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! In 2016, I moved to New York and earned 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 by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Email: Gbyrne@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 |
Special Education: Ms. Goldstein
Being a part of YEMS has been such a great experience. I love the staff who works here as well as the student body I am so lucky to teach. I have always wanted to be a teacher and the students remind me I have made the right decision year in and year out. I hope students leave my classroom having learned a ton and feel confident in themselves.
Favorite book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Email: WGoldstein@ms177.org
Being a part of YEMS has been such a great experience. I love the staff who works here as well as the student body I am so lucky to teach. I have always wanted to be a teacher and the students remind me I have made the right decision year in and year out. I hope students leave my classroom having learned a ton and feel confident in themselves.
Favorite book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Email: WGoldstein@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 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 am delighted 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 extremely proud to be the Physical Education and Health teacher at Yorkville East Middle School. Over the last several years, I have had the pleasure of working with Yorkville students, from grades 6-8, as they learn and grow as, not only, students but also athletes. As students enter my class in 6th grade and eventually graduate, I hope to instill a passion for participating in physical activity, learn how to work with others and apply what they learned, in both physical education and health, to other facets of their lives. Outside of teaching and coaching, I enjoy watching sports especially the New York Yankees and the Duke Blue Devils. Favorite Book: Leading with the Heart: Coach K’s Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business and Life. Email: AHoffman@ms177.org |
Special Education: Mr. Horigan
My name is Jim Horigan and I am honored to be part of the team at Yorkville East Middle School. I received my undergraduate degree from St. Anselm college in Manchester, N.H. I entered a two yr. program at The William Esper Studio in NYC where I trained as an actor and worked professionally for over 20 years. As much as I loved acting, I always had a passion for teaching. My favorite roles both on stage and in film were that of a teacher! I began to substitute teach in my children's school in Westchester and was inspired to pursue a Masters In Education. I enrolled in the Jump Start program at Manhattanville College to gain my Masters in both General education as well as Special education. As the father of three middle school aged children, I know how important these years of learning can be. I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute to the growth of the young minds of Yorkville East Middle School.
Favorite Book: The Eighty-Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts
Email: JHorigan@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. 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
My name is Jim Horigan and I am honored to be part of the team at Yorkville East Middle School. I received my undergraduate degree from St. Anselm college in Manchester, N.H. I entered a two yr. program at The William Esper Studio in NYC where I trained as an actor and worked professionally for over 20 years. As much as I loved acting, I always had a passion for teaching. My favorite roles both on stage and in film were that of a teacher! I began to substitute teach in my children's school in Westchester and was inspired to pursue a Masters In Education. I enrolled in the Jump Start program at Manhattanville College to gain my Masters in both General education as well as Special education. As the father of three middle school aged children, I know how important these years of learning can be. I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute to the growth of the young minds of Yorkville East Middle School.
Favorite Book: The Eighty-Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts
Email: JHorigan@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. 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 am so excited to be 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 students both inside and out of the classroom. Favorite books: Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Email: CLevin@ms177.org |
Spanish: Mr. Lopez
Before arriving to Yorkville East Middle School, I spent two years teaching English to multi language learners in Upstate New York. For the past few years, I have seen how the acquisition of a new
language has been the inception of new opportunities and the ability to belong to new communities of speakers. As a native Spanish speaker and a former English Language Learner, I also serve as
evidence that acquiring a new language opens an innumerable amount of opportunities.
I am excited to be part of Yorkville East Middle School and look forward to supporting students
in their language learning journeys. My hope is that each student can better connect to the world around them and feel confident enough, in their communication skills, to share their ideas
and experiences with others.
Favorite Book: Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez
Email: DLopez@ms177.org
Before arriving to Yorkville East Middle School, I spent two years teaching English to multi language learners in Upstate New York. For the past few years, I have seen how the acquisition of a new
language has been the inception of new opportunities and the ability to belong to new communities of speakers. As a native Spanish speaker and a former English Language Learner, I also serve as
evidence that acquiring a new language opens an innumerable amount of opportunities.
I am excited to be part of Yorkville East Middle School and look forward to supporting students
in their language learning journeys. My hope is that each student can better connect to the world around them and feel confident enough, in their communication skills, to share their ideas
and experiences with others.
Favorite Book: Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez
Email: DLopez@ms177.org
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School 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 over 15 years. My first school was a middle school in East Harlem where I stayed for 13 years. It was 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 over 15 years. My first school was a middle school in East Harlem where I stayed for 13 years. It was 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. Before coming to YEMS, I taught 7th Grade Math in North Branford, Connecticut for three years. 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. Favorite Book: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt Email: MObrien@ms177.org |
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School Counselor: Ms. Oliveri
I am so excited to be part of the team at Yorkville East Middle School as a school 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 graduated from Kingsborough Community College with an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. I'm currently taking classes at SUNY Empire State College to obtain my Bachelor's Degree. I love my job as a paraprofessional, however my long term goal is to become a School Psychologist. Favorite Book(s): I have a lot of favorite books. I enjoy reading authors such as Pricilla Shier. Email: TParnell@ms177.org |
Science: Mr. Tufo
Hey there! I'm Mr. Tufo and I can't wait to be teaching 6th and 8th grade science at Yorkville East! I studied cell biology at Binghamton University and then got my Masters in Science Education from Teachers College Columbia University. I spent four years working in laboratories looking at everything from your average fruit fly to your average college student. I'm always doing research of some kind, come by and ask me about it! I look forward to showing the future scientists of Yorkville East Middle School what they are capable of.
Favorite Book: Too many favorites to pick one, but I will always recommend The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Email: CTufo@ms177.org
Hey there! I'm Mr. Tufo and I can't wait to be teaching 6th and 8th grade science at Yorkville East! I studied cell biology at Binghamton University and then got my Masters in Science Education from Teachers College Columbia University. I spent four years working in laboratories looking at everything from your average fruit fly to your average college student. I'm always doing research of some kind, come by and ask me about it! I look forward to showing the future scientists of Yorkville East Middle School what they are capable of.
Favorite Book: Too many favorites to pick one, but I will always recommend The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Email: CTufo@ms177.org
Special Education: Ms. Zaientz
I am really excited to be a founding, and current, teacher at Yorkville East Middle School. Prior to working at Yorkville East, I have worked as a high school social worker and teacher at both the high school and elementary school levels. My professional interests include Math and Science education, partnering with families to create individualized 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? There are so many good ones! Come and find me. I would love to have a conversation about what I am currently reading.
Email: KZaientz@ms177.org
I am really excited to be a founding, and current, teacher at Yorkville East Middle School. Prior to working at Yorkville East, I have worked as a high school social worker and teacher at both the high school and elementary school levels. My professional interests include Math and Science education, partnering with families to create individualized 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? There are so many good ones! Come and find me. I would love to have a conversation about what I am currently reading.
Email: KZaientz@ms177.org