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
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
Spanish: Ms. Ciezkowski
¡Hola a todxs! Growing up in a Slavic household, language was the factor that always united my family. I was always reminded of the importance of being able to communicate in more than one language and I am eager to show the students of Yorkville East the possibilities that language can provide. I grew up in northern Illinois and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where I earned my degree in the Teaching of Spanish. During my time as a student at the University of Illinois, I had the opportunity to take my teaching abroad to Granada, Spain, where I served as a teacher's aide in an ESL classroom. Aside from teaching and language, my passions include spending time with my family, my cat and exploring all that NYC has to offer. Favorite book: El beso de la mujer araña by Manuel Puig Email: eciezkowski@ms177.org |
School Counselor: Ms. Eddy
Hi everyone! My name is Ms. Eddy, and I recently graduated from Hunter College with my MSed in School Counseling. Prior to attending Hunter College, I received my Bachelor's Degree from the HBCU-Morgan State University located in Baltimore, Maryland. I've been with the YEMS community for 6 years working as a paraprofessional and I am excited to announce that this year I will be working as the 6th grade counselor! It has always been my passion to support students in meeting their needs and goals. As the 6th grade counselor, my job is to help educate, engage, and empower every student within my reach so that they can excel within the school community and beyond. I look forward to seeing all the new faces of YEMS! Favorite Book: A Raisin In The Sun by Lorriane Hansberry Email: LEddy@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
Social Studies: Ms. Goutos
Hello! I'm Ms. Goutos, one of the social studies teachers at YEMS. I was born and raised in New York City. Ever since I was a child, I had a fascination with learning and was always eager to share my newfound knowledge with others. I would spend hours reading history books and watching historical shows and documentaries. This passion for learning and sharing knowledge in history stayed with me in my adulthood. After receiving my BBA in Management at Baruch College, I attended Hunter College and received my MA in Adolescent Education - Social Studies to share my love for history in the classroom setting. In addition to my passion for social studies, I also love traveling, reading, baking, and visiting museums!
Favorite Book: It is difficult to pick just one book! I have many favorites, but one of my favorite nonfiction books is Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown.
Email: agoutos@ms177.org
Hello! I'm Ms. Goutos, one of the social studies teachers at YEMS. I was born and raised in New York City. Ever since I was a child, I had a fascination with learning and was always eager to share my newfound knowledge with others. I would spend hours reading history books and watching historical shows and documentaries. This passion for learning and sharing knowledge in history stayed with me in my adulthood. After receiving my BBA in Management at Baruch College, I attended Hunter College and received my MA in Adolescent Education - Social Studies to share my love for history in the classroom setting. In addition to my passion for social studies, I also love traveling, reading, baking, and visiting museums!
Favorite Book: It is difficult to pick just one book! I have many favorites, but one of my favorite nonfiction books is Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown.
Email: agoutos@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 |
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 |
Physical Education: Ms. Mak
Hi! My name is Ms. Mak and I am super excited to be teaching Physical Education at Yorkville East Middle School! My lifelong passion in sports and physical activity has led me to become a Physical Education teacher. I hope to inspire my students to enjoy learning and participating in all kinds of physical activities, in order to help maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their whole lives! I attended and graduated Brooklyn College with a B.S. in Kinesiology - Physical Education K-12 degree.
My favorite sport is basketball. I started playing basketball in middle school and continued to play all throughout high school and college. Other physical activities that I enjoy include running, swimming, biking.. but who am I really kidding... I enjoy it all! Aside from physical activities, I also like to paint, try new foods, and travel. I look forward to the school year and to meeting you all!
Email: kmak@ms177.org
Hi! My name is Ms. Mak and I am super excited to be teaching Physical Education at Yorkville East Middle School! My lifelong passion in sports and physical activity has led me to become a Physical Education teacher. I hope to inspire my students to enjoy learning and participating in all kinds of physical activities, in order to help maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout their whole lives! I attended and graduated Brooklyn College with a B.S. in Kinesiology - Physical Education K-12 degree.
My favorite sport is basketball. I started playing basketball in middle school and continued to play all throughout high school and college. Other physical activities that I enjoy include running, swimming, biking.. but who am I really kidding... I enjoy it all! Aside from physical activities, I also like to paint, try new foods, and travel. I look forward to the school year and to meeting you all!
Email: kmak@ms177.org
School Social Worker: Mr. Mansano
Greetings! My name is Kellan Mansano, and I am excited to be the 7th Grade counselor at Yorkville East. I grew up in Brooklyn and I have a MSW degree from Hunter College. My career in social work began as a case planner for The Jewish Board. I then went on to work for ACS and HRA where I worked to help vulnerable children and adults and empower families. I also have experience working with people who are homeless and people with developmental disabilities. It is my passion to help support students’ social-emotional well being at Yorkville East as they mature and develop into future leaders. I’m also a huge fan of Star Wars, anime and anything comic book related. In my free time I love to play video games, go hiking and enjoy a nice beach.
Favorite Book: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Email: Kmansano@ms177.org
Greetings! My name is Kellan Mansano, and I am excited to be the 7th Grade counselor at Yorkville East. I grew up in Brooklyn and I have a MSW degree from Hunter College. My career in social work began as a case planner for The Jewish Board. I then went on to work for ACS and HRA where I worked to help vulnerable children and adults and empower families. I also have experience working with people who are homeless and people with developmental disabilities. It is my passion to help support students’ social-emotional well being at Yorkville East as they mature and develop into future leaders. I’m also a huge fan of Star Wars, anime and anything comic book related. In my free time I love to play video games, go hiking and enjoy a nice beach.
Favorite Book: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Email: Kmansano@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
Hello, I’m Ms. O’Brien! I teach 7th grade math here at Yorkville East. I have been teaching middle school math since 2010. I graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelors in Mathematics and a Masters in Secondary Education. In the Fall of 2021, I will be going back to school for a Masters in Leadership/Administration. I’m excited to be a student again! Here at school, I like to help out with everything technology related. Outside of school, I enjoy walking to Central Park with my dog, trying new restaurants, traveling, organizing, real estate, and being with friends and family. I can’t wait to be your teacher! 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