Faculty
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Ms. Riggio
Principal 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. Favorite Book(s): Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez Emails: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. O’Brien
Assistant Principal Lucky to be one of the first teachers at Yorkville East in 2014, I joined the teaching staff as a Math teacher. I taught math for 12 years. This year, I was privileged to change my role and become the Assistant Principal. My educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Masters in Secondary Education from Quinnipiac University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Hunter College. My interests include walking my dog (Maci) in Central Park, organizing and decorating, riding my bike, trying new restaurants, and spending time in the summer in Rehoboth Beach. I also love living in New York City! As I begin second year, as Assistant Principal, I look forward to supporting staff and students. I will be visiting classrooms and working with students often. I am excited to help students learn and mature as young adults. I'm looking forward to getting to know all our students and families. We are going to have a fun and productive year! Favorite Book(s): Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt Emails: [email protected] and [email protected] |
Ms. Arditi
7th Grade Science and Math; Special Education Teacher
Education: Stony Brook University - Biology B.S. and Psychology B.S. Touro College Graduate School of Education - Childhood & Special Education M.S
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, painting, cooking, and reading
Favorite Book(s): The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li, Taste by Stanley Tucci, and The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
Fun Fact About Me: I love Jeopardy! And my goal is to be on it one day. One of my favorite ways to get to know people is asking them what categories they would choose for Jeopardy, if they could pick for themselves.
Emails: [email protected] and [email protected]
7th Grade Science and Math; Special Education Teacher
Education: Stony Brook University - Biology B.S. and Psychology B.S. Touro College Graduate School of Education - Childhood & Special Education M.S
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, painting, cooking, and reading
Favorite Book(s): The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li, Taste by Stanley Tucci, and The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
Fun Fact About Me: I love Jeopardy! And my goal is to be on it one day. One of my favorite ways to get to know people is asking them what categories they would choose for Jeopardy, if they could pick for themselves.
Emails: [email protected] and [email protected]
Ms. Brucia
Special Education Teacher; IEP Coordinator
Education: B.S. in Education at University of Miami, M.S. in Special Education and Literacy Studies at Hofstra University, Certificate in Educational Leadership at College of Saint Rose
Hobbies/Interests: Running, yoga, traveling, reading,
Favorite Book(s): Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder, The Hate you Give by Angie Thomas, The Women by Kristin Hannah
Fun Fact About Me: I lived in England when I was in middle school, which ignited a passion for travel. I have visited 37 countries so far and I'm hoping to add to that number this year.
Emails: [email protected] and [email protected]
Special Education Teacher; IEP Coordinator
Education: B.S. in Education at University of Miami, M.S. in Special Education and Literacy Studies at Hofstra University, Certificate in Educational Leadership at College of Saint Rose
Hobbies/Interests: Running, yoga, traveling, reading,
Favorite Book(s): Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder, The Hate you Give by Angie Thomas, The Women by Kristin Hannah
Fun Fact About Me: I lived in England when I was in middle school, which ignited a passion for travel. I have visited 37 countries so far and I'm hoping to add to that number this year.
Emails: [email protected] and [email protected]
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Mr. Brenner
Spanish and ELL Teacher Education: B.A. in International Politics and Spanish Penn State University; M.A. in Foreign Language Education NYU Hobbies/Interests: Learning new things (juggling and balloon animals for instance), traveling, trivia, spending time with family. Favorite Book(s): Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Catch-22 by Joseph Heller Fun Fact About Me: I have been on three television game shows and hope to add to that in the future. If you've got a suggestion, let me know. Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
Mrs. Palliser
Speech Teacher
Education: Queens College- Bachelors and Masters Degrees
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, traveling and yoga
Favorite Book(s): Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Fun Fact About Me: I have a passion for helping animals and I have my own puppy who is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Husky (a Pomsky!)
Speech Teacher
Education: Queens College- Bachelors and Masters Degrees
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, traveling and yoga
Favorite Book(s): Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Fun Fact About Me: I have a passion for helping animals and I have my own puppy who is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Husky (a Pomsky!)
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Mr. Fequiere
7th Grade Math Teacher Education: B.S. in Mathematics - York College (CUNY) M.S. in Mathematics Education - Touro College Hobbies/Interests: Chess, travel, gaming, puzzles, anime/manga Favorite Book(s): The “Ender’s Game” series Fun Fact About Me: I went to the same high school as George Bush (Sr. and Jr.) Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. Gallegos
7th Grade ELA and Social Studies, Special Education Teacher Education: Fordham University BA of Arts in History, City College of New York, Teaching Fellow, MS Special Education Hobbies/Interests: Reading, decorating, cooking, socializing, history Favorite Book(s): The House in the Cerulean Sea (TJ Klune), Educated (Tara Westover), Lessons in Chemistry (Bonnie Garmus), Born a Crime (Trevor Noah), Small Great Things (Jodi Picoult), The Red Tent (Anita Diamant), The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton), Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (Judy Blume), The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) Fun Fact About Me: I have lived in Yorkville for most of my life! Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Mrs. Moravek
6th Grade ELA & Social Studies; Special Education Teacher Education: Touro College: Masters of Education, College of Saint Benedict: BA, Music and Communication Hobbies/Interests: I am a singer, with a specialty in Musical Theater. I perform all over the city and New Jersey. I spend my summers traveling. Last summer I was in Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand! I am an avid crafter and make many of my own clothes! Favorite Book(s): The Harry Potter Series, The Start of You and Me by Emery Lord, and The Alice Network by Kate Quinn Fun Fact About Me: I am now a published author! My children's book Noodles A. Girl: Star on the Rise, is out now. Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. Goutos
7th and 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher Education: BBA in Management with a minor in History from Baruch College MA in Adolescent Education - Social Studies grades 7-12 from Hunter College Hobbies/Interests: Some of my favorite hobbies are traveling, baking, reading, and spending time with my loved ones. Favorite Book(s): “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” by Dee Brown Fun Fact About Me: I have traveled to 20 different countries so far and the list keeps growing Emails: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Mrs. Johnson
8th Grade ELA Teacher Education: Bachelors in English Education from NYU , Masters in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from SUNY Albany Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, cooking, reading, trying new restaurants Favorite Book(s): Too many to name, but…One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Hunger Games, anything by Haruki Murakami, Firekeeper’s Daughter, Orleans Fun Fact About Me: I can play piano with my eyes closed. Every year I’m amazed by the creativity of our students and can’t wait to see what this year’s 8th graders have going on in their minds! Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. Sulflow
8th Grade ELA and Social Studies; Special Education Teacher Education: Bachelors in Elementary Education at Washington State University, Masters in Special Education at GCU, and a Masters in Educational Administration. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, going to concerts, Broadway plays/musicals, traveling, & playing video games Favorite Book(s): Some of my favorite books are Little Women, Frankenstein, Persuasion, and the Throne of Glass series. Fun Fact About Me: I have lived in 5 different states, and I have a cat named Groot. I am so excited to join the MS177 team and get to know all the amazing scholars at the school. I have such a love for reading and supporting students to find that passion too! Email: [email protected] and asulflow@schools.nyc.gov |
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Mr. Hussain
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher 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: [email protected] and [email protected] |
Mrs. Romero Lee
6th & 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Education: I am a proud graduate of Barnard College where I majored in Sociology. I earned a Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Bank Street College.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy gardening and reading in my spare time. My family has an extensive collection of board games.
Favorite Book(s): Bel Canto by Ann Patchett; Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri; and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Fun Fact About Me: I am an avid soccer fan. I look forward to seeing how much our former 6th and 7th graders have grown and matured heading into the new school year.
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
6th & 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Education: I am a proud graduate of Barnard College where I majored in Sociology. I earned a Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Bank Street College.
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy gardening and reading in my spare time. My family has an extensive collection of board games.
Favorite Book(s): Bel Canto by Ann Patchett; Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri; and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Fun Fact About Me: I am an avid soccer fan. I look forward to seeing how much our former 6th and 7th graders have grown and matured heading into the new school year.
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
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Ms. Hyne
Visual Art Teacher Education: BBA in Marketing and Fine Arts from the George Washington University, MA in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University Hobbies/Interests: I love all things arts and crafts (printmaking, painting, crocheting, and sewing are my current favorites...but I really love it all!). I also enjoy running, yoga, travel, and spending time with my dog, Olive. Favorite Book(s): The Overstory, The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, The Creative Act, Americanah, and Cloud Cuckoo Land Fun Fact About Me: I have run 4 marathons and many half marathons. Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Mr. Levin
6th Grade Math Teacher Education: Williams college- bachelors in math and philosophy Hobbies/Interests: Running, climbing, escape rooms, cider making Favorite Book(s): Cat’s Cradle (but probably “The Woman in Me” when it comes out) Fun Fact About Me: I make my own apple cider and have a play date app that I created for parents. I love working with kids who love math, and I REALLY love working with kids who don’t know they love math yet! Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Mr. Linnihan
Physical Education and Health Teacher Hello everyone! My name is Mr. Linnihan and I will be teaching physical education at Yorkville East Middle School! I studied physical education at SUNY Cortland and obtained a masters degree in health education from Touro University Worldwide. I have always had a passion for sport and physical activity and that passion has led me to become a teacher and coach. My ultimate goal as a physical education teacher is to work with each student to help them find a passion for sport or physical activity that they can use throughout their lifetimes. My favorite sports are volleyball and golf, however I also love hockey, surfing, snowboarding, and soccer. I love teaching physical education and I am really excited to work with all the amazing students, staff, and families at Yorkville East Middle School! Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom Interesting fact: I love the outdoors (hiking, snowboarding, surfing, etc.) Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Mr. Mueller
8th Grade Math Teacher Education: University of Maine - Masters of Arts in Teaching University of Maine - B.A. in International Affairs Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy cooking, hiking and traveling! Favorite Book(s): The Nero Wolfe mysteries. A collection of 1930s-1950s New York city detective stories by Rex Stout. Fun Fact About Me: I am a collector! As a middle schooler, I collected sports cards. Now, I am collecting comic books and watches! I love getting to know a new group of 8th graders and helping them achieve excellent results but keeping Algebra class fun and supportive! Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. Oliveri
8th Grade Counselor 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: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. Park
6th and 7th Grade Social Worker Education: Boston College (Bachelor's in Applied Psychology/Human Development and Sociology) NYU (Masters in Social Work) Hobbies/Interests: Most recently, I've become obsessed with playing Pickleball (sorry to all tennis players) and much of my summer has been spent on the court. I also enjoy traveling and one of my favorite places I've ever been to is Switzerland! My all time favorite TV show is Succession. Favorite Book(s): Maybe You Should Talk To Someone By Lori Gottlieb Fun Fact About Me: I grew up on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii! Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. Parnell
Paraprofessional 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: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Mr. Schmutter
6th Grade Science and Math; Special Education Teacher Education: BA in Biology from NYU, Masters in Education (Special Education) Teaching Fellows program at Pace University Hobbies/Interests: Board Games, Video Games, Reading, Poker, D&D Favorite Book(s): The Name of the Wind, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Moneyball Fun Fact About Me: I've performed at Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, and Carnegie Hall. This year I want to convince my new students that math is FUN!! Email: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Mr. Tufo
6th & 8th Grade Science Teacher Education: Binghamton University - Bachelors of Science in Cell Biology, Columbia University Teachers College - M.A. in Science Education Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, Snowboarding, Video Games, and Reading Favorite Book(s): The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien Fun Fact About Me: My family has a long tradition of having huskies - we currently have two! Emails: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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Ms. Zaientz
8th Grade Science and Math; Special Education Teacher Education: BS - Augsburg College, MS (Social Work) Columbia University, M.Ed - Hunter College Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy traveling and seeing new things, this includes exploring all that New York City has to offer. I also like to volunteer in my community. Favorite Book(s): I love so many books!! Let’s chat and see what we have in common. Fun Fact About Me: I have averaged reading 52 books a year since 2019. I read a lot before that but don’t have an accurate count of the number of books. I am excited to be back in 8th grade teaching Biology and Algebra 1! We have made some good changes to the curriculum over the summer. I also love the trips we have planned for this year. It is going to be a great year! Emails: [email protected] and [email protected] |
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