Facilitators

Mr. Damon Affinito teaches social studies at Northern Valley Demarest.  His primary courses are in the areas of American history and civics.  He has also taught many elective courses, including Sport in History.  Damon earned his Bachelor's degree at the University of Notre Dame and his Master's at Montclair State University.  He has written on many topics involving local sports history.

Ms. Melanie Arnold is the Regional Behavior Consultant for the Northern Valley Regional High School District. Ms. Arnold received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Rutgers College at Rutgers University and her Master's Degree in Education from the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University. Ms. Arnold has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2003. Before becoming the Behavior Consultant for the Region in 2013, Ms. Arnold was a classroom teacher of students from preschool through high school for thirteen years, the last eleven of which were with the Valley Program.  

Ms. Pamela Bagot is the Art Teacher at Haworth Public School for the past 8 years. Ms. Bagot has been an Art Teacher for the past 15 years teaching K-age 21. Her previous career was in TV programming, scheduling and production. She has a Bachelor's from Clarion University and her Art Teaching Certification from Montclair State University. Parsons School of Design: Floral Design Certificate.

Ms. Angela Banta is a Special Education and Language Arts teacher at Tenakill Middle School, where she has taught since 2015.  She has her Master’s degree in Teaching and her Bachelor’s in English.

Mrs. Barragato is a Math Teacher and Instructional Coach at Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan. She received her undergraduate degree from Rowan University where she majored in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Mrs. Barragato also holds a Masters Degree in Math Education from Montclair State University and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Scranton University. She also currently serves as the Chair of the NVOT LPDC.

Ms. Cara Bayer is the Supervisor of Special Education and Student Support Services.  She is certified as a Teacher of the Handicapped as well as highly qualified in Math.  Prior to NVRHS, she served as a K-12 Supervisor in Jefferson Public Schools and the Director of Special Services for the Hanover Park Regional High School District.  Ms. Bayer really enjoys working with the faculty, staff and students in the Northern Valley Regional High School District.

Ms. Allison Beesley works as an English teacher and former technology mentor for the Northern Valley Regional High Schools. With 20 years of experience, she is inspired to help educators leverage technology to invigorate their practice. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Boston College and a Master’s degree in Literature from Middlebury College. Ms. Beesley works to continually advance her professional practice and digital literacy.

Ms. Amy Brown serves as the Literacy Specialist for the Old Tappan School District and part-time Staff Developer for the Office of Curriculum and Instruction since 2002. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Administration, along with her teaching certificate, from Muhlenberg College and her Master's degree in Literacy from Long Island University. Ms. Brown holds Supervisory Certification and Orton Gillingham Teacher Certification. She is also a member of the Northern Valley's first cohort of instructional coaches. Ms. Brown teaches graduate courses through the Regional Training Center for TCNJ and LaSalle University in addition to working with private clients with dyslexia.

Ms. Ashley Buckley has been a certified Orton Gillingham Teacher since 2014 and has taught Multisensory Reading (MSR) in the Closter Public School District for 7 years. She has worked with students, both professionally and privately, in elementary school, middle school, and high school using the OG methodology and has seen how much the program has positively impacted her students' progress and overall confidence as learners. In addition to holding OG certification, Ashley is also a certified elementary general education and special education teacher, with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Northeastern University. She firmly believes that OG can help all struggling students, not just students with special needs.

Ms. Nicole Chamberlain is a teacher at Haworth Public School.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Vermont and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on Reading & Writing from Teachers College, Columbia University.  She presented her Master’s research at the International Conference of Teacher Research, Chicago (2007) and New York (2008) and was a 2014 Governor’s Teacher Recognition Nominee.  Before joining the teaching staff at Haworth, Nicole worked with children with autism in Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in New Jersey.  Nicole continues to advance her professional practice in math, literacy, curriculum development, technology, classroom management, and teacher peer coaching.  

Ms. Sarah Christensen has been working at Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan for seven years. She is a special education teacher in the self-contained Step program. She is an advisor for Hand In Hand as well as being an active member of several committees.  

Dr. Marc Cicchino is the Director of Special Projects and Innovation for Northern Valley Regional High School district. Previously he served as District Supervisor of Humanities for grades 7-12 for Roxbury Township School District. Dr. Cicchino completed his doctoral studies in the Design of Learning Environments at Rutgers University where he currently serves as an adjunct professor in their undergraduate program, helping to grow the next generation of educators using a wealth of cutting-edge instructional strategies.

Dr. Glen Coleman has been teaching social studies at River Dell High School, a public school in North Jersey, for over 27 years. His doctoral dissertation focused on laptop integration and student-centered learning. He organizes his teaching around essential questions to encourage divergent thinking and believes students must be afforded ample opportunities to fail “gloriously” and try again. When given those opportunities with the support of constructive feedback and a caring community, all boats rise.

In 2019 Glen was named an HP Teaching Fellow for helping to reinvent the classroom and employing powerful learning technology. His work has been praised as innovative by two former NJ Commissioners of Education. His publications include articles for the NJEA Review and Digital Promise. He hosts the podcast Teacher Breathe and is the author of "100 or Nothing: Reimagining Success in the Classroom," a love letter to teachers that encourages all of us to rethink the possibilities of the classroom. 

Dr. Da Giau is the Superintendent in the Old Tappan School District, where she continues to serve since 2014. With a background in middle school teaching and school-based leadership, she, particularly, is interested in the power of relationships and language that transforms experiences for students and educators. In a published study (2017), Dr. Da Giau has applied discourse analysis to look closely at the embedded language that unknowingly circulates in classrooms. She also published “Developing an Alternate Consciousness: A shared-responsibility of teaching and leading for learning” (2018), "Democratic Education Embraces the Tenets of a Social Practice Perspective" (2023), and "Education: A science or an art?" (2023).

Ms. Jennifer Eisberg is a School Library Media Specialist, Enrichment, and Gifted and Talented teacher for Haworth Public School. Ms. Eisberg received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology as well as her K-8 Teacher Certification from the Newark College of Arts and Science at Rutgers University. She also received her Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from Rutgers University’s School of Communication, Information, and Library Science. Before joining Haworth Public School in 2013, Ms. Eisberg worked as a first and second-grade classroom teacher in Newark, NJ for 9 years. 

Ms. Greco currently serves as the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) in the NVOT wellness center. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Felician University and holds a Master's Degree in Counseling and a Post Master's Certificate in Advanced Counseling from Montclair State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey. Ms. Greco maintains a part-time private practice as a psychotherapist in addition to her position at NVOT. Lydia is passionate about issues of well-being, mental health, equity, and social justice. 

Mr. Jonathan Harris began his educational career in 1999 and has been at Northern Valley since 2003. He spent 15 years as a band and orchestra director before moving into his current position as supervisor. He currently supervises Performing Arts, World Languages, and Family and Consumer Sciences, including the Teens N Tots program. He has received degrees from William Paterson University (B.M. - Music Performance with teacher cert.), the University of Connecticut (M.M. Music Education), and the University of Cincinnati (M.Ed. Educational Leadership.) 

Ms. Jennifer Helfman is a Special Education teacher with 30+ years of experience. She holds a BS Degree in Early Childhood Education/Special Education from The University of Delaware and a Master's Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Behavioral and Emotional Disorders. She is a THRIVE Certified School Mental-Wellness Specialist and works to infuse SEL programs into the curriculum to help students in 5th/6th grade prepare for Middle School. Jen co-teaches 5th and 6th grade ELA and Math classes at Northvale Public School. She also serves as an Instructional Coach for the NVCC. Jen lives in Harrington Park with her husband and two children. She loves reading, beaches, and sunflowers! 

Ms. Josephine Hunt is an aspiring administrator in the final stages of completion of her second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. As a teacher for over 17 years, holding the Integrated Preschool Teacher years at Closter Public Schools near and dear to her heart, Josephine has been an advocate for children learning and experiencing life off screens since before her own adult daughters were born. As a special education teacher and as, teacher leader and NVCC teacher mentor and coach, the frustration, anxiety, and tension of her students have become a growing concern, and Josephine needed to do something to help change this negative trend. Along with beloved colleague Charlene Gerbig,  Josephine embarked on bringing to surface the underlying problems of student learning and wellness-anxiety- and being a part of “helping free the anxious generation”.

Ms. Kate Heyboer is a Middle School Math Teacher at Northvale Public School. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a Master's in Education Leadership from Ramapo College. She has taught at Northvale School for 16 years across several elementary grade levels and serves the NVCC as an instructional coach. Kate is passionate about Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning practices for students and is a THRIVE Certified School Mental-Wellness Specialist. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Sacred Heart University. Kate enjoys engaging with current research to reimagine our curriculum, pedagogy, and teaching experiences.

Mr. Ippolito is a health and physical education teacher in the Northern Valley District. He received his bachelors degree from The College of New Jersey where he was a member of the cross country and track and field teams there. In his nine years at Northern Valley, he has coached a total of 27 seasons with the NVD cross country, winter track, and spring track teams.

Ms. Silvia Jost is the K-4 Science Teacher at Hillside School in Closter and previously taught fourth grade in the same school. She received her B.A. in Speech and Theatre with a concentration in Broadcasting, and M.A. in Elementary Education from Montclair State University. She has presented literacy and science/STEM workshops at Northern Valley Curriculum Center, as well as at the Paramus Reading and Writing Institute. Additionally, Ms. Jost has served as a Literacy Coach in the Northern Valley schools.

Ms. Brianna Kehoe is a Science teacher at Tenakill Middle School in Closter, NJ. 

Mr. Jeff Krapels has been in education since 2008, with most of that time spent teaching high school English at Northern Valley Regional High School- Old Tappan. He's passionate about providing better feedback and designing more meaningful assessments, as well as all things curriculum and instruction. Over the years, Jeff has served as the chair of the NVOT Local Professional Development Committee, a member of the Northern Valley Regional Professional Development Board, a technology mentor, and a facilitator of numerous workshops for the NVCC, as well as at the state and national level (NJCTE, NCTE, ISTE). He has a BA in English Literature from the University of Delaware, an MS in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Scranton, and a certificate in school supervision from Rowan University.  

With 23 years of teaching experience, Jessica Kupprion has spent 11 years in elementary general education and the past 12 specializing in Spanish instruction for students from Pre-K to 12th grade. Passionate about making language learning enjoyable and relevant, she uses the Natural Approach and Comprehensible Input (CI) strategies to help students acquire Spanish in an engaging way. Jessica's dynamic teaching style fosters a confident, motivating environment where students feel excited to communicate in Spanish, and her commitment to their success is evident in every lesson.

Ms. Kujdraz is the Director of the Child Study Team for the Demarest Public Schools.

Mr. Jeffrey Lai has been a physics teacher at Northern Valley Old Tappan High School since the fall of 2015. Most recently he was a Princeton Distinguished Educator nominee finalist for NVOT in 2022. Mr. Lai graduated with his Master's degree in physics education from Rutgers University. He attends monthly professional development with an alumni group from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education known as the Etkinists to learn inquiry-based techniques.

Dr. Arpi Lajinian is a mathematics education consultant with a background in teaching and instructional leadership. A retired mathematics teacher, instructional coach, and math team advisor at Northern Valley Regional High School, she has facilitated workshops on brain-based learning and strategies for fostering deep mathematical understanding among high school students for educational organizations including NVCC, AMTNJ, and NJEA. Arpi earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mathematics from the American University of Beirut, and a Doctorate in Mathematics Education from Montclair State University. She remains actively engaged in professional learning by attending conferences and symposiums to stay current and deepen her knowledge of mathematics, math education, and brain-based approaches to teaching and learning.

Ms. Julia Lefer is currently a 4th grade Language Arts teacher at Luther Lee Emerson in Demarest, NJ. Previously, she taught grades 5 through 8 in a special education setting as well as grades 2 and 3 in an inclusive general education setting. She has an Elementary Education certification, Middle School Mathematics certification, Special Education certification, Orton-Gillingham Multi-sensory Reading Instruction certification, and is Highly Qualified in Middle School Language Arts. Julia graduated with her Masters Degree in Inclusive Education from Montclair State University in 2015 and utilizes methods of inclusion on a daily basis. Her passion is to inspire educators to realize that all students can learn in an inclusive general education setting by applying a few simple techniques.

Dr. Maryann Lovelace teaches Biology and Chemistry at Northern Valley Regional High School.

Mr. Bob Leichte holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College and has been a middle school science teacher at Harrington Park Public School for over 18 years.

Ms. Alyssa Levy is an Interventionist for both Literacy and Math at Hillside School in Closter.  She previously taught second grade in the same school for more than 20 years. She received her B.A. in Education from Boston University. She got her Masters of Educational Technology from Ramapo College and went on to complete 60 credits. Ms. Levy is a certified Orton Gillingham Specialist from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has presented technology and spelling workshops at Northern Valley Curriculum Center. Additionally, Ms. Levy has served as a Coach for new educators in the Northern Valley schools.

Ms. Shannon Lewis is a dedicated Spanish educator with 20 years of teaching experience, spanning grades K-12, with the majority of her career spent in the middle school setting. She currently teaches at Harrington Park School and holds a Master’s in Education. Passionate about fostering language growth, she specializes in Comprehensible Input (CI) strategies, creating engaging, immersive learning experiences that help students develop fluency and confidence in Spanish. Her greatest joy is watching students progress and thrive in their language-learning journey.

Ms. Wendy Mackey is a Special Educator with 22+ years of teaching experience. Ms. Mackey has her Master's of Science degree from Grand Canyon University, specializing in the psychology of organizations. Ms. Mackey currently teaches English in both the collaborative and resource setting. 

Ms. Denise Marinaro is a special education teacher in the Step Program at Northern Valley Old Tappan. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Ramapo College of New Jersey in Political Science and Teacher Education. She has also earned a Master's of Arts in Special Education from Felician University and a Master's of Arts in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College. She has been teaching since 2009 and has been at Northern Valley Old Tappan as a teacher in the Step Program since 2014. 

Ms. Clare McGarrity has over 15 years of experience at Harrington Park Public School teaching 6th and 8th grade middle school science. She is a Penn State University graduate and holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College.

Ms. Brianna McSweeney is a Science teacher at Tenakill Middle School in Closter, NJ. She has her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Peter's University and her Bachelor’s in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archeology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Ms. Christine Massaro is a Social Studies Teacher at Northern Valley Old Tappan. She received her Bachelor's Degree in History/American Studies from Rutgers College at Rutgers University. Christine has also earned a Master's in Educational Technology from New Jersey City University. She is a certified Apple Teacher, as well as both Level 1 and Level 2 Google Administrator. Ms. Massaro has taught World Civilizations and Cultures, United States History, American Studies, History of the United States through Film and Media, and Constitutional Law Honors throughout her 18 years at Northern Valley. Ms. Massaro is an assistant basketball coach at OT, where she’s in the Athletic Hall of Fame. She serves as Technology Mentor for the district, as well as advisor for Peer Mentors and Varsity Club. She’s a Youth Minister for her parish, St. Pius X Old Tappan, an elected Councilwoman in the borough of Old Tappan, a member of the Old Tappan Board of Health, the Old Tappan Planning Board, the Old Tappan Historical Committee, the Old Tappan Youth Council, Old Tappan Recreation Commission, and the Arts and Entertainment of Old Tappan. Ms. Massaro believes in giving back to the community that has given so much to her.

Ms. Meyers is a Kindergarten teacher at Hillside Elementary School in Closter.

Ms. Nancy Mliczek is a Special Education Resource Room teacher at Demarest Middle School. She has been teaching for 15 years. She received a Bachelor and Master's degree from Old Dominion University and is an adjunct professor at Bergen Community College and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Ms. Shireen Moidu is a Science teacher at Tenakill Middle School in Closter, NJ. She is certified as a Modern Classroom teacher.

Ms. Shireen Moidu is a Science teacher at Tenakill Middle School in Closter, NJ.  She is certified as a Modern Classroom teacher. 

Ms. Christina Nazarko has been a Special Education Teacher at Northern Valley Demarest for the past 9 years.  Ms. Nazarko has her Master's in Special Education from George Mason University, as well as her B.A. in History from Montclair State University.  Ms. Nazarko also serves as an Instructional Coach in the District.

Ms. Nitzberg is the principal of Harrington Park School.

Ms. Danielle Nix is a Math Teacher at Northern Valley Regional HS in Demarest.

Ms. Kathleen O'Flynn is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She received a Master's Degree in Education from Montclair State University and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education/American Studies from Douglass College at Rutgers University. Additionally, Ms. O’Flynn holds Supervisory Certification. Before becoming the Supervisor of Professional Learning at the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. O’Flynn was an NVCC Staff Developer and also taught at the first and second-grade level. Ms. O’Flynn serves as co-chairperson for the Northern Valley Schools Regional Professional Development Board. She is a graduate of the Learning Forward Academy 2014, a two-year national professional development and leadership program. She has presented at both state and national conferences.

Ms. Julia Palmeri has been a 7th-grade Language Arts teacher at Tenakill Middle School for the past 5 years. She has her Bachelor’s in English and is currently working on her Master’s in Teaching Writing. Julia and Angela have collaborated closely together over the past four years, and have fleshed out interactive, engaging units and lessons that have inspired other colleagues in their school.

Ms. Helen Park is a 5th grade Language Arts teacher at Charles DeWolf Middle School in Old Tappan. She received her BA in English and Education from Barnard College, MA in Curriculum Instruction at Columbia Teachers College, and a certificate in supervision at Montclair State University. She has taught students from 3rd to 7th grade in her district. 

Ms. Meghan Pleus teaches first grade in Closter. Before working in Closter, Ms. Pleus was a Teach for America corps member in Newark, New Jersey. She taught for three years in a high-performing charter school where she wrote curricula for mathematics and literacy. Ms. Pleus received her undergraduate degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has completed professional coursework in the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. In 2021, Meghan received her Orton Gillingham Teacher Certificate. She is passionate about curriculum writing, professional development, and finding the best ways to engage students in the learning process! Meghan has also taught several workshops at the Northern Valley Curriculum Center and serves as an NVCC Instructional Coach.

Ms. Dana Petrie currently teaches enrichment and gifted & talented classes at Harrington Park. New to the Valley, she has been teaching G&T classes since 2013. She received her Bachelor's degree from The College of New Jersey where she majored in English and secondary education. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in Educational Psychology with a concentration in giftedness, creativity, and talent development. She proudly studied under Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli and Sally Reis, distinguished leaders in gifted & talented education. 

With over twenty-five years of experience in education, she has taught at the high, middle, and elementary levels. She was also a director of a co-operative nursery school. Certified to teach grades K-8 and English K-12, she is currently working toward earning her supervisory certificate at Rutgers University. 

Mr. Joseph Polvere has been a teacher for 20+ years in NJ. He obtained his undergraduate degree in history from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, New York, in 2000. Mr. Polvere also earned a Master's degree in Education at MSMC in 2001. From there, he earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership at Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2004. Finally, Mr. Polvere recently completed a third Master's degree in History in July of 2020 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Mr. Polvere began his career as a fourth grade teacher, and also taught fifth grade. He spent one year as an administrator. Mr. Polvere currently teaches 6th Grade Social Studies in Demarest, New Jersey. He serves as an instructional coach for the Northern Valley schools. He is a past recipient of District Teacher of the Year during the years he spent in the Tenafly Public Schools. Mr. Polvere has been an adjunct professor of Education and History since 2006. He currently works for Bergen Community College, New Jersey City University, Montclair University, Seton Hall University, and Mercy College in various semesters. He has taught alternate route education courses for 16 years.

Ms. Bernadette Ricco has a BA in Special Education. and Elementary Education, with a special concentration in Gifted Education, and an MSEd in Gifted Education. Her postgraduate coursework includes Technology, Communication, Thinking Skills, Portfolios, Positive Psychology, Creativity, and Brain Science. Additionally, Mrs. Ricco is a Confratute Graduate and has attended the International Conference/Institute in Gifted Education, University of Connecticut.

Mrs. Jennifer Rilli has taught math in the Demarest district for over 20 years.  She is certified as a teacher of Mathematics for grades K-8. Mrs. Rilli also has a Master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from New Jersey City University. Mrs. Rilli is also an instructional coach in the Northern Valley and is a trained mentor. She strives to create engaging and original lessons daily for her students and hopes to instill a passion for mathematics while making real-world connections along the way.

Ms. Francesca Rivellini-Aballi has over twelve years of experience in both middle school special education and general education. Francesca holds teaching certifications in elementary education, special education, and a subject matter specialization in Language Arts and Literacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Studies from the University of Hartford and her Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Secondary Reading and Language Arts from the University of Saint Joseph. Francesca currently teaches sixth-grade Language Arts at Tenakill Middle School in Closter.

Dr. Blair Rosenthal has been an administrator in special education for over ten years with a background in child study team work in various districts across New Jersey. She has a Ph.D. in School Psychology and two Master's degrees (Psychology and Education Leadership). Dr. Rosenthal also holds certifications as School Psychologist, Supervisor, Principal, and Chief School Administrator.

Ms. Jennifer Santa, principal of the Charles DeWolf Middle School, also serves as a curriculum writer for the Warren Cluster District. Prior to joining the Northern Valley, she was an assistant principal in a K-8 school in Cranford, NJ where she served as the Middle School Data Team Leader and on the Administrative NJTSS Team. During her time as a classroom teacher,  she taught at both the elementary and middle school levels and is highly qualified in Language Arts and History. Ms. Santa was also a language arts coordinator for a K-6 building. 

Mr. Peter Scanlan is currently teaching art at Northern Valley Demarest. He has a BFA from the School of Visual Arts and an MA from Montclair. Mr. Scanlan has done work in the past for Marvel Comics, Universal Studios, Sony Music, etc. He has over twenty years of professional experience as an illustrator, painter, and cartoonist.

Ms. Ginny Senande is the Supervisor of Professional Learning at the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Senande received her Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Political Science as well as her Translation Certificate from Rutgers College at Rutgers University and her Master's Degree in Education: Administration and Supervision from St. Peter’s College. Additionally, Ms. Senande holds Supervisor and Principal Certifications and is a graduate of the Learning Forward Academy Class of 2020, a two-year national professional development and leadership program. Before joining the Northern Valley Curriculum Center, Ms. Senande taught high school Spanish and served as a Mentor, Administrative Intern, Tech Mentor, and Acting Assistant Principal. Ms. Senande was most recently the Learning Systems Technology Integrator for the Northern Valley High Schools. Ms. Senande has also served on the Local and Regional Professional Development Committees and the Regional Professional Development Board, and as an Instructional Coach and Consultant to the Northern Valley Curriculum Center. Ms. Senande currently serves as co-chairperson for the Northern Valley Schools Regional Professional Development Board and an instructional coach and is a trained mentor. She has presented at both local and state conferences.

Ms. Debbie Shapiro was a Northern Valley Regional High School English teacher for 20 years and has been facilitating positive psychology workshops for Northern Valley faculty and staff since 2012. She holds a M. Ed. from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education and a Certification in Positive Psychology from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health where she studied Positive Psychology with Tal Ben-Shahar.

Ms. Erica Sposa is currently an English and AP Capstone teacher at NVOT. She has been teaching since 2003, and has experience at both the middle and high school levels. She holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature and Journalism and Media Studies from Rutgers University, and a Master’s Degree from St. Peter’s University. She currently serves as a staff technology mentor at NVOT, advisor of the NVOT Quiz Bowl Team, and advisor of the NVOT EMS Club. 

Ms. Brittany Steele is an 8th-grade special education teacher in Closter, where she has been employed for the last 8 years. She has worked with grades 5, 7, & 8 as a special education teacher. She is currently working on her master's degree in literacy and reading.

Ms. Kelly Stevens is the Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Demarest Public Schools. In addition, she has taught second grade, as well as a second through fourth-grade language and learning disabilities class. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Rhode Island and a Master's of Professional Studies in Elementary and Special Education from Manhattanville College. She has also completed coursework in the area of Educational Technology. In addition to classroom teaching, Ms. Stevens is also an instructional coach in the Northern Valley, as well as a trained mentor. 

Dr. Laura Sullivan was a teacher of technology and mathematics for over 25 years. For the past 10 years, she has been the Supervisor of Instruction for Curriculum and Educational Technology in Old Tappan Public Schools. She received her B.A. and teaching certificates in Elementary Education and Mathematics from William Paterson University. She also earned her M.S. in Mathematics, Concentration in Mathematics Education and Ed.D. in Mathematics Pedagogy from Montclair State University.

Ms. Linda Timirci holds a BA in English Literature and an M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL). She is certified by the New Jersey State Department of Education with a CEAS (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing). Ms. Timirci has completed the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) Training Workshop and holds additional credentials including the Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) Training Certificate and WIDA Testing Certificate. She is an active member of NJTESOL, demonstrating ongoing professional engagement and commitment to excellence in English language education.

Mr. Mark Torrie is a veteran health and physical education teacher of close to 20 years. He has a BS in Exercise and Movement Science, MA Educational Leadership, and an MS Applied Nutrition. Mr. Torrie has piloted numerous health and wellness related projects within the school system under the idea of the whole child, whole school philosophy. The central idea being that as teachers, we are all directly linked to improving the educational outcomes of the whole child, not merely the subject areas in which we specialize.

Ms. Kia Vetrero is the general music teacher at both T. Baldwin Demarest Elementary School and Charles DeWolf Middle School for Old Tappan Public Schools. She has been a classroom teacher for over six years and has worked with children in different educational settings for over ten years. Ms. Vetrero earned her Bachelor’s at William Paterson University and her Master’s at New Jersey City University. 

Ms. Jessica Vilardi is an experienced educator with 13 years of teaching, focusing on math for the past 5 years. She holds a Master's in Educational Leadership and is certified as a supervisor and principal. Ms. Vilardi's passion lies in teaching math, where she's witnessed students flourish and excel in the subject. She thrives on creating engaging lessons that make math come alive for every student. Ms. Vilardi is excited to connect and discuss how we can make math an exciting journey for our students too.

Mr. Tomas Villa is an experienced educator with 14 years of teaching chemistry at the high school level. He holds a Master's in Educational Leadership and is certified as a supervisor and principal. He has taught all levels of high school chemistry and has been at NVOT since 2019.  He has served in several roles related to educational technology.  

Ms. Kimberly Weber received a Bachelor's degree in Education and English from the University of Rhode Island. She also earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College of New Jersey. She holds a teaching certificate in K-8 with a subject matter specialization in Language Arts and Literary and both Supervisor and Principal certificates. She has been teaching in Harrington Park School for 17 years at both the elementary and middle school levels.

Ms. Amy Wilcox is the Director of Instrumental Music at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan where she directs the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Orchestra.  In addition to the curricular ensembles, Ms. Wilcox is the director of the NVOT Marching Band, the NVOT Jazz Ensemble and serves as Producer and Conductor for the All School Musical Program. During her tenure at NVOT, the ensembles have received consistent Gold ratings at the North Jersey Region Band Festival as well as various competitions throughout the tri-state area. In 2021, the Marching Band became the New Jersey Group IIA State Champions for the first time in history. In addition, the Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the prestigious State Concert Band Gala, one of only four North Jersey bands that qualified. In addition to the performance ensembles, Ms. Wilcox has helped to co-found the first ever Northern Valley Winter Guard which serves both Northern Valley Demarest and Old Tappan, as well as the NVOT Percussion Ensemble. Prior to NVOT, Ms. Wilcox was the Director of Instrumental Music at Tenakill Middle School in Closter, New Jersey for five years.

Ms. Wilcox has been actively involved in county and region organizations throughout her teaching career. She currently serves as the audition chair for the Music Educators of Bergen County High School County Honors Band, has served as the audition chair for NJSMA’s Junior Region Band, and was the 2011 Bergen County Middle School Band Conductor and 2019 Bergen County High School Band Conductor. Ms. Wilcox also currently serves as co-chair for the North Jersey Region Concert Band Festival and on the NJ All State Band Procedures Committee. Ms. Wilcox received her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from The College of New Jersey and her Master of Arts in Conducting from Montclair State University under the direction of Dr. Thomas McCauley. When she is not teaching, Ms. Wilcox enjoys training for long distance triathlons and running events and spending time with her family and cat Milo.

Ms. Laura Wiseman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for Region III special services. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Towson University and received her Master's in Social Work at The University of Maryland. She has over 15 years of experience in counseling, assessment, crisis intervention, behavior management, and teaching social skills. Additionally, she has extensive experience in facilitating therapeutic, supportive and educational groups.