VITAL EDUCATORS DIRECTORY

Ms. Abrams is an award-winning middle school STEM educator with a license in Special Education. She has over a decade of experience working in District 19 for the NYC DOE. Ms. Abrams received her Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs from Northeastern University in Boston, and her Master's degree in Education from Long Island University.

Special educator with more than 8 years of experience creating positive learning environments for students with social and emotional disabilities. As an Instructional Coach, I leverage my knowledge to support teachers and students in a wide range of programs, including CTE, TEACCH, Functional Life Skills, and more. I hold degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Sage Graduate College.

Dr. Sharon Matthews is an instructional coordinator, focusing on supporting the integration of technology into teaching and learning. Her expertise includes teaching P-12 special education, as well as preparing pre-service educators in general and special education. Areas of expertise include supporting the integration of AI technology for developing inclusive, universally-designed and differentiated instruction as well as data-literacy for instructional decision making. Dr. Matthews' work as an instructional designer, educator, and teacher-leader focus on advocacy for enhancing educational opportunity for all students through a social justice approach to teaching and learning, empowering teachers to lead in the 21st century classroom.

With 18 years of teaching experience at Franklin Academy High School in Malone, Alicia has dedicated her career to teaching Spanish in her hometown. Alicia was born and raised in the north country and graduated from Franklin Academy herself. This helps Alicia to build greater connections to her students and community. She finds joy in the classroom, helping students connect with the language and culture in meaningful ways.

Beyond teaching in the classroom, Alicia is also the high school World Languages Coordinator, NYS Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator, a NCCC bridge courses Instructor, and Spanish Club Advisor.

Alicia also worked part-time with children and teens for a local mental health agency for more than 15 years.

Dr. Kaczorowski joined the Education Department at Daemen University in Summer 2021 after working for 6 years as faculty in the Special Education Department at Illinois State University. She graduated from University at Buffalo with her Ph.D. in special education and a concentration in instructional technology. Her K-12 teaching experience was as a special education teacher (grades 1-4) in both integrated co-teaching and self-contained settings.

Megan has been a high school theatre and English educator since 2008. She is certified in 4 subjects in NY and holds an Advanced Certificate in Instructional Technology. For 10 years she was a drama club director. Before this, she ran the Music & Theatre program for the US Army’s National Training Center in the Mojave Desert where she received a special commendation from US Army Entertainment. She holds a BA with departmental honors in Drama from Vassar College, an MA in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities from NYU, and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from CSU-Pueblo. Megan studied abroad in Ireland, and Northern Ireland where she performed at the Samuel Beckett Theatre. She is the recipient of multiple awards and grants.

Lynn is a middle school teacher with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on secondary mathematics. She has taught courses from 6th Math to Algebra 1 with Regents. She has also taught 7th Physical Science, 6th and 8th Social Studies, and 7th Health. She is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where students thrive academically and socially. She demonstrates extensive knowledge and implementation of the Responsive Classroom Social Emotional Learning Model.

Erika Hurtado-Valentino is a graduate of Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy and has spent her entire educational career in the New York City Department of Education. Her academic accomplishments also include a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stony Brook University and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Secondary Ed. from Adelphi University. She is currently a St. John’s University student and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Erika has been the Principal of Food and Finance High School in District 2 since 2021. She helped create the innovative “Game Changer” program, which allows her students to graduate with an Associate’s Degree from CUNY City Tech in one year.

Amanda Petrizzo is a dedicated and passionate teacher with over 8 years of experience. She holds a B.A. in Child Studies with a concentration in Mathematics from St. Joseph’s University and an M.S. in Literacy Education from Queens College. Amanda is certified to teach general education, special education, and literacy from birth through grade 6. She currently teaches third through fifth grade for the Broome-Tioga BOCES Virtual Learning Academy. At the Virtual Learning Academy, Amanda also facilitates the Student Leadership Program, is a member of the VLA Planning Committee, is the Lead Elementary Teacher, and oversees the Travel Club and Artist Book Club. Amanda is passionate about creating a positive and engaging learning environment.

After serving as a classroom teacher for 34 years, Mark recently retired from both the Pittsford Central School District and Monroe Community College where he taught both Biology and Physics. He now teaches online for the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, Broome-Tioga BOCES, and MORIC BOCES. He is a NYS Master Teacher Emeritus and also works part-time as an NGSS Assessment Writer.

Dr. Hardigree is a professor of adolescent literacy working to create more inclusive educational experiences for students with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

School Social Worker with experience in Elementary, Middle and High Schools. Previous Non-Profit work and CPS related work. Over 18 years of various experience in the child welfare and education systems.