Northern Valley Regional High School District

Damon Affinito

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.

Connie Alcoser Connie is a Kindergarten Teacher at Haworth Public School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education K-8 from Montclair State University. She has also received a Master's in International Education from New York University and a Master's in Reading and Literacy from Marygrove College. Ms. Alcoser has taught both kindergarten and first grade throughout her 14 years at Haworth Public School. She has also served on the Northern Valley Regional Professional Development Committee and as a teacher peer coach for the district as well. Ms. Alcoser believes that by helping students find authentic motivation in the curriculum they will become passionate about their own learning.

 

Melanie Arnold

Melanie 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.  
Daniel Austin Daniel Austin joined the Northern Valley High School community in 2018 as the District Supervisor of Social Studies. Dan graduated in 1993 from Montclair State College with a BA degree in History and K-12 NJ Teaching Certification. Dan completed his MA in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University in 2012. Prior to coming to Northern Valley, Dan was the District Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction at Hanover Park Regional High School District where he supervised Social Studies, English, World Language, and Art. Dan also served as a Social Studies, World Language and Dean of Students at Boonton High School. Before becoming an administrator, Dan taught at Randolph High School for 19 years where he taught all academic levels. Dan is an advocate of cross-curricular education and literacy skill development at all academic levels. 
Pamela Bagot Pam is the Art Teacher at Haworth Public School for the past 5 years. Pam 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 B. S. from Clarion University and her Art Teaching Certification from Montclair State University. 

 

Lauren Barbieri

Lauren Barbieri has been a primary educator within the Northern Valley for eighteen years, and is currently a Kindergarten Teacher at Abraham Lincoln Elementary in Wyckoff. She has taught grades K-2. She has a Master's Degree in Literacy Instruction, is a certified Reading Specialist, a certified Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialist, a certified Northern Valley Instructional Coach, and pending May 2020, a certified Teacher Leader and certified Supervisor.

  

Amy Brown

Amy 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.

Heather J. Buchanan

Heather J. Buchanan, PhD, conducts the 170-voice Chorale, 60-voice University Singers, and 24-voice Vocal Accord at Montclair State University. Choirs under her direction have won critical acclaim for their “vibrant sound,” “eloquence”, and for singing with the “crispness and dexterity of a professional choir.” Her choirs have collaborated with many international artists including Meredith Monk, Mícheál ÓSúílleabháin, Tarik O’Regan, Joseph Flummerfelt, Sarah Hopkins, Chen Yi, members of the Vienna Philharmonic strings, Richard Alston Dance Company, and conductors Neeme Järvi, Jacques LaCombe, John Maucceri, and Susie Benchail Seiter with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Buchanan holds degrees from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Australia), Westminster Choir College of Rider University (U.S.), and the University of New England (Australia). A licensed Andover Educator, she teaches Body Mapping and somatic pedagogy for musicians. Her publications include co-editing and compiling Teaching Music through Performance in Choir (GIA), a chapter in Teaching Singing in the 21st Century (Springer), a DVD Evoking Sound: Body Mapping & Gesture Fundamentals (GIA), and choral octavos in the Evoking Sound Choral Series (GIA). A vibrant teacher, dynamic performer and passionate musicians’ health advocate, Dr. Buchanan is in demand as a guest conductor, somatic educator and choral clinician in the U.S. and abroad.
Ashley Buckley

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.

Jim Buoye

Courtney Carmichael

Before becoming a PreK-8 administrator, Courtney taught history in middle school and high school. She was nominated for both NJ Council on the Humanities Teacher of the Year and NJ Historical Society Teacher of African-American History Teacher of the Year. She served as a Keizai Koho teaching fellow in Japan and has been a recipient of numerous grant recipients for the National Endowment for the Humanities, NJ Council on the Humanities, Amistad Commission, Center for Holocaust & Genocide, Gilder Lehrman Institute, and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. 

Nicole Chamberlain

Nicole 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, Ms. Chamberlain worked with children with autism in Applied Behavioral Analysis programs in New Jersey. Ms. Chamberlain is trained through the Teachers College Reading and Writing project and continues to advance her professional practice in math, literacy, curriculum development, technology, classroom management, and teacher peer coaching.

 

Marc Cicchino

Marc 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. Marc 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.

  

Diana Colondres

Diana is a Spanish teacher at Demarest Middle School.  She has experience teaching Elementary, Middle and High School levels of Spanish.
Katie Doherty

Katie Doherty is a Special Education teacher NVOT. Katie graduated from The University of Scranton and went on to receive her master's in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to teaching in the self-contained program, Katie is an active member of several committees, is a Hand in Hand advisor, and works on the school play and musical. Katie is also a Reiki practitioner and brings a mindfulness approach to her classroom.
Donna Dolby

Donna Dolby holds a BA in Art Education from Montclair State University with a minor in Cultural Anthropology and went on to earn a Masters of Fine Art from Christ Church University in Canterbury, England. Donna is also a professionally working artist and graphic designer and has been shown internationally. Donna teaches all levels of art including AP Studio at Northern Valley Region High School in Old Tappan for 17 years and has been giving vision board workshops in NJ for three years knowing the power of being allowed to dream, and set SMART goals and visions for your future! She is completely committed to the mental and emotional wellbeing of her students and colleagues. She has been actively involved in the All School Musical Program for 17 years is also an active member of the AENJ. 

Aimee Edwards

Aimee is a 4th and 5th-grade special education teacher for the Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP), which services students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Ms. Edwards currently teaches 4th-grade reading and 4th and 5th-grade science and social studies. Prior to this year, Ms. Edwards has taught Kindergarten through 5th grade and a variety of curricular subjects. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey, as well as, attending a graduate program at William Paterson University to receive both Elementary and Special Education teaching certifications.
Jennifer Eisberg

Jennifer has worked at Haworth Public School for the past eight years, serving primarily as the School Library Media Specialist, but also as a G&T teacher and First Grade teacher. This is Jennifer's 17th year teaching.  She has a B.A. and M.A. from Rutgers University. 

 

Kim Faustini

Kim is a School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her master's degree and certification as a school psychologist from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her BCBA Certification from Florida Institute of Technology. Ms. Fasutini has worked in the NVRHS district since 2001 and has performed and facilitated various roles and duties, including behavior consultant for the Valley Program, conducting functional behavior assessments for all Region III school districts, presenting workshops, staff training, and her most recent role, working as a psychologist and consultant for Region III's Special Education Program: The Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP), which is designed to meet the needs of students with emotional and behavioral challenges from 1st through 8th grade. Kim is now the Supervisor of Special Education for Northvale Public Schools.

Katie Gallagher

Katie Gallagher is a special education teacher at Old Tappan high school for the past six years. She has a B.S. in English and her M.A. in special education from TCNJ. Katie has been dedicated to student-centered learning and mindfulness and uses strategies in her classroom to engage students and provide them with mindfulness check-ins. 
Lydia Greco

Lydia is the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) at NVOT and has served in this role since 2010. She is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Prior to joining NVOT, Lydia worked for Straight & Narrow, a rehabilitation program in Paterson for over 12 years. There she served in many roles, most recently as a Clinical Supervisor for the Adolescent Department as well as Director of Adult Male Services. Lydia also maintained a part-time private practice in Midland Park until 2012. Lydia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Felician College and both a Master's Degree in Counseling and Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counseling from Montclair State University. Lydia is passionate about positive psychology, social-emotional learning and supporting the well-being of children and families.

 

Deanna Hallberg

Deanna is a Special Education Teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School – Old Tappan.

Jonathan Harris

Jonathan Harris began his teaching career in 1999 and was the Director of Instrumental Music at Northern Valley Regional HS at Demarest from 2003 to 2014. Under his direction, Northern Valley continuously received top honors at concert festivals and competitions along the east coast. Additionally, the “Marching Norsemen” were selected to perform at the 2012 NFL Season Kickoff Game and also as a halftime performer at Super Bowl XLVIII, both at MetLife Stadium. Mr. Harris was nominated for a 2014-2015 Grammy Music Educator Award and he was honored to serve as the conductor of the 2009 Bergen County Band and the 2013 North Jersey Junior Region Band. In July 2014, he was appointed the Supervisor of Related Arts for the Northern Valley Regional HS District. He has served on the executive boards of NJSMA, MEBCI and is currently on the Board of Directors of NJMAA. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from William Paterson University, an M.M. in Music Education from the University of Connecticut, and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati. 

Peter Hughes

Peter is currently serving as the superintendent of Haworth School District and has served in a variety of administrative and leadership roles over his past 21 years in New Jersey school districts. These included middle school and high school teaching, serving as vice principal and principal, serving as a science supervisor and as a director of curriculum and instruction for a large school district. Peter has also taught at the graduate level to help prepare future administrators through the NJEXCEL Program for NJPSA. Peter has his B.A. in Biological Sciences, Masters in Education, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership - all from Rutgers University. His research and presentation interests include STEAM integration and leadership development. 

 

Mike Ives

Mike Ives is a Math Teacher and Instructional Coach at Northern Valley Regional HS in Demarest. He received his Bachelors Degree from Bloomsburg University where he majored in Mathematics. Mr. Ives also holds a Masters Degree in Math Education from Montclair State University. Mr. Ives currently serves as the Gifted and Talented advisor at NV Demarest, and has coached varsity swimming, track, and soccer.

Joanne Iyo

Joanne is the Technology Coordinator & STEM teacher at Hillside Elementary School in Closter, NJ. She was a first, second & third-grade classroom teacher before assuming her current position. She received her B.A. from Colby College and her M.A. and Ed.M. in Curriculum Development & Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has presented workshops on Lego Robotics, iMovie, animation and educational websites & apps.

Silvia Jost

Silvia 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.
Steven Korner

Dr. Korner earned his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and has been appointed to the following positions: director of the child and family unit of the Benjamin Rush Center in Philadelphia; director of psychology and assistant professor of psychiatry, New York Medical College-Metropolitan Hospital Center; and associate professor (tenured) in the doctoral program in child clinical psychology and director of the school psychology program at Seton Hall University prior to working as a psychologist at Harrington Park School. He has been appointed to chair the continuing education and media committees of the New Jersey Psychological Association, was elected president of the Bergen County Association of Licensed Psychologists, and currently is on the Advisory board of the Learning Disability Association of New Jersey. Dr. Korner has either published or presented over 50 papers and was an editorial consultant for the journals Private Practice in Psychotherapy and Psychotherapy in Independent Practice. 

 

Arpi Lajinian

Arpi teaches mathematics and is an instructional coach at Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan. She strives to make mathematics meaningful and accessible to students and shares with them her passion for the beauty and richness of the subject. She is the author and coordinator of the AMTNJ annual High School Mathematics Contest, and a Core Advocate. Arpi holds a Masters of Science in Mathematics from the American University of Beirut and a Doctorate in Mathematics Pedagogy from Montclair State University. She remains focused on why students need to learn what they study, and how they learn. Arpi continues to take advantage of regional and national conferences and learning opportunities that allow her to reflect on her practice, share and grow professionally.

  

Mark Lampert

Dr. Lampert has been working with children diagnosed along the autistic spectrum for over 20 years. He began his experience at Douglas Developmental Center at Rutgers University. Throughout his career, Dr. Lampert has worked in many different positions in the special education field including paraprofessional, teacher of the handicapped, school psychologist, family counselor, public speaker, and behavioral consultant. He has presented on such topics as social skills, bullying, disability awareness and addressing challenging behaviors in the classroom. Dr. Lampert is a New Jersey Certified Teacher of the Handicapped, New Jersey certified School Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has received his doctorate in psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition, years of training and performance experience in improvisational theater throughout New York City have assisted Dr. Lampert in developing a unique approach to social skills delivery and public speaking events. Currently, Dr. Lampert works as a school psychologist/behavior consultant for the Valley Program (a public-school program servicing children with autism). In addition, Dr. Lampert helped develop and provide instruction for a private non-profit organization (Voices Now!) dedicated to providing social skills instruction to students diagnosed with autism.
Maryann Lovelace
Christine Massaro

Christine 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, and History of the United States through Film and Media throughout her 12 years at Northern Valley. Christine 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 and serves on the Board of Directors for Aurora Nonprofit Solutions. Ms. Massaro believes in giving back to the community that has given so much to her. 

 

Toby Murphy

Toby currently teaches 8th-grade language arts. He has been teaching at Demarest Middle School for ten years. He has served as an instructional coach through the NVCC and as a mentor in his school district. He has previously led workshops on independent reading and assessment. He was previously named a Master Teacher through the Master Teacher Project by BetterLesson and NEA.

 

Danielle Nix

Danielle is a Mathematics teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest. Ms. Nix received her undergraduate degree in Mathematics from The College of New Jersey. She has also earned an MS in the Natural Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and, an M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education. Additionally, Ms. Nix holds Supervisory Certification. 

Kathleen O'Flynn

Kathleen 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, Mrs. O’Flynn holds Supervisory Certification. Before becoming the Supervisor of Professional Learning at the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Mrs. O’Flynn was an NVCC Staff Developer and also taught at the first and second-grade level. Mrs. O’Flynn serves as co-chairperson for the Northern Valley Schools Regional Professional Development Board.  Kathleen 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.

Angela Panagiotopoulos

Angela Panagiotopoulos is an English teacher at NVD. She received her BA in English Secondary Education from The College of New Jersey and her Masters in Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. Angela's favorite parts about teaching are interacting with her students and collaborating with her amazing colleagues. 

 

Anne Paolucci

Anne is the Supervisor of English (ELA) in Northern Valley Regional High School

Meghan Pleus

Meghan Pleus teaches first grade in Closter. Prior to working in Closter, Meghan was a Teach for America corps member in Newark, New Jersey. Meghan taught for three years in a high-performing charter school where she wrote curricula for mathematics and literacy. Meghan received her undergraduate degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has completed professional coursework in the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. She is passionate about curriculum writing, professional development, and finding the best ways to engage students in the learning process! 
Joseph Polvere

Mr. 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 14 years. Mr. Polvere is married with two children, one with autism and one adopted. He is an advocate for adoptive families and for students on the autistic spectrum. An avid Yankees fan, he is hoping for a normal season.

Gina Restivo

Since 2000, Gina Marie Restivo has focused her professional efforts in a field of work and study that has since grown into a personal passion. Her professional path began as a special educator in the field of autism, wound its way towards behavioral consultation and parent training, and now includes psychological assessment and treatment. Dr. Restivo is a licensed psychologist in the State of New Jersey and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. With a realistic approach that melds research with reality, Dr. Restivo has helped families and educational professionals support children with varied ability levels and challenging behaviors across settings. Children spend the majority of their days in school and at home, so it is justified that the adults in both of these natural settings should be able to efficiently and effectively support their youngsters as they develop adaptive behaviors that will be of benefit to all. Sharing valuable knowledge and approaching situations from a problem-solving perspective have become hallmarks of Dr. Restivo's approach - an approach that caregivers and professionals across the board continue to find surprisingly creative and successful, yet manageable. In a field that grows and changes on a daily basis, Dr. Restivo looks forward to continued opportunities to share her experiences with some, while still learning from others.

Christine Reynolds

Christine is the 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher in Demarest, NJ. In addition to Social Studies, she also teaches Economics and Public Speaking. She is the coach of the Demarest Girls' Basketball Team and enjoys attending all athletic events. Ms. Reynolds attended the University of Delaware and her favorite time period to study in history is 20th Century America.
Rachel Ring

Rachel, MPH, is a public health educator and consultant specializing in comprehensive sexuality education. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Tufts University and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University with a concentration in human sexuality. She has 15 years of experience working in schools and community-based organizations, developing age-appropriate, thoughtful, and comprehensive health and wellness programming. She has taught on these topics across the lifespan; her students have ranged from pre-K classes to adults. For the past five years, Ms. Ring has worked as an independent consultant, working with schools to develop and implement health and sexuality education programs. Her work generally includes a mix of direct teaching, training and support for educators, and support for parents. She is also a parent of two children who are students in the Old Tappan public schools.

Ron Romano

Ron was the District Supervisor of Social Studies for the Northern Valley Regional High School District since 1997. Prior to that, he taught Social Studies classes at NVOT beginning in 1982. He received his BA in History from Muhlenberg College and his MA in Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University.  Mr. Romano is a frequent attendee at historical conferences and workshops.  He was selected to attend the Teacher's Institute at George Washington's Mt. Vernon and the Teacher's Institute at Colonial Williamsburg where he further developed his love for the American Revolution. Ron has  developed workshops to ensure that teachers and their students will have a well developed background in the role New Jersey has played in our history and culture.

Arya Safa
Justin Saxon

Justin is 6 through 8th-grade special education Language Arts & History teacher.  He received a Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware in English Literature. Mr. Saxon continued his education at Felician College attaining teaching certificates in General Education, Special Education and received specializations in both History and Language Arts subject areas. He worked as a Behavior Consultant for the Region II school districts and has presented at the Cosac National Conference that focused on inclusion and social skills for high functioning Autism. Mr. Saxon began his teaching career for NVRHS Region III Special Education teaching in The Valley Program and is currently teaching as a 6th through 8th-grade special education teacher in Region III's Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) that is designed to meet the needs of students with emotional and behavioral challenges from 1st through 8th grade.

Kristen Sellix

Kristen Sellix is the Wellness Coordinator at Northern Valley Regional HS at Demarest. Ms. Sellix is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work from New York University, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Ramapo College of NJ.  Her responsibilities as the Wellness Coordinator include confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and referral to services for students in grades 9-12. Ms. Sellix also assists with the development and implementation of social-emotional learning initiatives. These SEL initiatives for both inside and outside the classroom are geared towards supporting students, staff and parents on various topics relevant to adolescent mental health and wellness. In addition to being a school social worker, she practices clinical psychotherapy at a local private practice in Bergen County NJ where she specializes in the treatment of individuals and families navigating challenges related to mental health diagnosis such as anxiety or depression utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure response prevention and family systems treatment approaches. 

 

Virginia Senande

Ginny is the Supervisor of Professional Learning at the Office of Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. 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, Mrs. Senande holds Supervisor and Principal Certification. Before joining the Northern Valley Curriculum Center, Mrs. Senande taught high school Spanish and served as an Administrative Intern, Tech Mentor, and Acting Assistant Principal. Mrs. Senande was most recently the Learning Systems Technology Integrator for the Northern Valley High Schools. Mrs. 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. 

Debbie Shapiro

Debbie was a Northern Valley Regional High School English teacher for 20 years and holds an 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.
Matthew Spatz

  

Erica Sposa

Erica Sposa is an English teacher at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan and has been in the classroom since 2003 at both the middle and high school levels. She holds a Master's Degree from St. Peter's University.
Rosa Starr World Languages Teacher, Northern Valley Old Tappan Regional High School

 

Kelly Stevens

Kelly 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. She has also served on curriculum writing committees for both Language Arts and Science.

Jodi Sunshine

Jodi Sunshine has been working in the Closter Public Schools providing whole-class enrichment, electives, Gifted and Talented education, and Executive Function.  Prior to working in Closter, Jodi worked for CBS News 60 Minutes.

Susan Van Buskirk

Susan Van Buskirk is a passionate educator with a broad background in the classroom and on the stage. A graduate of Smith College (BA, Psychology, Theatre Arts and Art History) and William Paterson University (MA-Teaching), Susan is currently a Theatre teacher and director of Golden Arts company at Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan. Before joining the staff at NVOT, Susan spent 20 years in private and public schools, teaching middle school language arts, gifted and talented, and drama. She is a 4-time Winner (2007-2010) of the Paper Mill Playhouse Educational Impact Award, which recognizes excellence in "developing teaching curriculum for students." Her educational work has been featured on FOX5 Good Day New York. In addition to her work with Old Tappan, Susan has directed students at Saddle River Day School, Fieldstone Middle School (Montvale, NJ), Travell School (Ridgewood, NJ), and Garage Theater at Bergen Community College. She has also worked as a consultant for Luna Stages in West Orange, teaching workshops for arts educators. Susan is also the proud owner and artistic director of Forbidden Theatre Company which creates theatrical opportunities for high school and college students to explore social issues and challenges through theatre.

Tomas Villa

Tomas Villa teaches at Northern Valley Old Tappan.  He primarily teaches chemistry.  He earned is BS in chemistry from Ramapo College and a MA in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.  

Joanne Werner

Joanne is a Science Teacher at Demarest Middle School.

Amy Wilcox

Amy Wilcox is the Director of Instrumental Music at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan where she directs the Concert Band, Wind Symphony and Orchestra.  In addition to the curricular ensembles, Ms. Wilcox is the director of the Golden Knights Marching Band, the NVOT Jazz Band 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 in the tri-state area. 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. 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. 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.  At Montclair State, she performed on both Eb and Bb clarinet in the Wind Symphony. She had distinct honor of conducting both the Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony in concerts at Montclair State as well as performances that included the NJMEA Convention in East Brunswick. Ms. Wilcox currently plays clarinet with the Westchester Symphonic Winds, located in Tarrytown, NY. In addition to playing with the ensemble, she has had the privilege of being both a guest conductor and apprentice conductor. 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.

Laura Wiseman

Laura 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 11 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.