Faculty & Staff

We only use pedagogical approaches that are grounded in scientific and educational research. All faculty at The Southport School are trained in structured literacy instruction. 

All TSS faculty have undertaken, at minimum, the Classroom Educator coursework and through faculty mentorship. All reading instructors have received Classroom Educator training and/or certification from the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE), or are working towards or have received Associate Level certification.

Additionally, all reading teachers receive ongoing training and supervision from our on-site Orton-Gillingham Fellow. They are also trained in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing Method® for Language Comprehension and Thinking. 

 

Teaching Faculty

Kari Anderson Teacher
 
BS - Business Administration, California State University, Fresno Teaching Credential Work, California State University, Fresno
MA - Education - Administration and Supervision. California State University, Fresno
 
Current Years at TSS: 1 Years in Education: 26
Aline Araujo Teacher  

BA - Roger Williams University, Elementary Education
MS - Southern Connecticut State University, Remedial Reading & Language Arts
Connecticut Certification Elementary Education, Grades 1-6

Current Years at TSS: 3 Years in Education: 8
Faith Aronson Teacher  

George Mason University 
MS Education - Southern CT State University
Connecticut Certification - Marketing Education 7-12
Connecticut Certification - Elementary 1-6
Connecticut Certification - MS Math 6-8
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy
CPT, CNC, Health & Wellness Professional
 
Current Years at TSS: 2 Years in Education: 8
Megan Aversano Teacher  

BS - University of Connecticut 
MA - University of Connecticut 
Connecticut Certification in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6 

Current Years at TSS: 24 Years in Education: 24
Justin Behn Teacher  

BS - University of Connecticut
MA - University of Connecticut
Connecticut Certification in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6

Current Years at TSS: 13 Years in Education: 13
Karin Bowman Teacher  

BA - University of Massachusetts 
MS Ed - University of Bridgeport 
Certified, Orton-Gillingham Academy 

Current Years at TSS: 9 Years in Education: 26
Melissa Brown Teacher  

BA - Sacred Heart University 
MAT - Sacred Heart 
University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University 
Connecticut Certification: Remedial Reading/Language Arts K-12 
Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator, Elementary Education K-6 

Current Years at TSS: 23 Years in Education: 24
James Bruce Teacher  

BA - University of Oregon
MS - University of Bridgeport

Current Years at TSS: 7 Years in Education: 11
Julia Cascio Teacher  
 
BA - Fairfield University 
MA - Fairfield University
Provisional Educator Certificate
 
Current Years at TSS: 4 Years in Education: 4
Bianca Cenatiempo Teacher  

BS - Western Connecticut State University
MA - Fairfield University 
Connecticut Certification: Health Education Pre-K-12 and Special Education K-12
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy

Current Years at TSS: 7 Years in Education: 12
Tricia Ciminera
Teacher
 
 
BA - Fitchburg State University, Early Childhood Education 
BS - Fitchburg State University, Sociology 
MS - Fairfield University, Teaching and Learning 
Connecticut Certification: PreK-12 
University 6th Year - University of Bridgeport, Remedial Reading & Remedial Language Arts 
Connecticut Certification: Grades 1-12
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy
 
Current Years at TSS: 2 Years in Education: 22

Theresa Collins

Director Orton-Gillingham Academy Training & Instruction
Tutorial Director

  BA - Colgate University
MS - State University of New York 
Fellow, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators 
Current Years at TSS: 9 Years in Education: 36
Sarah Crupi Art Director
Teacher
 

BS - Southern Connecticut State University
MA - Boston University
Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator, Art Education Pre-K-12
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy

Current Years at TSS: 9 Years in Education: 12
Brandon DeMunnik

Teacher
Student Advisor

 

BA - University of Rhode Island
MS - University of Bridgeport

Current Years at TSS: 23 Years in Education: 23
Kristin DuCharme Teacher  

BA - Sacred Heart University
MAT - Sacred Heart University 
Connecticut Certification-Provisional Certificate K-6
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy
New Jersey CEAS K-6 (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing)

Current Years at TSS: 5 Years in Education: 13
Christine Filep Teacher  

BA - Fairfield University
MAT - Sacred Heart University
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy

Current Years at TSS: 24 Years in Education: 25
Janine Forry Teacher 
Student Advisor 
 

BS - William Paterson University
CAS - St. Thomas Aquinas College
MSED - Walden University
Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy

Current Years at TSS: 21 Years in Education: 23
Jeannine M. Gallagher Teacher  

BS - Marymount College -Tarrytown, Special Education 
MA - Fairfield University, Special Education 
Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator in Comprehensive Special Education K-12 
Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator in Elementary Education K-6 
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy

Current Years at TSS: 9 Years in Education: 14

 

Ashley Halkowicz

 

Teacher  

BS - Sacred Heart University 
MAT - Sacred Heart University 
Connecticut Initial Certification: Professional Educator in Elementary Education 1-6 

Current Years at TSS: 1 Years in Education: 1
Melanie Higgins Teacher  

BS - University of Connecticut
MS - Southern Connecticut State University
Connecticut Certification: Special Education
Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy

Current Years at TSS: 22 Years in Education: 22
Erin Johnson Teacher  

BA - Marist College
MA - Sacred Heart University
Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6

Current Years at TSS: 3 Years in Education: 3
Catherine Morris Physical Education Teacher  
 
BSc.Hons, University of Surrey, London, UK
AFPA, Certified Health and Wellness Coach
American Association of Drugless Practitioners Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Youth Optimum Performance Specialist
National Academy of Sports Medicine, Youth Exercise Specialist
SAC, UK, Diploma in Sports Therapy
NFHS, Certified Interscholastic Coach
NFHS, Accredited Interscholastic Coach
 
Current years at TSS: 2 Years in Education: 32
Taylor Myers Teacher  

BA - Roger Williams University 
MA - Sacred Heart University 
Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 
Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators

Current years at TSS: 8 Years in Education: 13
Talya Oral Teacher  

BS - Texas Christian University, Early Childhood Education
MS - Texas Christian University, Special Education

Current Years at TSS: 4 Years in Education: 4
Kylie Palmer Teacher  

BS - University of Dayton, Early Childhood Education 
Connecticut Certification: Early Childhood/Elementary Ed. N-3 and Special Ed. N-K

Current Years at TSS: 2 Years in Education: 2
Julie Papp Teacher
Student Advisor
 

BA - Boston College
MA - Fordham University

Current Years at TSS: 19 Years in Education: 24
Joanna Quinn Mindfulness and Movement Teacher  

BA - Boston College
MA - Fordham University

Current Years at TSS: 1 Years in Education: 5
Shelbey Roy Teacher  

BA - Iona College, Political Science
MAT - Sacred Heart University
Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6

Current Years at TSS: 3 Years in Education: 3
Kim Ruggiero

Department Head, Math
Teacher

 

BS - Southern Connecticut State University 
MS - University of Bridgeport 
Connecticut Certification: Elementary and Special Education 
Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy

Current Years at TSS: 27 Years in Education: 27
Marisa Scott Teacher  

BS- Salve Regina University
Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6

Current Years at TSS: 5 Years in Education: 6
Laurie Strazza Teacher  
 
BA - Southern Connecticut State University
BS - Southern Connecticut State University
MA - Sacred Heart University
Secondary Science Certificate
Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy
 
Current Years at TSS: 3 Years in Education: 8
Kylee Vitka Teacher  

BA – Southern Connecticut State University, Early Childhood Education 
Connecticut Certified, Early Childhood/Elementary N-3 and Special Education N-K

Current Years at TSS: 2 Years in Education: 3
Audra Whitmore Teacher 
Student Advisor 
 
 
BS - Saint Joseph's University
MS - Saint Joseph's University
Classroom Educator & Associate Level, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
Wilson Reading System Level I Certification
CT Certified: Provisional Educator, Elementary Education, Grades 1-6
CT Certified: Provisional Educator, Special Education, Comprehensive, Grades K-12
 
Current Years at TSS: 4 Years in Education: 7
Jessica Wyton Teacher, Upper School
Music Director
 

BA - Berklee College of Music 
MS - University of Bridgeport 
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy 

Current Years at TSS: 4 Years in Education: 10
Clorasteen Wilson Teacher  

BA - University of Connecticut 
MS - University of Bridgeport 
Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy 

Current Years at TSS: 5 Years in Education: 5

Staff and Administration

Samantha Berg Director of Student Enrollment Management  

BS - Western Connecticut State University

Current Years at TSS: 9 Years in Profession: 16
Dr. Hallie A. Buckingham

Associate Head of School for Student Engagement
Student Advisor

 

BS - Southern Connecticut State University
MS - Southern Connecticut State University
6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University
EdD - Southern Connecticut State University
Connecticut Certification: Special Education

Current Years at TSS: 34 Years in Education: 34
Rick Fedeli

Facilities Support

    Current Years at TSS: 4  
Mario Fiallo

Director of Facilities

  GED - Brian McMahon High School Current Years at TSS: 23 Years in Profession: 35
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher Associate Head of School for Administration
Student Advisor
 

BA - College of New Rochelle
MA - College of New Rochelle
EdD - St. John Fisher College
Connecticut Certification: Special Education
Connecticut Certification: School Administration

Current Years at TSS: 29 Years in Education: 28
Jodi Hanna

Front Office Administrator
Parent of Alumnus

 

BBA - Loyola University, Maryland
MS - New York University

Current Years at TSS: 2 Years in Profession: 18
Lauren Jones

School Programs Coordinator

 

BA - University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Elementary Education
MA - Southern Connecticut State University, Education

Current Years at TSS: 3 Years in Profession: 7
Melissa Kinyon, C.C.C./SLP Speech-Language Pathologist  

BS - Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Ithaca College
MS - Communication Disorders, Emerson College
ASHA Certified, CT Licensed

Current Years at TSS: 12 Years in Education: 32
Peggy Lewis Chef  

CDM - Auburn University

Current Years at TSS: 5 Years in Profession: 34
Maggie Macari
 
Chief Financial & Operating Officer
COVID Response Coordinator
 
  BS - Villanova University Current Years at TSS: 11 Years in Profession: 37
Claire Millerick Advancement Coordinator  

BA - Quinnipiac University, Public Relations

Current Years at TSS: 3 Years in Profession: 4
Meghan Murtagh

School Counselor, Faculty Member

 

BA - The Pennsylvania State University 
MEd - Plymouth State University, School Counseling Certification K-12

Current Years at TSS: 2 Years in Profession: 6
Jimmy O'Hara

Facilities Support

  Norwalk High School Current Years at TSS: 1 Years in Profession: 16
Elizabeth “Zibby” Perkins

Chief Advancement Officer
Parent of Alumna

  BA - Syracuse University, English & Public Relations Current Years at TSS: 9 Years in Profession: 26
Sharon Plante Chief Technology Integrator
Student Advisor
 

BA - Connecticut College 
MEd - George Mason University 
092 Leadership and Administration - Sacred Heart University 
Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator: Special Education: Comprehensive, Grades K - 12 
Classroom Educator, Orton-Gillingham Academy 
Wilson Reading System Level I Certification 
Co-Author - "Using Technology to Engage Students with Learning Disabilities" 

Current Years at TSS: 19 Years in Education: 27
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers
 
Executive Director, The Southport School 
Founder & Executive Director, The CoLAB
Senior Scientist, Haskins Laboratories
Chair of Scientific Symposia, The Dyslexia Foundation
 
 

BA - La Salle University
MBA - Rochester Institute of Technology
DBA - Grenoble Ecole de Management
Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Affiliated Research Scientist at Haskin Laboratories

Current Years at TSS: 11 Years in Education: 24
John Robbins
Director of Student Programs
Director of Summer Programs
Student Advisor
Faculty Member
 

BA - University of Colorado
MA - Fairfield University
University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University
Connecticut Certification: Special Education

Current Years at TSS: 24 Years in Education: 24
Jeffrey Ruggiero Associate Head of School for Academics   BS - Southern Connecticut State University, Special Education 
MS - Southern Connecticut State University, Learning Disabilities 
University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University, School Administration and Supervision 
Connecticut Certification: Special Education K-12 
Connecticut Certification: School Administration 
Associate, Orton-Gillingham Academy
Current Years at TSS: 32 Years in Education: 32
Susan Stefenson Business Office  

BA - Allegheny College
MBA - Pace University, Finance

Current Years at TSS: 2 Years in Profession: 18
Anna Petruny 
 
Nurse
COVID Response Team
 
 

ADN- Sacred Heart University

Current Years at TSS: 1 Years in Profession: 1
Joyce Tracey Accountant  

BS - Towson University

Current Years at TSS: 7 Years in Profession: 14
Cadia Wiley
 
School Counselor
Student Advisor
Faculty Member
 
 

BS - John Carroll University
MEd - Cleveland State University

Current Years at TSS: 5 Years in Education: 7