Program and Faculty at Our Independent School
TSS believes that learning happens best and students progress faster in small groups. This approach enables teachers to tailor instruction at our independent school to the individual learning needs of each child while focusing on the strengths he or she brings to the classroom. Students who are elementary and middle school aged challenged with dyslexia, ADHD, auditory processing disorders, and other language-based learning differences can in time successfully transition to more traditional programs that fits his or her needs.
Each TSS student has the following academic classes every day:
Tutorial
- Specialized daily instruction in decoding, spelling, reading fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension
- Evidence-based approaches and methods help students "learn to read" and "read to learn"
Literature
- Reinforces reading, comprehension, language, and listening skills through a shared-book experience
- Creative projects extend understanding, foster connections to text, and deepen analysis skills
Writing
- Daily practice in language conventions, sentence writing and paragraph development centered around the writing process, helps students develop a structured approach they can use across the curriculum.
Social Studies & Science
- Hands-on/project-based learning that integrates the arts, technology, field trips, assemblies, lab experiences, and research projects to actively engage students with the material
Mathematics
- Focuses on acquiring underlying mathematical concepts, building computational skills and developing problem-solving strategies
Study Period
- Provides time for students to work with teachers to practice executive function strategies and develop self-advocacy skills
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Teaching Faculty |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aline Araujo |
Teacher |
BA - Roger Williams University, Elementary Education MS - Southern Connecticut State University, Remedial Reading & Language Arts CT Certification Elementary Education, Grades 1-6 |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 6 |
|
Megan Aversano |
Teacher |
BS - University of Connecticut MA - University of Connecticut CT Certification in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6 |
Current Years at TSS: 22 |
Years in Education: 22 |
|
Justin Behn |
Teacher |
BA - Southern State Connecticut University MAT - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification: Provisional Educators in Elementary Education K-6 Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 11 |
Years in Education: 11 |
|
Karin Bowman |
Teacher |
BA - University of Massachusetts MS Ed - University of Bridgeport |
Current Years at TSS: 7 | Years in Education: 24 |
|
Melissa Brown |
Teacher |
BA - Sacred Heart University MAT - Sacred Heart University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University |
Current Years at TSS: 21 |
Years in Education: 22 |
| James Bruce | Teacher |
BA - University of Oregon MS - University of Bridgeport |
Current Years at TSS: 5 | Years in Education: 9 |
|
Julia Cascio |
Teacher |
BA - Fairfield University MA - Fairfield University |
Current Years at TSS: 2 |
Years in Education: 2 |
|
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, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 5 |
Years in Education: 10 |
|
Theresa Collins |
Orton-Gillingham Fellow & Trainer Tutorial Department Head Teacher |
BA - Colgate University MS - State University of New York Fellow, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 7 |
Years in Education: 34 |
|
Taylor Cotaling |
Teacher |
BA - Roger Williams University MA - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 |
Current years at TSS: 6 |
Years in Education: 11 |
|
Brandon DeMunnik |
Teacher |
BA - University of Rhode Island MS - University of Bridgeport |
Current Years at TSS: 21 |
Years in Education: 21 |
|
Joanne Dowling |
Teacher |
BS - The Catholic University of America MSED - Fairfield University (Certified K-12) |
Current Years at TSS: 7 |
Years in Education: 26 |
|
Kristin DuCharme |
Teacher |
BA - Sacred Heart University MAT - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification-Initial Certificate K-6 Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators New Jersey CEAS K-6 (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing) |
Current Years at TSS: 3 | Years in Education: 11 |
|
Christine Filep |
Teacher |
BA - Fairfield University MAT - Sacred Heart University Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 22 |
Years in Education: 23 |
|
Janine Forry |
Teacher Student Advisor |
BS - William Patterson University CAS - St. Thomas Aquinas College MSED - Walden University Associate, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 19 |
Years in Education: 21 |
| Jeannine M. Gallagher | Teacher |
BA-Marymount College Tarrytown MA-Fairfield University |
Current Years at TSS: 7 | Years in Education: 12 |
|
Melanie Higgins |
Teacher |
BS - University of Connecticut MS - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certification: Special Education Associate, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 20 |
Years in Education: 20 |
|
Heather Humphries |
Teacher |
BS - Southern Connecticut State University MA - Fairfield University Connecticut Certification: Professional Educator in Comprehensive Special Education, Pre-K-12 |
Current Years at TSS: 24 |
Years in Education: 32 |
|
Erin Johnson |
Teacher's Assistant |
BA - Marist College MA - Sacred Heart University |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 1 |
|
Sarah Kelly |
Art Director |
BS - Southern Connecticut State University |
Current Years at TSS: 7 |
Years in Education: 10 |
| KC Koshansky | Teacher |
BA - University of Connecticut MAT - Sacred Heart University 6th Year Degree-102 Certification in Remedial Reading/Language Arts K-12 - Fairfield University Connecticut Certification: Provisional Educator, Elementary Education K-6 Certified Structured Literacy / Dyslexia Interventionist |
Current Years at TSS: 2 | Years in Education: 7 |
|
Rebecca "Becca" Levine |
Teacher's Assistant Research Assistant |
BS - The Catholic University of America |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 1 |
|
Talya Oral |
Teacher |
BS - Texas Christian University, Early Childhood Education MS - Texas Christian University, Special Education |
Current Years at TSS: 2 |
Years in Education: 2 |
|
Alexandra Palazzo |
Teacher |
BA - Quinnipiac University MA - Touro College |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 5 |
|
Julie Papp |
Teacher Student Advisor |
BA - Boston College MA - Fordham University |
Current Years at TSS: 17 |
Years in Education: 22 |
|
Sharon Plante |
Chief Technology Integrator Teacher Student Advisor |
BA - Connecticut College MEd - George Mason University Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 17 |
Years in Education: 25 |
|
Brianna Pruchnicki |
Health & Wellness Teacher Teacher's Assistant |
BA - Manhattanville College MS - University of Bridgeport |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 3 |
|
Jim Renehan |
Teacher's Assistant |
BA - Johnson & Wales University MAT - Sacred Heart University TSS Alumni - T '05 |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 6 |
|
Shelbey Roy |
Teacher's Assistant |
BA - Iona College, Political Science MAT - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 1 Years in Administrative: 3 |
|
Kim Ruggiero |
Teacher |
BS - Southern Connecticut State University MS - University of Bridgeport Connecticut Certification: Special Education Associate, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 25 |
Years in Education: 25 |
|
Lila Schooler |
Teacher |
BA - Southern Connecticut State University, Psychology MA - Grand Canyon University, Special Education, K-12 Associates - Champlain College, Early Childhood |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 10 |
| Marisa Scott | Teacher |
BS- Salve Regina University Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 |
Current Years at TSS: 3 |
Years in Education: 4
|
|
Laurie Strazza |
Teacher |
BA - Southern Connecticut State University BS - Southern Connecticut State University MA - Sacred Heart University |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 6 |
|
Stephanie Swinkin |
Teacher |
BA – Hofstra University MS Ed – Binghamton University |
Current Years at TSS: 4 | Years in Education: 7 |
| Tom Turner |
Physical Education Teacher Teacher's Assistant |
BS- Southern Connecticut State University |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Education: 1 |
| Audra Whitmore | Teacher |
BS - Saint Joseph's University MS - Saint Joseph's University Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner Wilson Reading System Level I Certification |
Current Years at TSS: 2 |
Years in Education: 5 |
| Jessica Wilkes | Music Director |
BA - Berklee College of Music MS - University of Bridgeport |
Current Years at TSS: 2 | Years in Education: 8 |
| Clorasteen Wilson | Teacher |
BA - University of Connecticut MS - University of Bridgeport Connecticut Certification: Initial Certificate, Elementary Education 1-6 Classroom Educator, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators |
Current Years at TSS: 3 | Years in Education: 3 |
|
Staff and Administration |
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|
Samantha Berg |
Director of Admissions |
BS - Western Connecticut State University |
Current Years at TSS: 7 |
Years in Education: 14 |
|
Dr. Hallie A. Buckingham |
Head of Upper School Student Advisor |
BS - Southern Connecticut State University MS - Southern Connecticut State University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University EdD - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certified: Special Education |
Current Years at TSS: 32 |
Years in Education: 32 |
|
Rick Fedeli |
Facilities Support |
|
Current Years at TSS: 2 |
Years in Profession: |
|
Mario Fiallo |
Director of Facilities |
GED - Brian McMahon High School |
Current Years at TSS: 21 |
Years in Profession: 33 |
|
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher |
Head of Lower School Co-Director of Summer Programs Student Advisor |
BA - College of New Rochelle MA - College of New Rochelle EdD - St. John Fisher College Connecticut Certification: Special Education |
Current Years at TSS: 27 |
Years in Education: 27 |
| 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: 10 | Years in Education: 30 |
| Suzanne Lang | Director, The Southport CoLAB | BS - Southern Connecticut State University | Current Years at TSS: 2 |
Years in Profession: 11 |
| Peggy Lewis | Chef, Caterer | CDM - Auburn University | Current Years at TSS: 3 |
Years in Profession: 32 |
|
Maggie Macari COVID Response Coordinator: |
Chief Operating Officer |
BS - Villanova University |
Current Years at TSS: 9 |
Years in Profession: 35 |
|
Claire Millerick |
Advancement Coordinator |
BA - Quinnipiac University, Public Relations |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Profession: 2 |
|
Elizabeth “Zibby” Perkins |
Director of Advancement |
BA - Syracuse University, English/Public Relations |
Current Years at TSS: 7 |
Years in Profession: 23 |
|
Lauren Pirrone |
Advancement Coordinator |
BA - Mass Communications, Iona College MS - Human Resources & Organizational Effectiveness, Manhattanville College - School of Business |
Current Years at TSS: 2 |
Years in Profession: 5 |
|
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers |
Head of School |
BA - La Salle University MBA - Rochester Institute of Technology DBA - Grenoble Ecole de Management Associate, Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators Affiliated Research Scientist at Haskin Laboratories |
Current Years at TSS: 9 |
Years in Education: 22 |
|
John Robbins |
Director of Student Programs Co-Director of Summer Programs Student Advisor |
BA - University of Colorado MA - Fairfield University University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certification: Special Education |
Current Years at TSS: 22 |
Years in Education: 22 |
|
Jeffrey Ruggiero |
Director of Curriculum Student Advisor |
BS - Southern Connecticut State University MS - Southern Connecticut State University 6th Year - Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut Certification: Special Education |
Current Years at TSS: 30 |
Years in Education: 30 |
|
Margaret Sullivan, RN COVID Response Team: |
Nurse |
BSN - St. Olaf College National Certification: School Nurse |
Current Years at TSS: 2 | Years in Profession: 34 |
|
David Sylvestro |
School Psychologist |
BA - Trinity College MA - Fairfield University |
Current Years at TSS: 29 |
Years in Education: 47 |
|
Jennifer Szweda, RN COVID Response Team: |
Nurse |
ADN - Waukesha County Technical College BSN - Chamberlain University 2022 |
Current Years at TSS: 2 |
Years in Profession: 31 |
|
Lauren Jones |
Executive Assistant, Head of School |
BA - University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Elementary Education MA - Southern Connecticut State University, Education |
Current Years at TSS: 1 |
Years in Profession: 5 |
| Joyce Tracey |
Business Manager |
BS- Towson University |
Current Years at TSS: 5 |
Years in Profession: 12 |
|
Dede Warner |
Front Office Administrator |
AA - Bennett College BA - University of Connecticut |
Current Years at TSS: 27 |
Years in Education: 32 |
| Cadia Wiley |
School Counselor Student Advisor |
BS-John Carroll University MEd-Cleveland State University |
Current Years at TSS: 3 | Years in Education: 5 |