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

Teaching Faculty
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
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	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-Gilligham Academy	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Education: 22
Theresa Collins	Orton-Gillingham Academy, Fellow & Trainer Department Head, Tutorial	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
Joanne Dowling	Teacher	BS - The Catholic University of America MSED - Fairfield University (Certified K-12)	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Education: 28
Kristin DuCharme	Teacher	BA - Sacred Heart University MAT - Sacred Heart University Connecticut Certification-Initial 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 Department Head, Language Arts	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
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	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: 2	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 Admissions	BS - Western Connecticut State University	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Profession: 16
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 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	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 Connecticut Certification: School Administration	Current Years at TSS: 29	Years in Education: 28
Jodi Hanna	Front Office Administrator Parent of Alumni T'17	BBA - Loyola University, Maryland MS - New York University	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Profession: 18
Lauren Jones	School Programs Coordinator Executive Assistant to the Head of School	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, Caterer	CDM - Auburn University	Current Years at TSS: 5	Years in Profession: 34
Maggie Macari	Chief Operating & Financial Officer COVID Response Coordinator: covid19@southportschool.org	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	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	Director of Advancement Parent of Alumni T'16	BA - Syracuse University, English & Public Relations	Current Years at TSS: 9	Years in Profession: 26
Sharon Plante	Chief Technology Integrator Teacher Mentor 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	Head of School Executive Director, The Southport CoLAB	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 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: 24	Years in Education: 24
Jeffrey Ruggiero	Director of Education	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-Bookkeeper	BA - Allegheny College MBA - Pace University, Finance	Current Years at TSS: 2	Years in Profession: 18
Jennifer Szweda, RN	Nurse COVID Response Team: covid19@southportschool.org	ADN - Waukesha County Technical College BSN - Chamberlain University 2022	Current Years at TSS: 4	Years in Profession: 33
Joyce Tracey	Business Manager	BS - Towson University	Current Years at TSS: 7	Years in Profession: 14
Cadia Wiley	School Counselor Student Advisor	BS - John Carroll University MEd - Cleveland State University	Current Years at TSS: 5	Years in Education: 7

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