RCDS is pleased to welcome new additions to the RCDS administration, faculty, and staff who will join us in 2024-25. Additionally, title changes for current employees are included below.

Rachel Alliker
Lower School Associate Teacher
In 2024, Rachel Alliker received her B.A. from Skidmore College with a major in Psychology.  At Skidmore, Ms. Alliker was head tour guide and trainer for the Thoroughbred Ambassadors Program, President of the Periclean Honors Forum, and a Writing Center Tutor. She is a Certified Psychology Researcher (CITI) and has clinical field experiences in functional behavior with elementary students. She has also been an intern in the family program at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Ms. Alliker will pursue a Master of Science in Teaching at Fordham University. She will be the Associate Teacher with Ms. Haff in first grade. 

Kate Antonelli
Lower School Associate Teacher
A graduate of Saint Joseph’s University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, Kate Antonelli is pursuing the M.A. Literacy Specialist degree at Teachers College Columbia University. She joins us with PreK-4 certification from Pennsylviania’s Department of Education. Ms. Antonelli completed her student teaching at Park Lane Elementary School in Darby, PA, where she worked closely with her cooperating teacher to set goals with students, mentor students, and teach various subject area lessons. She has been a camp counselor at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and Roxborough’s YMCA. Ms. Antonelli was a member of the Saint Joseph’s Lacrosse team, coached both lacrosse and field hockey, and volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sister Program. Ms. Antonelli will be the Associate Teacher in Kindergarten with Ms. Caterina. 

Julie Austin
Middle School Counselor
With over nineteen years of experience as a school social worker, Julie Austin will serve as the Middle School Counselor starting in September. Previous to RCDS, she worked with elementary, middle, and high school students in Bedford, Irvington, New Rochelle, and the Bronx school districts. Bilingual and licensed by New York State as a Master Social Worker, Ms. Austin earned her Masters of Social Work from Fordham University. 

Carrie Burke
Director of Diversity. Equity, and Inclusion
Ms. Burke brings to RCDS a wealth of experience in teaching, school leadership, international study, and service. At Buffalo Seminary (SEM), an independent day and boarding high school for girls, Ms. Burke was responsible for all aspects of the school’s comprehensive DEI program as the DEI Director. In addition to her daily work with students, which included establishing an active student DEI Team that hosted regular seminars and discussions, Ms. Burke served as a resource for underrepresented families and was a key partner in SEM’s admissions and financial aid processes. Prior to SEM, she served as Director of Campus DEI Initiatives at Uncommon Charter High School, a role she took after serving as the Performing Arts & Electives Department Chair and a 9th Grade Academic Dean. She was also an Upper School Theatre Teacher at Hackley School. Ms. Burke is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Education degree at the University at Buffalo. She also holds an M.A. in Educational Theatre from NYU and a B.F.A. in Acting from Syracuse University. She is the recipient of a NYSAIS Emerging Leaders Fellowship (2023-2025) and a member of the NYSAIS Diversity Committee. In 2022, she earned a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. In 2015, she received the Innovative Cultural Advocacy Fellowship from the Caribbean Cultural Center For The African Diaspora Institute and advocated for culturally diverse representation in the arts, education, and public policy. Read more here.

Jonathan Carter 
Math Teaching Fellow
Jonathan Carter joins Rye Country Day School as a Teaching Fellow in the Math Department and will begin his two-year fellowship by working closely with Susan Peck in our Middle School Program. Mr. Carter is a passionate, talented and empathetic educator who recently worked as a Middle School Learning Specialist and History teacher at South Bronx Classical Charter School. He has also worked at KIPP Freedom Middle School and Bronx Charter School for Better Learning. Mr. Carter is also a talented artist who loves the theatre. He sees many connections between the Arts and Math and looks forward to connecting with RCDS students. Mr. Carter holds a B.A. in Film and Television Studies/Childhood Education from Lehman College.

Tim Derby
Upper School Math Teacher
​​Tim Derby joins the Upper School Mathematics department after completing his M.Ed. in Secondary Education Mathematics at Boston College's Lynch School. He holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Hamilton College, with a minor in Education & Hispanic Studies. Mr. Derby has experience teaching Algebra 2 in Boston and his international teaching stints include roles as a BEDA English Language Assistant and a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Madrid, where he fostered language skills and cultural exchange. A native of Connecticut, his instructional experience spans from coaching tennis at Norwalk Grassroots Tennis & Education and Woodway Country Club to summer Precalculus at King School. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in Russian, Mr. Derby combines language skills with technical prowess in Python and Matlab.

Sarah DiSanto
Lower School Associate Teacher
A 2023 graduate of The Catholic University of America where she majored in Elementary Education and played softball, Sarah DiSanto has been a student teacher at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom School in Washington D.C., a student employee of the Mullen Library at Catholic University, camp counselor at Orienta Beach Club and Ridgeway Alliance Summer Camps, and a birthday party and team member at Life Time Fitness Kids Academy. An active volunteer, she has contributed her talents to Catholic University’s Education Student Panel, Operation Smile, DC Reads Tutoring Program, and Our Lady of Sorrows Religious Education Program. Ms. DiSanto is pursuing her master's degree in childhood education with a focus on literacy at Manhattanville College. Ms. DiSanto will be the Associate Teacher in Ms. Huggard’s third grade classroom.

Natasha Dooley
Upper School Science
Natasha Dooley joins RCDS from The Brearley School, where she crafted curriculum in Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Neuroscience. An accomplished educator with a varied background in Science education and curriculum development, Ms. Dooley holds a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Howard University, and additional certifications in Secondary Science Education. She pursued further education at The City College of New York and Teachers College, Columbia University, earning an M.Sc. in Neuroscience and Education. Her dedication to STEM education is evident through her impactful roles at Bedford-Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School, Harlem Village Academy High School, and Paul Lawrence Dunbar Senior High School in Washington, D.C. Ms. Dooley is also esteemed as a Master Teacher Fellow with Math for America, with notable contributions in healthcare and research at Brookdale University Medical Center and Glenwood Medical Center PLLC.

Jeff Fox
Security
Jeff Fox joins RCDS as a member of the Security Team. Mr. Fox is an auxiliary member of the NYPD 45th Precinct. Additionally, he has provided security services for a number of institutions over the past three years. Prior to working in the security field, he was a banker with JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Citibank. Mr. Fox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Capella University.   

Jay Fung
Lower School Librarian & Information Specialist 
Jay Fung joins RCDS as the new Lower School Librarian. For over two decades, Mr. Fung has been an integral faculty member at Manhattan Country School in Manhattan. While at MCS, Mr. Fung held the roles of Head Teacher for the 7-8s program, Pre-K - Grade 8 Resource Teacher, and Librarian. He created a library environment that promotes curiosity, imagination, critical thinking, engagement, and an openness to discovering new information and dialogue. He developed the curriculum, curated and organized the collection, and managed automated library systems. Mr. Fung holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from California State University. 

Andrea Gallardo 
Upper School Math Teacher
Andrea Gallardo is a distinguished educator with over 14 years of international teaching experience in independent schools and joins the RCDS community from Ransom Everglades School in Miami, FL, where she specialized in Advanced Placement Calculus AB and Calculus, integrating real-world applications to enhance student learning and growth mindset. At Ransom, she also led the annual TEDx event and the Volunteer Services Council. Ms. Gallardo’s career spans roles at American School of Dubai and Innoventures Education in Dubai, UAE, where she developed innovative math labs and coordinated gifted and talented programs. Ms. Gallardo holds a M.A. in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in Economics with a Minor in Mathematics from Smith College, where she graduated cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Gallardo is eager to continue inspiring students in advanced Mathematics courses and get involved in various student activities.

Sadie Guffey ’20
Lower School Associate Teacher
A graduate of Rye Country Day School, Sadie Guffey received a B.A. from Elon University in May 2024 with a double major in Elementary Education (K-6) and Psychology. Ms. Guffey student taught at South Mebane and Gibsonville Elementary Schools in North Carolina, which led to her earning a North Carolina Teaching License in Elementary Education. She had also been a Learning Strategy Tutor for the Athletics Department, where she taught organizational, time management, and productivity skills to student-athletes; she holds tutoring certificates from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) and Intercultural Learning Program. Ms. Guffey is pursuing her graduate degree at Columbia University Teachers College and will be the Associate Teacher in Pre-Kindergarten with Ms. Quintyne. 

Tara Kalinisan
Associate Director of College Counseling 
Tara Kalinisan joins the RCDS community from the Birch Wathen Lenox School (BWL) in New York City, where she served as Associate Director of College Counseling. At BWL, Ms. Kalinisan supported students and families through the college application process, fostering strong relationships and empowering students to pursue their academic and personal goals. She created monthly newsletters for parents, organized virtual case study events, and developed a Sophomore Seminar to enhance students' skills. Previously, Ms. Kalinisan was Associate Director of Admission at Smith College, overseeing recruitment, supporting applicants nationwide, and leading diversity and access initiatives. Her experience at Spence School in admissions provided insights into independent school operations. A Bronx native and Muhlenberg College graduate, Ms. Kalinisan studied philosophy and dance as a TEAK Fellow.

Ryan King 
Physical Education Teacher and Coach
Ryan King joins the Athletics and Physical Education Departments this fall. He previously taught at Avenues The World School in New York City, where he designed and implemented a creative concept-based curriculum to meet the needs of his elementary and middle school aged students that emphasized joy and engagement. Mr. King also served as the Director of Youth Athletics and Physical Education at the Chelsea Piers Field House in Manhattan for many years. With a Bachelor of Science degree from Manhattan College, Mr. King will teach Physical Education in all three divisions, coach in the Middle and Upper School, and join the fifth grade advising team.

Mollie Lieblich
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Mollie Lieblich is returning to the East Coast to join the Middle School Social Studies Department after spending six years in Palo Alto, CA. There she taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students as the Lead Humanities teacher at The Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School. Ms. Lieblich began her teaching career as a History teacher at The Bronx High School of Science. She has a Master of Arts degree in Social Studies Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, a Masters of Arts in History from The University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Muhlenberg College. Ms. Lieblich will be teaching Social Studies and advising the seventh and eighth grades.

Catherine McRoy-Mendell
Upper School Humanities Teacher
Coming to RCDS from Upper Canada College in Toronto, where she taught IB Economics and Civics and served as House Advisor (Grade Level Dean), Catherine McRoy-Mendell joins the Upper School Humanities Department to assume the reins of our Psychology program. Ms. McRoy-Mendell holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and a M.A. in Social Studies Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Previous to her time at Upper Canada College, Ms. McRoy-Mendell contributed to the educational landscape at Stuyvesant High School in New York City, teaching AP Economics and Psychology, and she brings a depth of knowledge in crafting engaging curricula aligned with – and extending beyond – International Baccalaureate standards. She was also recognized for her leadership as Model United Nations Club advisor, achieving accolades such as Best Large Delegation at McGill University’s SSUNS. Ms. McRoy-Mendell is also committed to community initiatives, such as directing programs at I'RAISE Girls & Boys International for at-risk youth and fostering career readiness among students.

Noelle Morano
Assistant Director of Public Purpose
Noelle Morano comes to RCDS from Loyola School in NYC, where she served for seven years as the Director of Christian Service. Through this role, Ms. Morano oversaw Loyola’s service immersion programming. She has significant experience connecting with local nonprofits to collaborate around changemaking opportunities and has taught several courses focused on social and environmental issues to provide a foundation for the students before engaging in volunteer work. She graduated with her Bachelors from Santa Clara University and her Masters in Teaching from Hamline University.

Alina Nakos 
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Alina Nakos joins RCDS after having spent five years at Forte Preparatory Academy in Queens, NY, where she served as Senior Content Chair and History teacher. As the founding lead teacher for their U.S. History course, Ms. Nakos designed and implemented a curriculum that aligned with the Common Core and incorporated primary source-based material for their seventh grade. Previous to this role, Ms. Nakos taught internationally in Bosnia, Spain, and Israel. She earned a Masters of Science in Public Policy and Human Development from The United Nations University in the Netherlands and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College. Ms. Nakos will be teaching Grades 6 & 7 Social Studies and advising the sixth grade.

Shaba Simmons
Middle School Math Teacher
Shaba Simmons brings a wealth of experience to the RCDS Middle School Math Department. For five years, she served as a sixth grade Math teacher and Middle School Math Coach at The Bronx Charter School for the Arts. She designed and delivered curriculum, tracked and analyzed data to inform instruction and planning, and oversaw teacher development and academic standards. Previous to this work, Ms. Simmons served as an elementary teacher and Math Coach for twelve years. She holds a master’s degree in Economics and Education from Teachers College at Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spelman College. Ms. Simmons will be coming on board as a Grades 7 & 8 advisor and Grades 6 & 7 Math teacher.

Dennis Vasquez
Associate Director of College Counseling 
Dennis Vasquez brings over two decades of experience in college admissions and school counseling to the RCDS College Counseling team. Previously serving as Director of College Counseling at Léman School in Lower Manhattan, an IB World School, Mr. Vasquez oversaw a successful team dedicated to guiding a diverse group of high-achieving students through the college planning process. At Léman, he initiated the school’s first international college fair, developed a comprehensive advising program starting from eighth grade, and introduced a bi-weekly career exploration initiative involving parents sharing their professional experiences with students. A Boston College graduate with a B.A. in Psychology via Army ROTC scholarship, Mr. Vazsquez began his career in active duty before transitioning to admissions counseling at Skidmore College. He later applied his expertise as Associate Director of College Counseling at Newark Academy and at the College Bound Initiative, supporting college readiness in NYC public schools.

Pen Vineyard
Middle School Principal 
At Boys’ Latin, a K-12 independent boys’ school in Baltimore, Mr. Vineyard, as Head of Middle School, was responsible for all aspects of daily operations for grades 6-8, including curriculum, teaching and learning, counseling and support services, division strategy, and parent/guardian collaboration.A passionate teacher, Mr. Vineyard has also kept his connection to the classroom, teaching Spanish (grades 6-8) and Latin (grade 8) during his years at Boys’ Latin. Before becoming Middle School Head, he also served as a cross country coach and an eighth-grade advisor. Prior to Boys’ Latin, Mr. Vineyard served on the senior leadership team as Dean of Students at Fairfield Country Day School. In that role, he supported diverse learning and social-emotional needs for students in grades 5-9; managed student discipline; refined advisory, student diversity club, class trips, and other programs; oversaw teacher comment reviews; developed FCDS’s first-ever mini-mester courses; and taught Spanish (grades 5-9), Latin (grade 6), and algebra and geometry (grade 8). Mr. Vineyard is a graduate of Dartmouth College—he received his B.A. in music and graduated in three years with cum laude honors. He earned his M.A. in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. He also holds certification to teach Spanish in Connecticut Public Schools. Mr. Vineyard is multilingual, fluent in English and Spanish and proficient in French. Read more here.

Colleen Weidner
Lower School Admissions Assessment Manager
Colleen Weidner is returning to RCDS to serve as seasonal Lower School Assessment Manager from her most recent position as a Pre-K teacher in Darien, CT.  In this role, she formed strong connections with her students while assessing and reporting their developmental and academic skill set via observational and formal assessments. Ms. Weidner’s RCDS career began as an Associate Teacher in Kindergarten and 2nd grade, while she earned her MAT in Childhood Education from Manhattanville College in 2012. She returned to RCDS as a 4th grade maternity replacement and most recently, she piloted and directed the Extended Day program at RCDS in 2015. Prior to her career in education, she worked in the publishing field; specifically integrative marketing for several magazine titles. Ms. Weidner graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Communications in 2004. 

Charles Worrall 
Upper School Math Teacher
With over two decades of experience, Charles Worrall joins RCDS from Horace Mann School, where he served as Head Math Instructor and chaired the Math Department from 2013 to 2018. A Williams College graduate with honors in Mathematics and English, Mr. Worrall has taught a wide range of courses from pre-algebra to advanced calculus. He introduced innovative programs like Math Seminar and Advanced Euclidean Geometry, and he played a pivotal role in Horace Mann’s Heckscher Scholars Program, integrating historical contexts into the math curriculum. A passionate educator, Mr. Worrall is actively involved in professional organizations and has received several prestigious awards for his teaching excellence, including the “Helping Hand Award” at Bronx School of Science and Math, the Horace Mann Eisenbud Endowed Chair in Mathematics, and Horace Mann’s Yearbook Dedication in 2011, 2015 and 2022. 

Brandon Wurtz 
Sports Information Coordinator 
Brandon Wurtz comes to RCDS after concluding his tenure as a Graduate Assistant in Utica University’s Sports Information Department (2022 to 2024). He is set to receive his Master of Business Administration in August 2024. At Utica, Mr. Wurtz worked within the Sports Information department to ensure all 26 of Utica University’s NCAA Division III sports were covered effectively. He was in charge of social media graphics, gameday programs, statting games, and photography, among other duties. Mr. Wurtz graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2022 with a B.S. in Sport Management and a B.S. in Business Economics. 

Lori Ziesel
Executive Assistant to the Head of School 
Lifelong educator and former Chief of Staff to the Superintendent of Schools Office of the Archdiocese of New York, Lori Ziesel joins RCDS to serve as Executive Assistant to the Head of School. Ms. Ziesel received her Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education from The College of New Rochelle. Ms. Ziesel brings a wealth of experience in organizing and managing the daily operations of school leadership. She is fluent in her use of digital platforms, technology, calendaring, document-preparation, file systems, and much, much more. As a teacher for nearly two decades, Ms. Ziesel brought innovation and passion to her support for Middle School students in Bronx, NY. 
 

New Roles and Title Changes

Kaitlin Boyer
Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

Ian Coupe
Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Sarah Flynn
Grade 12 Dean and Upper School Classics Teacher

Elizabeth Huggard
Grade 3 Teacher

Kelly Melandro
Assistant Director of Advancement

Maximo Pérez
Middle School Computer Science Teacher

Aimee Rincon
Senior Associate Director of College Counseling 

Trinity Sells
Marketing & Communications Assistant and Coach

Tim Silverman
Middle School Grade 5-6 Dean 

Betsy Stedman
Middle School Assistant Principal and Middle School Math Teacher