The PLCS Team

 Dr. Mary Elizabeth Wilson serves as Senior Director of Professional Development and Instructional Technology here at Southern Westchester BOCES. Dr. Wilson oversees several CoSer and grant funded programs within the larger Center, including School Library System, School Safety, Hudson Valley Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network, and Professional Learning for teachers, principals/school leaders, and central office administrators/district leaders. Dr. Wilson holds a doctoral degree from Columbia University where her dissertation focused on using data to inform curriculum, instruction and professional learning in science education. Dr. Wilson is responsible for leading implementation of the PreK-12 New York State Learning Standards and developing and implementing new strategies, programs and structures to support professional learning. She also supports ESSA implementation in researching, analyzing, and synthesizing data concerning special populations and school support. Dr. Wilson’s efforts reflect SWBOCES mission: to prepare and support all educators in providing high quality learning opportunities for all students.   

 Adam Weinstock, Assistant Director Professional Learning and Curriculum Support, is grateful for the learning communities in his own life, and has long sought to nurture educational spaces that support and encourage all students, seeking to connect purpose and process. With a commitment to equity, relationships, and responsive practices, he strives to foster conditions for all to grow and thrive, including fellow educators. Weinstock’s experience in education includes teaching at, and helping lead, community-based middle schools in NYC. He has collaborated with dozens of schools to advance whole school improvement efforts, and worked at the district level to further the coherence and responsiveness of ELA/literacy and Social Studies curriculum, instruction, and assessment in grades K-12. From classroom teaching to instructional coaching to school and district administration, Weinstock prioritizes collaboration, meaningful learning experiences, inclusive representation, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, literacy development, and building on strengths. He received a Bachelor’s in Public Policy and teaching degree from Brown University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Baruch College as part of the NYCDOE Leadership in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP), and more recently completed Bank Street College’s School District Leadership Certification Program. 

Tracy Tyler serves as Supervisor of Literacy & Learning at Southern Westchester BOCES. She collaborates with teachers, principals, and district leaders to develop and support in the implementation of effective instructional practices resulting in accelerated student achievement. Tracy has earned a Master of Science in Teaching Literacy from Bank Street College. She also holds an Advanced Certificate in School Building and District Leadership from Hunter College. For over a decade, she has worked with schools across Westchester, the Bronx, and Manhattan to improve teacher pedagogy and design curriculum, with a focus on literacy instruction across content areas and grade levels. At SWBOCES, Tracy specializes in supporting schools by analyzing strengths and best opportunities for growth, developing innovative short and long-term professional learning plans, and developing targeted goals to maximize success. She strategically matches schools and districts to the most effective professional learning experiences. She is passionate about engaging teachers and leaders in curating, creating, and implementing  and developing high-quality, equitable, and inclusive curriculum and instructional practices.

 Elizabeth DellaBadia serves as Supervisor for Teaching, Learning, and Student Support here at Southern Westchester BOCES. With a strong background in special education, Elizabeth is most passionate about ensuring inclusive learning environments in which foster student learning and emotional growth, while simultaneously acting upon opportunities to work directly with teachers and paraprofessionals to strengthen curriculum planning and instructional practice. Elizabeth’s highest degree earned is a Master of Science in Elementary and Special Education from City University of New York at Queens College. She has also earned an Advanced Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and School Building Leadership as well as an Advanced Certificate in School District Leadership in the state of New York. At SWBOCES,  Elizabeth is responsible for developing and leading high quality professional learning opportunities, assisting teachers in identifying and coordinating rigorous instructional programs matching student needs, and reviewing management aspects of the Center including budget, program descriptions and partnerships.

 Brandon A. Cruz has dedicated his career to serving school communities. Previously a middle school special education teacher, special education instructional support specialist, and an assistant principal in the Bronx, he holds the opinion that schools should be the best and safest place for kids to be.  In his role as Supervisor of School Safety and Facilities for SWBOCES, he is committed to ensuring each district’s safety and building facility needs are met. Mr. Cruz encourages schools to work with law enforcement and mental health professionals to prevent school violence, and has built an extended team of experts to support those efforts. Strategic partners for Mr. Cruz’s initiatives include the Westchester County Police, Altaris Consulting Group, the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and the New York State School Facilities Association, bringing specialties in public safety, school safety, mental health, facilities safety and more. Mr. Cruz, through the Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support, also provides hands on workshops including the Crisis Prevention Institute’s Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Class, Threat Assessment Team training, School Emergency Planning, and the four New York State Mandated Courses including the 6-hour Mandated Course on Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination under the Dignity for All Students Act. He holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Albany. 

 Sadika Clarke serves as Coordinator of Health, Safety and Wellness at Southern Westchester BOCES. By curating various workshops on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed education, and creating inclusive and supportive learning communities, Sadika demonstrates her passion for educating the “whole child”. She has over a decade of experience in education, supporting students, families, and educators. Sadika’s holds a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Lehman College and has earned an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose. At SWBOCES, Sadika is responsible for collaborating with our component districts to implement strategies and programs designed to improve school culture and climate and works to ensure that schools are safe and support learning for all students.  

 Dr. Jen Cannell serves as Supervisor of the School Library System at Southern Westchester BOCES. She holds a Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership from The Sage Colleges. Dr. Cannell has previously served as a middle school librarian, library automation coordinator, school library system director, assistant professor and director of St. John Fisher college’s Graduate School Library Media Program. At SWBOCES, Dr. Cannell is responsible for leading colleagues in providing high quality service for the School Library System, library automation, data management and instructional media. Dr. Cannell also coordinates wonderful ongoing learning opportunities with local, state, national and international library experts as well as develops/facilitates mentoring programs for new librarians focusing on bridging the gap between theory and practice.

 Anne Price-Gordon serves as Library Media Specialist for the School Library System at Southern Westchester BOCES. Anne communicates regularly with member librarians to provide support for automation, database operations and other issues. She works with the SLS Supervisor to help design and facilitate high-quality professional development opportunities. In addition, Anne is responsible for managing the digital library collection which is shared by member districts, promoting upcoming PD programs, and assisting with the general operations of the SLS department. Anne is a Google-certified educator and has worked as a school librarian, public librarian, and professional photographer and editor. She has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan and a Master's of Science in Library and Information Science from Long Island University.

 Carlos B. Sanchez serves as Executive Director of the Hudson Valley RBERN department of Southern Westchester BOCES. Carlos has previously served as a dual language and ESL teacher, school administrator and Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment prior to taking on his role at SWBOCES. He holds a Master’s of Science degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Albany. Carlos has also received an Advanced Diploma for School District Leader paired with a Staff Development Certificate in Administration and Supervision both from the College of New Rochelle. He is responsible for ensuring his team provides support to each district and school while fostering and sustaining a trusting educational environment for ELLs that engages every student in meaningful teaching and learning, embraces diversity, and provides opportunities for all children to achieve at the highest levels. This support is reflected in delivering high-quality professional learning and technical assistance to assist districts in developing their capacity in ELL Education.

 Rachael Wasilewski-Alcantara serves as Assistant Director of the Hudson Valley RBERN department of Southern Westchester BOCES. Rachael is passionate about crafting, delivering and advocating for high quality instruction for English Language Learners. She holds a Master’s of Arts degree in TESOL as well as a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership from CUNY Hunter College. With over a decade of experience working with ELLs/MLLs, Rachael has a proven track record of dedication to the specific needs of English language learners. She is responsible for designing various resources to support districts in their implementation of ELL/MLL education programs, analyzing and utilizing data to create visualizations of ELL/MLL enrollment and home language trends throughout the Hudson Valley and facilitating professional learning on a broad range of ELL/MLL-related topics here at SWBOCES.

 Alison Provencher serves as Resource Specialist on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. Having built her career around English language learners with disabilities, Alison has previously  served as a bilingual special education teacher, mentor, curriculum coordinator, assistant director in an early childhood center and TESOL professor. Alison holds a Master’s of Arts degree in TESOL from Adelphi University, as well as a Master’s of Science degree in Educational Leadership from The College of Saint Rose. Alison is responsible for providing technical assistance, professional development strategies and support on the implementation of NYS Commissioner's Regulation Part 154 for schools/districts serving ELL students here at SWBOCES. Alison is an enthusiastic educator who continues to work toward strengthening access, equity and diversity in the Hudson Valley region.

 David Mumper serves as Resource Specialist on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. David has worked in the education field for 20+ years. For nearly a decade, he has worked as an administrator, ELA and ESL teacher at the highschool level for New York City’s Board of Education. David holds a Master’s of Theological Studies degree in Philosophy and Buddhist Studies from Harvard University and a Master’s of Science degree in Education in TESOL from the City College of New York. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Urban Education. David is responsible for designing and implementing initiatives to ensure equitable educational opportunities for ELL students in 144 New York public school districts and coordinating regional teacher and administrator training in TESOL, literacy, bilingual education, culturally responsive pedagogy, inquiry learning and more. At SWBOCES, he focuses on supporting Hudson Valley school districts to create programmatic and instructional systems to best serve ENL students.

 Vanessa Gulfo serves as Resource Specialist on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. She has 10 years of experience in the field of education ranging from serving as a bilingual and dual language teacher to serving as a Literacy Coach. Vanessa’s experiences and core values drive her passion of supporting and providing ELLs and their families an equitable and culturally inclusive educational experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Bilingual Childhood Education from City College and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Mercy College. Vanessa is responsible for providing tools and resources through the curation of professional learning opportunities for ELL students, parents, teachers and administrators and component districts. Vanessa is enthusiastic about providing the best resources available to ensure the best possible education for ELL students and educators alike.

 Beverly Guity serves as Resource Specialist on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. Beverly’s greatest passion is working with and for immigrant families, providing these families and educators with the resources and knowledge needed in developing language and literacy skills to ensure access to quality and equitable education. She holds a Master’s of Science degree in TESOL from Boricua College and a Master’s of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the College of Saint Rose. Beverly is responsible for developing and conducting workshops, training sessions and courses for district superintendents, school staff, administrators, parents, RBERN Advisory Council and regional network partners on current initiatives in curriculum, inclusivity, accessibility, assessment and instruction. She also cooperatively plans, develops, and facilitates regional bilingual education and English language learner educator conferences in her position as resource specialist for the HV RBERN team.

 Lixdania Pérez serves as Technology Resource Specialist on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. 

 Christine Olsen serves as Resource Specialist on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. Christine’s work in Westchester County began with a focus on providing professional learning opportunities around literacy to school teachers and teachers of students with disabilities. She holds a Master’s of Arts degree in Foreign Language Education from NYU and a Master’s of Science degree in Secondary Literacy Education from Hunter College. Among Christine’s many accomplishments, she has also earned an Advanced Certificate in Progressive Leadership, SBL and SDL from Bank Street College of Education. Christine is responsible for supporting Hudson Valley school districts in developing co-teaching practices for ENL and content area teachers, ELL Identification, and Title III programming. She is also a member of the Center for Professional Development DEI Leaders Network and a facilitator for the Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI). 

Support Team

 Dina Roselli serves as Secretary to Senior Director, Dr. Elizabeth Wilson here at Southern Westchester BOCES. Dina is a dedicated secretary and has worked in the Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support Department of SWBOCES for 22 years. She graduated from Saint John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a minor in Business. She was also awarded the highest honor, the Presidential Medal, in her graduating year at Saint John’s. Dina works directly for Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, but supports the Center in all different aspects. She is responsible for managing My Learning Plan, contracts, payments and various other invoices.

 Shilpa Mukalel serves as Senior Office Assistant here at Southern Westchester BOCES. Shilpa works directly for Brandon Cruz focusing on School Safety and Facilities within SWBOCES. She has previously worked as a human resource specialist and receptionist. Before taking on her role as Senior Office Assistant at SWBOCES, Shilpa worked as an office assistant for the Blind Brook School District. She is very committed, diligent, and reliable. Shilpa attended the University of Mumbai in India and holds a Bachelors of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunications. She is responsible for drafting Contract Amendments, billing, filing, data collection, contract tracking and processing paperwork/various forms of documentation. She also acts as a liaison with vendors to support billing/invoicing needs and attending calls.

 Sheri Handwerger serves as Senior Office Assistant on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. Sheri has a strong background in office administration management paired with impressive experience in human resources, finance, procurement, sales, export and customer service. Sheri holds a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Sociology and Human Resources from Binghamton University. Sheri is responsible for managing the internal RBERN staff shared calendar for workshops, creating and maintaining a shared digital filing system for record keeping, fielding all RBERN telephone inquiries, and reconciling accounts payable matters. She works collaboratively with the other Senior Office Assistant and Hourly Clerk to supervise and maintain a well-managed office.

Lisa Bayrasli serves as Senior Office Assistant on the Hudson Valley RBERN team. Lisa has previously worked as a technical composition specialist, technical composition project supervisor and senior layout specialist all within the production department of an educational publisher specializing in ELT/ESL. She holds a Bachelor’s or Arts degree in Economics from Manhattanville College as well as a Master’s of Science degree in Publishing from Pace University. Lisa is responsible for composing and disseminating email campaigns to distribution lists, copyediting, managing the team calendar, preparing for in-person workshops and more. With an extensive background in design, Lisa successfully updates the HV RBERN website pages, develops graphic design projects, and generates online listings for workshops using HTML.

 Darlene Vireut serves as Senior Office Assistant here at Southern Westchester BOCES and works directly under Dr. Jen Cannell supporting the School Library System within the Professional Learning and Curriculum Support Department. Darlene has experience working as an administrative assistant, office manager and transportation coordinator in the medical industry. In her role as Senior Office Assistant, Darlene is responsible for drafting Contract Amendments, billing, filing, data collection, contract tracking and processing paperwork/various forms of documentation for the SLS. She also acts as a liaison with vendors to support billing/invoicing needs and attending calls.