VITAL EDUCATORS DIRECTORY

Distinguished educator with over 25 years of experience in instructional design, training, and instruction. My interests rest heavily in creating inclusive digital learning spaces as well as combating the digital divide.

I am an educator with 25 years of experience. Currently, I am the Library Media Specialist for Red Jacket Middle and High Schools (Manchester-Shortsville CSD), before this position, I was a Special Education teacher in this same district. A lifelong resident of the Finger Lakes area, I received my BA in English Literature from Nazareth University, a Master's degree in Computer Education from Nazareth University, and a second Master's degree in Library Media Science from St. John Fisher University. I love collaborating with staff and students and my motto is "Always learning!"

Kathryn Alton is an assistant professor in the Education department at SUNY Plattsburgh. Before joining the faculty at SUNY Plattsburgh, she taught in both New York and California as a general education and special education teacher. Kathryn holds professional New York State certifications in Early Childhood Education B-2, Childhood Education 1-6, Early Childhood Special Education B-2, Childhood Special Education 1-6, and Literacy B-12.

An imaginative and resourceful New York State Educator with a Professional Certification as a Middle School Generalist (Grades 5-9). I am also a highly skilled professional who possesses strong interpersonal, organizational and classroom management skills. Always looking to implement innovation and creativity in the classroom, my current focus as a Educator in District 79 is on incorporating and supporting cutting edge technology while simultaneously developing and maintaining culturally responsive classrooms.

Justin Gardner, Ed.D. is an experienced educational leader and currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools in the Willsboro Central School District. He holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Russell Sage College and has previous experience as a high school principal and social studies teacher. Justin is committed to fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive learning environment while championing academic excellence and equitable access to resources for all students.

Christine Willmart, in her 11th year with Questar III BOCES, initially served as a Math and Program Specialist, and has transitioned into the Administrator for Remote Learning. She has provided leadership to Questar Pre-K programs and the Virtual Learning Academy. Christine has effectively managed the Home Instruction Service and has been pivotal in providing coaching and professional development opportunities for educators throughout her time with Questar III BOCES. With her work at the BOCES and over 16 years of experience teaching secondary math in collaborative settings, Christine is committed to providing individualized, flexible, and scaffolded learning experiences to students of all ability levels in diverse learning environments.

Paul Gumina is the Principal of Renaissance High School for Musical Theater and The Arts in New York City, where he leverages his extensive experience in mathematics education and school leadership to enhance the academic and artistic environment. Formerly a mathematics teacher and Assistant Principal at Renaissance, Paul has a proven track record of curriculum development and fostering staff and student growth. He is deeply committed to providing equitable education opportunities to a diverse student body.

Darlene is the Earth Science and Physics high school science teacher at Brasher Falls Central School with over 26 years of experience. She serves on the technology committee, works with the middle school Extended Day program, is the First Tech Challenge Robotics coach and an IMPETUS (NYS Science Technology Enter Program) coach. She has participated in numerous workshops including many by the American Meteorological Society, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Center for Great Lakes Literacy where she has brought back new knowledge and activities for her students and colleagues. She is a NYS Master Teacher Emeritus and a NSTA Solar Eclipse Partner. She strives to make her classroom relevant for all of her students.

Kelsie was raised in Fulton, NY and attended the Fulton City School District. She has now served her community as a school counselor at the Fulton Jr. High School for the past 7 years. She is an alumni of SUNY Oswego where she earned a BA in human development, an MS in school counseling, as well as CAS in trauma studies. She prides herself in making connections and advocating for both her students and their families.

An innovative educator and training specialist with a BS in Technology Education and an MS in Curriculum Design and Instructional Technologies. Currently serving as a Managing Program Coordinator I, specializes in leading an E-Learning team, training distance learning teachers, and supporting virtual academies. With expertise in virtual and in-person professional development, excels in training educators on platforms such as Schoology, Canvas, and Seesaw. Passionate about leveraging technology to enhance learning experiences, dedicated to empowering educators with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age.

Michael O'Brien began his teaching career as an Instructor of General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Lab at Siena College, where he developed experiments for the laboratory curriculum and conducted research with the assistance of undergraduate students. He began working at Germantown Central School District in 2013 and teaches a variety of classes in science and mathematics. Mr. O'Brien earned his BS in Chemistry from Siena College and MS in Adolescence Education from The College of Saint Rose. An emeritus of the New York State Master Teacher Program, Mr. O'Brien is passionate about developing engaging science curricula centered around green chemistry that can be applied across multiple learning environments.

Paige Billings has taught ELA in the classroom for the past 15 years. She has taught students across grades 7-12. She also teaches AP Language and Composition and coordinates with local colleges to teach Public Speaking. Outside the classroom, Paige is a class advisor, Positivity Project coordinator for the HS level, and sits on different committees for school improvement.

Paige grew up in Northern New York near the St. Lawrence River. She was raised on a farm and continued her education at St. Lawrence University for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. She began teaching at Brushton-Moira and now teaches in the Ogdensburg CSD. Paige uses her rural background and love of literature to connect students with the community around them.