D-E News

List of 19 items.

• Gene Batiste, Asst. Head of School for Engagement

  Wiley College, BS, M.Ed, North Texas State University, EdD, University of Pennsylvania

  
  

  Gene Batiste arrives at D-E after decades in diversity, equity, and engagement work in the US. He has served as the Executive Director at Independent Education at the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington, Vice President for Professional Development and School Field Services & Equity and Justice and Justice Initiatives at the National Independent Schools (NAIS), and much more. Truly a global citizen having grown up in a military family, Gene brings his breadth in experience and wisdom to his role here at D-E. We look forward to Gene’s impact on our community.

  Judgment means making good decisions on important questions. It is called upon in a wide range of situations, from choosing friends to writing an essay, from selecting a college to voting. Judgment often involves questions of right and wrong. We form judgments about our individual actions, as well as the actions of others. Good judgment depends upon an objective, careful consideration of the facts, the ability to weigh conflicting views, and a clear sense of the standards and values that underlie our decisions.

• Preeti Fibiger, LS Principal

  Colgate University, BA, Bank Street College of Education, MS

  
  

  Preeti Fibiger serves as the new Lower School Principal in Drapkin Hall. From 2018 to 2021, Preeti was the Middle School Division Head for Grades 1-4. Early childhood education has been a steadfast passion for Preeti since her time at Colgate University, then later receiving her Masters at the Bank Street College of Education. Before arriving at D-E, she taught at the Center for Early Education, Germantown Friends School, and the Ethical Culture Fieldston School. Her 26 years in independent school education is paired with her deep commitment to social justice, having facilitated and been a panelist for the People of Color Conference, Candidates of Color Connect and Interschool Leadership, and The Beginning Teachers’ Institute by NYSAIS. We welcome Preeti to D-E!

  In this moment of crisis in our country, we all need to work together to protect and care for each other. We pledge to do that here at Dwight-Englewood School. This Letter (above) affirms our commitment as a School to lifelong learning and dialogue, and to stand up for the humanity of all people at all times.

• Kelly M. Sutton, Director of College Counseling

  University of Pennsylvania, BA, Columbia University, MA

  
  

  Admissions and College Counseling is Kelly M. Sutton’s bread and butter. Since 2010, Kelly has served on the Admissions teams of Baruch College, Marymount Manhattan College, Barnard College, and the Teachers College at Columbia University. At Columbia University, she trailblazed the college’s first territory-baed recruitment strategy and developed the college’s first comprehensive online portal. She has also worked at the United Nations International School as the Associate Director of College Counseling. Needless to say, we are honored to have Kelly in our College Counseling Office.

• Sophia Brumby, LS Learning Specialist

  MS University of Virginia, BA, University of Pennsylvania, MS
  
  A native to New Jersey and New York City, Sophia Brumby has taught and mentored elementary school students at Pine Street School and Girls Prep Lower East Side Elementary School. As the Learning Specialist, specializing in literacy, Sophia has several pedagogical and developmental education certifications like the Wilson Fundations and Teachers College Units of Study. Since the pandemic, she has adapted to using remote learning tools to engage elementary students, using research-based interventions. We look forward to her growth and time here at D-E.

• Diana I. Sanchez, LS Spanish

  CIDCA College, BS, New Jersey City University, MA, Saint Peter's University MA

  
  

  A wizard in many ways, Diane I. Sanchez joins us to teach Spanish in the Lower School. Having training in Computer Science, Education, and Education Technology, Diane is adept at utilizing digital tools and technology to foster an engaging classroom environment. She has previously been a Computer Technology instructor and Spanish Teacher at the Holy Trinity School in Hackensack, NJ, and Saint Joseph Academy in Bogota, NJ respectively. We look forward to her creative innovations in the language classroom.

• Yi Li, LS Science

  Nankai University, BA, Columbia University, MS, Brown University, MA

  
  

  We are lucky to have Yi Li join our Lower School Faculty as the newest science teacher. First receiving their BA at Nankai University in Chemistry, Yi Li has since conducted and published research on science education in science education and multicultural modeling in pedagogy. They have worked extensively in the New York-Metropolitan area, previously holding the Lead Teacher position at the Ramaz Lower School and Harlem Link Charter School. Their passion for project-based science curriculum, from fermentation to physics and coding, is noteworthy and exciting as they join us this year.

• Ryan Vettoso, LS Assistant Teacher

  Montclair State University, BA  
  
  We are fortunate to have Ryan Vettoso back on campus as one of the Assistant Teachers down in the Lower School. Ryan wears multiple hats, coaching soccer, junior varsity basketball, and varsity track and field. Not only is he a talented coach and sports enthusiast but Ryan is an experienced English teacher, most recently at Saint Mary High School. We are excited to have such a dedicated member of our Lower School faculty for our littlest ones.
  

• Susana Hidalgo, LS Recess Coach

  Susana Hidalgo is our Recess Coach for the early childhood grades this school year. She emigrated from the Dominican Republic when she was 20 years old, originally settling in New York City before moving to New Jersey. She has previous experience working with early elementary students in daycare at the YMCA. She is the proud parent of a 17-year-old who is a nationally ranked Track & Field sprints runner. She has enjoyed her time spent volunteering on every level of his school development, from daycare to elementary school, with PTA and other opportunities. In her free time, she likes to hike and ride on bike trails. Her hope for this school year is to contribute to the growth and education of students in the Lower School.

• Emmanuel Daughtry, LS Recess Coach

  William Paterson University, BA

  
  Manny Daughtry is our Recess Coach for the upper elementary grades this school year. He is very excited to join the D-E family! Manny shares, “after graduating from William Paterson University, I decided it was time to give back. Dwight-Englewood has been a vessel to success for my family, and it is a pleasure to be able to work here.” As the recess coach, he looks forward to having the most fun with the kids while instilling the values of integrity, unity, and safety! His hope for the school year is to provide the best recess experience for each student that they will remember for years to come. 

• Julia Tazelaar, 8th Grade Math/Science,

  University of Virginia, BA

  
  

  A former SAGA fellow and Math teacher at Success Academy Charter Schools, Julia Tazelaar is our incoming 8th Grade Math/Science teacher. Her breadth of experience with working with large numbers of middle school students at a time, while building curriculum stand out. She is also a passionate crossword puzzle fan. We are excited for Julia to be part of the 8th Grade Team!

• Hyo Kim, 8th Grade Science

  SUNY Binghamton, BA, CUNY Lehman College, MsEd
  
  We welcome Hyo back to campus after previously serving as the Greenhouse Manager & Lab Technician in the STEM building this past year. Hyo brings both applicable science and education together in her pedagogy. Having worked at the New York Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Friends School, and Trinity School in New York City, Hyo is an expert in creating engaging projects and curricula for elementary and middle school students with several certifications to match. She is also a proud member of the Asian Independent Educators NYC and has been co-advisor of the Korean Culture Club here at D-E. We are excited to have Hyo bring her unique talents to our 8th graders!

• Bertin Mboko, MS French

  Universite Marien NGouabi (Congo), BA, Monroe Community College, AS, Rochester Institute of Technology, BA, University Bradford, MA, Clarkson University, MAT (French)

  
  

  A community organizer and scholar in Conflict Resolution and International Relations, Bertin joins our World Language department to teach French. Receiving his MAT in French at Clarkson University, Bertin previously taught at the Mont Pleasant middle school in Schenectady, New York. Bertin has served as a community organizer for the United Nations Commission, assessing the need for HIV/AIDS education in refugee populations. He also has spoken at the United Nations and General Assembly in 2012 on behalf of clean water and micro business initiatives in the Central African Republic. He now joins us as a Middle School advisor and French teacher.

• Sabine Millariaux, MS/US French

  Paris III University, BA, MA, PhD

  
  

  With a breadth of pedagogical experience from the Bronx Community College to most recently the Ramaz School in Manhattan, Dr. Sabine Millauriaux has over 35 years in teaching French. Hailing from Paris, France, Dr. Millauriaux received three degrees from the Paris III University, specializing in 17th-century literature. Over the course of their career, Dr. Millauriaux has been a leader in providing middle and high school students with the tools they need to succeed in French, and we are thrilled to have them on board.

• Joseph M. Lucci, MS/US Latin

  Boston College, BA, MA, University of Pennsylvania, MA, PhD

  
  

  Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, Joseph Lucci joins us after teaching Latin at Ridgewood High School in NJ. He is certified in NJ to teach Social Studies and Latin and has previously instructed at Northern Highlands Regional High School. His degrees in History, Latin, and a doctorate in Classical Studies ground his pedagogy. He also speaks 3 languages: Latin, French, and Greek. We welcome Lucci to our World Language Department.

• Dominic Vendell, US History

  Carleton College, BA, University of Chicago, MA, Columbia University, PhD, 

  
  

  Dominic Vendell joins after completing his PhD in History from Columbia University. Dominic has done research for the European Research Commission on the global history of law as well as developed curriculum syllabi on South Asian Histories. He’s been published by South Asia Institute, The Indian and Economic Social History Review, and more. In academia, he has been the Academic Director of the Great Books Summer Program, has assisted in the Department of History at Columbia University, and has tutored students at Brownstone Tutors in Brooklyn, NY about ancient and medieval history. He is also proficient in Marathi, the third-largest native language in India. We are thrilled to have him challenge the minds of our students.

• Nefdt Shefali, US Science

  University of Allahabad, India, BS, University of Sheffield, MA, Goddard College, MA

  
  

  We are pleased to have Nefdt Shefali join our Upper School Science department. Since first teaching science at the American School of Lusaka, Zambia in 2001, Nefdt has had tremendous experience working in International Schools. Having taught IB Level Chemistry and Biology IB in Germany, Kenya, and Germany, Shefdt is incredibly adept at teaching in communities with diverse backgrounds. Welcome, Nefdt!

• Catherine M. Augustine, STEM

  State University of New York, BA, New Rochelle, MS, Montclair State University MA

  
  

  Catherine is no stranger to D-E! Catherine has been the Girls’ Field Hockey and Lacrosse coach since 2019 and has been the Assistant Director of D-E Summer Connections 360º since 2018! Catherine’s career has spanned from being Program Evaluator at Montclair State University to the 4th Grade teacher at Saddle Brook Schools. We welcome back Catherine for this upcoming school year within the STEM department.

• Nicole Bellmay, Athletics Assistant

  Rutgers University, BA

  
  

  Hailing from Hillsdale, NJ, Nicole Bellmay comes to D-E as the Athletics Assistant to the Athletics Department. Nicole received her Bachelor’s in History with a minor in Human Resource Management. At Rutgers University, she was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society as well as the National Society for Collegiate Scholars. Having worn multiple hats in her career, Nicole has directed at the Cabaret Theatre at Rutgers University, has been an archivist at its university archives, and held the Client Specialist Key Holder position at Talbots, she is equipped to take on the role ahead of her. We welcome her to the D-E community.

• Joel Lee, Writing and Media Associate

  Gallatin School of Individualized Study, New York University, BA
  
  An alum and lifer of D-E ‘17, Joel returns as the Writing and Media Associate in the Communications department after assisting with hybrid-learning during the 2020-2021 school year. At the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, Joel’s unique concentration investigated the socio-political implications of global-transnational media consumption and the history of reader-text relationships. During his time at NYU, he cultivated a passion for journalism and photography, having worked for the Washington Square News, Patch.com NJ, and NewFest: NYC’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival. In his free time, Joel enjoys dancing and film photography. We welcome back Joel to campus.