NHA Full-time Faculty 2023-24
Lynn Agostinelli Virtue (Room 114) is starting her 1st year at New Haven Academy as a special education teacher. For the past 16 years, Lynn was the library media specialist at Fair Haven K-8 School. Her master’s degree in library science is from SCSU and her BA from Hampshire College. Lynn earned her special education certification through CREC’s Advanced Alternate Route to Certification (AARC) program. Lynn is a proud New Havener and mother to 3 young adult children. She spends her free time developing her “green thumb’, reading, walking, sewing, and spending time with her octogenarian parents. lynn.agostinelli@nhboe.net
Eileen Aiello (Library – Rm. 201) is a Library Media Specialist. Eileen graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Sixth year in Library Science and has enjoyed working in public, elementary, and high school libraries. As a lifelong learner herself, Eileen is looking forward to sharing the wonderful information resources of the New Haven Academy library with students and staff. eileen.aiello@nhboe.net
Greg Baldwin is the Principal of New Haven Academy. He also teaches Freshman Seminar. He has taught for over twenty-eight years in both private and public schools. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and received a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Brown University. While at Brown, Greg conducted independent research in urban school restructuring. He has served as a facilitator for Facing History and Ourselves teacher training workshops in the New Haven area. In 2002-03, he worked as a Magnet Resource Teacher for the New Haven Public Schools. gregory.baldwin@nhboe.net
Nia Blackwell (Room 314) teaches math. She earned her B.S. in mathematics from Southern Connecticut State University. She is excited to work and interact with the students with the hope of incorporating their interests, as well as her own, into the classroom. nia.blackwell@nhboe.net
Yvonne Bradley (Room 111D) is a school social worker and licensed clinical social worker. Prior to working for New Haven Schools, she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica for a Children, Youth, and Families at Risk program. She received a BA in Psychology and Master of Social Work degree from Southern Connecticut State University. She loves hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. yvonne.bradley@nhboe.net
Marco Cenabre (Room 312) is a Literature teacher. Prior to joining NHA, Marco was a Language Arts Teacher at Clemente Leadership Academy. Marco is a New Haven native and earned his BA in Secondary Education at Saint John’s University. He is certified to teach in both New York and Connecticut. Marco is very excited to join the team and is looking forward to push his students to think critically, creatively and produce their best work. marco.cenabre@nhboe.net
Jake Crutchfield (Room 207) is a Social Studies teacher. Prior to working at NHA Jake spent two years as a long-term substitute at NHPS. Before that, he worked in Cambridge, MA, in local school committee politics, community organizing, and educational advocacy. Jake received his Master’s degree in education from Lesley University in 2014. He received his B.S. from UCONN in finance and political science in 2005. Jake currently lives in Guilford with his wife Carla and his recently newborn son Oliver. jacob.crutchfield@nhboe.net
Sierra Dennehy (Room 302) is a science teacher entering her first year at NHA. She previously worked at Common Ground High School for five years as a teaching assistant, and later, as a science teacher. She has a BS in Biology from Boston College. In her free time, she likes to garden and bike around New Haven. sierra.dennehy@nhboe.net
Susan Ellwanger (Room 311) is an English teacher. Before coming to NHA, she spent six years at James Hillhouse and nine years of teaching in Brooklyn, NY. Her Master’s degree is from the New School University in Manhattan, and she earned her BA at Sarah Lawrence College and SUNY New Paltz. She lives in Hamden with her husband and two children (Maia and Mason). susan.ellwanger@nhboe.net
Meredith Gavrin is the Program Director and co-founder of New Haven Academy. She also teaches in the humanities department. She is a graduate of Princeton University and received a Master of Education degree from Harvard University. She is certified as a teacher in both New York and Connecticut and as an administrator in Connecticut. Meredith has taught in both public and private schools for more than twenty-six years. She has also served as a facilitator for Facing History and Ourselves teacher training workshops in the New Haven area for five years. In the Spring of 2003, she taught as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Quinnipiac University’s Education Department. meredith.gavrin@nhboe.net
Joshua Glaab (Room 304) is a science teacher entering his first year at NHA. Josh has a BS in Natural Science (Physics Emphasis) and an MA in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University. He spent nine years teaching high school science in Boulder, Colorado prior to a four-year stint coaching cross country at Quinnipiac University. Outside of the classroom, Josh enjoys being active, and often you will see him biking or running around New Haven. Fun fact: Josh spent fourteen years living in Saudi Arabia when he was younger. joshua.glaab@nhboe.net
Aidan Handy (Room 310) is a Literature teacher. He previously worked for five years at Wexler-Grant Community School in New Haven. He earned a BA in English and Textual Studies from Syracuse University. He worked as a journalist and high school coach before earning an MS in Secondary Education from the University of New Haven. Aidan is excited to contribute to the New Haven Academy learning community. aiden.handy@nhboe.net
David Herndon (Room 308) is the lead science teacher at New Haven Academy. He currently teaches sophomore biology, AP Biology © and an elective anatomy and physiology class for seniors. He holds a B.S. from Quinnipiac University in Health Science/Biology and an M.A.T. in education. He also teaches part-time for Q.U. as an adjunct assistant professor for the biology department. He is enthusiastic about continuing a career at N.H.A. and takes pride in teaching solid core content and good character skills while also instilling a studious work ethic in all of his students. david.herndon@nhboe.net
Fana Hickinson (Room 210) co-teaches College Bound Seminar with School Counselor, Ms. Ortiz. She has a B.A. in English and a Master’s in Teaching from Clark University. She taught English in Worcester and NYC for one year before settling in New Haven. She is a proud cat mom. fana.hickinson@nhboe.net
Kelly K. Hope (Room 309) is an English teacher. She joined NHA after working as a college administrator and adjunct professor in the Connecticut State Colleges and University System. Kelly graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science (2003) and a Master of Science (2010) in English Education. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University. She enjoys spending time listening to live music and facilitating dialogues around current events. kelly.hope@nhboe.net
Amil John (Gym) is a Physical Education teacher. He begins his third year at NHA after nine years of teaching at New Visions High School in Brooklyn, NY. Attended Brooklyn College and also played basketball, winning two conference championships. He has a passion for sports/physical activity and loves to see kids grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. amil.john@nhboe.net
Peter Kazienko (Room 205) is a Humanities teacher. He earned his B.A. in anthropology from The University of Connecticut and worked as a field archaeologist for three years at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. His time working with students at the museum led him to earn his Master’s Degree in Education from The University of New Haven. He currently teaches Facing History courses and United States History II and is looking forward to developing a spring elective course. peter.kazienko@nhboe.net
Ramona Knox, Parent Involvement Coordinator (Room 105) is a long-time educator and parent of an NHA Graduate. She joined our staff after two years as a dedicated volunteer and PTO coordinator. In addition to providing training for parents, helping to coordinate parent events, and enlisting parent volunteers, Ms. Knox will continue to be NHA’s “Mom in Residence,” providing her wisdom and comfort to all in the NHA family. ramona.knox@nhboe.net
Marina Kroopneck (Room 322) is a Math teacher. Prior to teaching at NHA, she taught math to grade level, college, and adult students at all ability levels. She truly enjoys teaching math! Marina received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialty in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Aside from her passion for mathematics, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and loved ones, and being in nature. marina.kroopneck@nhboe.net
Emily MacMelburn (Room 306) is a science teacher. She has a BA in Biology from Stonehill College and an MA in Science Education from St. Joseph College. She will be teaching ninth-grade phychem and forensic science this year and is looking forward to it. Her free time is spent playing rugby or rock climbing. emily.macmelburn@nhboe.net
Marianne Maloney (Room 313) teaches CAPT math, SAT math prep, math workshops, and a developmental college algebra course at NHA. She is a veteran teacher, having spent 17 years teaching in private schools before joining the New Haven Public Schools nine years ago. In addition to her vast experience in the teaching of math, Ms. Maloney also holds a Juris Doctor in law. She is a PIMMS Fellow an NSF Fellow and a member of the New Haven Teacher-Leader Cadre. marianne.maloney@nhboe.net
Hanna Marshall (Room 216) is a Spanish teacher. Prior to teaching at NHA, she taught at a Dual Language School in the New London Public School District for three years and taught preschool at a private Early Childhood facility for two years before that. She has a BA in Spanish from Keene State College and is working toward a Master’s in Education at Southern Connecticut State University. She will be teaching Spanish I and II classes this year. When she is not teaching, Hanna loves to travel and spend time outdoors. hanna.marshall@nhboe.net
Leigh Miller (room 320) is a special education teacher. Prior to teaching at NHA, she was a teacher in Brooklyn, NY, and Manhattan for four years. Leigh earned her Master’s degree from Hunter College in New York, NY, and a BA in Sociology from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD. She lives in Cheshire and loves to hike, swim, and paint in her free time. leigh.miller@nhboe.net
Denise Nigro (Room 318) is a Special Education teacher at NHA. She graduated from Fordham University with a BS in psychology and completed a program at SCSU to become a certified teacher. In addition to her invaluable experiences as a mother of three sons, Denise has taught middle school students and worked with teens in residential care. denise.nigro@nhboe.net
Cynthia Ortiz, College Advisor and Guidance Counselor (Room 111C). Cynthia earned her B.A. from C.C.S.U in 2003 and completed her M.A. from UCONN in 2007. Ms. Ortiz teaches the College Bound Seminar class to both juniors and seniors. She also looks forward to working with all students on their journey to personal & social growth and educational & career planning. cynthia.ortiz@nhboe.net
Luis Rivera (Room 218) is a Spanish teacher. He is also a recent graduate from the Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) Program. Luis received his Bachelor’s degree from Boston College in the areas of Economics, Psychology, and Latin American Studies in 2005. He has worked with diverse student populations ranging from inner-city kids to private schools and ESL students. Luis strongly believes in the importance of education for social progress and hopes to make an impact in the community. luis.rivera@nhboe.net
David Senderoff (Room 206) joined NHA as a history teacher after a five-year “stint” as a 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher. “I started in New Haven,” he likes to say,” and I have returned to stay!” David holds a B.A. in History from the California State University at Northridge, and a M.S. in Education from the University of New Haven. For David, the study of History challenges students to develop into analytical thinkers, take responsibility for their personal perspectives, and seek the evidence that provides answers to questions regarding the state of our society. Besides training for the Hartford Marathon, David plays the electric bass, and defers to the banjo in times of seriousness in order to lighten the mood! david.senderoff@nhboe.net
Danielle Upton (Room 316) has been teaching mathematics for 15 years. She went to Southern Connecticut State University, where she earned a B.S. in Mathematics, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. Before teaching at New Haven Academy, Danielle taught at Wilbur Cross High School. She currently teaches Algebra 2 and Precalculus. She is looking forward to challenging her students to work hard and learn as much math as they can. danielle.upton@nhboe.net
Kirk Vamvakides (Room 208) is a Humanities teacher who joined NHA in its first year! He was born and raised in New London, Connecticut. He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with an undergraduate degree in history. While at Southern, Kirk was inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. He received his social studies teacher certification at the University of New Haven. Kirk loves to travel and visit museums and historical sites. A first-generation Greek American, he has traveled extensively in Greece and hopes to work and dig on archaeological sites in Mexico and Greece in the near future. kirk.vamvakides@nhboe.net
Jerry Volpe (Room 116) – is a mathematics teacher. He also was an Algebra Summer School teacher for 3 years in the East Haven Public Schools. He received his B.A. in mathematics at Eastern Connecticut State University, where he also received his certification in secondary education. jerry.volpe@nhboe.net
New Haven Academy 