Logan Abplanalp is a third grade teacher at French Road Elementary School. He previously taught grades 3-6 at a school in North Carolina, St. Ambrose Academy in Rochester, and Sodus Intermediate School, and was an intervention specialist at School 45 in Rochester. Mr. Abplanalp’s favorite part of teaching is having the opportunity to experience something new and feel fulfilled every day. Rosemary Holfoth is his mentor.

Mr. Abplanalp earned a B.S. in elementary education and M.S. in inclusive special education from St. Bonaventure University, and M.S. in learning and technology from Western Governors University.

He lives with his wife and two daughters. They have two pampered and needy dogs. Mr. Abplanalp is a self-professed film nerd who also loves kayaking, longboarding, live music, and most of all, reading.

Stella Aldridge is a special education teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously was a substitute teacher and long-term substitute teacher in West Irondequoit. Miss Aldridge enjoys building relationships with students and seeing the growth students make. Jill Tantillo is her mentor.

Miss Aldridge earned a B.S. in childhood and special education from SUNY Geneseo and M.A. in childhood inclusive education from Nazareth University.

She enjoys learning new hobbies and crafts, such as sewing, crochet, and watercolor painting. In the spring and summer, Miss Aldridge grows a garden with tomatoes, snap peas, cucumbers, and basil. She also enjoys being by the water and spending time with her baby niece.

Taylor Ambalavanar is a special education teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously taught special education in Carthage Central Schools. Mrs. Ambalavanar loves working with kids, especially teaching them how to read. Jill Tantillo is her mentor.

Mrs. Ambalavanar earned a B.S. in education from SUNY Geneseo and is pursuing an M.A. in reading science from Mount St. Joseph University.

She got married to her husband, Thomas, in June and moved to Rochester. Mrs. Ambalavanar enjoys reading and anything outdoors. In the summer, she loves hiking and spending time on the water and in the winter, she loves skiing and snowboarding.

Derrick Biehl is returning to French Road Elementary School as a physical education teacher. He previously was a substitute teacher in the District. Mr. Biehl has also taught at The Harley School, Wheatland-Chili, and at a school in Illinois. He was named the Young Professional of the Year for the Northeastern district of the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in 2019. Mr. Biehl loves that kids learn through play in physical education. Janice Mix is his mentor.

Mr. Biehl earned a B.A. in physical education from SUNY Brockport and M.A. in educational leadership from Aurora University.

He is excited to be a part of the French Road community. Mr. Biehl loves to stay active and enjoys golf, basketball, and walking his dog. He also is an adjunct professor at SUNY Brockport where he teaches Technology in Physical Education.

Sharon Brennan is returning to Twelve Corners Middle School as a science teacher. She previously taught science in York, Brighton, Pittsford, and Bloomfield schools. Mrs. Brennan enjoys providing students with hands-on science lab experiences and making connections with students and the community. Jeff Colaizzi is her mentor.

Mrs. Brennan earned a bachelor’s degree in geology and master’s in science education from the University at Buffalo.

She and her husband, James, have two daughters, Ann and Kate. The family also has a husky mix, Daisy. They all love running and spending time outdoors.

Britney Brongo is returning to Council Rock Primary School as a kindergarten teacher. She previously was a substitute teacher and teaching assistant in the building. Ms. Brongo’s favorite parts of teaching are watching the growth of her students and building relationships with students and their families. Sue Beato is her mentor.

Ms. Brongo earned a B.A. in history from SUNY Brockport and M.S. in inclusive childhood education from St. John Fisher University.

She lives in Brighton with her husband and two daughters. Ms. Brongo enjoys reading and going on walks in Washington Grove.

Megan Burns is a special education teacher at Council Rock Primary School. She previously was a paraprofessional and special education teacher in Boston Public Schools. Mrs. Burns enjoys watching her students’ personalities blossom as they become more confident learners. Shari Blaustein is her mentor.

Mrs. Burns earned a B.A. in psychology from George Mason University and M.A. in special education from Boston University.

She grew up an Army brat, living in multiple states as well as South Korea and England, and is the fourth of five kids in her family. Mrs. Burns loves swimming in lakes, going on small hikes, solving puzzles, and lounging on the couch and watching TV with her husband.

Mira Cartwright is a special education teacher at Council Rock Primary School. She previously co-taught kindergarten in an inclusive classroom in Greece schools and substitute taught in East Irondequoit schools. Ms. Cartwright’s favorite part of teaching is collaborating with families and the school community to create a positive environment for her students to grow and develop. Christine Hodgson is her mentor.

Ms. Cartwright earned a B.A. in music and M.S. in early childhood inclusive education from Nazareth University.

Ms. Cartwright and her fiancé, Jamie, have two Persian cats, Titan and Ham, and a goldendoodle, Leo. She’s been busy planning her upcoming wedding.

Isabelle Cirulli is a Spanish teacher at Brighton High School. She previously taught in Webster schools. Ms. Cirulli loves when students get excited to learn language because it can open so many doors for them and help the community. Suzanne Crowley is her mentor.

Mr. Cirulli earned a B.A. in Spanish from SUNY Geneseo and M.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from SUNY Brockport. She also studied abroad at La Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica.

Ms. Cirulli loves to travel and meet new people. She likes to stay active by going on walks and runs and playing ultimate Frisbee. Ms. Cirulli’s favorite show is Survivor and her favorite game is euchre.

Jenna Clarke is returning to Brighton as a special education teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously was a paraprofessional and long-term special education teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School and has worked in the District’s Extended School Year Program. Ms. Clarke enjoys making meaningful connections with students and helping to inspire them to be their best. Katy Drake is her mentor.

Ms. Clarke earned a bachelor’s degree in health and nutrition from SUNY Buffalo State University, master’s degree in athletic administration from SUNY Brockport, and master’s degree in childhood and special education from Roberts Wesleyan University.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, coaching basketball and softball, hiking and being outside, and seeing live music.

Aysenur Ersoy is a long-term substitute math teacher at Brighton High School. She’s had the privilege of teaching mathematics at various levels, from middle school mathematics to algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, and precalculus. She taught several years at Utica Academy of Science Charter School where her passion for teaching and guiding students through their mathematical journey has only grown stronger over the years. Brian Slocum is providing her with support.

Mrs. Ersoy earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Marmara University and master’s degree in English Language Learning from Western Governors University.

When Mrs. Ersoy is not teaching, you can often find her in the kitchen, exploring her love for cooking and baking. She even runs cooking classes occasionally, sharing her culinary knowledge and creativity with others. Additionally, Mrs. Ersoy has a deep passion for exploring new places, both near and far. Traveling allows her to broaden her horizons and experience diverse cultures, which she believes enriches her teaching perspective.

David Glasser is a psychologist at French Road Elementary School. He previously worked at Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Mr. Glasser enjoys mentoring students and learning about their individual strengths and needs. Jill Breon-Milliman is his mentor.

Mr. Glasser earned a B.A. in psychology and B.S. in neuroscience from the University of Rochester, and a combined M.S. and certificate of advanced study in school psychology from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

He enjoys hiking, kayaking, swimming, board games and video games, reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, and trying new foods.

Matthew Glende is an instrumental music (strings) teacher at French Road Elementary School and Twelve Corners Middle School. He previously student taught at FRES and taught instrumental music in Rush-Henrietta schools. Mr. Glende enjoys making connections with students and community members. Lori Isham is his mentor.

Mr. Glende earned a B.M. in music education from Nazareth University.

He enjoys playing music with different groups in the Rochester area and loves all kinds of music, especially video game and movie music. Mr. Glende coaches boys volleyball in a neighboring district and also enjoys working on his project car and playing video games.

Rita Harris Proctor is a Spanish teacher at Brighton High School. She previously taught Spanish and bilingual special education in the Rochester City School District and Spanish and special education at The Harley School. Ms. Harris Proctor uses play to create engaging activities. She enjoys exploring identity and culture with students to facilitate identity formation and cultural literacy. Nicole Baker is her mentor.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a master’s of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from SUNY Brockport.­­ She also holds state certification in supporting students with disabilities in grades 5-12. 

Ms. Harris Proctor and her husband have four children. They love to visit the Adirondacks to hike, camp, and kayak. The family has a yellow lab named TigerLily. Ms. Harris Proctor enjoys roller skating, crafting, singing, and playing guitar and mandolin in her family band.

James Henty is a special education teacher at Brighton High School. He previously taught special education in Dansville schools and social studies and English at University Prep. Charter School for Young Men. Mr. Henty enjoys getting to know his students and their interests. Laurie Sidare is his mentor.

Mr. Henty earned a B.S. in history and adolescence education and M.S. in middle school literacy education from St. John Fisher University.

Mr. Henty is married to math teacher Natalie Henty. They have two goldendoodles, Zeus and Barley. Mr. Henty enjoys cooking and board gaming.

Natalie Henty is a long-term substitute math teacher at Brighton High School. She previously taught math at Eugenio Maria de Hostas Charter School, East Rochester High School, and Churchville-Chili Middle School. Mrs. Henty loves getting to know her students and connecting with them and their families. Brian Slocum is her mentor.

Mrs. Henty earned a B.A. in mathematics and inclusive adolescent education from St. John Fisher University and M.S. in educational technology from SUNY Oneonta.

She has two goldendoodles who love taking walks and playing outside. Mrs. Henty loves to cook and bake in her free time. She also enjoys reading, exercising, and playing board games with her husband, James, a BHS special education teacher. Mrs. Henty is also an adjunct math professor at St. John Fisher.

Shannon McBride is an art teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She previously taught at Hunter College Campus Schools in New York City and also taught sculpture at the College of Staten Island. Ms. McBride loves being creative with her students. Robin Newcomer is her mentor.

Ms. McBride earned a B.A. in fine arts from the University at Albany, M.F.A. in studio art from the City College of New York, and art teaching certificate from Brooklyn College.

She is excited to be back in Rochester after living in New York City for many years. Ms. McBride has a 2-year-old son, a pet dog, Amigo, and a tortoise, Tony.

Reilly Mueller is a special education teacher at Brighton High School. She previously taught speech therapy at the Norman Howard School. Miss Mueller enjoys connecting with students. Cassie Pruitt is her mentor.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences from the University at Buffalo and is pursuing a master’s in special education from Grand Canyon University.

Miss Mueller and her boyfriend have three cats. She loves to travel, be outdoors, watch sports, and meet new people.

Justin Perez is an instrumental music (band) teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. He previously was a substitute teacher at French Road Elementary School and a long-term substitute music teacher at Midlakes Elementary School. Mr. Perez enjoys nurturing students and their talents, skills, and personalities. Bethany Cripps is his mentor.

He earned a B.A. in music performance and education from SUNY Fredonia.

Mr. Perez is from the Hudson Valley area and has a large family that he loves dearly. He is the only musician in his family. Mr. Perez also loves cooking, camping, and hiking.

Jake Provenzano is an English teacher at Brighton High School. He student taught in East Irondequoit schools Mr. Provenzano enjoys connecting with students and positively adding to their experiences. Colleen Hall is his mentor.

Mr. Provenzano earned a bachelor’s degree in inclusive adolescent education and English from St. John Fisher University.

In addition to teaching, he is passionate about coaching and student advising. Mr. Provenzano is an avid consumer of music, movies, and books who is always excited to learn about the perspectives of those around him.

Christopher Stuff is a physical education teacher at Brighton High School. He previously taught physical education and health at Canisius High School and was the Director of Athletics and Physical Education for Clyde-Savannah Central Schools. Mr. Stuff enjoys building relationships with his students. Sara Feltes is his mentor.

Mr. Stuff earned a B.A. in physical education from St. Bonaventure University and M.S. in physical education and administration from Canisius College.

He lives in Penfield with his wife and two children. Mr. Stuff’s hobbies include working out, playing golf, and spending time with family.

Daren Vergara is a special education teacher at Brighton High School. He previously taught special education at School Without Walls and the Leadership Academy for Young Men. Mr. Vergara’s favorite aspect of teaching is the moment when it clicks for a student. Jessica Wasserman is his mentor.

Mr. Vergara earned a B.A. in history and inclusive education and M.S. in inclusive adolescence education from Nazareth University.

He lives with his wife, 2-year-old daughter, and newborn son. They have two tuxedo cats. Mr. Vergara has played guitar since he was 13 years old and owns 15 guitars. He also enjoys hiking, geocaching, and working outside.