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Meet the newest members of the Ursuline community

Meet the newest members of the Ursuline community

by Shannon Dufresne
 

A new school year brings new possibilities, and this September, it also brings an exceptional group of educators and professionals to The Ursuline School. From a physician and clinical researcher to an engineer and professional musicians, our newest colleagues bring impressive credentials and perspectives shaped far beyond the classroom.

Most importantly, they are eager to put that experience to work for Ursuline students.

In preparation for the start of classes, the group spent three days together in a comprehensive new faculty and staff orientation organized by Director of Human Resources Dr. Jeremy Barker. They learned about Ursuline's mission and educational philosophy, met colleagues from across the school, and got to know the community they now join. Senior class co-presidents Jillian Komosinski '27 and Caroline "Coco" Tully '27 helped welcome the group by leading tours of the school.

"After three days of orientation, we are truly wowed by our newest faculty and staff and excited for the year ahead," Principal Robyn Summa '93 said.

That breadth of experience will be felt across Ursuline this year.

Meet our new faculty

In the English department, Tara Mihailovic joins Ursuline as a high school English teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science in English education and a Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from Florida State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in English education at Columbia University. Before coming to Ursuline, Mihailovic taught high school English in Florida and served as an adjunct writing professor at Marymount Manhattan College.

Gillian Reinhard joins Ursuline as an English teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and international studies from Trinity College and a master's degree from Yale University, where she wrote her thesis on The Epic of Gilgamesh. Before joining Ursuline, she taught in Mount Vernon and previously worked in nonprofit development.

In the mathematics department, Lauren Monk brings a background in engineering and education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering from George Washington University and a Master of Science in Teaching in adolescent education (mathematics 7-12) from Iona University. She has also worked as a math tutor in the community for eight years.

The performing arts department welcomes Dr. Laurie Adamo, who returns to Ursuline in her former role as choir director. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Music, and Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, where she previously served on the theory faculty. Dr. Adamo is currently director of music at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scarsdale and has performed extensively throughout the United States and abroad. Her ties to Ursuline also run deep as the mother of alumnae Alessandra ’14 and Francesca ’17.

Joseph MacEachen, Ursuline's new performing arts chair and orchestra director, earned a bachelor's degree in K-12 music education from LIU Post and holds a master's degree and advanced certificate in educational administration from St. John's University. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in educational leadership at St. Bonaventure University. MacEachen brings 13 years of teaching experience in public and private schools and has served on the executive board of the Dutchess County Music Educators Association.

Students studying woodwinds will have another exciting resource this year. Professional musicians from the Music Conservatory of Westchester will teach all Ursuline woodwind classes, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from working musicians.

"They are eager to get to know our students and I am excited to see the difference they will make in the year ahead."
- Dr. Jeremy Barker, director of Human Resources

In the religious studies department, Catherine Harkins earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in secondary education and English from Seton Hall University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in theology and Christian ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Before coming to Ursuline, she taught fifth- and sixth-grade English language arts and religion and worked in religious education in her home diocese.

The science department welcomes Peter Agovino, who will teach high school biology and middle and high school Italian. Agovino earned a Master of Science in health and behavior studies: nutrition and exercise physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Before coming to Ursuline, he spent five years teaching biology and English at the middle and high school levels in northwestern Italy.

Dr. Dayvett Ulloa joins Ursuline as a high school science teacher. She earned her medical degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic and is ECFMG-certified and a New York State-licensed science teacher. Her professional experience includes practicing medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, teaching medical graduates preparing for licensing examinations and working as a clinical research coordinator. Her background in medicine and research will bring a distinctive real-world perspective to the science classroom.

In the social studies department, Daniel Shao earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and computer science from Columbia University and a Master of Philosophy in history from New York University. Before joining Ursuline, he taught for three years at NYU and conducted archival research in Germany and China.

The world languages department welcomes Gian Paolo Einaudi and Stefania Stipo, along with Agovino in his dual teaching role. Einaudi joins Ursuline as a high school Spanish teacher. He earned his undergraduate degree from Haverford College and an MBA from INCAE Business School in Central America. He also holds a Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation. Einaudi grew up in the United States and Italy and later spent 14 years in Central America. His professional background includes teaching and leadership coaching, Peace Corps service, and work building partnerships between the U.S. private sector and nonprofit organizations throughout the Americas.

Stipo joins Ursuline as a middle- and high-school Italian teacher. She earned a master's degree in modern foreign languages and literature from Sapienza University of Rome and holds additional master's degrees and certifications in teaching Italian. She brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, including 15 years in Italy's public school system and 12 years at La Scuola d'Italia in New York, where she taught and served as an administrator.

Welcoming new staff

New colleagues will also support students beyond their academic classes, while one member of the orientation group may already be a familiar face to returning families.

Una Semar joined Ursuline's counseling department last December and works with middle school students. A licensed clinical social worker, Semar earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and environmental science from Skidmore College and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. She brings extensive private practice counseling experience and, before joining Ursuline, worked at a private independent school in Brooklyn. As she begins her first full school year at Ursuline, Semar looks forward to continuing to get to know students and their families.

In the library, Jaime Fanelli joins Ursuline as library/media assistant. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Eastern Connecticut State University and built a career in digital advertising, specializing in account management and project management. Fanelli is excited to bring her love of reading and learning to Ursuline students and help create a welcoming library environment.

In athletics, Casey Conroy '20 returns to her alma mater as athletic coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Science in sport management from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she competed on the Division I women's track and field team. Before returning to Ursuline, Conroy worked for Firecracker Sports on its game-day events and operations team. Brian Yang joins Ursuline as a part-time athletic trainer while continuing his work at NYU.

In admissions, Molly Naughton Nason '92 returns to her alma mater as enrollment management coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Lynchburg and brings professional experience in sales, business operations and municipal government to her new role.

As this accomplished group prepares to welcome students to campus tomorrow, Barker is especially encouraged by what he saw during their three days together.

"What impresses me most is how quickly this group has embraced our community and our mission," Barker said. "They are eager to get to know our students and I am excited to see the difference they will make in the year ahead."

(L-R) Front: Jaime Fanelli, Catherine Harkins, Gillian Reinhard, Tara Mihailovic. Middle: Dr. Laurie Adamo, Stefania Stipo, Molly Naughton Nason '92, Lauren Monk, Peter Agovino, Joseph MacEachen. Back: Casey Conroy '20, Daniel Shao, Gian Paolo Einaudi, Una Semar, Dr. Dayvett Ulloa.

 

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