Faculty
Kathleen Rockwood, Chair
B.A. Syracuse University
M.S. Southern CT State University
P.D. Southern CT State University
Ed.D. Fordham University
Charlene A. Pepe
B.A. Manhattanville College
M.Ed. BostonCollege
P.D. Fordham University
Ed.D. Teachers College columbia University
Dr. Pepe has experience as classroom teacher, student teacher supervisor, school library media specialist and district library coordinator, and 26 years as a building principal. She has provided district-wide leadership in a range of curricular areas including: English language arts, math and social-emotional learning. Dr. Pepe is particularly interested in how school leaders can use assessments to improve student learning.
Jacquelyn L. Taylor Ed.D
B.S. Salve Regina University
M.S. College of New Rochelle
P.D./Ed.DFordham University
Dr. Taylor is currently the Deputy Superintendent for the Byram Hills School district for curriculum and personnel. Dr. Taylor has 20 years experience as a district wide administrator. She has worked extensively on behalf of students with disabilities and students with special gifts and talents. She has led numerous curriculum, instruction and assessments projects in her current district and the Lakeland School District. Her passions include understanding organizational systems and designing high quality professional development programs. Dr. Taylor has also participated extensively in labor negotiations and contract management. She also serves as a consultant to other public and private schools.
Ronald D. Valenti
Ronald D. Valenti earned his doctorate in secondary education and administrative studies at New York University where he received the Founder’s Award for highest academic achievement. In July 2003, Dr. Valenti was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Blind Brook School District, Westchester County. Dr. Valenti had been Chief School Officer for Blind Brook-Rye (1980-1988) and Harrison Central (1988-1998). Most recently he served as Superintendent for the Suffolk County District of Smithtown (1998-200) and the Valley Stream High School District in Nassau County (2000-2003). Dr. Valenti is a former co-chair of the Nassau County Superintendent’s Committee on Equity to reduce the academic achievement gap. He is also a former President of the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents and former Dean of the statewide faculty for the Superintendent’s Academy to train school leaders for the 21st century. He conducts regular workshops on school finance for new and aspiring superintendents. Dr. Valenti serves currently as Adjunct Professor of Educational Administration at the College of New Rochelle, Manhattanville, and Mercy College. He is recipient of the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from the New York State Council of School Superintendents.
Dr. Susan Wallerstein