Meet the Team
Robin is starting her 8th year as the Principal of the Gowana Middle School and the facilitator of the Gowana Partnership Team. She worked as an administrator in the Burnt Hills-Ballston School Lake School District and taught in the Galway School District. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Management from LeMoyne College and a Master’s Degree and Certified of Advance Study in administration from SUNY Plattsburgh. She has two teenage children. This marks her 28th year as an educator.
Tom joined Gowana as Assistant Principal in April 2020. He formerly worked in Lansingburgh as Assistant Principal of LHS and Principal of RPES. Before becoming an administrator, Tom worked 10 years as a Social Studies in the Schenectady School District.Tom received his Undergraduate Degree in Economics from Siena College, Master’s Degree in Teaching from Union Graduate School, and School Building Leader Degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Tom and his wife Laura have two sons, ages 6 and 3.
Steve Anthes has been teaching 7th grade Studies for longer than he'd like to admit. He lives with his wife and daughters, who keep him in line and tend to groan at his dad jokes.
Michelle has been teaching Spanish for 21 years, this is her 4th year at Shen.Her prior teaching experiences were in Guilderland, Berlin, East Greenbush & HVCC.She lives in Guilderland with her husband, identical twin daughters and son.
Robert has been teaching German at Shenendehowa for over 20 years. He also graduated from the high school in 1985. When not in the classroom, he enjoys outdoor activities around his home in the Adirondack Park, jamming on guitar and drums with his friends, attending Phish shows and other concerts, and hanging out with his two cats.
Janice started in the Middle School Computer Lab and now oversees one of three Chromebook Care offices. Prior, she volunteered for several years at Shen. Janice is married and has 2 sons who attended Shen K-12 and are Gowana alums! Janice loves spending time with her family, animals, the outdoors, kayaking and helping animal rescue groups.
Genevieve joined Gowana as School Psychologist in September 2021 after working for seven years in the Albany City School District. Before becoming a School Psychologist, Genevieve worked for several years as a classroom teacher in both New York City and in Albany. Genevieve received her Undergraduate Degree in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College, Master’s Degree in Teaching from Queens College, and additional Master’s and National Certification in School Psychology from the College of Saint Rose. Genevieve lives in Loudonville with her husband, three children (twins included), a giant golden doodle, tiny cat, and a lizard.
I am a mumma to 2 amazing daughters Kahini and Aarnya. My wonderful husband, Sankhesh, is always so supportive of every decision I make. I have an MBA in Finance coupled with a Master's degree in Accounting. There's a few years of experience to talk about, some in the industry, then as a full-time mom, 3 years back I started working again as an Administrative Assistant but finally found a place at Gowana Middle School as a Monitor. My experiences have truly taught me the meaning of doin’-it-yourself, always learning, trying, failing, dreaming big, enjoying the small stuff, and above all else… embracing imperfection. Life is better when it’s a little bit messy. I’m happiest when I’m with my family and when I’m around them creating memories we love to cherish! My other favorites include crafting with the kids, cooking, writing and volunteering! I volunteered as a Treasurer, past 2 years as treasurer at Skano Elementary. This year I am a treasurer Miss SHen Softball and active member and chairperson at multiple Skano events. I am so excited to learn, grow and provide the best of opportunities to all the kids I surround myself with.
Samantha Renzi - Student
Samantha Renzi - Student
Samantha is an 8th grader at Gowana. She enjoys being a student at Gowana and is excited to go into highschool next year. She has made many friends and learned new things for the past 3 years of being in Gowana. She has a mom, dad, and older brother named Noah that also goes to Shen and is in his senior year of high school.
Max Hofstein - Student
Max Hofstein - Student
Max is an 8th grade student at Gowana who lives with his mom and sister. Max likes to play all sports. He likes lobster and pizza. Max loves to travel to Maine.
Bridget Reilly - Parent
Bridget Reilly - Parent
Bridget is a parent of a Gowana student.
Tracy McCarthy - Parent
Tracy McCarthy - Parent
Tracy is a parent of a Gowana student.
Melissa Corry - Parent
Melissa Corry - Parent
Melissa was born and raised in the Bronx. Melissa and her family have lived in Clifton Park since 2019. She has an associates degree in Business Management and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Melissa currently works in Niskayuna at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory.
Melissa is engaged to a Clifton Park native, Eric Harper. They have two boys, 13 and 4. Melissa and her family enjoy living in Clifton Park and spending time exploring the surrounding areas, especially in the Adirondacks.