Scott Azar earned his BS in Earth Science and Adolescent Education from SUNY Oneonta, his MA in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University, and his Masters in Educational Leadership from Mercy College. He is currently pursuing his EdD at Long Island University Post. Mr. Azar taught most of his career in New York City. Currently, he teaches Regents Earth Science and Intro to Science Research at Mepham High School and the Meadowbrook Alternative Program. Mr. Azar has coached football at Calhoun High School and Grand Avenue Middle School, and serves as club advisor for the Mepham eSports Team and the Jewish Student Union. During the summer, Mr. Azar facilitates the G-Camp for Teachers Program at Texas A&M University with the Geophysics Department. He is passionate about infusing technology into the classroom and was among the first 1,000 people to attain certification as an International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Educator. Mr. Azar is excited to collaborate with other Master Teachers to create more engaging lessons that are tailored to the new New York State Science Learning Standards. He also looks forward to sharing his passion for virtual and augmented reality with his peers.

Katie Baldo earned her BA in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology from SUNY Cortland and her M.S.Ed. and C.A.S. in School Counseling from SUNY Oneonta. Since 1998, Ms. Baldo has held several positions within her K-12 certification, with most of her career spent at the high school level. As a counselor at Cooperstown Junior/Senior High School, it is her goal that all students are provided equitable academic, career and social/emotional development opportunities, created in a nurturing environment. Ms. Baldo is also a NYSSCA member, the K-12 Counseling Department Chairperson, President of the Otsego County Counselors' Association, and a District Crisis Team member. As a constituent of the Inquiry Team, she has also played a role in steering the professional development at her district. Ms. Baldo is currently the high school student council advisor but has also enjoyed acting as the district liaison for CFES (College for Every Student), serving as the 9th grade class advisor, child study team facilitator and mentoring counselors new to the profession. Outside of school, Ms. Baldo enjoys spending time with her family, friends, two dogs, attending concerts and musicals, gardening and reading. Ms. Baldo looks forward to learning from and collaborating with other Master Counselors, expanding her professional network, and bringing the important role school counselors play to the forefront of education.

Melanie Buchanan earned a BFA in musical theater from Creighton University, BS in Chemistry from Purdue University, and a MAT from Relay Graduate School of Education. Ms. Buchanan began her teaching career in Lima, Peru, where she taught middle school science and math at a rural school outside of the metropolitan area. Upon returning to the United States, she was accepted into the New York City Teaching Fellows (NYCTF) where she was a part of the last spring apprenticeship program. After finishing the NYCTF program, she was accepted into the prestigious New York City Math for America program (MfA), where she fostered her love of learning by taking classes from other Master Teachers to help enhance her pedagogy. Ms. Buchanan currently teaches Regents and AP Chemistry at Tuckahoe High School, where she is also heavily involved in the musical theater program. Teaching since 2014, she is very excited to learn about implementing the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as developing storylines and more project-based learning activities into her classroom.

Brianne Corsette earned her BS in Special Education with Elementary Certification from SUNY Geneseo, and additional certifications in Mathematics for grades 7 - 12 with an extension for grades 5 - 9 from coursework completed at Onondaga Community College and SUNY Cortland. She completed her MS in Education at LeMoyne College. Working with students for 20 years, Mrs. Corsette currently teaches data science and provides Math Academic Intervention Services for Math 8, Algebra 1 and Geometry to special education and ELL students at Cazenovia High School. She incorporates STEM learning within her classroom, connecting to students through real-life, problem-solving experiences. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Corsette is a class advisor and chaperones concerts and dances. She is an active member of professional organizations such as Delta Kappa Gamma and the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State, holding state level positions in both groups. Mrs. Corsette enjoys time with her family, traveling with her husband and their large blended family, camping and crocheting. As a NYS Master Teacher, she is excited to work side by side with other Master Teachers, learning, collaborating and broadening her skills to impact classroom experiences with STEM topics for future students.

Beth Gerardi earned her B.S. in Science Secondary Education form Oral Roberts University and M.S. in Applied Behavioral Studies from Oklahoma State University. Ms. Gerardi has been in public education since 1990 and has been a school counselor since 1997 years. She is currently a high school counselor at Gowanda High School where she has served in that capacity since 2001. At Gowanda, Ms. Gerardi co-coordinates the high school crisis team and sits on committees for the Seal of Civic Readiness, Seal of Biliteracy, and the local STEM endorsement. Additionally, she serves as the K-12 Director of School Counseling. Ms. Gerardi was recognized as the New York State School Counselor of the Year (2014),was a National School Counselor of the Year Semi-Finalist (2015), received the Excellence in Suicide Prevention Award (2014), a Lifetime Achievement Award in school counseling (2019), and Program of the Year award for drop-out prevention (2015). Ms. Gerardi is a member of the American School Counseling Association, New York State School Counseling Association, Western New York School Counseling Consortium, New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling and the Erie County Suicide Prevention Coalition. She has attended and presented at several NYSSCA conferences and is the current Region 9 Governor for NYSSCA. She is also a NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor. As a NYS Master Counselor, Ms. Gerardi looks forward to collaborating with other school counselors to develop best practices in the field and presenting at future NYSSCA conferences and local events.

Katherine Jacobson earned her BS in Chemistry and BS in Biochemistry from Clemson University, MS in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and MA in Secondary Science Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In her 12th year of teaching, Ms. Jacobson currently teaches Earth Science, Honors Chemistry, and Authentic Science Research at Nyack High School. She serves as the co-advisor for both the Science Research and Girls Who Code clubs. Professionally, she is a member of the National Science Teaching Association, was a Math for America Master Teacher from 2014 - 2016, and has been a Math for America Master Teacher Emeritus from 2016 - 2022. In her free time, she reads fantasy and science fiction and does CrossFit WODs with her husband, infant, and toddler children in tow. She is most looking forward to innovating and collaborating with other Master Teachers and continuing to grow into the best educator for her students.

Jenny Konop holds a BA in Anthropology from Brown University and an MS in School Counseling from Long Island University. She is a seasoned and highly accomplished school counselor who has worked at Northport High School since 2003. Mrs. Konop's career is defined by her student-centered approach, which earned her the prestigious American School Counselor Association New York State Counselor of the Year award in 2018. This accolade recognized her dedication to students and success in implementing a comprehensive, data-driven counseling program. Her innovative contributions have significantly advanced programs supporting students' career, personal/social, and academic development. In 2022, Assemblyman Keith Brown further recognized her contributions by naming her a Woman of Distinction for the Town of Huntington. As an educational leader, she has been active on a multitude of committees and initiatives as a tireless advocate for her students, driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives. She is a member of the Western Suffolk Counselors Association, the New York State School Counselor Association, and the American School Counselor Association. Additionally, her community involvement extends beyond her professional sphere, marked by her role as a charter member and past secretary for the Long Island Pride PTSA and as a volunteer youth soccer coach. She is an avid reader and fitness enthusiast who loves spending time with her family, gardening, and being outdoors. Mrs. Konop looks forward to collaborating with fellow NYS Master Counselors and embracing the extensive professional development opportunities within the program.

Brittany Kozlenko earned her BS in Physics from Fairfield University, MS in Instructional Technology from Western Connecticut State University, and EdD in Instructional Leadership from St. John's University. Dr. Kozlenko was named a Transforming Education through Leading and Learning (TELL) award winner by the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center for her integration of technology in her classroom. In 2021, the National Science Teaching Association announced that Dr. Kozlenko was a finalist for a Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. For the past 16 years, Dr. Kozlenko teaches physics and robotics at Brewster High School. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Kozlenko coaches her school's FIRST Robotics Team, the Cybearbot0, and is also the science liaison and a member of numerous committees, including the K-12 Science Articulation Committee and the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Committee. Dr. Kozlenko is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the American Modeling Teachers Association. Away from school, she enjoys hiking with her family and swimming. Dr. Kozlenko is looking forward to being a part of an innovative professional learning community to continue to improve science education in the state. She is hoping to start a collaborative team focusing on using computational modeling in the science classroom 

Jill Lastarza earned both her BA in Psychology and MS in Professional School Counseling from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. Ms. Lastarza has been employed with Albany City School District since 2015 and has served as both a Transition Coordinator and School Counselor. In her current role as the District-Wide School Counselor, Ms. Lastarza works with students with disabilities, students who are homeschooled, students in the justice system, students in BOCES' Cooperative Virtual Learning Academy, and students in Albany High School's Night School, GED and Summer School programs. She currently works out of Harriet Gibbons Student Services Center and Albany High School. Ms. Lastarza is an active member of her school community, serving as a district-level trainer on Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines and is a member of the district crisis response team which assists schools affected by tragedy. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and colleagues. As a NYS Master Counselor, Ms. Lastarza is most looking forward to deepening content knowledge in school counseling practices and collaborating with both school counselors and STEM teachers in her region as well with school counselors outside her region.

Heather Pizza earned her A.A. in Liberal Arts from Cazenovia College, her B.S. in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Psychology of the Exceptional Child from SUNY Cortland, and her M.S.Ed. in Special Education from SUNY Binghamton University. Mrs. Pizza, who has been in the classroom at Oxford Academy and Central Schools for over twenty years, currently teaches 4th Grade Science and Social Studies. She serves as an active member in the Central New York Council for the Social Studies, Oxford’s Comprehensive District Education Plan Team, and the District’s STEAM Committee. Mrs. Pizza has guided over forty student participants in Roborave, NY since its inception in 2018. She will soon begin her third year of The Trout in the Classroom and is a member of her local Trout Unlimited Chapter. In her free time, Mrs. Pizza enjoys playing golf and spending time outside with her husband and family.

Elizabeth Quadrozzi earned her BS in Journalism from SUNY Brockport, her MS in Outdoor Education, and her MS in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland. In the classroom for ten years, Mrs. Quadrozzi has been teaching 6th grade science at DeWitt Middle School. Before teaching, she worked at various zoos and nature centers inspiring kids to connect with the outdoors. Passionate about learning, Mrs. Quadrozzi works to teach students to stay curious, ask questions, and become lifelong learners. Mrs. Quadrozzi also serves as the Science Department Leader at DeWitt Middle School and is the past advisor of the National Junior Honor Society and Science Clubs. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Quadrozzi is excited to inspire a new generation of science teachers and connect with other science educators on best practices.

Paul Rubeo earned his BS in Chemistry with Inclusive Education and a minor in Biology at Nazareth College of Rochester and his MS in Chemistry from the University of Rochester, focusing his coursework and research in the field of Bioorganic Chemistry. He has seven years of experience as an NYS certified teacher and spent several years as a teaching assistant for undergraduate Chemistry courses at the University of Rochester. Mr. Rubeo is currently the Lead Teacher in the Science Research Program at Yorktown High School. In his previous roles, he has taught Chemistry, Biology, Applied Physical Science, and Middle School Science. In addition to his primary teaching responsibilities, Mr. Rubeo advises the Aeronautics club and is involved in helping students present their work at various competitions, including the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF), the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF), and the Westchester-Rockland Juniors Science and Humanities Symposium (WR-JSHS). He currently serves as a committee member for WR-JSHS, is a member of the American Chemical Society, Kappa Delta Pi, and recently joined the Science Teachers Association of New York State. Outside of school, Mr. Rubeo enjoys playing music and hiking with his family. He is excited to collaborate with other Master Teachers, share ideas, and further improve his craft to bring back innovative ideas to his home district.

Carin Shaffer earned her A.S. in Liberal Arts from Broome Community College, her B.S. and M.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland. She currently teaches 3rd grade at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School. Mrs. Shaffer previously taught 4th grade and was the district's 2nd – 8th grade Challenge Enrichment Teacher. Outside of the classroom, she established an afterschool Science Club which transformed into a STEM club and started a Mathletes Club. Mrs. Shaffer has also served on the building Shared Leadership Team, district Professional Development Committee, Assessment Committee, and as Trustee of the Windsor Central School District Board of Education. She mentors new teachers and has hosted several interns from SUNY Binghamton University and SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Shaffer has written and been awarded several Foundation Grants and Target Grants that have provided students experiences outside of the classroom. Mrs. Shaffer enjoys nature and learning. She spends time with her husband, two children, and eleven animals. As a Master Teacher, she is excited about learning and collaborating with others from around the state and engaging in the mini-courses and Professional Learning Teams.

Marianne Strayton earned her BA in elementary education and psychology from Saint Michael's College, her MS in elementary science, focusing on STEM from Iona College, and her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teacher College, Columbia University. Dr. Strayton has been the recipient of several awards due to her scholarship, impact, and service, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), Rockland County's Forty Under Forty, and the Katherine Fairbacks Award. Dr. Strayton has been teaching in Clarkstown Central School District since 1999. During that time she has served a classroom teacher, enrichment teacher, math & science coordinator, and currently serves as a math interventionist at Woodglen Elementary School. She is currently the President-Elect for the Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State and President of Ten County Mathematics Educators Association. Dr. Strayton is an active volunteer with her church community. This role includes participating in youth ministry events and summer service learning trips to domestic and international locations. During the pandemic, she began learning to play the flute, and has been enjoying it ever since! Dr. Strayton has also gained many insights into her students by taking the role of a true novice. She recently took part in her first concert, alongside her seventh grade nephew and fourth grade niece, and Dr. Strayton is eager for their next concert! Marianne is looking forward to all the rich opportunities to collaborate with educators across the region and state.

Keri Teribury Keri Teribury earned her BA in 7-12 Biology Education from Ithaca College and her MSEd from Binghamton University. Mrs. Teribury has been teaching at Union Endicott High School for 21 years. During this time, she has taught Living Environment and Applied Science. In addition, she has taught Forensic Science for 15 years. She created the curriculum for the district to introduce students to various STEM careers as well as provide a science elective to fulfill graduation requirements. She has been a cooperating teacher for several student teachers and has mentored new teachers. Mrs. Teribury's interests include attending the numerous sporting and musical events that her four children have been active in over the years. She also enjoys CrossFit, being active in her local church, and more recently, the joy of camping with her husband and children. Mrs. Teribury wants her children and her students to not be afraid of a challenge: embrace it, enjoy the process; and remember there is always something to be learned. She is delighted to be a part of the NYS Master Teacher network and is looking forward to collaborating with many highly qualified educators as she continues to foster the curiosity of her students, incorporate new learning in her classrooms, and refine her pedagogical skills.

Gina Varacchi earned her BA from SUNY Cortland and MA in Educational Computing from Stony Brook University, and holds a Students with Disabilities certification. As an undergraduate student, Mrs. Varacchi completed her student teaching in London, England and enjoyed backpacking throughout Europe. Mrs. Varacchi is currently the STEM teacher for grades K-6 at Setauket Elementary. She collaborated to develop the STEM curriculum for the Three Village School District, and designed the STEMroom course as professional development for academic staff so teachers can experience three-dimensional learning for themselves. Continuing her interest in adult learning, Mrs. Varacchi developed courses related to Educational Podcasts and using YouTube in the classroom, both used by several districts on Long Island. Mrs. Varacchi co-chairs the Setauket School's Science Club for children in grades K-4, and co-chair of the district's Professional Development Committee. As a NYS Master Teacher, Mrs. Varacchi looks forward to continuing to grow as a professional educator. Her goal is to take advantage of elementary opportunities within the program so she can provide greater learning opportunities for her students and share resources with her colleagues. 

Carol Wright earned her BS in agricultural education from Cornell University and her MS from SUNY Potsdam. Mrs. Wright started her teaching career in 1999 and is an agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Canton Central School. Mrs. Wright currently offers, as a component of the agricultural program at Hugh C. Williams High School; Career & Finance Management; Pre-Veterinary Science; Introduction to Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources; Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences; Leadership & Communication; and Power Mechanics. Mrs. Wright also advises members in grades 5-12 as part of the FFA, a youth leadership organization that strives to develop premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Throughout her career, Mrs. Wright has served in various leadership capacities as a member of the NY Association for Agricultural Educators, including President, Professional Development Committee, Recruitment and Retention Committee, and as the Agricultural Business & Leadership Mentor. Additionally, she has achieved and maintained National Board Certification in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Mrs. Wright serves as her CTE Department Chair at CCS as well as a member of the district's professional development committee. Her goals as an educator are to provide similar opportunities and experiences that she was able to gain as a 4-H and FFA member growing up in the North Country. Mrs. Wright enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the Adirondacks. She looks forward to sharing her passion for agriculture and its interconnectedness with STEM content teachers.