Welcome, New Faculty & Staff!

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Welcome, New Faculty & Staff!

We are delighted to introduce the outstanding faculty and staff who have recently joined us at Chapin as the newest members of our professional community! Here are their brief profiles: 

LOWER SCHOOL

Jessica Busk, LS Technology Integrator

  • Experience: Jessica graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education. After teaching second grade in Kalamazoo, MI, began pursuing her Masters in Educational Technology and began work in academic technology integration and STEAM teaching roles at Speyer Legacy School and Calhoun School, respectively. Jess is fully trained in both the Seeing Stars and Visualizing and Verbalizing programs and was named Clinician of the Summer for excellence in reading intervention.
  • Fun Facts: Jessica is a big sister to eight siblings. She loves being outdoors, doing yoga, cats and going on adventures.

Orly Cohen, LS Counselor

  • Experience: Orly Cohen is a New York State licensed and certified School Counselor.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, from Columbia University. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology, and a Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to joining Chapin, Orly has held positions as a Learning Support Provider, Counselor, and Counseling Department Coordinator in both public and independent elementary schools.
  • Fun Facts: Orly enjoys traveling, reading, gardening and baking sweet treats.

Jenna Foti, LS Head Teacher

  • Experience: Jenna graduated from the University of Michigan School of Education with a B.A. in Education and a Michigan Provisional Elementary Certification. She received a Master of Arts from Teachers College at Columbia University as a Literacy Specialist for ages birth-grade 6, where she worked closely with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. She previously worked as an Associate Teacher at Trevor Day School for two years and, most recently, served as Lower School Teacher of Learning Skills at the Brearley School.
  • Fun Facts: Jenna loves reading, walking through Central Park and trying fabulous restaurants in NYC.
  • In Their Own Words: “I am incredibly excited to be a part of a community that is centered around its people – students, professional community and families. It is clear that Chapin is a place where each individual is celebrated, valued and recognized. There is a deep commitment to the shared mission and a true sense of camaraderie as a community.”

Naomi Martel, LS Head Teacher

  • Experience: Naomi holds a dual master’s degree in childhood general and special education from Hunter College. She has previously taught Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 4th grades across New York private, public and special education schools.
  • Fun Facts: Naomi enjoys preparing creative dinners, practicing yoga and having picnics in Central Park.

Jessica Pham, Head of LS Math

  • Experience: Jessica holds a B.A. in English Language Arts & Childhood Education from Macaulay Honors College and an M.A. in Math and Science Education from Hunter Graduate School of Education. Jessica has taught and coached at a variety of institutions, including The Kawagoe Girls’ High School in Japan and NEST+m, a gifted and talented public school in New York City. As the founding 5th-grade math teacher at Brooklyn Arbor, she not only helped develop the mathematics curriculum but also founded and coached the debate team!
  • Fun Facts: Jessica enjoys traveling and volunteering at animal rescues. She also has a dog named Kai.
  • In Their Own Words: “What excites me most about working at Chapin is the constant discovery. Every day brings fresh opportunities to watch students and colleagues grow, ask big questions, and explore new ideas. It's a place where learning feels alive, blending the best of tradition with creative approaches to the future. Being part of a safe and open-minded community that nurtures curiosity and celebrates growth inspires me to me my best self.”

DJ Ross, LS Associate Teacher

  • Experience: DJ was an Associate Teacher at The Nightingale-Bamford School. Prior to that, she was an Early Childhood Educator. DJ graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in Biology and English Literature. She holds a master’s degree in English and American Literature from New York University.
  • Fun Facts: DJ loves reading, baking and trivia.
  • In Their Own Words: “What excites me most about working at Chapin is working with and learning from wonderful teachers, as well as encouraging students to love school.”

Sara Shiffman, LS Associate Teacher

  • Experience: Sara graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Childhood General Education from Bank Street College of Education. Before Chapin, Sara worked as a Kindergarten Associate Teacher at The Dalton School and an Assistant Teacher at Temple Emanu-El Nursery School.
  • Fun Facts: Sara loves to read and cheer for the New York Rangers.
  • In Their Own Words: “I’m thrilled to work at a school that values community collaboration and meaningful learning experiences for all students.”

Alison Thompson, LS Head Teacher

  • Experience: Ali is a graduate of NYU with a dual degree in Theater and Classics, and of Bank Street College of Education with a Master of Science in Elementary Education. She has been teaching grades K-3 for over 20 years in public, charter, private and inclusion settings.
  • Fun Facts: Ali enjoys reading and hiking. She loves creating crosswords and is a two-time published cruciverbalist with the now-defunct Buffalo magazine!
  • In Their Own Words: “I am so excited to be working at Chapin! This may sound cheesy, but the community is what excites me most. I have worked in many independent schools over the past 20 years, and the Chapin professional community, students and families are by far the most friendly, kind, supportive and encouraging people I have ever met or worked with! I am also very excited to be working in an all-girls school.”  


MIDDLE SCHOOL

Carolina Aguasanta, MS World Languages Teacher

  • Experience: Carolina earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from St. John's University and has taught Spanish from Kindergarten to 6th grade in several schools throughout NYC, including another all-girls school. She is also a licensed reading specialist trained in multi-sensory approaches to literacy.
  • Fun Facts: Carolina enjoys hiking in the Catskills, making pizza and attending the ballet.
  • In Their Own Words: “I am most excited to return to Chapin because of the welcoming community that has nurtured my growth both professionally and personally. I look forward to connecting with my students and helping them discover new pathways in their exploration of the Spanish language.”


Lindsey Chase, Class 4 Math Teacher


Tiffani Ormsby, Assistant to the Head of Middle School

  • Experience: Tiffani spent three years at Chapin as an Associate Teacher in the Lower School before becoming a First and Second grade Head Teacher at The Caedmon School. She earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education from American University in 2020.
  • Fun Facts: Tiffani enjoys exploring, baking treats and spending time with her dog, Nemo.
  • In Their Own Words: “What excites me most about working at Chapin is the opportunity to collaborate across divisions and with a wide variety of people. The sense of community here is truly special—everyone is kind, supportive, and brings a diversity of thought that enriches the environment. I also love connecting with students; their energy, humor, and unique perspectives make each day engaging and rewarding. Having meaningful conversations with them is one of the highlights of my job.”


Samantha Wachs, MS STEAM Integrator

  • Experience: Sammi Wachs holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, with a focus in science, from Penn State University and a M.A. in STEM Education from Hofstra University. For the past seven years, Sammi has worked as a STEAM educator at Hannah Senesh Community Day School in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. This is her 12th year teaching.
  • Fun Facts: Sammi enjoys walking in Central Park and Broadway shows. She loves spending time with her son, who turns one in October 2024!
     

Genavie Williams, MS Art Teacher

  • Experience: Genavie studied at California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and received a Master's Degree in Education from The University of California San Diego.
  • Fun Facts: She is a practicing artist and works with a variety of mediums.
  • In Their Own Words: “I'm most excited about the students and their energy! They have such wonderful ideas and I can't wait to see how that translates in the art classroom.”


UPPER SCHOOL

Katrina Council, US History Teacher

  • Experience: Katrina taught History at Miss Porter’s School for six years and, before that, taught at Manhattan Comprehensive Day and Night High School in NYC. Before becoming a public school teacher, Katrina taught in South Korea for 2 1/2 years. Katrina has two master's degrees: a Master of Arts in in Teaching Social Studies Education from the University of Southern California and a Master's in Public History from Central Connecticut State University. She has a B.A. in Political Science/Public Administration from Central Connecticut State University.
  • Fun Facts: Katrina is a self-taught baker and can bake anything. Katrina also enjoys reading, watching TV and a good sunset. 
  • In Their Own Words: “What excites me about Chapin is the curriculum. The History Department has worked incredibly hard to give the students a quality and equitable education. The curriculum is by far one of the best I have seen in my career.”


Justin Davis, Head of US Science Department & US Science Teacher

  • Experience: A graduate of Wilkes University, Justin went on to study advanced science and education at the University of Pennsylvania, University of the Sciences, Walden University, Brown University, and University of Pennsylvania, again. He has been a science educator for 14 years.
  • Fun Facts: Justin loves horror movies and good books.
  • In Their Own Words: “What excites me most about working at Chapin is the environment that is so rife with opportunities to grow, innovate, and self-reflect. The scholars and the professional community are so apt and ready to make changes to the world around us, and it’s so very powerful!”

Kristina Kalaw Joyas, US Equity Coordinator and US English Teacher

  • Experience: Kristina received her bachelor's from Stony Brook University and her master's from Columbia University. Prior to Chapin, Kristina was the Dean of Student Life at another K-12 historically all-girls independent school.
  • Fun Facts: Kristina is often found reading historical fiction, listening to The Gilded Gentleman podcast, or watching horror films with her family.
  • In Their Own Words: “I’m excited to be in partnership with Chapin's thoughtful and supportive professional community. As I become familiar with my peers it becomes evident that they care deeply about their work and encouraging growth from their students. I welcome the opportunity to learn from them and continue my own development as an educator.”

Lodz Pierre, US World Languages Teacher

  • Experience: Lodz earned her B.A. in French and International Relations at the University of Kentucky. She also completed her M.A. in French and an additional M.A. in Teaching World languages at the same institution. She is entering her 11th year of teaching. Lodz is a native Haitian and speaker of French.
  • Fun Facts: Her interests are linguistic, culture and sports.
  • In Their Own Words: “As cliché as it sounds, it is simply the kids. They challenge me and allow me to be authentically me.”
     

ATHLETICS

Betsy Matthew, Assistant Athletic Director

  • Experience: Betsy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Union College in Schenectady, New York. She was the student assistant to the Athletic Director at her college for three years.
  • Fun Facts: In college, Betsy coxed for the men’s crew team. In high school, she was a three season Varsity athlete.
  • In Their Own Words: “All my life, all I’ve ever wanted to do is make a positive impact on young children’s lives, stay active and live in New York City. I never imagined being lucky enough to land a job where I get to do all three. Working at Chapin is quite literally living out my own American Dream.”

Jenny Plasencia, Athletic Trainer

  • Experience: After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training from SUNY Brockport, Jenny received her master's in Sports Medicine from Georgia State University. She worked at the Georgia Institute of Technology as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer, Professional Physical Therapy ("ProPT"), and the Dalton School.
  • Fun Facts: Jenny is dairy, gluten and nightshade intolerant, and vegan, so her food plates are extremely colorful!
  • In Their Own Words: “What excites me most about working at Chapin is the future of women leaders we are creating in this nurturing and empathic environment.”


Heather Tomko, Physical Education Teacher

  • Experience: Heather earned her master's in early childhood education in both special and general education. She is currently in her 11th year of teaching, having served as a special education itinerant teacher for the last 10 years. Her received her undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University where she was also a Division 1 Athlete (Women's Soccer). Heather has a level C soccer coaching license and is a certified kids yoga instructor. She has coached ages 2-18 for the last nine years.
  • In Their Own Words: “I am overwhelmed with excitement to work at Chapin this year because of the incredible amount of support, and warm welcoming educators I am able to work alongside of every day. From the moment I was hired, ALL of my colleagues in the P.E. department have gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome, supported and valued for my personal strengths.”


Tamara Xu, Head Athletic Trainer

  • Experience: Tamara has worked as Assistant Athletic Trainer at LIU-Brooklyn and as Assistant Athletic Trainer at Columbia University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from McGill University and a Bachelor of Applied Health Science in Athletic Therapy degree from Sheridan College in Toronto. She also received a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training from Illinois State University. She is a board-certified athletic trainer and is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association.
  • Fun Facts: Tamara is a native of Ontario, Canada. She has volunteered and worked a variety of events including the NYC Marathon, Canada Winter Games, Senior Pan Am Gymnastics Championships, Toronto Waterfront Marathon and with the Canada Women’s Soccer National Team. 
  • In Their Own Words: “What excites me about working at Chapin is seeing that lightbulb moment in real time as student learn something new!”


STAFF

Heather Gorton, Human Resources Associate

  • Experience: Prior to joining Chapin, Heather worked in higher education operations, served in a variety of roles for non-profit organizations, and taught elementary special education for seven years. She holds a bachelor's degree from Tulane University in Human Health and Wellness, a master's degree in Elementary Inclusive Education from Columbia University Teachers College and is a Society for Human Resources Certified Professional. 
  • Fun Facts: Heather enjoys traveling, playing tennis, swimming and trying new fitness classes.
  • In Her Own Words: “What excites me most about working at Chapin is how collaborative and welcoming the Professional Community is!”

Maggie Johnston, College Guidance Office Manager

  • Experience: Maggie previously worked in admissions for The University of Texas at Austin (her alma mater) and in the Graduate School at Vanderbilt University. She also managed offices for Indeed.com headquarters.
  • Fun Facts: Her favorite Chapin facilities are the library and greenhouse.
  • In Their Own Words: “There are so many things to be excited about! The Professional Community, the students and supporting their journeys, and the wonderful facilities. But I think the thing I'm most grateful for is the feminist, supportive culture here – ladies lifting ladies up. We are breaking glass ceilings and helping others up the ladder along the way.”