Locust Valley Central School District is happy to announce the appointment of five individuals to administrative roles, serving students at all grade levels. These appointments will reinforce an already strong administrative team.
AnnMarie Buonaspina takes on the position of Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Fine and Applied Arts, K-12; Jennifer Masa becomes a Locust Valley High School Assistant Principal; Erin Goldthwaite is the Coordinator of Pupil Personnel Services, K-12; Dr. Fotini Effie Kyvelos is the Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Michelle Villa is the Director of Guidance and Counseling, K-12.
Ms. Bounaspina most recently held the position of Subject-Matter Coordinator of Music for the Locust Valley Central School District and has served as middle school/high school music and orchestra teacher since 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Science in education and a Master of Arts in music education, and will earn the New York State School Building Leader and New York State School District Leader certificates this fall. Ms. Buonaspina has demonstrated exceptional skills in the area of educational technology, providing outstanding opportunities to students in and out of the classroom. She takes on this newly created position with an enthusiasm for fine arts and educational technology. Prior to students arriving for the first day of school, Ms. Buonaspina had already jumped into her new role and planned educational technology workshops for staff during Superintendent’s Conference Days.
Ms. Masa has been a member of the Locust Valley High School faculty since being hired as a teacher in 2009. She then took on the role of Dean of Students and will easily transition to the position of Assistant Principal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history, a Master of Science in education and certificates in school building leadership, school district leadership and administration. In her time on the Locust Valley administrative team, Ms. Masa has played an important role in the expansion of mental health support for students as well, has created SEL- and IB-themed months and has lead school spirit by introducing the concept of the “Falcon Family.” She plans to continue her efforts to support high school students and staff in her new role.
Ms. Goldthwaite brings 17 years of experience from the Cold Spring Harbor Central School District, where she most recently served as District Chairperson of Special Education. She has held roles as a collaborative teacher, self-contained teacher, guided study teacher and resource room teacher as well as serving as department chairperson. Ms. Goldthwaite holds a Bachelor of Science in education; Master of Science in curriculum and instruction, special education; Master of Science in educational leadership; School District Administrator certification and Special Education certification. She plans to work collaboratively with faculty, staff and parents to implement programs to support students with disabilities.
Dr. Kyvelos joins Locust Valley Central School District as the Director of Pupil Personnel. She has served as the Coordinator of Secondary Special Education in the East Meadow Union Free School District since 2015. She was previously a school psychologist in the same district for 13 years. Dr. Kyvelos has earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology, a Master of Science, Doctor of Psychology, School Building Leadership diploma and School Building Leadership Specialist diploma. She is guided by the principle of putting students first and has experience across all grade levels. In her most recent position, Dr. Kyvelos implemented the expansion of a special class program, implemented a co-teaching program and served as district liaison with Northwell Health in its provision of mental health services to students, a service in which Locust Valley schools will now participate.
Ms. Villa has been a Locust Valley High School Assistant Principal since 2015, a role in which she also oversaw the counseling department, making her an excellent choice for Director of Guidance and Counseling, K-12. She holds a Bachelor of Science in childhood education, Master of Science degrees in school counseling and certificates in school district leadership and school building leadership. During her tenure in Locust Valley, among other accomplishments, Ms. Villa has implemented a K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Plan, increased the number of students participating in counseling groups, implemented a mentoring program, expanded college partnerships, added exploration of careers and vocations and created a system to award the New York State Seal of Biliteracy to graduating seniors. Ms. Villa will be an asset to students across the district, focusing on appropriate skills and actions at each level from kindergarten through grade 12.
We look forward to working with each of these individuals in their new roles and wish them much success!