Meet the Staff
John Sheffield, Director
Mr. Sheffield is the Director of Elmwood Village Charter School. He is a highly accomplished and experienced educational leader who has served in the field of education for nearly 30 years. He has worked with children in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade as a classroom teacher, school counselor, and school administrator. He has also been a member of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Education at D’Youville College. Before his appointment as Director of EVCS in 2006, Mr. Sheffield held positions as Assistant Director at South Buffalo Charter School and Principal of Our Lady of Sacred Heart Elementary School. In 2001, Mr. Sheffield developed and implemented an academic improvement plan that was adopted as a framework for other elementary and middle schools in the area. Mr. Sheffield has had several professional articles published in high-profile national magazines, and was recognized in 2002 for his contributions to the field of educational leadership by the Western New York Leadership Academy. Mr. Sheffield was the first non-public school administrator to receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Academy to engage in further research in the field of educational leadership. Mr. Sheffield earned a Master of Arts degree from St. Bonaventure University, a Master of Science in Education degree from Niagara University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wadhams Hall College. Mr. Sheffield is a long-time resident of the Westside of Buffalo, where he currently resides with his family. jsheffield@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Anne Wechsler, Academic Program Coordinator
Anne Wechsler holds a Master of Arts degree from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University. She is the academic program coordinator and one of the founders of the Elmwood Village Charter School. Ms. Wechsler is certified in elementary education from kindergarten through grade six. She has worked in charter school development and served as a teacher in charter schools in Brooklyn, Boston, and Buffalo. awechsler@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Anne Landrigan, Special Services Coordinator and Middle School Site Coordinator
Mrs. Landrigan holds a Master of Science in Education degree from SUNY College at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Science degree from Gannon University. She is certified in both elementary and special education. Mrs. Landrigan came to EVCS in 2006 with thirteen years of experience as a classroom teacher, resource teacher, consultant teacher, early intervention specialist, and coordinator of special education programs. alandrigan@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Lea Gladysz, Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Ms. Gladysz held a position as an office manager and accounts specialist in a medical office prior to coming to EVCS in 2006. lgladys@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Dana Fauth, RN/BSN, School Nurse
Ms. Fauth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Ohio Wesleyan University. Prior to coming to EVCS in 2006, she spent more than 12 years working in the Health Care Information Technology field. dfauth@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Shawn Marie Warnes, Kindergarten - A Teacher
Ms. Warnes came to EVCS in 2008 as a teaching assistant in second grade. Prior to joining the faculty at EVCS, she served as a teacher at Community Charter School and Glendale Elementary School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Medaille College, and is certified to teach pre-k through grade six. swarnes@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Jennifer Covotta, Kindergarten – B Teacher
Ms. Covotta is a reading specialist who earned an Advanced Certificate in Literacy from Medaille College, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Exceptional Education from Buffalo State College, and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts from Brockport University. She is certified in early childhood education, childhood education, special education, and literacy. Prior to coming to EVCS, Ms. Covotta was a long-term a first grade teacher for one year in the Lancaster School District. jcovotta@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Ann Sullivan, First Grade - A Teacher
Mrs. Sullivan holds a Master of Science degree in elementary education from Medaille College, and is certified to teach first through sixth grade. Mrs. Sullivan came to EVCS as a long-term substitute in 2006, and became our first grade teacher in 2007. Prior to coming to EVCS, Mrs. Sullivan worked as a substitute teacher at South Buffalo Charter School for three years. asullivan@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Kathleen Smidt, First Grade - B Teacher
Ms. Smidt earned a Master’s degree in Education from Medaille College and a Bachelor’s degree from the American University in Washington D.C. Prior to joining the faculty at EVCS, Ms. Smidt taught at the Westminster Community Charter School, English as a Second Language in Denmark, and multi-age grades in San Francisco. Ms. Smidt has also worked for the past several years as a trainer with the Western New York Writing Project and is a participant in the Columbia Teachers College Reading and Writing Program. Ms. Smidt is certified to teach grades pre-kindergarten through sixth. ksmidt@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Rachele Schneekloth, Second Grade Teacher
Ms. Schneekloth holds a Master of Education degree in elementary education from SUNY at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University. She is certified in elementary education for pre-kindergarten through grade six. She came to EVCS in 2006 with four years of experience as a multi-age classroom teacher, math coordinator, and ESL teacher. rschneekloth@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Laura Cornejo, Third Grade Teacher
Ms. Cornejo was a highly preferred substitute teacher at EVCS in the 2009-2010 school year and became a full-time member of our teaching team in 2010. Ms. Cornejo earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Buffalo, and is certified to teach pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. lcornejo@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Josette Smith, Fourth Grade Teacher
Ms. Smith holds a Master of Science in Education degree from Medaille College and Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY College at Buffalo. She is certified in elementary education for first through sixth grade. Mrs. Smith came to EVCS in 2006 with three years of experience as a classroom teacher and seven years of experience in the field of social work and early prevention. jsmith@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Johanna MacDonald, Fifth Grade Teacher
Mrs. MacDonald holds permanent certifications in elementary education and literacy. She earned a Masters of Education degree in Reading from Canisius College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mrs. MacDonald was a highly respected teacher at South Buffalo Charter School from 2002 until 2005, and was a preferred substitute teacher at EVCS until she became a full-time member of the faculty in 2010. jmacdonald@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Robin Campbell, Middle School ELA and Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Campbell earned his Master of Science degree from St. Bonaventure University and his Bachelor of Science degree from Houghton College. Mr. Campbell joined our teaching team at EVCS in 2007 as a teaching assistant with Mrs. Smith in fourth grade, and became our sixth grade teacher in 2008. Mr. Campbell is a certified social studies teacher for grades five through twelve and is certified in gifted and talented education for grades kindergarten through twelve. Prior to coming to EVCS, Mr. Campbell taught for a semester in Nicaragua. He also studied through cultural exchange programs in Honduras and Russia. rcampbell@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Renee Zerkowski, Middle School Mathematics and Science Teacher
Ms. Zerkowski earned a Master of Science degree in Education with a specialization in differentiated instruction from Canisius College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with a concentration in Mathematics from Canisius College. She is certified to teach all subjects in first through sixth grades and mathematics to students in grades five through nine. Prior to joining the faculty at EVCS in 2011, Ms. Zerkowski was a middle school teacher at St. Mary’s School in Lancaster and the Canisius College Middle School Science Camp. rzerkowski@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Tara Czamara, Special Education and Consultant Teacher
Mrs. Czamara holds a Master of Science degree from Canisius College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from John Carroll University. She came to EVCS in 2007 with ten years of experience as a special education and classroom teacher. Mrs. Czamara is certified in both elementary and special education. tczamara@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Jacqueline Gonser, Special Education and Consultant Teacher
Mrs. Gonser holds a Master of Science in Education degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in exceptional and elementary education from SUNY College at Buffalo, and she is certified to teach in both of these areas. Prior to coming to EVCS in 2007, Mrs. Gonser worked as a special education teacher at South Buffalo Charter School for three years. jgonser@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Melanie Lesswing, Special Education and Consultant Teacher
Mrs. Lesswing earned her Bachelor’s degree in both exceptional and elementary education from Buffalo State College with honors. Mrs. Lesswing completed her student teaching at EVCS during the 2009-2010 school year under the supervision of Mrs. Landrigan. Mrs. Lesswing is certified to teach elementary and special education. mlesswing@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Lindsy Sprague, Special Education and Consultant Teacher
Ms. Sprague earned her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY College at Buffalo, and is certified in both general and special education for grades one through six. Ms. Sprague completed her student teaching at EVCS in 2010-2011 under the supervision of Mrs. Landrigan. lsprague@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Krista Vazquez, Special Education and Consultant Teacher
Ms. Vazquez holds a Master’s degree in Education from Canisius College, a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness from SUNY at Buffalo, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from SUNY at Buffalo. She is certified in both special and general education. kvazquez@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Jennifer Coniglio-Seitz, Title I Reading and Math Lead Teacher
Mrs. Seitz holds a Master of Science degree in elementary education and literacy from Medaille College. Ms. Coniglio is certified in elementary education and literacy. Prior to joining the team at EVCS in 2006, Ms. Coniglio was employed for five years as a pre-school teacher. jconiglio@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
David Phillips, Physical Education
Mr. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from St. Bonaventure University, and is currently completing his Master’s degree in health and physical education. Mr. Phillips is certified to teach physical education to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Mr. Phillips came to EVCS in 2009. dphillips@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Elvi Jo Dougherty, Art Teacher
Ms. Dougherty holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, and is completing her Master’s degree at Buffalo State College. She is certified to teach art in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve. Ms. Dougherty is also a teacher at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and has had countless exhibitions of her own work since 1991. Ms. Dougherty is currently on a one-year maternity leave.
Ashley Smith, Art Teacher
Ms. Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Alfred University and a post-baccalaureate certificate in art education from the New York State University College at Buffalo. Prior to joining the faculty at EVCS, she was a part-time art teacher in the Williamsville School District. She is certified to teach art to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Ms. Smith is also a highly accomplished artist in her own right, and has won several distinguished awards for her work. asmith@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Christina Brown, Music Teacher
Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Cedar Crest College in Allentown Pennsylvania, and studied in the Music Together Program in Dedham, Massachusetts. Ms. Brown currently serves as the Chair of the Childhood Music Department and teaches at Community Music School. She also teaches music at the Bornhava Preschool, the Jewish Community Center, the Lackawanna Youth Town After-School Program, and Gateway-Longview Therapeutic Preschool. Past experience includes Concert Coordinator for CMS Neighborhood Concerts, Music Zone instructor at Buffalo Public School # 77, and music teacher at Nardin Montessori. cboyd@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Catherine Skora, Dance Instructor
Ms. Skora has been a teaching artist for over 17 years and is the Founder and Director of Folkloric Productions Dance Co., Inc. Folkloric Productions is a not-for-profit cultural organization with the mission to bring international dance and music to the public. Ms. Skora a holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY at Buffalo and a Master of Arts degree in Creative Studies at SUNY College at Buffalo. She has done extensive studies in a variety of international dance forms, including Modern, African, Ballet, and Theatrical Dance. Her studies and affiliations with various dance organizations have led to much international travel. Ms. Skora has received several Arts in Education grants for programs she developed and presented at various schools. She is also a teaching artist with Young Audiences of WNY and a member of Coalition of Arts Providers for Children.cskora@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Diane Huzl, Spanish and ESL Teacher
Ms. Huzl holds a K-12 TESOL Certification (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and a certification in English. She earned her Master of Education degree and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish from SUNY at Buffalo. She taught K-8 Spanish at St. Edmund’s School for five years. Prior that that placement, she was an ESL teacher in Amherst and Niagara Falls. dhuzl@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Carol Veach, Library/Media Specialist
Mrs. Veach is a certified library/media specialist and is certified to teach grades first through six. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Buffalo, and her Bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State College. Prior to coming to EVCS, she worked as a professional librarian in the Erie County library system. cveach@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Ebony McMillan, Kindergarten - B Teaching Assistant
Ms. McMillan holds an Associate degree from Erie Community College. She joined our team at EVCS in 2006 after working for four years as an assistant in a Montessori program. Ms. McMillan was also the owner and director of a Montessori daycare center. emcmillan@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Becky McQuillan, First Grade - A Teaching Assistant
Ms. McQuillan originally joined our team at EVCS in 2006 as the teaching assistant in kindergarten. In 2008, she accepted a position as a lead teacher in a pre-school, and returned to EVCS in 2009. Mrs. McQuillan has extensive experience as a Title I and special education assistant. Ms. McQuillan holds a NYS Certification as a teacher assistant, and is qualified to deliver instruction. bmcquillan@elmwoodvillageschool.org
Brittany Machmer, Third Grade Teaching Assistant
Ms. Machmer began serving at EVCS in 2010 through the AmeriCorps program, and became a member of the staff in 2011. Ms. Machmer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY College at Buffalo, and is completing her Master’s degree and teaching certification at Medaille College. bmachmer@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Melissa Nicholas-Bak, Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Bak earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Niagara University, where she specialized in early literacy. She is certified to teach birth through grade six and holds an early childhood literacy certification.Ms. Bak is currently on a one-year maternity leave. mbak@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Jennifer Valeri, Second Grade Assistant Teacher
Ms. Valeri holds a Bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in English from SUNY College at Buffalo, where she is currently completing her Master’s degree in literacy. She is certified to teach all subjects to students in grades first through sixth and English Language Arts to students in grades seven through twelve. Ms. Valeri came to EVCS in 2010 as a preferred substitute teacher. jvaleri@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Courtney Kerwin, Kindergarten-A Assistant Teacher
Ms. Kerwin came to EVCS as a student teacher in 2011. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Medaille College. Ms. Kerwin is certified to teach first through sixth grade. ckerwin@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Kathleen Stanek, First Grade-B Assistant Teacher
Ms. Stanek holds a Master’s degree in education from Medaille College, and a Bacehlor’s degree from Empire State College with a concentration in early childhood. She is certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade, and she is completing her special education certification through an advanced certificate program at Medaille College. kstanek@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
John Grabovski, Building Engineer
Mr. Grabovski is the custodial engineer at EVCS. Prior to coming to EVCS in 2006, he worked for over 27 years as a custodial supervisor for a maintenance company that had contracts with many area private and public schools. jgrabovski@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Jack Seitz, Food Service Coordinator
Mr. Seitz is a retired from the field of chemical research and hazardous waste management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and chemistry from the University of Buffalo. Mr. Seitz spent many years coaching sports teams for his sons and now his grandson. He is a long-time member of the Cardinal O’Hara Boosters, an organization that raises money to fund athletic programs. jseitz@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Anita Ching, AmeriCorps Assistant
Ms. Ching is an AmeriCorps assistant serving at EVCS providing academic intervention to students. She holds a Master’s degree in biology from SUNY at Buffalo, and a Bachelor’s degree in childhood education with a concentration in science from Brooklyn College. Ms. Ching is certified to teach all subjects in grades one through six, and biology in grades five through twelve. aching@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Jonathan Iain Dunbar, AmeriCorps Assistant
Mr. Dunbar is an AmeriCorp teaching assistant serving at our middle school site. Mr. Dunbar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Biola University in California. jdunbar@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Jennifer Walsh, AmeriCorps Assistant
Ms. Walsh is an AmeriCorps teaching assistant serving in our fifth grade. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in fine arts from SUNY at Buffalo, and is a certified art teacher. jwalsh@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Pamela Dortch, Receptionist/Clerk
Ms. Dortch was a teaching assistant at South Buffalo Charter School before coming to EVCS in 2011. Ms. Dortch is a certified teaching assistant. pdortch@elmwoodvillageschool.org.
Kristine Beringer, AmeriCorps Teaching Assistant
Ms. Beringer is an AmeriCorps teaching assistant serving in fourth grade. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and special education, and is certified to teach in both of these areas. She is currently completing a Master of Science degree in literacy at SUNY Fredonia. Ms. Beringer joined the team at EVCS in December of 2011. kberinger@elmwoodvillageschool.org.