Faculty and Staff
Meet Our Community
Our faculty and staff are extraordinary. Day in and day out, they find countless ways to remind our students how much they matter as individuals and as part of the Doane Stuart community.
Communication between families and the school is encouraged. The faculty and staff should respond to voicemail and email messages within 24 hours or one school day. Of course, about issues of importance, face-to-face meetings are encouraged.
Click Faculty/Staff photos to reveal bios
- Administration
- Staff
- Middle School
- Upper School
Director of Technology
F. Stephen Costa
My path to Doane Stuart was a circuitous one, bringing me from another independent school and an urban Charter School. Here, while I am the Director of Technology, I also teach a Video Editing art class (semester-long) as well as the “Fairy Tales: Interpretation & Analysis” and the “Writing & Rhetoric” English courses for juniors seniors. Additionally, I am the Mock Trial team coach. As I reside only 1.2 miles away, most days, I brave the elements and walk to work.
Director of College Counseling & Assistant Director of Admissions
Todd Crandall
I have spent my 36 professional years in education. After ten years as a College Admission Director, I have spent the past 26 as the Director of College Counseling at La Salle Institute. During my time as a college counselor, I have visited hundreds of colleges and have worked with thousands of students and families. I am passionate about helping young people navigate the college search process, one I see as a journey ultimately ending with the best fit, academically, socially and emotionally. Additionally, I have worked in curriculum development, coached varsity tennis for 22 years, and JV golf for five. Outside of work, I enjoy tennis, golf, and pickleball as well as, gardening and traveling.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Director of Development
Darlene Gallagher
I started working for the Doane Stuart School in October 2005 as the Development Assistant. Through my years at Doane Stuart, I have held many positions. I became the Director of Development in March 2012. In my spare time, I enjoy taking Kettlebell and Spin classes for my health and relaxation. I also enjoy volunteering for and working with our Veterans. I feel a deep gratitude to all those who have served this wonderful country and I thank them for their service.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 203
Director of Enrollment Management
Nico Forcier
Nico is an experienced school administrator, having worked in education at multiple levels over the past 18 years. He started his career in education as an admissions officer at Binghamton University and then Bennington College. In 2016, Nico decided to work with a younger population and has served as Director of Admissions and Director of College Counseling at both boarding and day schools.
Nico is from Newport, Oregon but has had the opportunity to live all over the United States as a result of his father’s career in the military. Nico is an avid traveler and has been to 43 countries! He lives in Chatham, NY with his wife, three sons, and three dogs.
Phone:518-465-5222 x 241
Head of School
Marcy Cathey
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 200
Education:B.A. Duke University, M.S. Nova Southeastern University
Dean of the Upper School, Athletic Director, Upper School Biology
Dr. David Wells
After earning his degrees, David continued his training with Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Michigan and Brown University before becoming an Assistant Professor at Yale University in 2001 in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. He left Yale as an Associate Professor to join the faculty at Doane Stuart in 2012. David currently teaches Advanced Biology, Advanced Topics in Cell Biology, Molecular Psychology, and Bioethics. He is also the Dean of the Upper School. In addition, he helps coordinate student participation in National Chemistry Day and the International Brain Bee Competition. David has two children who both attend Doane Stuart and are active in sports both at Doane Stuart and in their town leagues. Outside of school, he play as much tennis as he’s allowed and he plays for the Albany team in an over 40 Men’s Soccer League.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 445
Education:BA Zoology, MS Biochemistry, PhD Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont
Middle School Director
Lianne Adams
Lianne Adams is a motivated, creative, and reliable administrator and educator with over 25 years of experience in education. She has spent the last 18 years of her career working for the Susan Odell Taylor School. Before becoming the Susan Odell Taylor School Co-Head of School, she served as Taylor’s Assistant Head of School and the Director of Student Affairs. Prior to her leadership roles, Mrs. Adams was a fifth and sixth-grade classroom teacher in both the private and public sectors. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology from Potsdam State University and a Masters of Elementary Education with a Gifted Talented Endorsement from Utah State University. Mrs. Adams is privileged to serve as the Middle School Director for both The Doane Stuart School and Taylor School and lead the many talented teachers and students at both schools. Her goal is to continue cultivating an environment that encourages open communication, collaboration, and teamwork conducive to teaching and learning. She looks forward to interacting with all stakeholders in our school community this year!
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:B.A. Elementary Education & Psychology, Potsdam State University, M.A. Elementary Education, Utah State University
Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
Mariann Haggerty
Mariann Haggerty comes to Done Stuart as the Administrative Assistant for the Middle and Upper Schools this year. Ms. Haggerty has been the Office Manager at Tavlor School for 21 vears. She is excited to be working with both Taylor School and Doane Stuart this vear. Mariann has a black lab named Violet, who recently went through training to become a Companion Dog. Maybe you’ll see Violet around Done Stuart sometime in the near future!
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 202
Assistant to Head of School & Development Director; Upper & Middle School Japanese
Yoko Segerstrom
I was born and raised in Japan, and came to the US in 1986 after I married my husband. I started working for the Doane Stuart in April 2004 as a Lower and Middle School Secretary, and have been teaching Japanese as an Independent Study to Upper School students since 2006. I also teach piano after school. In my spare time, I enjoy practicing Taichi and Qigong for my health and relaxation, and I volunteer at Honest Weight Food Co-op in Albany every Saturday morning.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 240
Education:Japanese Teacher, Certificate – Cornell University Associate Degree – Kyoritsu Women’s Junior College, Tokyo, Japan
School Nurse
Megan Rockwell
Ms. Rockwell is a lifelong resident of the Capital District. She is a R.N. and has spent many years working in various medial settings. As a mother to five children, and three new grandchildren, she brings the perfect combination of skill and compassion to our students at Doane Stuart. When she’s not taking care of someone, Ms. Rockwell enjoys traveling, scuba diving, skiing, reading, and gardening.
518-465-5222 ext 225
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 225
7th & 8th Grade Social Studies
Vincent Pruchnick
Mr. Pruchnick has always harbored a profound passion for education. Since 2019, Vincent has been an integral part of the Taylor School community. Within his classroom, he cultivates an environment of creativity and active engagement, inspiring his students to explore their untapped potential and reach new heights. Beyond the classroom, Vincent finds joy in quality time with family, friends, and his feline companion Sylvie.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:B.S. Education, Russell Sage College M.A. Special Education, Russell Sage (In-progress)
Middle School Director
Lianne Adams
Lianne Adams is a motivated, creative, and reliable administrator and educator with over 25 years of experience in education. She has spent the last 18 years of her career working for the Susan Odell Taylor School. Before becoming the Susan Odell Taylor School Co-Head of School, she served as Taylor’s Assistant Head of School and the Director of Student Affairs. Prior to her leadership roles, Mrs. Adams was a fifth and sixth-grade classroom teacher in both the private and public sectors. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology from Potsdam State University and a Masters of Elementary Education with a Gifted Talented Endorsement from Utah State University. Mrs. Adams is privileged to serve as the Middle School Director for both The Doane Stuart School and Taylor School and lead the many talented teachers and students at both schools. Her goal is to continue cultivating an environment that encourages open communication, collaboration, and teamwork conducive to teaching and learning. She looks forward to interacting with all stakeholders in our school community this year!
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:B.A. Elementary Education & Psychology, Potsdam State University, M.A. Elementary Education, Utah State University
Upper School Math; Lower School Technology
James Cernik
After graduating from Union Graduate College and completing a student teaching internship under the direction of a National Board Certified instructor, I joined Doane Stuart during the 2015 – 2016 school year as a math tutor for the upper school. During this first year, I worked with students during their free periods to provide homework help, review for quizzes and tests, and general review of various math topics. My first year of full-time teaching occurred during the 2016 – 2017 school year and ever since, I have taught a variety of math courses in both the middle and upper school. During my time at Doane Stuart, I have taught math courses including; Math 6, Math 7, Pre – Algebra, Algebra 8, Algebra 9, Geometry 9, Geometry 10, and Probability and Statistics.
Whenever I have taught a math course, my main focus for students has been twofold; 1) providing an appreciation for math and its various applications and 2) helping students explore and justify the steps they take in the problem-solving process. My goal for students is always that they walk away from a math course with a sense of confidence in their problem-solving and reasoning abilities and that they aren’t afraid to apply their knowledge in other courses of study.
B. A. Economics, Union College MAT Mathematics, Union Graduate College NYS Teaching Certification: 5-12 Mathematics, Union Graduate College
(518) 730 – 4804 ext. 412
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 412
5th Grade Math
Jessica Sharron
Ms. Sharron completed her undergraduate degree at Siena College with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Studies. She co-created a video game club at her previous school and helped coach the running club. This year, she hopes to coach modified cross country and is eager to get involved in the community.
Education:B.A. Political Science & Environmental Studies, Siena M.A. Teaching, Portland University
Director of Technology
F. Stephen Costa
My path to Doane Stuart was a circuitous one, bringing me from another independent school and an urban Charter School. Here, while I am the Director of Technology, I also teach a Video Editing art class (semester-long) as well as the “Fairy Tales: Interpretation & Analysis” and the “Writing & Rhetoric” English courses for juniors seniors. Additionally, I am the Mock Trial team coach. As I reside only 1.2 miles away, most days, I brave the elements and walk to work.
Middle and Upper School Music
Joe Hetko
Joe Hetko has been teaching band and general music at The Doane Stuart School for the past 15 years. Prior to that, he was a private music instructor and free-lance musician; he continues both of those activities to this day. He has been the Performing Arts Chair at the Heldeberg Workshop in the Town of New Scotland for the past twenty years. Joe works as a guitarist and bassist in a variety of situations and enjoys doing some composing.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 424
Education:B.A. Music, St. Lawrence University
Middle School English & Religion
Patty Hodgkinson
After graduating from Boston College, Patty returned to the Albany area to begin her teaching career. She was fortunate to be hired by Sr. Margaret Canty, RSCJ, for a part-time Middle School Social Studies position at the Doane Stuart School. Eventually, she was offered a full-time job teaching Language Arts, and at the same time she went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Reading from the University at Albany. Patty has loved being a part of the journey her seventh and eighth graders undertake to blossom as readers and writers. She engages them in reading with a critical eye and writing with a keen sense of the intended purpose and audience for their pieces. Patty enjoys helping to orchestrate special programs at school, such as the Integrated Project and Community Service. When not grading papers or planning lessons, she enjoys cooking, biking, traveling, and most especially, reading!
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 404
Education:BA in Secondary Education/History from Boston College, MS in Reading from the University at Albany
Middle School Science & Math
Jodi Gibeault
Ms. Gibeault comes to Doane Stuart as the Middle School science and sixth-grade math teacher. She strives to create a classroom community where students are free to be themselves and take learning risks necessary to enhance and advance their educational experience. Her classroom is very hands-on and student-centered.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:BB.S. Theatre and Biology, SUNY Albany M.A. Education, Saint Rose, Magna Cum Laude Extensions/Certificates: K-12 Gifted Education and Biology; General Science, grades 7-12 certification.
Middle/Upper School French Teacher
Alexandra Valenti
I came to Doane Stuart in 2009 after spending a year abroad teaching in Lille, France. At Doane Stuart, I teach Middle and Upper School French. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, café-ing, baking, sewing, and quilting. I have made several skirts and quilts and I am excited to teach myself how to free-motion quilt in 2019.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 432
Education:BA Union College MAT Union Graduate College
Assistant Director of Athletics and Physical Education Teacher
Nick Haggerty
A lifelong enthusiast of athletic pursuits, Coach Haggerty has dedicated his life to a passion for sports. He prides himself on creating a welcoming environment where each student finds inspiration to enhance their sportsmanship and teamwork abilities. When not engaged in friendly competition, Coach Haggerty revels in the company of his wife and two canine companions, finding joy in playing any sport that comes his way.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:B.S. Criminal Justice, Southern Vermont College
5th & 6th Grade English & Social Studies
Chip Follert
Chip Follert joined Doane Stuart as a fourth-grade teacher in 2014 and is excited to be joining the Middle School faculty this year as the 5th and 6th grade English and Social Studies teacher. Prior to joining Doane Stuart, he taught at St. Gregory’s School in Loudonville and taught fifth grade at Notre Dame Academy in Georgia. He has also taught fourth and eighth-grade religious education classes for a number of years. Mr. Follert has his BA in English from St. Lawrence University and his MAT from Mercer University in Atlanta. Mr. Follert and his family live in Niskayuna.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:BA English, St. Lawrence University and MAT, Mercer University
7th & 8th Grade Social Studies
Vincent Pruchnick
Mr. Pruchnick has always harbored a profound passion for education. Since 2019, Vincent has been an integral part of the Taylor School community. Within his classroom, he cultivates an environment of creativity and active engagement, inspiring his students to explore their untapped potential and reach new heights. Beyond the classroom, Vincent finds joy in quality time with family, friends, and his feline companion Sylvie.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:B.S. Education, Russell Sage College M.A. Special Education, Russell Sage (In-progress)
Upper School Math; Lower School Technology
James Cernik
After graduating from Union Graduate College and completing a student teaching internship under the direction of a National Board Certified instructor, I joined Doane Stuart during the 2015 – 2016 school year as a math tutor for the upper school. During this first year, I worked with students during their free periods to provide homework help, review for quizzes and tests, and general review of various math topics. My first year of full-time teaching occurred during the 2016 – 2017 school year and ever since, I have taught a variety of math courses in both the middle and upper school. During my time at Doane Stuart, I have taught math courses including; Math 6, Math 7, Pre – Algebra, Algebra 8, Algebra 9, Geometry 9, Geometry 10, and Probability and Statistics.
Whenever I have taught a math course, my main focus for students has been twofold; 1) providing an appreciation for math and its various applications and 2) helping students explore and justify the steps they take in the problem-solving process. My goal for students is always that they walk away from a math course with a sense of confidence in their problem-solving and reasoning abilities and that they aren’t afraid to apply their knowledge in other courses of study.
B. A. Economics, Union College MAT Mathematics, Union Graduate College NYS Teaching Certification: 5-12 Mathematics, Union Graduate College
(518) 730 – 4804 ext. 412
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 412
Upper School Math
Patrick Fowley
Pat Fowley joined Doane Stuart in the summer of 2022. Having worked as a teacher and instructor for 15 years, Mr. Fowley has an incredible passion for math and computer science. His goal at Doane Stuart is to focus on his students’ individual abilities and to guide them toward their maximum growth potential.
Education::B.S. Computer Engineering, SUNY Albany and M.A. Education, Grand Canyon University
Upper School History
Andrew Forte
I teach 10th Grade World History, and a set of electives. I am especially happy to have designed and implemented electives that focus on interdisciplinary approaches to issues in East Asian history. In addition to classroom teaching, I co-advise the 10th grade class, and advise Doane Stuart’s board games club. In moments of leisure I enjoy exploring Manhattan’s modern music, experiencing digital literature from a variety of cultures, and developing my Chinese language skills.
BA in Philosophy, Minor in Astrophysics – Union College; MAT in Social Studies – Clarkson University
(518) 465-5222 ext. 410
Upper School English
John Foster
Over the course of my career, I’ve taught both college and high school students. My first job was at a small boarding school. It was there, I think, that I first understood how vital a strong sense of community is on any campus; it is certainly a quality that makes working at Doane Stuart so rewarding. At the heart of my classroom here is a seminar table, not a lectern; it’s a sounding board for the lively exchange of ideas, and my students make the most of it. In the past few years, I’ve begun writing fiction; more than one of my stories was inspired by my work at DS.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 409
Education:B.A., English Literature (major) & Studio Art (minor), Hamilton College M.A., Ph.D., English Literature, The University of Virginia
Middle and Upper School Music
Joe Hetko
Joe Hetko has been teaching band and general music at The Doane Stuart School for the past 15 years. Prior to that, he was a private music instructor and free-lance musician; he continues both of those activities to this day. He has been the Performing Arts Chair at the Heldeberg Workshop in the Town of New Scotland for the past twenty years. Joe works as a guitarist and bassist in a variety of situations and enjoys doing some composing.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 424
Education:B.A. Music, St. Lawrence University
Upper School Chemistry
Maggie McLellan-Zabielski
Dr. McLellan-Zabielski, aka, Dr. Z, comes to Doane Stuart after serving as the Assistant Professor of Biotechnology at SUNY Schenectady. Outside of the classroom, Dr. Z enjoys participating in community theater and has acted locally over the last couple of decades. Another hobby is string craft – knitting, crocheting, spinning, and a small amount of sewing.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 406
Education:Ph.D. Chemistry, RPI B.S. Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, RPI
Director of Experiential Learning & Curriculum Development, Upper School English Teacher
Joelle Russo
After having spent more than 11 years living and teaching abroad, I returned to my native New York in 2012. A Brooklyn girl by birth, I decided to make Columbia County, NY my home. Since that time, I have been an administrator, teacher and academic mentor in the private school sector. Currently, I have returned to the classroom full time to teach English. Teaching has been so much more than just a career choice; it has been my passion for over 16 years. Building relationships with students, fostering empathy, and enabling them to realize their unique potential is the key to their academic development. Inspiring students to fall in love with Literature and connect with voices and ideas across time and place is truly a gift. When I am not at Doane Stuart, I enjoy writing poetry, playing guitar, attending concerts, cooking, gardening, travel, practicing yoga and meditation, and spending time with my two sons.
Phone:(518) 730-4804 ext. 430
Education:B.A., English, The New School University Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), British Council for Teaching of England and Wales
Upper School Physics & Middle School Science
Garrett Combs
Garrett Combs teaches Physics, Conceptual Physics, and 8th grade Science here at Doane Stuart. Mr. Combs’ in-class methodology focuses less on solutions and more on problem solving techniques. By solidifying formulas, concepts, and the “why does this matter” parts of lessons, students expand their knowledge through research, derivations, and other observations and experiments.
Prior to coming to Doane Stuart, Mr. Combs taught a multitude of courses ranging from 6th grade math to Precalculus and college-level mathematics. He holds degrees in Meteorology, Math, Broadcasting, and Teaching. When he is not teaching or preparing for classes, Mr. Combs is a huge sports fan. You may catch him on a softball field, officiating a contest, or watching college softball in the spring. Mr. Combs lives in the Southern Adirondacks with his golden retriever, Ryley.
Education::B.S. Meterology, A.S. Television Studies, Lyndon State College (2011); A.S. Math/Science, SUNY Adirondack (2013); M.A. Teaching, SUNY Empire State (2017)
Middle & Upper School Spanish
Kaitlin Mehleisen
“Kaity” brings over a decade of experience in language instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. In addition to teaching, Kaity has also coached both high school and collegiate track and field and figure skating. She recently relocated to the Capital Region with her husband to be closer to family and will be teaching both Middle and Upper School Spanish.
B.A. Spanish, Union College
M.S. Education, Bucknell University
Middle/Upper School French Teacher
Alexandra Valenti
I came to Doane Stuart in 2009 after spending a year abroad teaching in Lille, France. At Doane Stuart, I teach Middle and Upper School French. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, café-ing, baking, sewing, and quilting. I have made several skirts and quilts and I am excited to teach myself how to free-motion quilt in 2019.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 432
Education:BA Union College MAT Union Graduate College
Dean of the Upper School, Athletic Director, Upper School Biology
Dr. David Wells
After earning his degrees, David continued his training with Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of Michigan and Brown University before becoming an Assistant Professor at Yale University in 2001 in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. He left Yale as an Associate Professor to join the faculty at Doane Stuart in 2012. David currently teaches Advanced Biology, Advanced Topics in Cell Biology, Molecular Psychology, and Bioethics. He is also the Dean of the Upper School. In addition, he helps coordinate student participation in National Chemistry Day and the International Brain Bee Competition. David has two children who both attend Doane Stuart and are active in sports both at Doane Stuart and in their town leagues. Outside of school, he play as much tennis as he’s allowed and he plays for the Albany team in an over 40 Men’s Soccer League.
Phone:(518) 465-5222 ext. 445
Education:BA Zoology, MS Biochemistry, PhD Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Vermont
Upper School History Teacher
Susan Cullen
Susan Cullen comes to Doane Stuart as an accomplished educator with extensive experience in social studies instruction. Her academic background and dedication to fostering student growth are evident in her impressive tenure and diverse roles. Mrs. Cullen recently retired from the Bethlehem Central School District where she taught for more than 20 years.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:B.A. Art History, University of Vermont M.A. Liberal Studies, Georgetown University M.A. University at Albany
Assistant Director of Athletics and Physical Education Teacher
Nick Haggerty
A lifelong enthusiast of athletic pursuits, Coach Haggerty has dedicated his life to a passion for sports. He prides himself on creating a welcoming environment where each student finds inspiration to enhance their sportsmanship and teamwork abilities. When not engaged in friendly competition, Coach Haggerty revels in the company of his wife and two canine companions, finding joy in playing any sport that comes his way.
Phone:(518) 465-5222
Education:B.S. Criminal Justice, Southern Vermont College