Faculty and Staff

Director of College Counseling; Assistant Director of Admission

Kathleen Bracken

I have served as Director of College Counseling at Doane Stuart since 2008 and have been with the school since 2005. This role is both great fun and a tremendous privilege. Doane Stuart’s favorable faculty to student ratio allows me to provide individual attention to each of our students, while establishing a rapport and relationship with their families. In addition to serving as the college counselor, I work with families applying for admission to Doane Stuart’s Middle and Upper Schools. I am a runner, a yogi, and dog-mom to Zelda, a rescue chihuahua mix (who occasionally visits school).    

Business Manager

Constance (Connie) Correa

After my first daughter was born, I decided to make a career change. While I enjoyed my work as a Senior Accountant at a local accounting firm, tax season hours were wreaking havoc with my family life. Transitioning to Doane Stuart as their Business Manager was just what I needed. This welcoming community was the place for my growing family. The added bonus: my children were able to attend school here and I was able to attend the various parent events while on the job. Both my daughters graduated as “Lifers” of DS and because of their preparation at DS, have gone on to have great college experiences. My oldest is happily employed in a job she finds rewarding, while my youngest is back in college pursuing a nursing degree. Both are responsible, caring, contributing members to society . When I am not at Doane Stuart, I enjoy swimming in the summer, bowling in the winter, reading and enjoying my family year round.

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. 

Head of School

Cecil F. Stodghill

Upper School Director

James Wheaton

After several years of teaching history at the High School and College level I came to Doane Stuart in 2015.  I teach American History, Economics, American Government, The American Civil War, God(s) and Humans, as well as Business, Finance, and Investing.  I also serve as the head coach of the boys’ Varsity Baseball team and girls’ Varsity Soccer team. Starting in 2019-20 I am the Director of the Upper School.

Maintenance

Richard Koch

Receptionist

Karen Leary

After working for 30 years in the corporate world, primarily in the areas of customer service, marketing and management, it has been a joy to work with and around children, which was always my intention. As receptionist for the school, my customer service experience has allowed me to develop an easy rapport with the students and their families; as well as with the faculty and staff. It is especially important to me that parents in particular feel they can call me at any time, knowing that I will do whatever I can to assist them. In my off time, in addition to reading and meditating, I enjoy traveling and exploring different cuisines from around the globe.

Upper School Registrar

Holly O’Brien

Upper School Registrar Holly O Brien graduated from Sarah Lawrence College and Northwestern University, where she received a Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Screen and Stage. In addition to her work as a Graduate Assistant at Northwestern, Holly served as a General Manager of the GrassRoots Gallery in Stone Harbor, New Jersey and as a self-employed tutor and editor for homeschooled primary and secondar students in Chicago, where she also conducted ACT and SAT test prep. Locally, Holly served as a class tutor for the Troy District, where her responsibilities included co-teaching World History. 

Maintenance

John Raimo

Assistant to Lower/Middle School; Upper School Japanese

Yoko Segerstrom

I was born and raised in Japan, and came to the US 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.

Director of Maintenance

Carl Snavely

Nurse

Roasemary Walsh

I was born and raised in Albany. I started working for Doane Stuart in September 2004 as the school Nurse. I also work in aftercare each afternoon. When I am not at Doane Stuart I work in the NICU, and have worked there since I graduated from college. I teach CPR and first aid to Hospital staff and NICU parents. In my spare time I like to cook, bake and knit.

A.A.S Nursing-Maria College School of Nursing. American Heart Association CPR instructor, ASHI CPR and First Aid instructor.

518-465-5222 ext 225

Director of Publications

Jacqueline Kirkpatrick

While I’m the new kid in school, I am already feeling so welcome and inspired to hit the hallways running. I am an avid reader and I am also a writer. I can often be found performing poetry in and around the Capital District. I love social media, editing, and wordplay, which made me fall in love with this opportunity at Doane Stuart. I am a M.F.A. graduate from The College of Saint Rose and now teach creative writing there in the evenings. When I have free time, I love catching live music and playing disc golf (if you don’t know what that is, ask me). I am a mother of a moody tween and the grandmother of two overweight guinea pigs, Cookie & Martha.

M.F.A. Creative Writing, College of Saint Rose, B.A. English, University at Albany

(518)465-5222

Librarian

Christopher Bradt

After having spent most of my life at Doane Stuart as a student, I was excited when the school reached out to me in 2015 to teach their Foundations course. The class was a blast, and the terrific students I had made it an easy decision to become the school’s librarian in 2017. Currently, I teach nursery through sixth library class; direct the Writing Center, which is a peer-based tutoring program; and run the Piano Performance Club, which showcases some of the wonderful student and faculty musicians the school has. When I am not at Doane Stuart, I enjoy playing tennis, hiking, and snorkeling.

Director of Aftercare

Chris Caroppoli

Director of Lower School

Sandy Cassant

For the past 25 years I have been teaching Kindergarten in a school that I absolutely  love. I am also the Director of the Lower School. My own Kindergarten teacher was my inspiration for becoming a Kindergarten teacher.  I strongly believe that children learn best by taking an active part in their learning experiences. Kindergarten students are full of wonder.  My goal is to help my students realize that they are scientists who are learning to ask questions that will help them discover the world around them.  When I am not engaged in the many activites at Doane Stuart, I enjoy spending time with my family, doing crafts and recently have been interested in writing and illustrating a children’s book.

Fourth Grade

Chip Follert

Chip Follert joined Doane Stuart as a fourth grade teacher in 2014 after being a substitute teacher in the lower, middle, and upper school. 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. 

Third Grade Teacher

Eileen Galough

Eileen Galough joined Doane Stuart as a 3rd grade teacher in the fall of 2019. Prior to joining Doane Stuart, she taught 4th grade then some 5th grade courses at St. Ambrose in Latham. She was also a substitute teacher for 3 years at various school districts in the Capital Region. Mrs. Galough has her AS and BS degrees in Business Administration as well as her MSEd in Childhood Education. She is NYS certified to teach Childhood Education 1-6 and Social Studies 7-9. In her free time, she enjoys Zumba and spending time with her family.

MSEd- College of St. Rose, BS- SUNY Albany, AS- Hudson Valley Community College

518-465-5222 ext 436

Lower, Middle and Upper School Art Teacher

Jason Martinez

I began my creative career as a high school student. I was painting murals, making logos, and entering art shows. I was a T.A., adjunct, and printshop monitor for Purchase college during my undergraduate years. The summer of graduation, I became a graphic designer for Kraft foods. I spent many years in advertising and package design. My return to full-time teaching happened in graduate school. My years teaching at UAlbany gave me a masters experience in education. In 2007, I was recruited by Doane Stuart to teach visual art. Currently, I teach PreK-12 art and preside on campus ministry. When I am not teaching I make art and show around the country. My art has been presented in galleries and museums in Hollywood, CA and New York City to name a few places. I also enjoy a spiritual life, yoga, running, and hiking.

Lower School Music

Maria Pflegl

Maria Pflegl is a classically trained soprano who began her education as a performance major at the Crane School of Music. However, it was after she realized that Potsdam, NY was not a good fit for her, that her music career really began. As a professional singer, Maria spent many years travelling across the country in various opportunities in the performing arts including Popular Music, Theatre and Television. She began her private lesson studio after being asked to pass on her knowledge of how to transfer classical vocal training and skills into popular music and other genres. She also performed locally in theatre companies and with an italian trio. She taught privately for over 25 years while homeschooling her children, created an early childhood daycare music program and founded an elementary community service program and then, went back to school herself late in life to pursue a professional teaching career, ultimately earning a BS with a focus in both Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from Skidmore College and a MA in Theatre from Regent University. She also holds NYS Professional Certification in K-12 Music. Maria continues to teach privately as well as at Doane Stuart. She has taught music and theatre arts to every age level from EC through College. She also served as Sunday School Director for twelve years at Solid Rock Church and now humbly serves on our Campus ministry team. It’s clear she has been uniquely gifted and prepared to reach and teach our wonderful students. PS. In her spare time she enjoys going to theatre shows, hiking and camping.

BS. Skidmore College/ MA Regent University

(518) 465-5222

Early Childhood Teacher (Ages 3&4)

Brianna Stauder

I had the opportunity to see Doane Stuart at their Albany campus when I was a nanny for an attending family. I loved it and it’s vast opportunities for the students. I had the pleasure  of joining the teachers and their journey into the new building for its first year in Rensselaer. This is my 10th year teaching at Doane Stuart as the Early Childhood teacher. Before teaching at Doane I was a young three’s teacher for two years at a preschool in Hawaii. I taught there while I earned my masters degree on the island. I am a proud mother of two children, Maximus and Mila. Outside of school, I love to travel and enjoy the outdoors.

Director of Athletics and Physical Education

Larry Yakubowski

In the school year of 1999-2000, I became the physical education teacher for our Lower and Middle School students. For over twenty years, I’ve worked hard to give our youngest students positive starts in their development of movement concepts, motor skills , and enjoyment of games. It is equally rewarding to observe our middle-school students strengthen their fundamental skills set and apply these in their exploration of many advanced games.

In my more recent capacity as Director of Athletics at Doane Stuart, I enjoy presenting opportunities for participation in interscholastic athletics to our Upper Schoolers. We observe a large majority of our Upper School students enjoying their experiences in athletics and benefiting from the regular physical activity these opportunities provide.

In addition to encouraging physical activity from our school’s students, I worked for thirty years as a Recreation Leader for the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department as well as fifteen years (and counting) as Manager and Tennis Professional at the Albany Tennis Club. I’ve also coached women’s tennis teams at the University at Albany and Siena College.

I’ve enjoyed more than thirty years of marriage to Claire Burger who is also an educator. Together, we are parents to Leigh (a teacher too) and Samuel ( a college student).

Lastly, I enjoy working on old cars and motorcycles and playing the guitar.

Bachelor of Science from Marist College 1985; Coursework at the University at Albany; Tennis University 1990; Certifications as Tennis Teaching Professional from the Professional Tennis Registry (since 1989) and the United States Professional Tennis Association 1997

Middle School Social Studies; Upper School Humanities

Erin Baillargeon

I joined Doane Stuart in the 2007-2008 school year to teach Middle School social studies.  It’s hard to believe those students have already earned undergraduate degrees at colleges and universities!  I currently teach students in grades six through eight about the foundations of European civilizations and American history.  I always strive for students to realize that social studies is not merely memorizing and reciting names and dates.  It is only through understanding the challenges faced by people in the past and their attempted solutions that we can grow and improve as a society.  My favorite way to help sixth graders appreciate how far we’ve come:  having them dress as famous figures from the Renaissance as part of our “Time Machine” project.  

Librarian

Christopher Bradt

After having spent most of my life at Doane Stuart as a student, I was excited when the school reached out to me in 2015 to teach their Foundations course. The class was a blast, and the terrific students I had made it an easy decision to become the school’s librarian in 2017. Currently, I teach nursery through sixth library class; direct the Writing Center, which is a peer-based tutoring program; and run the Piano Performance Club, which showcases some of the wonderful student and faculty musicians the school has. When I am not at Doane Stuart, I enjoy playing tennis, hiking, and snorkeling.

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

Middle School English, History & Religion

Nat Corwin

After 26 years of teaching history at a boarding school, I came to Doane Stuart and found my true calling teaching 5th and 6th graders, English, Social Studies, and Religion. The walls of my classroom attest to my fascination with maps; yet, in recent years, my passion has been to promote spiritual education. Mindfulness is a mainstay in my classes, and I am honored to serve on the Campus Ministry Team. I am an avid canoeist, an accomplished sailor, a devoted dog owner, and an enthusiastic Celtic harmonica player.

Hobart College B.A., MALS Wesleyan University, Shalem Institute Certificate in Contemplative Spirituality.

518-465-5222 ext. 407

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 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.

Middle School Co-Director; Middle School English and Religion

Patty Hodgkinson

After graduating from Boston College, I returned to the Albany area to begin my teaching career. I 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, I was offered a full-time job teaching Language Arts, and at the same time I went on to complete my Master’s Degree in Reading from the University at Albany. I have loved being a part of the journey my seventh and eighth graders undertake to blossom as readers and writers. I try to engage them in reading with a critical eye and writing with a keen sense of the intended purpose and audience for their pieces. As one of the Co-Directors of the Middle School, it is always fun to help orchestrate our special programs, such as the Integrated Project and Community Service. When not grading papers or planning lessons, I enjoy cooking, biking, traveling, and most especially, reading!

Middle School Co-Director; Middle School Math and Science

Seamus Hodgkinson

I arrived in this country from horrific Catholic/Protestant sectarian violence in my hometown of Belfast.  I consider it miraculous that I became a part of the historic first merger between an Episcopal and Roman Catholic School in the U.S.  Since 1975 I have been inspired by the Doane Stuart mission of embracing and celebrating difference.  My passion is Middle School education, where life can be frantic and messy, but never dull, and young minds and personalities are forming before your eyes.  I am Co-director of the Middle School. I also teach maths and science, and believe deeply in their power to inspire clear thinking and a sense of awe.  In addition I lead the Outdoor Club, and coach soccer, cross country, and track, as well as always making time for my own serious running and hiking, (preferably in the Grand Canyon).

Lower, Middle and Upper School Art Teacher

Jason Martinez

I began my creative career as a high school student. I was painting murals, making logos, and entering art shows. I was a T.A., adjunct, and printshop monitor for Purchase college during my undergraduate years. The summer of graduation, I became a graphic designer for Kraft foods. I spent many years in advertising and package design. My return to full-time teaching happened in graduate school. My years teaching at UAlbany gave me a masters experience in education. In 2007, I was recruited by Doane Stuart to teach visual art. Currently, I teach PreK-12 art and preside on campus ministry. When I am not teaching I make art and show around the country. My art has been presented in galleries and museums in Hollywood, CA and New York City to name a few places. I also enjoy a spiritual life, yoga, running, and hiking.

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.

Director of Athletics and Physical Education

Larry Yakubowski

In the school year of 1999-2000, I became the physical education teacher for our Lower and Middle School students. For over twenty years, I’ve worked hard to give our youngest students positive starts in their development of movement concepts, motor skills , and enjoyment of games. It is equally rewarding to observe our middle-school students strengthen their fundamental skills set and apply these in their exploration of many advanced games.

In my more recent capacity as Director of Athletics at Doane Stuart, I enjoy presenting opportunities for participation in interscholastic athletics to our Upper Schoolers. We observe a large majority of our Upper School students enjoying their experiences in athletics and benefiting from the regular physical activity these opportunities provide.

In addition to encouraging physical activity from our school’s students, I worked for thirty years as a Recreation Leader for the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department as well as fifteen years (and counting) as Manager and Tennis Professional at the Albany Tennis Club. I’ve also coached women’s tennis teams at the University at Albany and Siena College.

I’ve enjoyed more than thirty years of marriage to Claire Burger who is also an educator. Together, we are parents to Leigh (a teacher too) and Samuel ( a college student).

Lastly, I enjoy working on old cars and motorcycles and playing the guitar.

Bachelor of Science from Marist College 1985; Coursework at the University at Albany; Tennis University 1990; Certifications as Tennis Teaching Professional from the Professional Tennis Registry (since 1989) and the United States Professional Tennis Association 1997

Middle School Social Studies; Upper School Humanities

Erin Baillargeon

I joined Doane Stuart in the 2007-2008 school year to teach Middle School social studies.  It’s hard to believe those students have already earned undergraduate degrees at colleges and universities!  I currently teach students in grades six through eight about the foundations of European civilizations and American history.  I always strive for students to realize that social studies is not merely memorizing and reciting names and dates.  It is only through understanding the challenges faced by people in the past and their attempted solutions that we can grow and improve as a society.  My favorite way to help sixth graders appreciate how far we’ve come:  having them dress as famous figures from the Renaissance as part of our “Time Machine” project.  

Director of College Counseling; Assistant Director of Admission

Kathleen Bracken

I have served as Director of College Counseling at Doane Stuart since 2008 and have been with the school since 2005. This role is both great fun and a tremendous privilege. Doane Stuart’s favorable faculty to student ratio allows me to provide individual attention to each of our students, while establishing a rapport and relationship with their families. In addition to serving as the college counselor, I work with families applying for admission to Doane Stuart’s Middle and Upper Schools. I am a runner, a yogi, and dog-mom to Zelda, a rescue chihuahua mix (who occasionally visits school).    

Librarian

Christopher Bradt

After having spent most of my life at Doane Stuart as a student, I was excited when the school reached out to me in 2015 to teach their Foundations course. The class was a blast, and the terrific students I had made it an easy decision to become the school’s librarian in 2017. Currently, I teach nursery through sixth library class; direct the Writing Center, which is a peer-based tutoring program; and run the Piano Performance Club, which showcases some of the wonderful student and faculty musicians the school has. When I am not at Doane Stuart, I enjoy playing tennis, hiking, and snorkeling.

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

Upper School Math

Robin Clapper

I came to Doane Stuart in 2019 after teaching in independent schools and at the college level. I love teaching and working with math at all levels, but I currently teach Algebra II, Precalculus, Calculus I, and Calculus II. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, gardening, and spending time in my kitchen cooking and baking. I am the proud dog mom of Bodie, a shepherd-lab mix who thinks he is a lap dog.

BA Mathematics and BS in Secondary Education, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Certificate of Applied Statistics and Data Management, NC State

MAEd Mathematics Education, East Carolina University

(518) 465-5222 ext. 563

Upper School ESL & Resource

Sonjia Febrey

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.

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 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.

Upper School History

Ashley Legenbauer-Sigond

I came to Doane Stuart in 2015 after teaching for several years in both public, and independent schools. I currently teach 9th grade World History, World Religion, and a variety of social science electives. I am also a freshman advisor, and the faculty advisor to Doane Stuart’s GSA.  Outside of school, I enjoy baking and spending time outdoors- hiking in particular. I am a proud mother to my son, Mason; and dog-mom to Bear (a Great Pyrenees).

Lower, Middle and Upper School Art Teacher

Jason Martinez

I began my creative career as a high school student. I was painting murals, making logos, and entering art shows. I was a T.A., adjunct, and printshop monitor for Purchase college during my undergraduate years. The summer of graduation, I became a graphic designer for Kraft foods. I spent many years in advertising and package design. My return to full-time teaching happened in graduate school. My years teaching at UAlbany gave me a masters experience in education. In 2007, I was recruited by Doane Stuart to teach visual art. Currently, I teach PreK-12 art and preside on campus ministry. When I am not teaching I make art and show around the country. My art has been presented in galleries and museums in Hollywood, CA and New York City to name a few places. I also enjoy a spiritual life, yoga, running, and hiking.

Upper School Chemistry

Liam Pickett

Liam Pickett teachers Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Theatre in the Upper School at Doane Stuart. He also works with the middle and upper school drama clubs as co-director of the theatre program and helps to coordinate the SCAMP program over the summer. Before coming to DS he worked as a substitute teacher, student teacher, and drama club advisor  in the Wappingers Falls School District after graduating from Marist College in 2015. When not teaching and working with the drama club, Liam often works as a designer and a volunteer at the Home Made Theater in Saratoga Springs as well as other local theater groups. He also enjoys reading, writing, being outdoors, kayaking, and Legos.

Upper School English

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.

Upper School Physics

Kyle Schindler

Kyle Schindler teaches Conceptual Physics, Physics and Advanced Physics. He is an Assistant Coach for the Doane Stuart baseball team and Coaches the combined Doane Stuart – Rensselaer High School Cross Country and Indoor Track Team. As well as an advisor to the Doane Stuart Ski/Board Club. Before coming to DS Kyle taught Astronomy through outdoor education in the mountains of California. Outside of DS Kyle enjoys adventuring in the Adirondacks and exploring the National Parks over the summer. 

(518) 730-4804 ext. 439

B.S Physics, Astrophysics University of Massachusetts Amherst

Upper School Spanish

April Stromberg

I came to Doane Stuart in 2019, after several years working as a private tutor and more recently as an adjunct faculty member at a local community college. I did this while raising small children, who are now school aged and enrolled at Doane Stuart. Prior to that, I spent ten years working as a full time Spanish teacher at Upland Country Day School and Ambridge Area School District (both in Pennsylvania). I earned both my bachelor’s and my master’s degrees in Spanish at West Chester University, where I was able to participate in study abroad programs in Spain, Mexico, and Peru. I was also fortunate to travel to Mexico as an interpreter, and to bring a group of students to Costa Rica. All of my study abroad experiences were paid for by merit-based scholarships or grants. I learned a great deal of Spanish by being totally immersed within our local immigrant communities and serving as a volunteer Spanish-English interpreter and community English as a New Language instructor for sixteen years. I try to provide a similarly immersive classroom environment for my students by speaking exclusively in Spanish in class, with a strong reliance on storytelling and other methods for providing comprehensive input. The students at Doane Stuart are wonderful, and it is my absolute delight to work with them!

West Chester University BS Ed. Social Studies (Spanish minor) 2000; post-baccalaureate teaching certificate in Spanish 2003, Spanish MA 2013

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.

Upper School Art Teacher

Michael Van Winkle

I came to Doane Stuart in 2015 to teach Photography and Drawing classes in the Upper School.  I also teach in the creative arts department at Siena College. I’m interested in helping students build a strong relationship with creative processes.  In each of my classes, we explore developing complex compositions in stages, beginning with generating concepts, experimenting with materials, then refining the visual language and analyzing the results.    

Upper School Biology

Dr. David Wells

After earning my degrees, I continued my 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.  I left Yale as an Associate Professor to join the faculty at Doane Stuart in 2012. I currently teach Advanced Biology, Advanced Topics in Cell Biology, Molecular Psychology, and Bioethics. I am the Senior Class advisor. In addition, I help coordinate our student participation in National Chemistry Day and the International Brain Bee Competition.  I also coach the Varsity Boys Soccer team where we have a merged program with Rensselaer High School that was successful enough for us to start a JV Boys Soccer program in 2015. My wife and I have two children who both attend Doane Stuart and are active in sports both at Doane Stuart and in our town leagues. Outside of school, I play as much tennis as I’m allowed and I play for the Albany team in an over 40 Men’s Soccer League.

Upper School Director

James Wheaton

After several years of teaching history at the High School and College level I came to Doane Stuart in 2015.  I teach American History, Economics, American Government, The American Civil War, God(s) and Humans, as well as Business, Finance, and Investing.  I also serve as the head coach of the boys’ Varsity Baseball team and girls’ Varsity Soccer team. Starting in 2019-20 I am the Director of the Upper School.

Director of Athletics and Physical Education

Larry Yakubowski

In the school year of 1999-2000, I became the physical education teacher for our Lower and Middle School students. For over twenty years, I’ve worked hard to give our youngest students positive starts in their development of movement concepts, motor skills , and enjoyment of games. It is equally rewarding to observe our middle-school students strengthen their fundamental skills set and apply these in their exploration of many advanced games.

In my more recent capacity as Director of Athletics at Doane Stuart, I enjoy presenting opportunities for participation in interscholastic athletics to our Upper Schoolers. We observe a large majority of our Upper School students enjoying their experiences in athletics and benefiting from the regular physical activity these opportunities provide.

In addition to encouraging physical activity from our school’s students, I worked for thirty years as a Recreation Leader for the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department as well as fifteen years (and counting) as Manager and Tennis Professional at the Albany Tennis Club. I’ve also coached women’s tennis teams at the University at Albany and Siena College.

I’ve enjoyed more than thirty years of marriage to Claire Burger who is also an educator. Together, we are parents to Leigh (a teacher too) and Samuel ( a college student).

Lastly, I enjoy working on old cars and motorcycles and playing the guitar.

Bachelor of Science from Marist College 1985; Coursework at the University at Albany; Tennis University 1990; Certifications as Tennis Teaching Professional from the Professional Tennis Registry (since 1989) and the United States Professional Tennis Association 1997