Faculty and Staff

Interim Head of School

Sharon Duker

Assistant Head of School

Bill Russell

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. 

Upper School Dean of Students

Magda Sfeir

I work for Doane Stuart as the Upper School Dean of Students and an instructor in Biology and Health. I came to Doane Stuart after several years as Associate Professor of the Health Information Management program at SUNY Schenectady. During my time there, I earned awards in teaching and leadership. I was recently presented with the honor of featuring in HerLife magazine as a spotlight role model. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and a Master’s of Science in Public Health, both from Excelsior College. I am currently working on my Doctorate in Education at Northwestern University. 

Director of Admission

Dan Pearson

I worked as a magazine and newspaper journalist for a decade before becoming Assistant Director of Admission at Connecticut College, where I served as liaison to Capital area schools, including Doane Stuart. Now at Doane Stuart, I oversee recruitment efforts, shout at fire drills, and sometimes exercise will power on taco Tuesday in the Commons. Oddly, all of my friends and family call me Dave. Or David. Ask me. I’ll explain. I live in downtown Troy a pitching wedge from The Ruck.

Assistant to the Advancement Team

Ann Berkman

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).    

Bookkeeper and Textbook Coordinator

Saime Efe

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

Director of Publications

Dennis Kontor-Kwateng

I have been at Doane Stuart since February 2019 serving as the go-to for the school’s creative needs. I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and came the United States for college in 2011. I’ve always loved art and working with computers so decided to pursue a career that allowed me to express my artistic self, while still giving me consistent face-time with technology. I attended Winthrop University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and upon graduation continued to pursue an MBA. While working towards my MBA I started working with the athletic department first as a graduate assistant then as as a Marketing and Creative Communications Assistant post graduation. Arsenal FC has my heart. COYG! 

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. 

Second Grade Teacher

Brittany Garrison

I have worked with young children in many capacities since I was 11 years old.  Over the years I have worked and volunteered with numerous organizations that help others in the local community.  I have tutored impoverished Native American children, led youth and teen groups, helped repair a home and a business that were destroyed by flooding, opened a food pantry in a rural area that was underserved, and worked with disabled and emotionally disturbed young children. My passion is to instill confidence and a love of life-long learning.  I truly enjoy teaching at an independent school where I am able to creatively reach and inspire all of my learners, at their level, while also having the opportunity to teach them social awareness. At Doane Stuart, I am in my 7th year teaching Second Grade. I also direct the Lower School Community Service Group which encourages young children to support people in our local, national and global communities in simple yet effective ways.  In my free time, I support my teen daughters in all of their theater, sports and music activities and enjoy hiking in the mountains.

Lower and Middle School French

Susan Gomes

Third Grade Teacher

Alison Kaplan

I came to Doane Stuart in 2015 after teaching and being part of the Middle Management Team in an elementary school in London for seven years.  I currently teach Third Grade in the Lower School. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and experiencing different traditions and cultures around the world.  I believe that all children are unique and deserve a stimulating educational environment where they can achieve their full potential.

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

First Grade

Kelly Post

I came to Doane Stuart as a full time teacher in 2014. Prior to teaching 1st grade at Doane Stuart, I was a teacher in the Averill Park School District for 8 years. During those years, I had the experience of working with children of all ages. Some of my teaching experiences include teaching 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. I also have experience as an elementary school health teacher, a special education teacher, a reading teacher, and an AIS (academic intervention services) teacher. One of my favorite things to do in the classroom is use the Daily 5 method of instructing Language Arts.

Director of STEAM, Jr.

Kate Skivington

I came to Doane Stuart in 2017 after thirteen years at the Maret School in Washington DC. I teach STEAM to early childhood through fourth grade classes, and work with faculty finding ways to use  technology to enhance and support their curriculum. Formerly a homeroom teacher, I am excited to use my STEAM classroom time to design, create, investigate, and collaborate with students with projects that often cannot be tackled in an average classroom setting due to time and standards based constraints. Through use of iPads, robots, 3D printers, circuits, recyclables, and more, I hope to create a fun and exciting learning environment for my lower schoolers.

Lower School Faculty, Early Childhood(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

Director of Aftercare

Chris Caroppoli

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.

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

Middle School English, History & Religion

Nat Corwin

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” English course for seniors (year long). Additionally, I am the Mock Trial team coach and a faculty advisor to the student newspaper, The Coop. As I reside only 1.2 miles away, most days, I brave the elements and walk to work.

Lower and Middle School French

Susan Gomes

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 Math and Science

Patty Hodgkinson

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 School Spanish and Religion

Edna Nieves

Middle School Math and Science

Adam Stewart

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

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.  

Upper School Mathematics Teacher

Barbara Bemis

I have been a teacher at Doane Stuart since 2008.  Before finding my home here, I taught at a couple of local public schools and took time off to care for my three wonderful children, the oldest of which is an alumni of DS class of ’16.  I teach upper level math classes including Advanced Algebra, Calculus I and Calculus II. In my spare time I am an active member of my church, participate in many different community service projects, and am on the board of the Dance Flurry Organization which works to inspire people through traditional music and dance.  I have Scottish Country, English Country and Contra dance in my blood. Come join me on the dance floor.

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

Upper School Mathematics

Teresa Crasto-Donnelly

This is my fourth year at Doane Stuart.  I teach algebra, geometry and precalculus in the Upper School; I also am a freshmen advisor and faculty advisor to the Middle and Upper School Drama Club.  During a typical day, you’ll find me helping students with math in my classroom or making a cup of tea. In the evenings, you’ll find me directing our stage crew in the Chapel or keeping the shot clock at basketball games in the gym.  When I’m not at Doane Stuart, I am an active member of my church, where I lead the youth group and participate in community service activities.

Upper School ESL & Resource

Sonjia Febrey

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.

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 Spanish

Juan Ocampo

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.

Assistant Head of School

Bill Russell

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

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).

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 English and Religion

Robert Weaver

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 History

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