Ann Marie Babcock, BSW
I received my Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Dominican College in Rockland County. I plan to go back to school for my Masters in the near future.
I first became involved with this population of students in 1998. My sister was a teacher for the Margaret Chapman School and was able to get me an interview with the principal. I worked for MCS for about one year and then moved to Florida due to my husband's career. In January 2001 my husband and I were able to move back to NY. Just by coincidence there was a Social Work position open and I was hired back. I began working at HCDS in February 2001.
Currently, I am the Direcot of Admissions for HCDS. In general my job is to create and sustain order. I maintain several informational databases, including transportation & busing, related service schedules & attendance, special alerts, and visitor sign-in sheets. I also organize and maintain student records and IEPs, as well as serve as a liaison between HCDS and local school districts. I am also a participant in the admissions process. I make the necessary arrangements for screening, interviewing, processing, and expediting new admissions to he HCDS.
Basically, I do whatever is necessary to support the instructional staff and parents in making sure the students receive their recommended educational services. I truly enjoy working at HCDS. It is a great pleasure seeing the children grow and learn as each day goes by. |
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Luis Barros, MA
Luis Barros is a Senior Special Educator at Hawthorne Country Day School. He began his teaching career as a NYC Teaching Fellow in the Bronx. While teaching,
he worked for various county agencies, first as a TA and eventually an ABA-SEIT and supervisor providing home EI, CPSE and CSE special education services. At Hawthorne Country Day School, Mr. Barros was a classroom teacher and then senior teacher for 5 years. Luis has a Master’s degree from Mercy College in Early Childhood Education Birth – Grade 2, Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and Students with Disabilities grades Birth – Grade 6. He has completed all necessary requirements for his BCBA and is looking to sit for the board exam in March 2011. Luis is presently studying at Mercy College in the New York State School Building Leadership program. He currently resides in Westchester with his wife and children and is excited to be back at Hawthorne Country Day School.
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Julie Bates, MA
I am a senior teacher/classroom supervisor here at Hawthorne Country Day School for several classes in the School Age Program. I am originally from North Carolina where, in 1995, I received a B.A. in Psychology from The University of North Carolina-Greensboro. As an undergraduate, I began working with children who have developmental disabilities in a clinic that utilized principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
After moving to New York City in 1996 I worked as a Behavior Specialist at The Young Adult Institute in Manhattan and later at The Eden School on Staten Island. It was then that I decided to continue my education in special education and ABA. I received my MA in Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University Teachers College in 2000. During the two years of my graduate work, I had the opportunity to work as a teacher with preschool children with disabilities at The Fred S. Keller School in Yonkers, NY. During the past six years I have worked as an educational consultant for various school districts in Rockland and Westchester Counties. Currently, I am living in Rockland County with my wonderful husband and two children. I am really looking forward to a great year here at Hawthorne Country Day School.!
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Marie Bednarczyk RN
Marie is entering 19th year at Hawthorne. She is the Director of Health Services, and oversees both school campuses, the Group Homes, and the Day Habilitation Program. During her tenure she has worked as the school nurse, the Director of Nursing, and also has performed investigations for Quality Assurance. We are extremely lucky to have Marie in our Hawthorne Family! Marie can be reached at 494-9526. |
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Indu Bidichandani, M.A.
Indu Bidichandani joined the Hawthorne Foundation staff in June 2000 as the Agency's Controller. Indu obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Auditing and a Master of Arts Degree in Accounting with a specialization in Cost and Management from the University of Bombay in 1983. Indu oversees the fiscal operations of the Hawthorne Foundation. Her department is responsible for various fiscal operations that include Accounts Receivable/Payable, Billing, Collections, Bookkeeping, Payroll, Budgeting, and Human Resources. Before coming to Hawthorne Foundation, she worked for Westchester Jewish Community Services for 14 years. Her past experience also includes working at Sarva & Associates, a public Accounting Firm in New York City for two years.
Indu is the mother of two boys, and currently resides in Mt. Kisco, NY. Indu is optimistic about the future for the Hawthorne Foundation and excited about the growth of the Hawthorne Country Day School and the other Community Programs of the Foundation. |
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Eileen Bisordi, M.Ed.
Mrs. Bisordi is the Founder of Hawthorne Foundation . She stepped down as Executive Director of Hawthorne Foundation in June 2007, after 40 years of service to people with disabilities . She served as Executive Director of Hawthorne Foundation from 1996 to 2007, prior to that she was the Executive Director of Margaret Chapman School for 25 years. In the early years of her career she served as a teacher and Education Director of the Soundview School in Yorktown Heights, NY and the Margaret Chapman School in Hawthorne.
As a proponent of community inclusion she founded the Area #3 Special Olympics in 1971 and served on the Board of Directors of that organization for 18 years. She was instrumental in developing the Very Special Arts organization in New York State and served as Chairperson of that organization for 20 years. In 1976 she was named Very Special Educator of the Year by NYSED & VSANY.
Mrs. Bisordi is currently the President of Startech Inc., an organization that promotes inclusionary arts programs for people with disabilities. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Teachers College, Columbia University Chapter, and was named to Who's Who in American Women, Edition 12 & 13. From 1984-1985 she served as a member of the Metropolitan Advisory Board to the Senate Select Committee for the Disabled- NYS. From 1983-1991 she served as member and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of the Mental Retardation Institute, Westchester County Medical Center (now W.I.H.D.). In 1989 Westchester County declared April 28, 1989 Eileen Bisordi Appreciation Day in recognition of her contributions to improving the lives of persons with
developmental disabilities in Westchester County. She has written and received funding for grants that encouraged the development of inclusionary programs in the arts and physical education and has been an adjunct instructor at local colleges.
Mrs. Bisordi was born in Queens, NY and lived in Westchester County for most of her life. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from SUNY at Potsdam, NY and a Master of Arts and Master of Education Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is permanently certified in New York State as a School District Administrator, School Administrator and Supervisor, Special Education, Nursery school, Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Mrs. Bisordi is the mother of three children (a daughter and two sons) , seven grandchildren and currently lives with her husband in Stamford , Connecticut. |
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Daren Cerrone, M.A., M.S.
Mr. Cerrone has worked at Hawthorne for 8 years and is the School Age Program Coordinator. Daren oversees all facets of the scool-age education program. He attended Western Connecticut State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Daren went on to earn a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Manhattan College.
Mr. Cerrone has also received a second Master’s in Special Education. Currently, he is pursuing his BCBA and School Building Leadership certifications. Daren resides in Connecticut and is looking forward to a fabulous year at Hawthorne! |
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Christina Cosme, MA
Christina began working at the Hawthorne Country Day School in 2006 and is currently a Senior Teacher for the School Aged Program. She received a B.A. in History from Pace University and completed her Master’s in Childhood Special Education at Lehman College. In addition, Christina completed the graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State. She has had the privilege to work with a wide array of staff and students on a variety of school activities including recording the school album and creating a Prom. Christina looks forward to her continued work here at the Hawthorne Country Day School.
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Tina Covington, Ph.D., BCBA
I'm originally from Kentucky where I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kentucky. As an undergraduate I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Ruth Baer in a field experience course. This course consisted of a cursory training in Applied Behavior Analysis and 6 hours/week of volunteer tutoring in a home setting with a 3-year old boy with autism. I worked with this student and his family for 3 years. In addition, I started working with adults with disabilities at Arc of the Bluegrass. I started as a resident counselor and later became a group home manager. I enjoyed working in the MR/DD field but was particularly interested in Applied Behavior Analysis, so I decided to pursue graduate work in ABA.
I received my MA and Ph.D. in Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College Columbia University. I had the opportunity during my Masters work, to take a paid internship position working with preschoolers with disabilities at the Fred S. Keller School, an affiliate school of Columbia University's behavior analysis program, as a teacher assistant. After I received my NYS Special Education license, I became a head teacher and taught an integrated 12:1:1 preschool classroom for 1.5 years before being promoted to a program supervisor/IEP coordinator at the Fred Keller School. I was fortunate to be able to work closely with Dr. R. Douglas Greer and Dr. Janet Twyman during my course work at Columbia.
After 4 years, I left the Fred S. Keller School and took a School Age Program Coordinator position at the Hawthorne Country Day School to get experience working with older students. I supervised the student progress in 5-7 classrooms and conducted teacher training in Applied Behavior Analysis. In 2006 I became the Division Director for the School Age Program here at HCDS, which included oversight of the Westchester School Age Program and included 112 students. Finally, in July 2007, I was asked to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer for the Foundation. This is given me an opportunity not only to oversee school programs, but to also get back to working with adults with developmental disabilities. As of July 1, 2009, I have been appointed the Executive Director by the Board of Directors of Hawthorne Foundation.
My research interests are in the areas of self-management, fluency-based procedures, reading, and verbal behavior. I am an Adjunct Professor for the Manhattanville Applied Behavior Analysis Program, a nationally Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and hold a NYS Supervisors/Administrators certificate. I currently live in Westchester with my husband and 2 children. |
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Anna Chopra B.A.
My name is Anna Chopra. I am Community Programs Supervisor. I live in Westchester, married for 21 years and have two children. I did B.A. in Psychology from G.N.D. University, India. I have been working with Hawthorne Foundation since 2002 although I have been the OMRDD field for the last 20 years. At Hawthorne Foundation I oversee Group Homes..
Currently Hawthorne Foundation operates three Group Homes and one Day Habilitation Program. Lafayette house was opened in 1996 in Cortlandt Manor. Dalewood house in 1999 at Hartsdale and Ossining House in 2000 in Ossining, New York. Each of these group homes has six consumers combination of male and female residents. At our Residential Programs, Residents have been learning different life skills and be valuable members of the society.
Day Hab Program has over 50 Consumers. The program runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday thru Friday. The main goal of this program is Community Integration, where consumers are involved in community activities, recreational outings and pre-vocational guidance. I would be glad to share any other information about our Community Programs. My phone number is (914)494-8806 or (914)372-3021 |
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Amanda W. Doll, Ed.M., BCBA
In May 2011, Amanda Doll joined the adult and community services team
as Day Habilitation Community Program Coordinator after three
successful years as a Senior Special Educator and Behavior Analyst in
the Pre-K.
As an undergraduate at Marymount College Tarrytown, Amanda completed
dual majors in biology & secondary science education and a minor in
psychology. At Columbia University Teachers College, Amanda earned a
Master of Arts in early childhood special education and a Master of
Education in neurosciences & education. Amanda completed her BCBA
coursework through Manhattanville College, becoming a Board Certified
Behavior Analyst in March, 2009. She earned a Master of Science in
school building leadership from Mercy College in May 2011. She plans
to complete further study for the New York State School District
Leader credential in the near future.
Amanda first became an ABA TA in 1997, providing homebound Early
Intervention and Committee on Preschool Special Education services as
a fee-for-service employee with various agencies while still enrolled
in her undergraduate program. She then went on to run a learning
center for college students with disabilities. Since that time, she
has worked as an ABA-SEIT, a field supervisor for homebound services,
and an adjunct instructor in local education programs. Amanda is
currently teaching as adjunct faculty in Manhattanville’s BCBA
certificate program. She and her husband share their home in Putnam
County with three highly-trained circus-quality housecats.
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Brad Fredman, M.S., CAPE
Brad is entering his seventh year at HCDS and has worked in special education for 10 years. After implementing a physical education curriculum and beginning a music program during the previous four years, he was named Director of Athletics and Music and is looking forward to continued growth and prosperity at Hawthorne. The Eagle Ensemble, a group of student musicians, have released 6 albums under Mr. Fredman's direction and perform at basketball games and school talent shows and concerts. He also serves as the editor of the school newsletter and works in the community to fundraise and generate new partnerships for the foundation.
Brad received a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from the Pennsylvania State University. He also recently earned the national ceritification of Certified Adapted Physical Educator or CAPE. Mr. Fredman currently resides in Westchester with his beautiful wife, children, and greyhounds. |
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Kelly A. Hobbins, M.A., BCBA
I am originally from Michigan and received a BA and MA from Western Michigan University in Applied Behavior Analysis. I studied at Teacher’s College Columbia University for two years with an emphasis in Special Education/Behavior Analysis. I recently completed my MS in Administration. I am a certified teacher of regular and special education, and a Nationally Certified Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and licensed school district administrator (SDA).
Over the past 12 years, I have worked in various settings for children with disabilities. My experience began in an ABA classroom at the Croyden Avenue School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I worked my way up from a practicum student to a supervising graduate assistant working with preschoolers with disabilities. I then moved to New York to work at the Fred S. Keller School where I taught in the in the early intervention, self-contained and integrated preschool classrooms with a focus on children with autism/PDD, mental retardation, and behavior disorders. I went on to work at Headsprout Reading in Seattle, WA where I supervised a learning lab for the development of children’s online reading programs. While in Seattle, I studied at Morningside Teacher’s Academy with a focus on implementing research-based teaching methods, curriculum, and tools in the foundation skills and taught elementary reading for students with attention and learning difficulties.
I returned to New York in 2003 to begin my career as special education teacher and then preschool coordinator at HCDS. My current role as the Early Childhood Director allows me to oversee the Early Intervention and Preschool Program. My research interests include verbal behavior, especially early language acquisition, and reading. I am very excited to continue to be a part of the HCDS team of talented and dedicated educators. |
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Nicole Kalen M.S.
Nicole Kalen began working at HCDS in Septmeber 2004 as a teacher. In July of 2006 she moved into a school age supervisor role. Nicole is currently the Program Coordinator for the Manhattan Campus
She attended Lynchburg College where she received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Nicole continued her education and earned a Masters in Teaching as well as a Masters in Education, both from Fordham University, with certificates in general education, students with disabilities and school building leadership. Nicole has completed her BCBA courses and will sit for her exam in March of 2011.
Currently, Nicole resides in White Plains.
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Jean Korchma M.S., BCBA
Jean recently joined the HCDS family as the Staff Development Coordinator and Early Intervention Supervisor. Mrs. Korchma attended Loyola College and achieved a Bachelor's degree in Psychology as well as a Master's in Clinical Psychology. Jean received her BCBA in 1999 and worked with Jim Partington and Mark Sundberg at the renowned Behavior Analysts Inc. in California. She also founded the Early Intervention Program here at Hawthorne in 2002, and worked here previously for three years.
Jean currently resides in Nanuet with her husband, 2 children, and assorted pets. She is excited to be back at Hawthorne and we are thrilled as well. Welcome back Jean! |
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Susan Leight, M.S.
I have taught here since 1992. Over the years I have seen many changes and the incredible part is that the school and the environment keep getting better and better. Currently, I am a classroom teacher of 14-17 year olds and a high school supervisor. My responsibilities, beside regular classroom duties, include co-coordinating the vocational program (office skills, mail room, lunch list, cottage programs, garden, car detailing, library), supervising two classrooms for 13-21 year olds, conducting staff training and class meetings, staff module supervision, direct observation, curriculum development and implementation.
My schooling and credentials include a BA from Hunter College and a MS in Education from a US Department of Education Fellowship in Special Education awarded by Fordham University. I have permanent NYS certification in Nursery, Kindergarten, and 1-6, Art K-12, and Special Education for the Mentally Retarded.
My husband and I live in Westchester County. We are empty nesters with three finally college educated children. |
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Jennifer Martucci MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH
Jennifer recently joined our staff and was named Speech Coordinator. She brings extensive experience to Hawthorne and is a tremendous addition to our faculty.
Ms. Martucci received her Bachelor's Degree in 1999 from The College of Charleston, majoring in Communications and Philosophy. After moonlighting in the world of Public Relations, Ms. Martucci went back to school in 2002 and went on to receive her Master's Degree in Speech/Language Pathology. In addition, she has worked in New York City as a Speech Pathologist and ABA Therapist for an Early Intervention provider.
Ms. Martucci currently resides in Yonkers and is thrilled to be joining the Hawthorne family. Welcome aboard, Jennifer! |
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Elizabeth M. Pagan, M.S., CCC-SLP, TSHH
Elizabeth joined the Hawthorne Country Day School team in 2007 as the Preschool Speech and Language Supervisor. She supervises speech therapists and graduate students, and oversees all departmental issues.
In 2002 she received her Bachelors of Science in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from the State University of New York at Geneseo in Geneseo, NY. In 2004 she moved to the big city of Boston, MA and completed her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. Certifications and licenses include: a New York State license in speech-language pathology, ASHA’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP), and a permanent certification as a Teacher of the Speech and Hearing Handicapped.
Elizabeth has traveled and worked as a speech pathologist all over the country. From 2006-2007 she was employed as a travel clinician in the cities of Seattle, San Francisco, and Phoenix in settings such as skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation hospitals.
Other work skills include treatment and diagnostics in home care settings, day cares, and integrated preschools. Elizabeth’s passion is working with preschool age children with disabilities such as autism, PDD, language disorders, and articulation/phonological disorders.
Elizabeth truly enjoys working with the staff and students of HCDS!
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Nicole Piechowicz, M.S.
Nicole Piechowicz began working at HCDS in September 2010 as a Senior Teacher. She received a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Hartford in 2005. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to working at Hawthorne, Nicole was a special education pre-school teacher and a consultant helping to develop Applied Behavior Analysis classrooms. Nicole looks forward to an exciting year at Hawthorne!
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Guang Min, M.S.
I began my teaching career at the Hawthorne Country Day School (formerly Margaret Chapman School) in 1989. Over the years I have taught many students with different challenging behaviors and students of all ages (7-21). I have worked at Hawthorne for over 18 years and witnessed the growth and incredible changes over these years. Currently, I am a classroom teacher of 17-21 year old and a cottage program supervisor.
It is my pleasure to be part of the Hawthorne team and the opportunity to serve our students and their parents. I am looking forward to many more great years with our cottage program.
My schooling and credentials include a BA from Beijing Normal Institute and a MS in Special Education from Bloomsburg University. I have permanent NYS certification in Special Education since 1990 and currently working on my BCBA at Mercy College.
I reside in Scarsdale with my husband and a wonderful teenage son.
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C. Dena Saxe, M.A., PhD
Dr. Constance Dena Saxe began her career at the Margaret Chapman School ,
In 1981. The Executive Director, Ms. Eileen Bisordi brought in Dr. R.Douglas Greer, Professor at Teacher College, Columbia University and his Doctoral student, C. Dena Saxe as Consultants in Applied Behavior Analysis. Ms. Bisordi, Dr. Greer, and Dr. Saxe were instrumental in changing the “Margaret Chapman School” into the first “school for children with disabilities” to use the methodology of Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Saxe began the process as the teacher trainer. During this time she helped develop and implement a curriculum for the students and the training modules curriculum for the staff . Both curricula were based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Saxe completed her Doctorate and became the Director of Education at the Margaret Chapman School for 4 years.
In the following years Dr. Saxe brought behavior analysis to DATAHR ( now “Ability Beyond Disabilities”) in Brookfield, Connecticut. During that time, as a behavior analyst, she advanced from the Residential Coordinator, to Program Director/Behavior Analyst, which included four behavior analysts under her supervision. At this time she helped lead the placement of institutionalized adults into Connecticut group homes. In addition, Dr. Saxe helped develop five new homes that were for people with Traumatic Brain Injury. She worked in Medical Rehabilitation with related services as the Behavior Analyst Consultant to the Early Intervention program and for children with disabilities, including children with autism. She worked hand in hand with Speech, OT, and PT as the behavior analyst.
In 1999, Dr. Saxe accepted a position as Director of Education for Giant Steps, a school for children with autism in Connecticut. She returned to Margaret Chapman School as a consultant for residential in 2000. In addition she consulted for many school districts and BOCES. She started the ABA program for Westchester TheraCare. She helped this program grow into the other five boroughs.
In 2003, Dr. Saxe took a position as Director of Education at a school for children with autism in New York. She remained a Consultant for the Hawthorne Foundation Residential Program and Day Habilitation Program. During this time Dr Saxe was the Guest speaker as an expert on autism at the conference “Knights of Specialized Journalism”, at the University of Maryland. The center invited 24 medical reporters to the conference to learn more about the “Human Brain” and Autism. In 2005, Dr. Saxe developed a certificate program at Manhattanville College, at Purchase, New York. The completion of the course work plus a supervised intership, qualifies the student to sit for the "Board Certified Behavior Analyst" (BCBA) exam. |
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LaurieBeth Pastore, M.S.
I received a B.S. in Psychology from Mercy College in 2005 and went on to receive a Master’s in General & Special Education Grades 1-6 in 2006. My teaching career began at HCDS in July of 2006 as a classroom teacher. Prior to working at HCDS, I had spent 2 years working with developmentally disabled children in an ABA program at a Westchester public school. In September of 2008 I became a Senior Teacher at Hawthorne. I have currently completed all of the necessary requirements for my BCBA and will sit for the board examination in March 2009. I am looking forward to yet another wonderful year at Hawthorne!
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Christine Kelly, M.S.
Christine Kelly is currently a Senir Teacher at the Hawthorne Campus. Although born in New York she was raised in Ireland where she first became interested in working with individuals with autism. After returning to New York she received her B.A. in Psychology at SUNY Stony Brook while working at Developmental Disabilities Institute. It was there that she learned about Applied Behavior Analysis and knew that she wanted to pursue a Graduate Degree in this area.
She received her M.A. in Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College Columbia University. While attending Teachers College she did her student teaching at Babies Prep School and a summer semester at Fred S. Keller School. She has spent more than two decades working with individuals of all ages, in many different environments, and is excited to work with the students, staff and families at HCDS.
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