W+H welcomes new faculty and staff members

By Vinay Karthik '25

The new W+H faculty and staff members gather for a photo in front of the school.

The Wardlaw+Hartridge School is proud to welcome several new faculty and staff members across all three divisions into our community this 2022-2023 school year.

Mrs. Silvia Ciccone joined the W+H community in May as the Lower School Administrative Assistant. She had previously served for seven years on the Admission and Financial Aid Team at Newark Academy.

Ms. Martha Restrepo is the new Pre-Kindergarten Co-Head Teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Universidad de Antioquia, in Medellin, Colombia and has been teaching in the US for the past six years.

Ms. Tenaj Lael joined W+H as an Assistant Teacher for Junior Kindergarten. Ms. Lael has Associate Degrees in Biology and in Education from Middlesex Community College, and has taught for four years.

Ms. Lael elaborated on her experience as a teacher: “I absolutely love being around kids and educating our youth. Becoming a teacher has been the most rewarding experience. Even as an educator I learn something new every day.”

Ms. Aiko Ioh joined the Lower School faculty as a second grade teacher in the spring. She earned an MS degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College School of Education in NYC, and has taught since 2007.

Ms. Kimberly Mattappallil is the new Lower School STEM teacher. She earned her Master of Arts in Science Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and was previously a Science Specialist and Technology Specialist and Integrator.

In Middle School, Ms. Henna Tailor joined the faculty as a math teacher. She attended Rutgers University for her Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate degree in Education during her eighth year of teaching.

Ms. Tailor shared her philosophy of teaching: “Students will, hopefully, begin to realize that we are human at the end of the day and making mistakes is genuinely okay. It's what we do with it thereafter that's key. I love knowing that a student can come to me for anything.”

Mr. Jeffrey Martin joined the faculty in the middle of the last academic year as a Middle School history teacher. Mr. Martin received a Bachelor's degree from Franklin and Marshall College with a major in History and Film & Media Studies, and previously taught videography.

Ms. Dorri Ramati joined the Middle School faculty in the spring as an English teacher. Receiving her Master’s in Education from Hunter College, Ms. Ramati has taught students all around the globe for the last 25 years.

Ms. Elizabeth Gildersleeve is a new English teacher for eighth grade and Upper School. Having earned her Master’s degree from CUNY-Hunter College, Ms. Gildersleeve has taught English for the last three years and served as the editor of a school literary magazine.

In Upper School, Mr. Maxime Sinal is a new English teacher and English Department Chair. After earning his Master’s degree in Secondary English Education at Hofstra University, Mr. Sinal taught at several independent schools, served as a community college administrator, and has been an active faculty leader in DEIB practices.

Mr. Antonio Diaz is a new Upper School teacher for Computer Science and teaches two AP Computer Science courses, Precalculus, and a robotics elective. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Rutgers and has taught since 2019.

“My favorite thing about teaching at Wardlaw+Hartridge so far is how friendly and welcoming everyone has been,” Mr. Diaz said. “My students seem happy to be in my classes and excited to learn. The transition has been smooth so far, and that is mostly due to the positivity of others around me.”

Mr. Joseph Konczynski joined the Upper School faculty to teach Mathematics and Engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and is currently completing his Master’s degree in Applied Biomedical Engineering. Mr. Konczynski has strong experience teaching junior engineers.

Ms. Michelle Penny is another new Upper School English teacher. She earned a Bachelor’s degree at Rider University and has taught for the last nine years.

Dr. Brent Giles joins the faculty as the Upper School chemistry teacher. After earning his doctorate at Purdue University, he worked as an Assistant Professor at Colorado College, Senior Chemist, Analyst, Research Director, and a CEO at Maneuver Lab.

Ms. Ann Pengue joined the faculty to teach Upper School biology and related elective courses. She earned her Master’s degree at Providence College and has organized numerous science fairs.

Mr. Matthew DiFabio was appointed the new Berry Performing Arts Center manager, where he will oversee the rental use and maintenance of the facility and train students in sound and lighting design for productions. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at York College in Pennsylvania.

Ms. Alicia Seemuller is a new Physical Education and Health teacher. Ms. Seemuller holds a BS in Exercise and Sport Science from Ursinus College, and is certified in Health, Physical Education, Adaptive Physical Education, Driver Education, Yoga, Movement Coaching, Personal Training, Massage Therapy and CPR/First Aid & AED.

Ms. Alayne Birnhak began her tenure as Associate Director of College Counseling in July. Ms. Birnhak is highly qualified with a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law, a Master’s degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies from Gratz College in Pennsylvania.