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Brighton Central School District

Every Child, Every Day, Every Way

New Teachers 2026-27

Introducing New Teachers 2026-27

Brighton Central School District is pleased to welcome 17 teachers to the District for the 2026-27 school year. These faculty members will complement the high-quality staff that already supports our students every day. 

The teachers were selected through a rigorous process that closely assesses instructional competence, subject-area knowledge, enthusiasm for lifelong learning, willingness to strive for excellence in their lives, and commitment to student social and academic growth.  

Upon hiring, these educators engaged in three days of professional learning. They worked with a team of instructional leaders and mentors as part of Brighton's induction program, which was created in 1997. The induction program is a three-year continuous series of professional learning opportunities where teachers are introduced to Brighton's curriculum, instruction, assessment practices, processes, and structures. Regardless of previous experience, teachers and counselors employed in the District half-time or more are teamed with a mentor who is an experienced educator in the same subject or grade. This year's program included a three-day orientation to the community, District, and each new teacher's building and department. The induction program continues with regular meetings between mentors and the new faculty members. The pairs periodically observe one another and meet at least once per cycle to reflect on instructional practices. Through their work with experienced colleagues, this program supports continuous professional growth, provides invaluable resources, and fosters collegiality and a culture of learning. The program engages educators in reflecting on best practices for promoting the development of student agency. The District's hiring practices, the induction program, and the intentional programs and services continue Brighton's commitment to creating a culture of reflection and growth. 

A smiling man with short brown hair and a beard wears a green SUNY Brockport polo shirt against a blue background.

Christopher Barnett is a physical education teacher at Brighton High School. He previously was a substitute teacher at Council Rock Primary School and student taught at Twelve Corners Middle School and CRPS. Mr. Barnett enjoys promoting healthy lifestyles and seeing students gain confidence. John Feltes is his mentor. 

Mr. Barnett earned a B.A. in physical education from SUNY Cortland and an M.S. in education from SUNY Brockport. 

He was homeschooled through eighth grade and is the youngest of three brothers. Mr. Barnett is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt and enjoys staying active. He has played hockey, soccer, football, and pickleball, and enjoys swimming. In his free time, Mr. Barnett enjoys traveling and hiking in the Adirondacks. 

A smiling man with short curly hair, a mustache, and a short beard wears a light blue shirt and dark patterned tie against a blue background.

Levi Bayus is a health teacher at Brighton High School. He previously taught in the Jasper-Troupsburg and Pocantico Hills school districts. Mr. Bayus enjoys the constant opportunity to learn and improve as well as the positive impact he can have on students. John Feltes is his mentor. 

Mr. Bayus earned a B.S. in physical education and an M.S. in health education from SUNY Brockport. 

He and his wife, Victoria, have a French bulldog, Lyla. Mr. Bayus enjoys playing golf, mountain biking, rock climbing, and watching the NBA, Premier League soccer, Formula 1, and the NFL. 

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Colleen Bourdelais is an English as a New Language teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously taught in Philadelphia and at the St. Louis School. Mrs. Bourdelais enjoys building relationships and community. Ana Brightful is her mentor. 

Mrs. Bourdelais earned a B.S. in elementary and special education and an M.S. in English for Speakers of Other Languages and autism studies from Saint Joseph’s University. 

Her hobbies include flower arranging, running, reading mental health and psychology books for fun, and decorating and creating intentional spaces in her home. Something people might not know about Mrs. Bourdelais is that she’s adopted and is learning American Sign Language. 

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Emma Buck is a fourth-grade teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously substitute taught in Brighton and was a long-term substitute in Churchville-Chili. Ms. Buck loves building relationships with her students and watching them learn and grow. Jessica Willis is her mentor. 

Ms. Buck earned a B.S. in early childhood and childhood education from SUNY Geneseo and is currently working toward a master’s degree in K-12 literacy from Geneseo. 

Ms. Buck is a Brighton graduate. She has a dog and a cat and loves being outside and taking long walks. 

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Nathan Cederstrom is an English teacher at Brighton High School. He previously was a substitute teacher in Webster. Mr. Cederstrom enjoys getting to know students and helping them achieve their goals. Becky Wiggins is his mentor. 

Mr. Cederstrom earned a B.A. in culture and communication from Ithaca College, an M.A. in communication from SUNY Brockport, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in English adolescent inclusive education from SUNY Brockport. 

As a student of culture, he loves all books, movies, art, music, and media. Mr. Cederstrom goes to the movies every week, collects records, and reads whatever he can. He also loves being outside and tries to find some way to move around on a daily basis. One surprising thing about him is that one of his favorite movies is “Hocus Pocus.” 

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Ilish Cymbal is a special education teacher at French Road Elementary School. She is a former building substitute at Council Rock and recently taught fourth grade in Palmyra-Macedon. Mrs. Cymbal’s favorite part of teaching is building relationships and a sense of community. Jill Tantillo is her mentor. 

Mrs. Cymbal earned a B.S. in early childhood development from SUNY Empire State College and an M.S. in inclusive childhood education from Nazareth University. 

She loves doing yoga and spending time with her family. Mrs. Cymbal recently adopted a golden retriever puppy.  

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Alyssa Dinsmore is an instrumental music (band) teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She enjoys the connection and community building that come with teaching. Chris Doser is her mentor. 

Miss Dinsmore earned a B.M. in music education from Nazareth University. 

When she’s not playing the marimba, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her two labs, Reese and Remington. Miss Dinsmore is a Henrietta native. 

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Megan Henderson is a special education teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously taught in Springfield, Pa. Ms. Henderson loves watching students grow in confidence. Katherine Wing is her mentor. 

Ms. Henderson earned a B.S. in elementary education and special education and an M.S. in reading and literacy from SUNY Geneseo. 

She played lacrosse while studying at Geneseo. Ms. Henderson has a year-and-a-half-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named Rupert. 

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Jonathan Holmes is a teacher of the deaf for the District. He previously worked as a scholarship administrator, international student liaison, and a few other administrative positions at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Mr. Holmes also previously taught in Rochester schools. He enjoys seeing students thrive. Lindsey German is Mr. Holmes’ mentor. 

He earned B.S. degrees in international business and biomedical sciences and a master’s degree in deaf education from RIT. 

Mr. Holmes used to play the flute and is a huge fan of Emmanuel Pahud. 

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Maggie Klem is a school counselor at Brighton High School. She previously worked at a middle school in the Cleveland area. Ms. Klem’s favorite part of her job is building meaningful relationships with students and staff. Mary Crelley and Courtney Stern are her mentors. 

Ms. Klem earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in education and school counseling from John Carroll University. 

She loves traveling, being outside, hiking, and camping. Ms. Klem also plays in soccer and sand volleyball leagues and enjoys spending time with friends and family. 

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Alexandra Kuzmich is a German and French teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She has taught German and French at the Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester, Nazareth University, and Monroe Community College. Mrs. Kuzmich most recently managed the German program at RIT. She enjoys finding ways to best support students, as well as sharing a love and curiosity for languages and cultures. Robin Newcomer is her mentor. 

Mrs. Kuzmich earned a master’s degree in foreign applied languages from the University of Strasbourg in France and a master’s degree in French literature from the University of Kansas. 

Mrs. Kuzmich enjoys hiking, swimming, photography, and exploring new places with her husband, Jeff, and two daughters, Ella and Emma. Their family has a bunny named Mochi. Growing up in Strasbourg, France, right on the border with Germany, an hour away from Switzerland, and in close proximity to several other countries, gave Mrs. Kuzmich an early appreciation for different languages and cultures.  

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Maddi Lysenko is a science teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She previously taught in the building with Stefanie Elkins and was a chemistry teacher at Webster Schroeder High School last year. Ms. Lysenko enjoys leading hands-on learning and labs, forming connections, and fostering community. Stefanie Elkins is her mentor. 

Ms. Lysenko earned a B.S. in chemistry from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and an M.S. in adolescent education from SUNY Plattsburgh. 

She enjoys painting, reading, yoga, and spending time in nature. Ms. Lysenko loves spending time with her nieces and nephew. She played club volleyball in college and plays tennis and pickleball. 

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Amy Mucci is a school psychologist at French Road Elementary School. She previously was a school behavior specialist at Monroe 1 BOCES. Mrs. Mucci loves getting to know students and loves when they discover strategies that help them feel more successful. Kira Charlton is her mentor. 

Mrs. Mucci earned a B.A. in psychology from SUNY Geneseo and an M.S. in school psychology from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She also studied abroad in Oxford. 

Mrs. Mucci loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. They have two cats and are currently fostering two kittens. She loves reading, writing, hiking, traveling, and spending time outside. 

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Caitlyn O’Toole is a school counselor at French Road Elementary School. She previously was a school counselor with Orleans/Niagara BOCES and Buffalo Public Schools and a special education teacher in New Orleans. Ms. O’Toole enjoys connecting with students and empowering them to lead happy, healthy lives. Katherine Huey is her mentor. 

Ms. O’Toole earned a B.A. in English and political science from Iona University and an M.S. in school counseling from Canisius University. 

She loves riding her bike and exercising. Ms. O’Toole has a sourdough starter that she uses regularly. She has two King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Sparky and Rudy. Ms. O’Toole completed a post-graduate year of service through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as an adult literacy volunteer in New Orleans. She completed another service year through AmeriCorps, where she started teaching. 

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Jack Unger is an art teacher at Brighton High School. He enjoys making meaningful connections with students and helping them grow. Katie Maley is his mentor. 

Mr. Unger earned a B.F.A. in studio art and an M.S. in visual arts teaching from the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

In his free time, he is a practicing artist who makes assemblages, sculptures, and nail art. Mr. Unger found his love for teaching through working at a summer camp in Maine. He’s never had a pet but loves animals. 

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Mardie Vella is a school counselor at Brighton High School. She was a long-term substitute school counselor at Council Rock and French Road the last two years. Mrs. Vella previously worked in Victor schools, Allendale Columbia, as well as schools in Tennessee and Pennsylvania. She enjoys helping students reach their goals. Holly Juliano is her mentor. 

Mrs. Vella earned a B.S. in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.Ed. in counselor education from Pennsylvania State University. 

She and her husband have two boys and are proud to call Brighton home. Mrs. Vella is an exercise and fitness enthusiast. In her next life, she wants to be a sports beat reporter. Mrs. Vella loves sports, especially Penn State and Pittsburgh teams. 

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Karolina Zibuck is a music teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She previously was a substitute teacher in Brighton, Pittsford, and Hilton. Ms. Zibuck has been the Brighton Summer Arts Middle School Music Director since 2022.  

She earned a B.M. in music education from Ithaca College and is pursuing an M.S. in music education from Nazareth University. 

In her free time, Ms. Zibuck enjoys powerlifting and can bench press 210 pounds. She attended Brighton schools in grades K-12 and is beyond excited to return as a teacher.