Lindsay Asselin is a special education teacher at Brighton High School. She previously worked in Spencerport, Penfield, and Brookline, Mass. Mrs. Asselin enjoys making strong connections with students and helping them see their own potential and success. Cassie Pruitt is her mentor.

Mrs. Asselin earned a bachelor’s in mathematics with a certification in adolescent education from SUNY Geneseo and a master’s in inclusive education from Syracuse University.

She lives in Brighton with her husband, Patrick, and their son, Teddy. Mrs. Asselin’s hobbies include reading, cycling, baking and cooking new recipes, crocheting, and finding all the good playgrounds to keep her son entertained.

Alex Buhrle is a special education teacher at Council Rock Primary School. She previously taught special education in Victor schools. Miss Buhrle enjoys building relationships with students. 

Miss Buhrle earned a B.S. in childhood education from St. John Fisher University and is pursuing an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Rochester.

She loves being outside and going on walks with her Australian shepherd, Milo.

Makaily Courtwright is a music teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She also is the Director of the Brighton Summer Arts program, an accompanist for the District, and assists with Brighton shows and concerts. Miss Courtwright was a long-term substitute music teacher at TCMS last year and previously was a music teacher, guidance counselor, and department head at Hillel Community Day School. She enjoys watching her students grow and succeed.

Miss Courtwright earned a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and master’s degree in music education from Nazareth University.

She has a fox red labrador, Winston. Miss Courtwright is a member of “The Bob Greco Band” and they’re the house band for the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and Jim Kelly and they perform at many of their private events. She also performs with Nik and the Nice Guys.

Alexa Cunningham is a seventh grade science teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She previously taught special education at Webster Thomas High School and Fairport High School. Mrs. Cunningham loves learning about the world around us and sharing that with others. Jeff Colaizzi is her mentor.

Mrs. Cunningham earned a B.A. in biology from Roberts Wesleyan University and M.S. in adolescent special education from St. John Fisher University.

She and her husband, Joe, have three cats, Whitt, Catniss, and Amaryllis, and just adopted a dog, Arlo. Mrs. Cunningham loves to ski and works for the Freedom Boat Club in the summer driving boats. She is also a youth and small group leader at Grace Road Church. Before pursuing a career in teaching, Mrs. Cunningham worked in oral surgery for two years.

Emma Fisher is a third grade teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously was a teaching assistant substitute and long-term substitute reading teacher in Brighton. Ms. Fisher enjoys working with her students and learning new ways to inspire their learning. Jenn Tufts is her mentor.

She earned a B.S. in childhood inclusive education from SUNY Brockport.

Ms. Fisher grew up in Brighton. She has a bernedoodle, Tilly, who is almost 2. Ms. Fisher enjoys walking with her dog, reading, and watching ballets. She has two brothers, who are twins, and a sister.Ms. Fisher grew up in Brighton. She has a bernedoodle, Tilly, who is almost 2. Ms. Fisher enjoys walking with her dog, reading, and watching ballets. She has two brothers, who are twins, and a sister.

Thomas Gawronski is a special education teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. He previously taught at his former middle school in Queens. Mr. Gawronski loves thinking outside the box and taking chances so students can find new inspiration. Whitney Burge is his mentor.

He earned a B.A. in political science and urban studies from City University of New York Queens College and M.S. in science of education from Pace University.

Mr. Gawronski is the proud son of Polish immigrants and was able to visit Poland several times as a child and learn the language. He and his wife moved to Rochester from Brooklyn after the birth of their two sons, Izzy and Lucas. They recently built a chicken coop and have seven chickens. Mr.  Gawronski’s family has been racing pigeons for over 60 years.

Kristin Geroux is a fifth grade teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously was a kindergarten and first grade teacher at Rochester Prep and was a third grade teacher and reading specialist in Brockport schools. Mrs. Geroux loves making connections with students. Lanni Maszerowski is her mentor.

She earned a B.S. in childhood and special education from SUNY Geneseo and M.S. in literacy education from the University of Rochester.

Mrs. Geroux lives in Brighton with her husband, Bobby; daughters, Avery and Isla; cats, Moussaka and Opa; and dog, Alfie. She is the co-leader of a Daisy Girl Scout troop in Brighton and also organizes her neighborhood book club. Mrs. Geroux loves reading and aims to get through 50 to 75 books a year.

Mallory Gregor is an art educator at French Road Elementary School, bringing her extensive experience from Allendale Columbia and Pittsford schools. She deeply values artistic expression as an essential component of education, nurturing imagination, critical thinking, and emotional development within her vibrant art room. Janice Mix is her mentor.

She earned a B.S. in art and art for children from SUNY Brockport and M.S. in visual arts education from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Mrs. Gregor and her husband, Kyle, have two girls, Olive and Fiona, and a dog, Winnie. Kyle also works for Brighton as a system administrator. Mrs. Gregor enjoys gardening, pottery, and quilting.

Jessica Hafer is a French teacher at Brighton High School. She previously taught French in Webster schools. Mrs. Hafer enjoys making connections with students and instilling a love and interest in the French culture within her students. Rachel Rivera is her mentor.

She earned a B.A. in French education from SUNY Fredonia and M.A. in French education from the University at Buffalo. Mrs. Hafer studied abroad in Paris and was an au pair with a French family for one year.

Mrs. Hafer has two cats, Exupéry and Lumière. She is a huge Buffalo Bills fan and enjoys yoga, jogging, ping pong, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.

Meredith Hutchings is a fourth grade teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously taught in Campbell-Savona and East Irondequoit school. Miss Hutchings loves building relationship with students and helping students see the cross-cutting connections amongst the subjects. Chere Collins is her mentor.

She earned a B.A. in inclusive education, B.A. in history, and M.A. in literacy education from the College at Brockport.

Miss Hutchings and her fiancé live in Canandaigua. They have a beagle-blue heeler, Smudge, who has a memorable underbite. Miss Hutchings enjoys painting, crafting, board games, video games, and spending time with family.

Fiona Kier is a third grade teacher at French Road Elementary School. She was a building substitute at FRES and previously worked a s a paraprofessional in Pittsford and Teachers Aide in Clarence. Science is Ms. Kier’s favorite subject to teach. Jamie Schenk is her mentor.

She earned a B.S. in dance from Nazareth University and M.S. in childhood education from Buffalo State University. She also studied abroad in Switzerland, France, and Germany.

Ms. Kier is part of a dance company called Roceltic. She has two cats, Lilly and Piper. She is getting married in August.

Jacquie Koslofsky is a fifth grade teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously taught in Maryland and Victor. Mrs. Koslofsky enjoys helping students grow their confidence and find the joy in learning. Jessica Cordova is her mentor.

Mrs. Koslofsky earned a B.S. in brain and cognitive science and B.A. in psychology from the University of Rochester and M.A. in teaching from Johns Hopkins University.

The Niagara Falls native lives in Penfield with her husband and two children. Mrs. Koslofsky loves to travel, do arts and crafts projects with her kids, and try out new recipes.

Stephen Ladley is a technology teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. He previously taught middle school technology in Greece schools and also has experience as a driver education instructor. Mr. Ladley enjoys seeing kids grow as students and people. Jason Wasserman is his mentor.

Mr. Ladley earned both a B.S. in secondary technology education and M.S. in education from Buffalo State College

He lives in Brighton with his wife and their child who is a Brighton High School student.

Jillian MacKay is a mental health specialist at French Road Elementary School. She previously worked as a school counselor in Letchworth and Pennsylvania. Mrs. MacKay’s favorite parts of her job are connecting with students, supporting families, and working as a collaborative team to support student growth. Marguerite Opett is her mentor.

She earned a B.S. in psychology from Canisius University and M.S. in counselor education from SUNY Brockport.

Mrs. MacKay grew up in Rochester and attended Council Rock Primary School for kindergarten. She just moved back to the area with her husband and identical twin boys and is looking forward to snow! The family also has a cat, Lyla. Mrs. MacKay spends most of her time chasing her toddlers around, but also enjoys reading, trying new coffees, and crocheting while they’re asleep.

Tamika Moore is a first grade teacher at Council Rock Primary School. She previously taught at Destiny Christian School, Citizenship and Science Academy Charter School, and Webster, Greece, and Sodus schools.  Ms. Moore enjoys seeing the “light bulb” moments when students finally grasp a concept that they’ve been struggling with. Rebecca Rizzo is her mentor.

She earned a B.S. in business administration from SUNY Empire State University and M.S. in inclusive childhood education from Nazareth University.

Ms. Moore is the middle child of three with two brothers. Her mother is her best friend and her niece and nephew are her pride and joy. Ms. Moore enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to music, and taking in natural scenery and going on nature walks.

Lauren O’Dell is an English teacher at Brighton High School. She previously taught in Victor schools. Ms. O’Dell enjoys connecting with students and learning more about the things they are passionate about. She also enjoys making them laugh! Kathryn Muniz is her mentor.

She earned a B.A. in English literature from Ithaca College and M.S. in secondary ELA education from the University of Rochester.

Ms. O’Dell is a huge music fanatic and will most certainly be playing music while students are walking into her classroom. She loves reading, art, playing piano, running, and spending time with family and friends. Ms. O’Dell has a golden retriever, Sadie. She was a member of the rowing team at Ithaca College and went on to coach the women’s rowing team at the University or Rochester, who shares the same boathouse as the Brighton Rowing Club!

Amanda Tobia is an art teacher at French Road Elementary School. She previously taught in Virginia, Georgia, and Brockport. Mrs. Tobia enjoys fostering a love for creation and an appreciation of art. Janice Mix is her mentor.

She earned both a B.S. and M.S. in art education from Nazareth University.

Mrs. Tobia grew up in Rochester and is excited to be back after living out of state the last four years. She loves the Buffalo Bills, reading, and DIY projects. Her husband is a football coach at St. John Fisher University.

Heidi Vorrasi is a special education teacher at Brighton High School. She was a long-term substitute last school year and previously taught bilingual and special education in Rochester schools. Mrs. Vorrasi enjoys connecting with the students and watching them enjoy their successes in school and in the community. Jennifer Hobbs is her mentor.

She earned an M.S. in inclusive education from Nazareth University and MBA from the University at Buffalo. She also studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain.

Mrs. Vorrasi lives with her husband, John and children, Ethan, Claire, and Emma. They enjoy hiking, traveling, and visiting their family in Munich, Germany. Mrs. Vorrasi grew up in Dallas, Texas, but graduated from Brighton High School where Principal Dr. Tom Hall was a student teacher in her class! She is fluent in Spanish and has lived in five state and seven cities.

Thomas Wijnaendts van Resandt is a social studies teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. He previously taught in Rush-Henrietta schools. Mr. Wijnaendts van Resandt enjoys the daily interaction with students and seeing those light bulb moments. Michelle Hill is his mentor.

He earned a B.A. in media and culture and M.S. in military history from the University of Amsterdam and M.S. in secondary social studies education from the University of Rochester.

Mr. Wijnaendts van Resandt is a Dutch citizen who immigrated to the United States to get married to his wife, Emily. They have a pug, Chloe. In his free time, Mr. Wijnaendts van Resandt likes to read, watch and analyze movies, go on walks and hikes, and play games with friends. He recently completed a firefighter course and is a volunteer member of the Henrietta Fire Department.

Dr. Jenna Woodarek is a school psychologist at French Road Elementary School. Dr. Woodarek enjoys building relationships with students and supporting their growth. Heather Gabriel is her mentor.

She earned a B.S. in psychology and Spanish from John Carroll University and both an M.Ed. in child psychology and Ph.D. in school psychology from Duquesne University. Dr. Woodarek also studied abroad at the University of Granada in Spain.

She lives in the village of Webster in an old school house with her partner, Brian, and two Pembroke corgis, Wednesday and Zero. Dr. Woodarek enjoys reading, hiking, playing rec. volleyball, and traveling.

Clara Yaeger is a seventh grade science teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School. She previously worked at the Developmental Disabilities Institute and Horseheads Middle School. Mrs. Yaeger’s favorite part of teaching is working with learners and helping them view the world through a scientific lens. She is also Brighton’s JV field hockey coach. Stefanie Elkins is her mentor.

Mrs. Yaeger earned a B.A. in psychology and biology from SUNY Geneseo and M.S. in science education from the University of Rochester.

She and her husband have a corgi, Toast. Mrs. Yager loves to spend her free time in nature either walking, running or traveling to new places. She also enjoys painting, reading, gardening, and cooking. While growing up in Long Island, Mrs. Yaeger and her family lived on their boat each summer exploring the coast. They are re-creating those memories by sailing through the Greek islands and Italian coast.