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Dustin Mitchell
Executive Director , Co-founder

Dustin Mitchell is the Executive Director of KIPP Tech Valley. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dustin has over a decade of experience in Capital Region schools, with more than half of that being in the charter school arena. He is a member of both the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the New York State Association for Computers and Technology in Education (NYSCATE).

Don Applyrs
Principal

Prior to being named our first Assistant Principal in 2008, Mr. Applyrs taught Library Media Studies and Culture, in addition to overseeing the design and development of our library media center and computer lab. Many of you know Mr. Applyrs as a community leader outside of KIPP, so it should be no surprise that his character, work ethic and commitment to our children make him an ideal choice for Principal. Mr. Applyrs, is a native of Queens, NY and a graduate of the University at Albany. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science and Policy and a minor in Africana Studies in 2003.  His passion to be an educator and work with information technology led to him earning a Master’s Degree in Information Science concentrating in School Library Media also from the University at Albany in 2006. With a second Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology completed, Mr. Applyrs also earned a Master’s of Education in Leadership and Administrative Credential from National Louis University in August 2009. Most importantly, Mr. “A” has been a member of the KIPP Tech Valley team and family since 2006.

Kate Morales
Academic Dean

Ms. Morales is the Academic Dean at KIPP: TECH VALLEY. She is an Albany native with a Bachelors degree in Sociology from the University at Buffalo and a Masters of Science in Education from the College of Saint Rose. She has a passion for History, which she imparts to her students. Furthermore, it is her goal to have each of her students become effective, empathetic, and productive citizens of our community and the world.

Leah Perkins
Parent & Community Liaison

Leah Perkins has been an elementary school teacher for almost a decade. She began her teaching career as a volunteer for Junior Achievement in the Bronx, NY. A graduate from St. Rose College with a B.S. in Elementary Education, she is also currently a Masters Degree candidate in art education with a focus on technology from Phoenix University. Leah has developed several web quests, which were aligned and embedded to the curriculum and led to increased levels of student achievement. The Bronx, NY native believes academic excellence can be obtained by any student and that a teacher should expect more from a student than a student can believe is possible.

Jeff Miller
Instructional Leader

Jeff Miller is a 5th grade Reading Teacher at KIPP: Tech Valley. He attended the University at Albany as a Presidential Scholar, and spent a year studying English and Irish Literature at Oxford University, U.K. After returning, Jeff received a B.A. in English Literature and his M.S. in English Education from Albany. Jeff is committed to sharing his enthusiasm for reading with his students and believes that effort, curiosity, imagination, support and dedication are the 5 keys to academic success.

Jasmine VanBrunt
Instructional Leader

Jasmine has had the privilege of teaching at Kipp Tech Valley for over 4 years as a 6 th grade ELA teacher. She graduated Phi Theta Kappa and with honors from Hudson Valley Community College. After graduation, she moved west to California, where she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in both English and Ethnic Studies from the University of California at Berkeley. Shortly after, Jasmine began her teaching career as a Teach for America Corps member in the Bronx, where she taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts and attended PACE University for a Masters of Education in Literacy. Jasmine then returned to the Capital District, where she designed and taught a GED Preparation program for Albany Housing Authority. Jasmine is a firm believer that family plays a major role in an individual's achievements and successes and attributes many of her successes to her own family.

Eric Cocco
Physical Education

Eric Cocco has been a physical education teacher for over five years. He began his teaching career in the Troy City school district, and more recently taught students within the city of Albany. During this time, he has gained experience as a coach of several sports including middle school football, volleyball, soccer and track. His undergraduate work was completed at the State University of New York at Cortland where he obtained a bachelors of science in Physical Education. He is also a recent graduate from the College of Saint Rose with a Masters of Education in Educational Administration.

Melinda Cruz
Office Manager

Melinda was born and raised in the Capital District, graduating from Linton High School in Schenectady. Ms. Cruz later attended Bryant and Stratton in Albany, New Yorkfor two years where she received her certificate in Office Administration . She has almost a decade of experience working in and managing administrative offices in the Capital District. She is also the proud parent of a current KIPP: TECH VALLEY student.

Caitlin Aldridge
Instructional Leader

Caitlin Aldridge is the 5th grade mathematics teacher at KIPP: TECH VALLEY. For her undergraduate degree, Caitlin attended Western New England College in Springfield MA, where she majored in English-Literature. During her time in Springfield, Caitlin worked as an America Reads Tutor where she tutored 4 th grade students in reading and writing. Recently, Caitlin finished her Master’s degree from Sage College receiving a M.S. in Childhood Education. As a Saratoga Springs native, Caitlin continues to be active in the community where she volunteers with B.E.S.T. an organization that helps the Backstretch Workers at the Saratoga Racecourse. One of the great life lessons Caitlin has learned can be summarized by the words of Aldous Huxley, “Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you.”

Peter Mackenzie
Instructional Leader

Mr. Mackenzie is a 6th and 7th Grade ELA Teacher at KIPP: Tech Valley. He earned his B.A. in English from Siena College, where he was a member of the English Honors Program, and a Master’s in Education from the College of Saint Rose. He loves the challenge of teaching ELA because he believes that equipping students with the ability to read fluently and produce organized and cohesive writing is integral to their empowerment and success. He also believes that strong character and a spirit of excellence are paramount to his students’ success.

When not teaching at KIPP, you can see him during Siena College basketball games at the Times Union Center, where he handles the on-court promotions and throws t-shirts into the crowd. He has been a Big Brother for over eight years, and he and his wife are the proud parents of two year-old Jackson and 3 month-old Ryder, both future KIPPsters.

Kristine Reed
Academic Intervention Specialist

Kristine Reed is dual certified in special and elementary education. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose with her Bachelors in Science, and her Masters in Educational Psychology. She is currently persuing an administrative certificate in Educational Leadership. She is in her seventh year teaching in the capital region. She is returning to KIPP for a fifth year to serve as a resource and to support the KIPP TECH VALLEY community. She believes in the potential of all students and will accept nothing but excellence from her students. Mark Anderson says it well, “Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise, risking more than others think is safe, dreaming more than others think is practical and expecting more than others think is possible."

Patrick Burke
Instructional Leader

Mr. Burke is the 6th grade mathematics teacher at KIPP: TECH VALLEY Charter School. He is originally from the Lake George area of Upstate New York. Mr. Burke received his Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 2007. After graduating from SUNY Plattsburgh, Mr. Burke attended the College of St. Joseph, where he received his Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in the spring of 2009. This is Mr. Burke’s third year teaching at KIPP: TECH VALLEY, and he is very excited about teaching another year at KIPP. Mr. Burke believes that every student can excel in mathematics with hard work, dedication, and the desire to be the best student they can be.

Ashley Girard
Instructional Leader

Mrs. Girard is the 5th and 6th grade Problem Solving teacher at KIPP: Tech Valley. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from The College of Saint Rose and received her Master’s degree with honors in Special Education and Middle School Mathematics. For the past two years, she was the 7th grade math teacher at KIPP: Tech Valley, challenging the Junior KIPPsters to reach their highest potentials. Mrs. Girard is very excited to have the opportunity to offer support and to share her love of math with KIPPsters at each grade level this year!

Melissa Lee
School Counselor

Ms. Lee is a certified School Counselor. She graduated from the University at Albany in December 2004, receiving her Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology and a minor in Economics. During her senior year at the University at Albany, Melissa studied abroad at Nottingham University in England. While studying in England she organized a 3week educational trip to Tunisia, Africa. Upon returning to the United Stated, she continued her education and went on to earn her Master’s of Science in Education from The College of Saint Rose in the fall of 2006. For over 4 years Melissa was employed at St. Anne’s Institute as a child care recreational specialist. While employed at St. Anne’s she provided supervision and guidance for 12-18 year old girls with severe emotional and behavioral problems and in the process gained invaluable clinical experience. Melissa also has over two years of experience working as a substitute teacher and as a teaching assistant in a special education self-contained classroom. Melissa’s main goal is to advocate for her student’s at KIPP: TECH VALLEY Charter School and to empower them to find their strengths and master their skills that will ultimately lead them to college. Melissa believes it her responsibility to assist her students to reach their full academic, social and personal potential and to ultimately discover in themselves what they already are.

Jessalyn Hotaling
Instructional Leader

Jessalyn Brodie-Hotaling is the 7 th and 8 th grade Health Education teacher leader at KIPP: Tech Valley. Jessalyn is a graduate of The Sage Colleges, where she graduated with honors in 2007 with her Bachelors of Science in Physical Education. After completion of her undergraduate degree, Jessalyn pursued her Masters in Community Health Education, which she completed in 2009. During the past four years, Jessalyn has been employed at Hudson Valley Community College with coaching positions in both volleyball and softball in Troy, New York. Jessalyn has a high regard for team and individual learning in the classroom.

Maya Tucci
Instructional Leader

Ms. Tucci is beginning her fourth year at KIPP: TECH VALLEY as a fifth and sixth grade literacy instructor. Prior to her current position, she taught seventh and eighth grade Spanish, as well as fifth grade ELA in our school. Maya is NYS certified in both Childhood Education (1-6) and Spanish (7-9). Prior to joining the KIPP team, Maya attended The College of Saint Rose to obtain her B.S. in Childhood Education while teaching preschool. Currently, she is finishing up her graduate degree in Special Education Inclusion at the State University at Albany.

Ady Pina
Instructional Leader

Mr. Pina received both his bachelor's and master's degree at Hofstra University. He is currently the 5th and 6th grade history teacher at KIPP: TECH VALLEY Charter School. He was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, N.Y. He grew up in a low income urban community were violence, drugs, and other social vices visibly affected his surroundings. Even though these vices hampered his community, he was able to survive, receive an education, and attend a private university. During his college years, he traveled to 8 different countries in Europe, joined a fraternity, became a leader on campus, and received the 2005 - 2006 Hofstra Man of the Year Award. His drive and determination have led him to become the man he is today. His goal is to teach and instill the same energy and focus to our beloved KIPPsters. 

Christine Gibbins
Instructional Leader

Ms. Gibbins is the 5th through 8th grade Studio Art teacher leader. In 2007, she graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in Art Therapy and Psychology. In 2009, she received a Masters degree in Art Education also from Springfield College. During her graduate work, she became a member of the AmeriCorps Program and served the city of Springfield as an educator . Ms. Gibbins specifically worked in the areas of art education, youth development, health care, and other human needs. She provided students in grades K-12 with in-class and out-of-class academic coaching and mentoring in an effort to increase school performance. By serving directly, Ms. Gibbins had the opportunity to help communities solve problems in the areas of education, public safety, the environment, health and housing.

Ms. Gibbins was also a dual sport athlete on the Springfield College Women’s Field Hockey and Basketball Teams. She received honors in 2006 as Athlete of the Year and Strength Conditioning All-American in 2007. In addition, she is ecstatic to share her knowledge of the game of basketball and coach the Girls Basketball team this season.

Her ultimate goal is to encourage creative growth, aesthetic understanding and self development. She wants to create a community of learners that will create works of art that consists of collaboration, discovery, and expression for individual growth as well as for the benefit of others.

Tasia Corbari
Instructional Leader

Tasia Corbari graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a Bachelors of Science in Childhood and Special Education. She is currently working toward extending her education to include a focus on English language learners. As the 7 th and 8 th grade Academic Support Specialist, she works directly with teachers, students, and parents to help build the necessary skills to achieve student success. She chose to work at KIPP: Tech Valley Charter School because she fully believes in the potential for all children to meet and exceed high academic and character standards.

Corey M. Wright
Instructional Leader

Originally from central New York, Mr. Wright graduated from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While at Plattsburgh, he was a member of the Men’s Basketball team and inducted into Kappa Delta Pi: the International Honor Society in Education. He continued his education and graduated from Plattsburgh's Master of Science for Teachers program in the spring of 2009. He is extremely excited to be a part of the KIPP: TECH VALLEY family and is eager to help positively influence the lives of young adolescents. Mr. Wright believes that every student has the opportunity to excel academically through hard work. It takes zero ability to work hard in anything a person does, as working hard is not a skill, but a mindset.

Jaclyn McCormick
Instructional Leader

Ms. McCormick is the 7th grade math teacher at KIPP: Tech Valley. She is originally from the Pittsburgh area and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Marketing, a certificate in International Business, and a minor in German. After graduating Ms. McCormick taught 6th grade math for 2 years in Baton Rouge Louisiana
through the Teach for America program. While teaching in Baton Rouge she started the Girls on the Run program at her school and coached a group of girls to run two 5k races through practices focused on leadership, self-esteem, and healthy living. Ms. McCormick is new to the Albany region and is excited to explore the city and become a part of the KIPP: TECH VALLEY team.

Sarah Willimott
Instructional Leader

Ms. Willimott is the 7th and 8th grade science teacher at KIPP: Tech Valley. She graduated from SUNY-ESF (The School of Environmental Science and Forestry) in 2006 with her B.S. in Environmental and Forestry Biology. While at ESF she also earned her teaching certification from Syracuse University. After earning her Bachelors Degree, Ms. Willimott continued at SUNY Albany and received her Masters Degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology. When Ms. Willimott isn't teaching she enjoys boating, watching football and playing ice hockey. Ms. Willimott has loved science from an early age and is eager to pass along the excitement of science to her students.

Lindsey Quick
Instructional Leader

Ms. Quick is KIPP: TECH VALLEY's 8th grade English Language Arts teacher. She is originally from Scotia, New York and later attended Syracuse University, where she received a Bachelors degree in Public Policy, Spanish, and Social Work. She then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to pursue a career in teaching as a Teach For America corps member. Ms. Quick taught inclusion and general education English for four years and became certfied in Special Education: General Curriculum for grades K-12 and Secondary English. She also earned a Masters degree in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Now back in her native New York, Ms. Quick continues to truly belive in the power of education and is excited to help her students work towards academic excellence.

Stefanie Martino
Instructional Leader

Stefanie Martino is KIPP: TECH VALLEY’s 8th grade mathematics instructional leader. This will be Stefanie’s first year teaching at KTV, and she is excited for the experiences that will help her develop as a new teacher. She grew up in Kinderhook, NY and was a student at Ichabod Crane Central Schools. In 2010, she graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with her bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and her master’s degree in Adolescent Education (7-12). She was a part of the women’s basketball team, and continues to incorporate the sport into her life by instilling teamwork into her classroom. Stefanie believes education is the key to successful life experiences, and if one is willing to work hard, many doors of opportunity will open.

Andrea Burch
Instructional Leader

Andrea Burch teaches 7th and 8th grade technology at KIPP: TECH VALLEY. Andrea was born and raised in Voorheesville, NY and is a graduate of Pace University with her B.A. in Childhood Education and her M.S. as an Educational Technology Specialist. She also played basketball on a full scholarship at Pace. Andrea now plays soccer and softball and she is excited to bring all her teamwork experience to the KIPP environment. Andrea has worked with Capital Region BOCES and VCS before starting her first year here at KIPP. She is very enthusiastic about starting a new technology curriculum this year and she can’t wait to encourage, engage and excite students about the ever-changing world of technology.

Dan Gildart
Instructional Leader

Originally from Portland Maine, Mr. Gildart is a first year teacher at KIPP: TECH VALLEY and will be teaching 5th and 6th grade Science. Mr. Gildart is a graduate of Western New England College (WNEC) in Springfield Massachusetts and The Sage Graduate School in Troy New York. Mr. Gildart holds a B.A. in Communications and an M.S. in Childhood Education. While at WNEC Mr. Gildart was a captain and All-New England performer on the men's lacrosse team. Mr. Gildart is extremely excited to be working with the students and staff at KIPP Tech Valley and wants to inspire, challenge and encourage all his students to become as enthusiastic about Science as he is. Mr. Gildart also is looking forward to helping each KIPPster get one step closer to attending the college of their choice. Mr. Gildart and his wife, Christie currently reside in Rensselaer New York with their seven month old son Jeffrey and their dog Benji.

 

School Address: 1 Dudley Heights, Albany NY 12210
Phone: (518) 694-9494   |   Fax: (518) 694-9411   |   E-mail: info@kipptechvalley.org

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