Michele Gil-Paolino

Center Director

As a native Staten Islander, Michele has been a welcome addition to the center. She has 20 years of experience in the business world and has a masters degree in Finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has worked within schools on the island and Brooklyn and has a very prevalent presence within the local community. She is a member of the SIEDC and currently partners with over 20 schools on the island by presenting free workshops and seminars.

She has two children: Michael and Angela who attend public schools on the island, play sports and attend dance school.

Laura Nordquist-Ip

Director of Education

Laura has a BS in Early Childhood. She taught in a private school for 5 years as a 4th grade teacher. She was a Sylvan teacher for two years and came back as a Director of Education. She likes to cook and bake.

Amanda Smith

Teacher

Amanda has a BA in English from Hunter College and a MA in Elementary Education. She has been with Sylvan for 5 years and enjoys shopping in the city.

Maria Giachetta

Teacher

Maria has a BS in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stonybrook College and a MSed in Secondary Education in Mathematics from Queens College. She currently teaches all grade levels and specializes in Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, and Calculus. She enjoys salsa and meringue dancing.She has been with Sylvan for 4 years.

John Braccia

Teacher

John has been teaching 14 years and has a BSE in elementary education and a MSE in special Ed. He is a die hard Yankee fan.

Martin Hewitt

Teacher

Martin is a beloved teacher at Sylvan and has a BS in writing and literature and a MS in education. He also has a minor in music and loves to play his guitar.

Dale Fjordbotten

Teacher

Dale has a BS in Business from Concordia College and a BS in Mathematics specializing in Junior High School through High School. He likes to play sports and loves the New York Yankees. Dale won the rookie of the year award at our first annual awards ceremony.

Danielle Broadbent

Teacher

Danielle has a BA in Elementary Education and a MA in Childhood Education. She has currently been teaching our TACHS and ELA Math State Camp Prep classes, in addition to other subject areas. She likes to read for fun and cook. She has been with Sylvan for 1 year.

Daria Gorodensky

Teacher

Daria has a BS in Mathematics from the College of Staten Island. She teaches primary and secondary math courses at Sylvan. She enjoys cooking and knitting and is in the process of planning her wedding.

Amanda Calafato

Teacher

Amanda received her BA and MA in Childhood Education from St. Johns University. She is the newest member of our staff. Amanda enjoys shopping.

Virginia Rojack

Teacher

Peter Tummunelli

Teacher

Teresa Sacks

Teacher

Teresa is a graduate of St.John's University. She has an MS in math and science and has been teaching High school students for 18 years. Her passion is Italian cooking.

Gina Giglia

Teacher

Gina is a graduate of Wagner college and is a dual certified elementary and special education teacher for grades 1-6.She also has a certification in science. She enjoys karate training.