Mathematics

List of 16 members.

• 

  Dr. Ralph S Pantozzi 

  Department Chair / MS/US Math

  Bio

  Mathematics education has been Ralph Pantozzi’s calling for more than 25 years. At Kent Place since 2011, he continues to look for new ways for learners of all ages to connect with math and develop their abilities. Winner of the 2014 Rosenthal Prize for Innovation in Math Teaching, Dr. Pantozzi applies learning research to design lessons, curriculum resources and programs that inspire creative mathematical thinking. He is also a frequent speaker for national audiences.
• 

  Ms. Maura Crowe 

  MS/US Science and STEM Coordinator

  Bio

  Maura Crowe earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Rutgers College, and her master’s degree in science education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Her research was conducted in the fields of educational psychology and biomaterials. In 2007, while completing her tenure as a research coordinator, she joined the Kent Place faculty. Ms. Crowe currently teaches seventh grade science, geometry, and a STEM elective, and has been as an advisor and team leader for seventh and eighth grades. She is also a STEM Co-Coordinator, and leads global trips that focus on science and sustainability.
• 

  Dr Ilaria O Durbal 

  US Math

  Bio

  Ilaria Ossella-Durbal is a graduate of Cornell University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics and a doctorate with a concentration in development economics. She comes to Kent Place after a 21-year career on the faculty at Illinois Wesleyan University, where she taught a variety of economics courses, as well as statistics, game theory, and mathematical economics. Illaria is dedicated to helping her students become confident in their mathematical ability and realize their full potential.
• 

  Ms. Kristen Emmel 

  PS/MS Mathematics Coordinator

  Bio

  Kristen Emmel joined the KPS community in 2019 after a 13-year career in the Franklin Lakes School District. During her tenure there, Ms. Emmel was a middle school math teacher and most recently the K–8 math staff developer. She holds a BFA from Boston University and an MA in educational technology from New Jersey City University. She has presented at conferences at both the state and the national levels on topics such as blended learning, number talks, and the mathematical practice standards. Ms. Emmel joins Kent Place School as the Mathematics Coordinator for the Primary and Middle Schools.
• 

  Dr. Evelyn Hanna 

  STEM Innovation, Computer Science and Engineering Chair

  Bio

  Evelyn Hanna is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned her doctorate in mathematics education and bachelor’s in mathematics. Dr. Hanna’s research and teaching explore the intersection of STEM content knowledge, affect, and identity with the goal of advancing equity in STEM. Prior to joining KPS in 2018, Dr. Hanna worked at Princeton University and Rutgers University to advance in- and out-of-classroom opportunities for all students to enhance their STEM-literacy. At KPS, she teaches Upper School math by engaging students in exploring math in interesting contexts. She also serves as the STEM Innovation Chair.
• 

  Ms. Elena Iannuzzi 

  US Math

  Bio

  Elena Iannuzzi teaches calculus at the Upper School. A graduate of Vassar College, with a bachelor’s degree in both mathematics and English literature and mathematics and a minor in women’s studies, Ms. Iannuzzi earned her master’s degree in mathematics from CUNY’s Graduate Center. Before coming to KPS in 2019, she taught high school math in the Uncommon Schools network.
• 

  Ms. Cheryl Kaplun 

  MS Math

  Bio

  Cheryl Kaplun joined the Kent Place faculty in 2014 and teaches Middle School math and the Money Matters elective. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and her master's in secondary education, both from Lehigh University. In addition to teaching, Ms. Kaplun is a member of the Ethics Institute Task Forces: STEM and Economic & Financial Literacy.
• 

  Ms. Nancy Manjovski 

  US Math

  Bio

  Nancy Manjovski is a graduate of the University of Toronto where she earned her honors bachelor of science in chemistry as well as a bachelor in education. She joined the Kent Place faculty in 2017 teaching sixth- and ninth-grade mathematics. Ms. Manjovski strives to deliver effective math lessons using differentiated teaching methods to engage all learners. She is driven to develop exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are crucial for success in our modern world.
• 

  Ms. Shannon McPartland 

  MS Math

  Bio

  In 2019, Shannon McPartland joined the Upper School Math Department from the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City, where she taught math and science, sponsored the Girls in Science Club, and ran the middle school yearbook program. Before that, she taught math at the Dwight-Englewood School, developed content for National Geographic Television, contributed to clinical research at the Atlantic Neuroscience Institute, and trained NYU faculty in the Blackboard Learning Management System. She holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University, where she double-majored in neural science and cinema studies.
• 

  Mrs. Michelle A Murphy 

  Dean of Students/ US Math

  Bio

  Michelle Murphy has been teaching for more than 20 years. She earned her bachelor’s in mathematics and secondary education and a master’s in special education, both from Hunter College, City College of New York. Mrs. Murphy joined the Upper School Mathematics Department in 2001 and teaches Algebra and Trigonometry. She was instrumental in the launch of the KPS Math Lab, and in 2006, she was appointed as one of two Deans of Students in the Upper School.
• 

  Ms. Neisha Payne 

  MS Dean/MS Math

  Bio

  Neisha Payne is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and holds a master’s degree in mathematics education from the City College of New York. She joined the Kent Place faculty in 2010 and teaches the Operations and Variables, Math Lab and Thinking Outside of the Box courses to sixth graders. She is also the Middle School coach for Mathleague and MathCounts, a sixth grade team leader, and a member of the STEM Committee and the Diversity Plan Task Force.
• 

  Mrs. Alicia Rodriguez 

  MS/US Math

  Bio

  Alicia Grysko joined Kent Place in 2017 after a 12-year career at Summit High School. During her tenure, Ms. Grysko acted as a team leader, yearbook advisor, and in 2016, earned the distinction of teacher of the year. She holds a degree in secondary education mathematics from Delaware Valley University and a masters degree in educational technology from Ramapo University. Ms. Grysko is thrilled to be a part of the Kent Place community and teaches Middle and Upper School math.
• 

  Mrs. Sally Snyder 

  Fifth Grade

  Bio

  Sally Snyder has a BFA from Ohio Wesleyan University, and earned her master’s in education from New York University while teaching second and third grade. Sally joined the Kent Place faculty in 2005 and currently teaches fifth grade math and social studies. Sally is a charter member of Kaleidoscopes and has attended the Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) seminars since their inception. Sally is also a member of the Walking the Walk Committee and assists with the Primary School Eco-Team.
• 

  Mr. Nick Valente 

  US Math

  Bio

  Nick Valente has taught math in the Upper School since 2019. He earned his BA and his MA in mathematics from Stony Brook University, specializing in higher-dimensional geometry and quantum computing. Prior to joining Kent Place, he worked at The McDonogh School, in Baltimore.
• 

  Ms. Robin S Versh 

  Fourth Grade

  Bio

  Robin Versh has a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College and a master’s degree in elementary education from New York University. Robin was a third grade teacher at the Berkeley Carroll School, in Brooklyn, for three years, and then took some time off to raise her two sons. Ms. Versh joined the Kent Place faculty in 2010, to teach fourth grade math and team-teach social studies.
• 

  Mr. Peter Wertz 

  US Math

  Bio

  Peter Wertz holds two master’s degrees, one in mathematics education and the other in school counseling, both from Rutgers Graduate School of Education. He has taught Upper School math since 2019 and worked at Summit High School before joining KPS. Mr. Wertz is passionate about establishing an empowering growth mindset perspective towards learning.