Mathematics

List of 15 members.

• 

  Dr. Ralph S Pantozzi 

  Department Chair / MS/US Math

  Bio

  Mathematics education and research has been Ralph Pantozzi’s calling for more than 25 years. At Kent Place since 2011, he looks for new ways for learners of all ages to connect with math and develop their abilities. In 2017, Dr. Pantozzi received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching, the nation's highest honor for mathematics and science teachers. He is a frequent speaker for national audiences and contributes to K–16 math initiatives. Ralph continues to apply current research to design lessons, curriculum resources, and programs to inspire his students to enjoy math and use it to advance themselves and their world. 
• 

  Mr. Richard Biddulph 

  US Math

  Bio

  A graduate of Haverford College, Mr. Biddulph also earned a Master's degree in education from Central Methodist University.  He teaches Advanced Algebra at the Upper School.  Mr. Biddulph comes to Kent Place after teaching mathematics at the high school level for many years.  In addition, he has served for several years as an academic advisor at the college level.  Mr. Biddulph is passionate about helping his students become confident in their mathematical ability, realize their full potential, and establish an empowering growth mindset perspective towards learning.
• 

  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 joined the Kent Place faculty in 2019, after teaching in the Uncommon Schools network. She earned her master’s degree in mathematics from CUNY’s Graduate Center, and her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College, where she completed a double major in mathematics and English literature, along with a minor in women’s studies. In the classroom, Ms. Iannuzzi strives to establish a joyful learning environment, where students feel empowered to explore and develop their problem-solving skills.
• 

  Ms. Cheryl Kaplun 

  MS Math

  Bio

  Cheryl Kaplun joined the Kent Place faculty in 2014. She teaches Middle School math, and she also coordinates and teaches the Middle School Math Lab program. 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 the 7th Grade Team leader and is an advisor to 7th-grade students. 
• 

  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 and teaches mathematics in the Upper School. 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 KPS Math Department, where she has taught Geometry, Algebra, Math 6, and Thinking Outside the Box.  Previously, Shannon taught at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City, where she taught a variety of math and science courses, sponsored the Girls in Science Club, and ran the middle school yearbook program.  Before that, she taught Algebra 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 over 25 years. She earned her bachelor’s in mathematics and secondary education and a master’s in special education with a specialization in learning differences from Hunter College, City College of New York. Mrs. Murphy joined the Upper School Mathematics Department in 2001 and has taught Algebra, Advanced Algebra, Geometry, and Precalculus. She was instrumental in the launch of the KPS Math Lab, and in 2006, she was appointed as Dean of Students in the Upper School.
• 

  Ms. Neisha Payne 

  MS Dean/MS Math

  Bio

  Neisha Payne joined the Kent Place community in 2010 as a member of the middle school math department. Since that time, she has held roles such as the middle school MathCounts coach, sixth grade team leader, and middle school curriculum leader. Currently, she serves as the middle school Dean of Students and facilitator of the Grade 6 Seminar Identity Course. Neisha is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University and holds a master’s degree in mathematics education from the City College of New York. 
• 

  Mrs. Alicia Rodriguez 

  MS/US Math

  Bio

  Alicia Rodriguez joined Kent Place in 2017 after a 12-year career at Summit High School. During her tenure, Ms. Rodriguez 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. Rodriguez serves as our 8th-grade team leader and teaches Middle School and Upper School mathematics.
• 

  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 at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brookly, NY. Sally joined the Kent Place faculty in 2005 as a third grade teacher and currently teaches fifth grade math and social studies. Sally is a charter member of Kaleidoscopes an original member and co-facilitator of Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) seminars.  She also assists the  Primary school Ecoteam and chaperones Earth Day cleanups.
• 

  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.