Ever wonder where your teachers, counselors, psychologists, or administrators went to college—and why they chose that path? Check out these first-hand accounts from some of your favorite ITHS staff!
Dr. Sventoraitis– I attended New York University. At that time I did not know what I wanted to major in and NYU offered many options. I really enjoyed being in NYC for college and living there, it felt like I was away but still close enough to come home.
Mr. Gibbons– I attended the University of Delaware for my undergraduate degree. I wanted to leave Long Island for college and have a different experience than I had in high school. Delaware seemed like the perfect distance; far enough to feel like I was “away”, but close enough to get home in a few hours if needed. I loved UD, it was an amazing experience. I also completed a Master’s degree in Social Studies Education from Hofstra University, and a Master’s degree in School Administration from CUNY Hunter. I’m currently working on my doctorate from Long Island University and hope to be done with my dissertation by next year!
Ms. Adamczyk – Adelphi University
I started my college journey at Suffolk County Community College and chose to go to Adelphi afterwards. I love Adelphi’s campus, staff, literature department, and 5-year teacher program!
Ms. Alahverdian – Queens College
I graduated from Queens but started my college experience at Elizabethtown College in PA. I selected E-town because I loved that it was a small school and not too far away. Due to a variety of circumstances I had to come home and attend Nassau my second year. I loved Nassau and I was in their honors program and Nassau provided me the opportunity to take a variety of classes since I didn’t know my major. From Nassau, I received a scholarship to NYU in their Communication program. That summer I was an intern with Inside Edition and thankfully I did that internship because I realized that a communication degree was not what I wanted. Finally, I headed to Queens because it was affordable and there were a variety of programs that I was interested in. I started in their nutrition program which then guided me to FACS. When I graduated Island Trees I said that I would never transfer or go to Nassau but I am so glad that I did because each of my experiences helped me get to where I am today.
Mr. Aristy – Brooklyn College / SUNY Old Westbury / C.W. Post / Adelphi University
I went to Brooklyn College on a Baseball Scholarship and the intention of majoring in Business Administration. I later attended SUNY Old Westbury where I earned my degree in elementary education. I also attended C.W. Post and Adelphi University for my graduate programs.
Ms. Auletta – Loyola University Maryland / Teachers College, Columbia University
I went to Loyola University Maryland to study Applied Mathematics. I always knew that I wanted to go away for school, but wanted to stay within a 4-hour radius. The minute that I visited Loyola’s campus, I fell in love with the buildings, quad, and atmosphere. I loved Loyola’s class sizes and close-knit community. After graduating with my bachelor’s in mathematics, I went on to Teacher College at Columbia University for my masters in Math Education.
Ms. Balbo – Hofstra University
I attended a field trip at the Hofstra Playhouse when I was in second grade and fell in love with Hofstra right there and then. I always knew I was going to go to Hofstra someday. When I became a senior in high school, I only applied to Hofstra and luckily, I got in. I completed both my undergrad and grad there, and made some really great friends. I loved going to school there!
Ms. Barfield – New York Institute of Technology
During HS I debated between attending school as an education major or enrolling as a pre-med major. Fortunately, NYIT offered both options. For years, I volunteered to sit at the “children’s” table because I would transform it into a classroom setting but as senior year came to a close, I worried I would regret my decision about not pursuing pre-med. After working within the walls of a medical school, I quickly learned that breakdowns were common practice and this was not the correct path for me. During those early college years, my course load was predominantly science orientated and the transition from pre-med to education was the best option for me.
Mr. Bonsignore – Southern Connecticut / Towson University / Adelphi / Touro
I always knew I wanted to go away to school and initially attended Southern Connecticut to become an Athletic Trainer. Changed major after first semester to become a PE teacher and coach. I liked the campus but really chose the school because of being able to play baseball there. After my sophomore year, I decided to transfer to Towson University in Maryland where I earned a BS in Kinesiology. As soon as I drove up to the campus I knew it was the place for me. What was initially a scary decision to transfer became one of the best decisions I made at the time in my life. Also earned an MS in Health Education from Adelphi University and an MA in School Administration from Touro College. What may seem intimidating and overwhelming, should really be fun and exciting as long as you trust the process. Where you start is not always where you may or have to finish.
Ms. Burns – Hofstra University
I chose Hofstra because I wanted to be close to home, and they offered a Spanish Education major. I was very happy there so I did my master’s degree there as well.
Ms. Camisa – University of Scranton / Culinary Institute / Adelphi University
I initially was interested in Scranton because some of my older peers attended school there and I was able to visit. I loved the campus and the feel of the school size. When I started to look into their programs, I discovered their Communications department and was sold! I attended four years undergrad for Communications and spent a semester abroad in Italy. After college, I had an interest in Culinary Arts and completed a culinary management program at The Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. Eventually, my career path led me back to my true calling of education and I completed my Masters in TESOL at Adelphi University. I took the long, winding road, but eventually found my way home! You should never feel “stuck” to a decision—they all lead you exactly where you should be!
Mr. Cardi – SUNY Oswego
I studied Technology Education at SUNY Oswego. Growing up with my mom as a teacher and always having interest in hands-on work, I knew this was the best fit for me. I was fortunate to not only pursue my passion for technology and education there, but also to play collegiate level ice hockey alongside both my older and younger brothers.
Ms. Dawnkaski – Stony Brook University
I went to Stony Brook University where I got my BS in mathematics and my Master’s in Teaching through their combined 5-year program. I was undecided in my major going into college but knew that I wanted to do something in the math/science fields and Stony Brook has great STEM programs. I was also on the dance team at Stony Brook!
Ms. Davidson – Marist University / Queens College
I went to Marist for undergrad because I was recruited by the soccer coach. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I enjoyed my high school AP Psychology class so I majored in psychology. Marist also gave me the opportunity to study abroad in London for a semester which was amazing! I went to Queens College for the school psychology graduate program. I returned to Queens to get an advanced certificate in behavior analysis.
Ms. Delliliune – SUNY Old Westbury / CUNY Hunter
I attended Old Westbury for my undergraduate because I wanted to be close to home, and they offered the program I was looking for. I then did my Master’s at CUNY Hunter College because I was teaching in the city and it was a convenient location.
Ms. DiBella – Binghamton University
I was not sure what I wanted to major in at the time and Binghamton offered so many different career paths I knew I wouldn’t need to transfer once I figured it out. It was far enough to be away but close enough to come home for the weekend if I missed my family!
Ms. Firmbach – Adelphi University / St. John’s University
Adelphi University as a Physical Education major gave me a strong foundation in both the science and art of teaching movement. The hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and focus on health and wellness prepared me to inspire and educate others through physical activity. Later, at St. John’s University, I continued to grow both personally and professionally in a dynamic and diverse academic environment. Together, these experiences helped shape my passion for promoting lifelong fitness and learning.
Ms. Federico – Dowling College / Molloy University / LIU Southampton
These are the schools I have degrees from but my journey didn’t start there. I graduated from high school and started LIU Southampton as a Marine Biology major. I have always wanted to study marine biology and this school had one of the best programs in the states. However, after a few weeks, I realized that I loved the study of marine biology but not the actual job which would require a life on a boat or in a lab. So I changed my degree to psychology and had to transfer schools because LIU Southampton didn’t have that degree program. I graduated Dowling with my degree in Psychology with the intentions of becoming a marriage and family therapist. Soon after starting a program at NYIT, I discovered I didn’t like that as well. The entire time I was studying for my undergraduate degree I tutored peers in math. I took math classes to ‘pull up my GPA’. So, I decided to return to Dowling to earn my degree in teaching. Walking into student teaching, I broke out in hives – I was so nervous. However, within minutes in front of a classroom I knew I was meant to be there. I love my job and I love working with young people. I love helping them get past that wall that ‘math is just too hard’. I continued my passion for learning and helping others overcome their fear of STEM field by continuing my education at Molloy University to become a certified CS teacher. I love my story—even if it’s a little different than others. I hope you learn that it’s ok to change your mind. When you find your path—you will know you are home.
Ms. Gillespie – Saint Anselm College
I chose Saint A’s because of its proximity to Canada and Quebec. It’s also a school with smaller size classes and I loved the campus!
Ms. Gorman – Marist College / Queens College / LIU Post
I attended Marist College and majored in History and minored in Secondary Education. I really was hesitant to go away so Marist felt manageable because it was only two hours away. The Hudson Valley was an amazing place to study history, I did research at FDRs home in Hyde Park and visited the many mansions of the Gilded Age. I went on to earn my Master’s degree in Social Studies Secondary Education at Queens College, with its small classes and stunning views of Manhattan. More recently, I received a certificate in Educational Leadership from LIU Post. I know the South gets a lot of attention for its colleges, but New York really has some gorgeous campuses with amazing academics too!
Ms. Gustafson – SUNY Oswego
Chosen for the Elementary Ed and Music Programs and the gorgeous sunsets on the lake. (Lake Ontario)
Mr. Hassan – Queens College (Aaron Copland School of Music)
I decided to go to Queens because of the reputation of the music professors as well as the cost of tuition per year. I was able to get music conservatory training at an affordable price! Plus, I was a train ride away from Manhattan!
Ms. Hastings – SUNY Cortland / Adelphi University / Boise State
I attended SUNY Cortland where I received a Bachelor’s degree in both Physics and Adolescent Education (Physics 7-12). I chose Cortland because of the great price and the excellent reputation of their education program. I had the best experience I could have asked for; I learned so much about education and made connections that will last a lifetime. After Cortland, I received my master’s degree in Educational Technology from Adelphi University, after the school I was going to (Dowling College) closed. I chose Adelphi because I could do the whole program online which allowed me to still coach and do clubs at Island Trees. Currently, I am enrolled in a Doctoral program at Boise State University, and am in the dissertation stage of an Ed.D degree.
Mr. Higgins – SUNY Old Westbury / Dowling / Adelphi
I attended SUNY Old Westbury for my undergraduate degree in American studies. I chose to go there because I was recruited to play baseball there and really didn’t know what I wanted to do. Eventually, I turned toward education earning my Masters in Education from Dowling College and then my Master’s in Administration from Adelphi University.
Ms. Kilfoil – University of Delaware / St. Joseph’s
I chose University of Delaware mostly because I loved the campus and it seemed fun—not really the best reasons! I loved how big it was and the campus life and stayed for freshman and sophomore year. Although I did like it there, once I decided I wanted to be a teacher, I thought coming home to NY would help me to get a job faster after graduation! I transferred home to St. Joseph’s for junior and senior year and have never regretted my decision. They have an excellent teaching program and I was so prepared to enter the world of teaching after graduation!
Ms. Klein – SUNY Cortland / Queens College
I went to Cortland because although I wasn’t sure which type of teacher, I knew I wanted to study education and they have great education programs. My sister-in-law also went to Cortland and I visited and loved it. They also have great study abroad programs. I went to Queens College for my Masters in TESOL, again because of their reputation for a great education program.
Ms. Lein – Hofstra University
I went to Hofstra to study Secondary Education and English. While there, I joined the co-ed cheerleading team and lived in the dorms. Being on Long Island but also living on campus was a great experience. I was able to live the college life while also remaining close to family and friends. My parents and siblings were able to come to games and events, which was a bonus!
Ms. Loehr – SUNY Oneonta / Stony Brook University
I picked SUNY Oneonta because they were known for their education program and the campus was beautiful. It was far enough away from home that I felt I was getting the “college experience” but close enough that I didn’t have to take a plane. I transferred to Stony Brook University in my junior year and joined a 4+1 Bachelor’s/Master’s program and graduated with my BS and MA after 5 years between both schools. Stony Brook has great STEM majors and my BS was in Mathematics. I felt challenged every day I was there and only had a 7-minute commute!
Ms. Marcus – Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkins)
I went to Peabody Conservatory for my Bachelors and Masters degrees. It is a small and specialized part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. I chose Peabody because my violin teacher taught there and I wanted to continue with her. For a music conservatory, I felt like it was a welcoming place that was intense enough to make sure I would get to be as good as I possibly could, while also having fun and spending some time out of the practice room. That balance is hard to find.
Ms. Marino – Sacred Heart University
I went here on a softball scholarship, but I knew that SHU was the place for me after my first visit. It was far enough away from home, yet close enough to visit if I had time. Class sizes were smaller than my high school, which was something that I looked for. I knew that I wanted to be held accountable by my professors and wanted a school where professors knew their students by their names instead of an ID number.
Mr. Medeiros – University of Notre Dame / Hofstra / Dowling / Molloy
There were many attractions to attending Notre Dame, where I began in the fall of 1989. I wanted to experience going away to school, as well as meet people from all corners of the United States as well as the world. Notre Dame was also fresh off winning a national championship in football, and I was able to attend all but one game during my time there. Those were the days! In 1989, it was also cheaper to live and attend school there than it was to commute to Hofstra, and that was a time when you could afford to take a risk on going to your dream school. I graduated from ND with a degree in Government (Political Science) in 1993 BCE. I thought I would follow my sister into the study of law, but education was where my heart was, based on my positive experience with school growing up. After struggling to find a teaching job in the mid-1990s, I left education after gaining a degree in Finance from Hofstra University, but would eventually return to teaching after 9/11, earning my Masters in Secondary Education from Dowling College. I have been here at IT High (credit to Matt Dunleavy) and have since completed studies at Molloy University in School Building Leadership.
Ms. Mendez – C.W. Post (LIU)
I attended C.W. Post College (L.I.U) in Manhasset. I studied elementary education (1-6) and mathematics (7-12). I completed a 5-year program and received a masters degree in Early Childhood (B-2). I chose C.W. Post because they had an excellent teaching program and an awesome track and field program! Additionally, I ran cross country and track and field throughout my college career. Go Pioneers!
Ms. Migliozzi – Stony Brook University
I went to Stony Brook for my undergrad because I was looking for a college that was close to home, affordable, and would challenge me academically. Stony Brook is a beautiful campus and has an amazing Psychology program!
Ms. O’Neill – St. John’s University
I chose SJU because of its proximity to New York City, its 5-year education program, and its basketball team. St. John’s also allowed me to study abroad and live with a host family in Costa Rica! Go Red Storm!!!
Ms. Oellantoni – Adelphi University
I went to Adelphi University and was a Mathematics major with a minor in secondary education. I graduated with my Masters after completing the 5-year program. I received a scholarship to play softball throughout my college career! I loved Adelphi!
Mr. Paletta – SUNY Farmingdale / SUNY Cortland / Hofstra / Dowling
I was originally a business major with an Associates’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree. I worked in corporate America in New York City and Los Angeles. I went back to graduate school to become a teacher earning a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. As you can see I took a few turns here and there. All fun roads to travel down!
Ms. Pesiri – SUNY Cortland / C.W. Post / LIU
I went to SUNY CORTLAND as a Speech Pathology major but then changed my path and graduated with an English degree. I later got my Masters in Library Science to become a HS Library Media Specialist from C. W. Post/LIU. I went back to Post 15 years later to get my School District Administration certification.
Ms. Petratos – Adelphi University
I chose Adelphi because I knew I wanted to be close to home and for their education program. Our very own math teacher, Jamie Oellantoni, was there a year ahead of me and spoke very highly of the program when I was choosing my school. I also always wanted to go to Adelphi after seeing how beautiful the campus was when our AP Gov teacher, Melissa Cillo, and I used to go there in high school for Athletes Helping Athletes. Adelphi’s teaching program was great and I was able to get my Masters in their five-year program. I really enjoyed my time there!!
Ms. Rich – St. Joseph’s College
As much as I wanted to go away to school at Marist, the professors/advisors there told me I would not be able to student teach on Long Island; only upstate close to campus. I knew that doing well in my student teaching placements was the best way to secure a teaching job on the island so I went with St. Joe’s. I ended up loving my choice, because it not only introduced me to some of my best friends today, but I also got to continue dancing competitively on the dance team there, and complete the 5-year masters program in math education too. The small class sizes and awesome professors really made me feel well prepared in my career once I graduated.
Ms. Sayres – Binghamton University / NYU
I chose to go to Binghamton because of its strong academic reputation and campus community. It offered the perfect balance of rigorous programs and affordability. It also wasn’t too far or too close to home. After graduating with a BS in Biology, I chose to attend NYU for my Master’s in Teaching. I wanted to experience city life while pursuing my degree!
Ms. Shehaiber – SUNY Cortland
I chose to attend Cortland because I knew I wanted to go into education and they are known for having a great education program. I wanted to attend a SUNY school as it was less expensive than most private schools I looked at. I also wanted a school that wasn’t too big and found that at Cortland a lot of people are from Long Island too and we knew a lot of the same people, which made it feel more like home!
Ms. Skudder – University of New Hampshire
I chose UNH because of the beautiful campus and they had a 5-year masters program for math education. I also chose UNH because I was recruited to play Ice Hockey there and they had an olympic size rink. I wanted to remain close to home so my family could come watch me play.
Mr. Steeves – Saint Anselm College
My senior year of high school I did not know what I wanted to study in college. I was interested in math, science, and music. I applied to a few schools that had those majors but without much enthusiasm. My father knew someone who went to St. A’s and suggested I speak with him. He said the only way to really know was to visit the school. The campus was beautiful and the people were very friendly. It didn’t hurt that they did catering through their cafeteria so the food was great! It was further from home than I wanted to be, but as we drove away I knew that this was where I would be going. I hadn’t applied yet and it was late in the year, and I wasn’t even sure I was going to like it, but in my gut I knew this was it. It ended up being an amazing four years!
Ms. Stehl – LIU Post
I attended LIU Post for my undergraduate degree in English Adolescence Education. Although I had other dream schools and ideals for my college experience, the guidance and advice I was given led me in a different direction. Like many other teachers, I believed if I wanted to find a teaching job close to where I grew up and around my family and friends, staying in New York was the best bet. I was recruited to run on their cross country team and received an athletic scholarship, while also taking advantage of their academic scholarships. Because of that, I was able to dorm on campus and have that experience as well. With Post’s beautiful campus and lively atmosphere, I would forget I was really only 20 minutes away from home!
Ms. Sullivan – Mount Saint Mary’s University (Maryland)
I chose the Mount because the moment I stepped on campus I felt at home. I loved the rolling hills, old buildings and all the students were outside smiling and interacting with each other. At that time the small feel and attention was exactly what I needed. I had an amazing experience and those four years were essential in shaping who I am today.
Mr. Thury – Emmanuel College / Stony Brook University
I chose Emmanuel for its beautiful campus in the biggest college town in the country. Located two blocks from the iconic Fenway Park, it felt like a great place to learn and carry out my dream of playing lacrosse at the collegiate level. Upon graduation in 2020 and after spending two years in the field of marketing and sales, I felt that it was time for a change and to return to my original passion of teaching. Recently, I graduated from Stony Brook University with my MAT in English and am extremely excited to start this next chapter of my life.
Mr. Vinberg – SUNY Stony Brook / SUNY Cortland / Queens College
I started out my undergraduate program at SUNY Stonybrook University studying Pre-Physical Therapy because I liked science and I was going through physical therapy for myself after a sports injury. I became a student athletic trainer at Stonybrook and I decided I wanted to become a teacher and coach. I transferred to SUNY Cortland and received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Earth Science. Many of my teachers and coaches at Island Trees that I looked up to went to SUNY Cortland and I was very happy with my decision to transfer there. I then went to CUNY Queens College for my Master’s degree in Biology and was able to sub at Island Trees. After receiving my degree I got a full-time job teaching Earth Science and a few years teaching Biology.
Ms. Weber – Adelphi University
I chose to attend Adelphi because of the small class sizes, their beautiful campus (a nationally recognized arboretum!), and their flexibility of educational programs offered. The school provides a college experience that can be specially catered to your interests and availability. In addition, as an art education major, our campus was in close proximity to NYC art museums and plenty of student teaching placements throughout Long Island… And most importantly, Adelphi offered GREAT SCHOLARSHIPS!
Ms. Zebersky – Virginia Commonwealth University / Teachers College, Columbia University
I chose to attend VCU because I wanted to go away for school and living in a new state seemed exciting. I also was recruited to play lacrosse at VCU. When I met my team, I knew I would be making lifelong friends. I attended Teachers College, Columbia University for graduate school. I have always loved New York City and being a student there was an amazing experience.
