2023 New Faces

Berni Lally joins the Upper School as our new computer science, engineering, and design teacher and robotics coach. Berni’s passion is teaching students how to design, build, and program. She’s helped students send robots into space and track them using radio communications and satellites. Berni earned her B.S. in Information Systems from Florida Atlantic University, her M.S. in Technology in Education from Trinity College, Dublin, and her M.S. in Education Leadership from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London. Berni loves to play soccer, volleyball, and Irish music on the tin whistle and bodhran.

After graduating from Groton School, Carly spent two years at the University of Colorado at Boulder before transferring to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. There, she completed her BS in zoology with a minor in botany and sailed with an NCAA championship team. Her teaching career began at Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, where she taught biology and environmental science. Returning to the mainland, Carly pursued her Masters in Environmental Management through Duke University. Carly has served as the Director of Environmental Stewardship and taught in the Science, Global Studies, and Service departments. She also coached soccer, ice hockey, and crew. She’s a proud mother of two daughters.

Jordan Schnell is thrilled to be joining the Upper School at GFA. She is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and holds master's degrees in adolescent cognitive development and independent school leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Teachers College, Columbia University. She has worked in independent schools for more than twenty years, teaching in the humanities and working in school administration as an academic dean and a Director of Teaching and Learning. 

After graduating from GFA in 2015, Isabella Ferrante pursued a Bachelor's in History with minors in Psychology and English at the University of Connecticut. Returning to GFA in the fall of 2020, she contributed to both the Upper and Middle Schools, designing study skills courses for 5th and 6th graders, co-teaching the 8th grade speech and capstone course, and developing the Middle School House system. Isabella is thrilled to teach 9th Grade World History and 10th Grade US History while pursuing graduate courses in History and Education. During her free time, she enjoys reading and cherishing moments with her family, friends, and dog.

Sophia earned her Bachelor's degree in China and worked as a language teacher before moving to the USA. She received a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts in 2005. A resident of Westport for over 12 years, Sophia acquired extensive teaching experience at Darien High School, Sacred Heart Greenwich, and the Westport Public School District. She takes pride in hosting several Spring Festival events among the Chinese community, and she loves fitness, baking, singing, and video editing. Her journey from China to the U.S., diverse teaching background, and global travel adventures enrich her ability to connect with students and inspire learning.

Jason Mleczko joins the science department as the 6th grade science teacher. Originally from New Canaan, Jason spent the last 18 years teaching science and coaching in private, international, and public schools, including three years teaching at a boarding school in Switzerland. Jason earned his master’s in math and science education from Lesley University in Cambridge. Originally from New Canaan, Jason, his wife, and children are excited to return home and join the GFA family!

Sam grew up in Putnam County, NY, and has since settled in Newtown, CT. She received her BA from Wake Forest University and then completed an MA at the College of William & Mary. Sam has worked with middle-school-aged students in independent schools for over 20 years, primarily as a history teacher. She has also served as a grade-level team leader, history and humanities department chair, scheduler, and assistant head of middle school. When not at school, Sam enjoys reading (often too much about politics), quality lounge time with her cat, and exploring woods and trails all over the Northeast with her family and friends.

Isabelle, commonly known as Isa, joins the GFA community as our 7th grade English teacher. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Connecticut College in 2018, majoring in English and French, and minoring in German Studies and Linguistics. Isa went on to earn a Master of Arts and Master of Education in English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is currently pursuing her PhD in English Education at Teachers College. Outside of teaching, Isabelle enjoys coaching, playing soccer, reading, and cooking! She loves to spend time with her family and friends and especially loves being at the beach with a book in her hands.

Mary-Kate, a Connecticut native, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and a Master's degree in Elementary Education. During her undergraduate studies, Mary-Kate found joy and fulfillment in teaching yoga and indoor cycling, which sparked her passion for education and led her to pursue a Master's degree in elementary education. Returning to her hometown, Mary-Kate began her teaching journey at GFA as an Associate Teacher in the Lower School in prekindergarten and third grade. Mary-Kate is thrilled to share her enthusiasm and love for mathematics as a fifth-grade math fellow.

Sarah is originally from Annapolis, Maryland, and came to New York City to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at NYU. After college, she became a teaching artist in early childhood classrooms and later taught dance, music, and drama throughout NYC before returning to NYU for her M.A. in Educational Theatre. Sarah spent the last four years teaching music and drama at a special education school in NYC. She is excited to split her time between teaching middle school music and working on the admissions team. Outside of school, Sarah loves to travel, run, ski, see the latest Broadway shows, and explore her new hometown in CT!

Danielle grew up on Long Island and received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Education from The University of Massachusetts, followed by a Master’s of Science in Middle School Mathematics from The City College of New York. Before joining GFA Danielle taught middle school math for 12 years in New York City. Outside of school, Danielle enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband and young son.

Aqsa, a graduate of Quinnipiac University, holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Originally from Long Island, she now considers Connecticut her home. A passionate and enthusiastic teacher, Aqsa's love for science drives her to engage young minds with scientific concepts. She aims to create an inclusive learning environment that values all voices. Aqsa started her teaching career in Connecticut's Public School System and will now be the eighth-grade science teacher at GFA. Beyond teaching, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, traveling, and reading.

After two years as an associate teacher at GFA, Stephanie is thrilled to take on the role of First Grade Lead Teacher. Stephanie is a graduate of Arcadia University, with a master's in Art Therapy and Counseling from Albertus Magnus College. Before joining GFA, she worked as an art therapist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, supporting patients and families with therapeutic expression through the use of art. Stephanie recently completed her master's in Elementary Education at Fairfield University. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading, baking, musical theater, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Emily rejoins GFA as a first-grade Lead Teacher in the Lower School. Emily's GFA journey began in 2017 as an associate teacher for Pre-K, 2nd, and 3rd grades. She spent the last three years teaching first grade at an independent school in McLean, VA. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. Emily enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Savon Williams is a recent graduate of Lawrence University, where she studied developmental psychology and elementary education. She wishes to pursue a master's in elementary education and educational psychology, as she believes in using the power of mind to foster an enriched educational journey. In her free time, Savon loves writing poetry, reading, and catering to her inner child with Disney movies. When she's not doing that, you can find her indulging in baking or trying a new recipe! Her current motto is "A smile goes a long way, but a hug can make your whole day!"

Corey joins the GFA Lower School as an associate teacher. She pursued a double major in Math Education and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, with a minor in psychology, at Bowdoin College. This diverse curriculum fueled her interest in child development. Corey has since worked as a teaching assistant, home tutor, and college-readiness guide. Her passion lies in creating joyful, supportive learning communities, and she's eager to share her love of learning with GFA Dragons! In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors (especially with dogs!), listening to audiobooks and podcasts, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.

Originally from Casablanca, Morocco, Selma obtained her BA in Psychology and Education from Smith College. In her final semester, she enjoyed teaching at the Smith College Museum of Art and was proud to receive the Distinction Prize in the Education Department. She has also taught English, Moroccan Arabic, and French both in the US and Morocco. When she is not teaching/studying, she enjoys traveling back home and discovering her country all over again! Selma is joining GFA as a Lower School associate teacher.

Danny, a Westport native, graduated from Tufts University with a major in Political Science. Last year, he joined GFA as a substitute teacher and volleyball coach, and this year, he returns as a 3rd-grade associate teacher. Danny's passions lie in music, athletics, and technology, with a keen interest in their intersections. His experiences and perspectives drive his mission to foster community through learning. Beyond school, he enjoys listening to and playing music, spending time with his dog, Rusty, and playing games with friends.

Joshua Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. Josh spent the last three years teaching art and history in Greenwich and substitute teaching in both private and public schools. Josh was a substitute teacher at GFA last year and is thrilled to return as a Lower School associate teacher. In his spare time, Josh enjoys writing, reading, hiking, and traveling and he is very excited to be a part of the GFA community.

Grace first became interested in education as a student at boarding school. She graduated from Columbia University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While in college, she enjoyed student teaching in preschool classrooms and volunteered as a tutor for elementary school children. This is Grace’s first year at GFA as an associate teacher in the Lower School. In her free time, Grace likes to read, swim, and spend time outdoors.