Speciality Teachers
Jacob Colwell - Physical Education
Jacob graduated from Cortland with B.A. in Physical Education. He student taught in Cohoes and Rensselaer and has taught and coached in a variety of afterschool and summer programs. He has also worked at Parson’s Child and Family center in Albany as a teacher’s assistant and coach.
Nieves Gonzalez -Montejano – Spanish
Nieves Gonzalez is our artistic and creative Spanish teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Montessori Education and the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in Geography and History with a minor in Anthropology from University of Madrid. Nieves has been teaching Spanish, her native tongue, at WHMS since 2000. Combining a variety of projects with Spanish instruction has been a hallmark of Nieves’ teaching style. Nieves’ Spanish teaching experience includes teaching Spanish to SUNY professionals. Her field work in Anthropology was in the highlands of Chiapas in Mexico.
Christina Pickreign - Music
Christina Pickreign holds her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Westminster Choir College. She has been teaching locally for the past eight years and has a private voice studio and musical theater for children program at Schenectady County Community College. Christina has been seen as a soloist for several local church choirs and concert choirs. She is the proud recipient of the Joel Dolven Vocal Award for Advanced Female.
Dan “The Music Man” Sedia
As you have no doubt heard, Dan the Music Man is an important part of our WHMS faculty. Well-loved by teachers and students, the sound of Dan’s guitar and melodic voice can be heard each Friday. Dan Sedia is a music therapist and works with a variety of age groups. He has been working with young children – normally developing and special needs – for the past 15 years. His basic goal for the music program is that it can be educational and fun. Because so many children enjoy music, it inspires participation. Singing, chanting, moving, and playing instruments are foundational activities used to enhance the children’s educational program as well as a means of creative self-expression. If you have any questions or comments regarding the music program please contact Dan though the main office.
Charles Austin – Music
Charles Austin holds an Associates Degree in Music from Schenectady County Community College. He will finish his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the College of St. Rose in 2010. Charles has been a private teacher for students in guitar, piano, bass, voice and musical theory. Charles has also written a book available to students designed to make the learning process more effiicient and effective.
Marla Bracco – Violin
Marla has been playing the violin since the age of six when she was introduced to the Suzuki method and its philosophies. Marla attended the Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University and enrolled in the five-year BM/MM program in violin performance. Marla studied under the renowned violinist and pedagogue, Shirley Givens. Previously, Marla taught at Waldorf School in Saratoga. Marla will be working with WHMS students throughout the week, both in teaching violin to individuals and as part of the WHMS Orchestra.
For more information: Violin descriptions 2009-2010
Janis Rink – Art
Janis Rink was educated at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Her experiences in art education have been varied. In addition to teaching art in the elementary school she was the art director for the town of Clifton Park’s summer recreation program. Additionally, Janis spends several weekends a month teaching art to the children at Wildwood Programs in Rotterdam. Janis is also the part time art teacher at St. Helen’s school in Niskayuna. During the past year she worked as an adjunct instructor for the College of Saint Rose supervising and mentoring student teachers.
Maggie Schmonsky – Reading
Maggie Schmonsky earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. At Sage Graduate School in Troy, New York, Maggie earned a Master of Science in Literacy Education. In 2004, she became a member of the International Reading Association. As a New York State Certified Elementary School Teacher with a New York State Professional Certificate in Literacy Education, Maggie has tutored students who are struggling with reading and writing in various capacities. In addition, she worked as a Technology Teacher at Saint Thomas School in Delmar, NY with students in grades K-8.
Karen Green – Consultant Teacher
Karen earned her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Oneonta/SUNY Albany in 1986 and received her Master’s in Special Education from SUNY Albany in 1995. She has been teaching for the past twelve years including preschool special education, self-contained special education and currently as a consultant special education teacher. Karen has presented workshops on classroom management as well as implementing the IEP in the classroom.