Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced today that 53 GPS employees have been named GPS’s “Difference Maker” award recipients for the month of April as staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of our schools.
“Seven months after the Difference Maker program was initiated, I am so pleased that the GPS community is recognizing the amazing depth of talent in our schools,” Dr. Jones said. “This program was imagined as an opportunity to acknowledge staff that may not have a light shined on their outstanding work on a daily basis, and I am certain that it is a rousing success.”
The Greenwich Public Schools “Difference Maker” award is presented monthly to full or part-time employees who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to the GPS community through one life-changing event, extraordinary long-lasting efforts, or making a difference in the lives of others every single day. Each building holds its individual celebrations to honor winners with certificate presentations and other recognitions.
GPS families, students, co-workers, or community members can nominate their difference maker online and is open to all employees of Greenwich Public Schools, full or part time, in good standing. It excludes contractors or employees of other town agencies.
April 2025
Greenwich High School
Athena Apazidis (science teacher)
Angela Letersky (Special Education teacher)
Jennifer Maxon (English teacher)
Sean Mayo (technology education teacher)
Lori Mulligan (math teacher)
Alexandra Stevens (media specialist)
Community Connections
Naomi Mazzella (professional assistant)
Central Middle School
Rita Kane (Special Education teacher)
Lauren Showstead (assistant principal)
Eastern Middle School
Caroline Gale (English teacher)
Jillian Harriman (social studies teacher)
Tiana Rosado (teen talk counselor)
Jenna Warshall (English teacher)
Western Middle School
Denise Chew (media assistant)
Patrick Heaton (intervention specialist)
Seth Kalinski (physical education teacher)
McKayla Wyble (math teacher)
Cos Cob School
Christine Fraioli (professional assistant)
Holly Krahe (second grade teacher)
Danielle Medico (PreK teacher)
Glenville School
Luis Alarcon (lead custodian)
Samantha Barbagallo (kindergarten teacher)
Michele Cooke (fifth grade teacher)
Robin Hurta (art teacher)
Hamilton Avenue School
Cecilia Illescas (professional assistant)
Shagun Kshirsagar (professional assistant)
Pamela McHugh (math interventionist)
Linda Quinto (administrative assistant)
International School at Dundee
Julie Webster (assistant principal)
Julian Curtiss School
Melanie Champion* (music teacher)
Alex Redmond (PreK teacher)
New Lebanon School
Alessandra Castellano (professional assistant)
Sandra Corrente (social worker)
Kaitlin Cyr (psychologist)
Jayson Sabanski (information technology)
North Mianus School
Catherine DiDonato (second grade teacher)
Lisa Hudson (psychologist)
North Street School
PearlyAnn Boodoosingh (professional assistant)
Christopher Bortot (professional assistant)
Nicholas Celestino (fifth grade teacher)
Jamie Mandelbaum (Special Education teacher)
Old Greenwich School
Maria Ford (speech & language pathologist)
Parkway School
Michelle O’Brien (third grade teacher)
Alexis Stevens (professional assistant)
Riverside School
Ann Donohue (professional assistant)
Freer Goodbody (third grade teacher)
Zachary Lederman (fifth grade teacher)
Stacy Mozer (first grade teacher)
Sarra Roth (art teacher)
Central Office
Olga Mejia (administrative assistant)
Jaime Powers (accounting coordinator)
Sharon Scofield (administrative assistant)
Leah Zilich (Special Education coordinator)
* also works at Cos Cob and New Lebanon Schools
