We’re pleased to introduce the 10 faculty joining the Minisink Valley High School community for this new school year!
Brian Burrow, Assistant Principal
My name is Brian Burrow and I am the new assistant principal at Minisink Valley High School. I have previously worked at Putnam Valley High School for the past 16 years, nine years as a physical education teacher and seven years as the director of physical education, athletics and health. During that entire time, I have lived in Goshen. I am very happy to now be focusing more of my time and energy within my local community.
My physical education degree is from Cortland State, my master’s degree is from the University of New England and my administration degree is from SUNY New Paltz.
As mentioned, I live in Goshen with my wife, 11-year-old daughter and three-year-old son. I am an active member of the Goshen Fire Department in the Minisink Hook and Ladder Company. It gives me great pride to be able to help out my community as a volunteer and now I am happy to extend that feeling into my professional life.
My family and I enjoy many different outdoor activities. For many years I was an avid rock climber in the Shawangunks. We also like to mountain bike, hike, kayak and camp whenever possible. I have a Jeep that you will see around campus that I work on and take off-roading to upstate New York and Pennsylvania.
I am very excited to be here and strive to help the school community continue in their success. I believe I am fair and consistent in my approach and strive to always maintain a positive outlook to what can be accomplished when working together as a team.
Amy Colella, School Counselor
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley HS staff?
When I asked faculty members what they are most proud of at Minisink Valley High School, many if not all of them said it is the people they get to work with. There’s so much to look forward to as I join the MVHS staff, but I’m most excited to be working with an amazing team and to build relationships that will foster a positive environment for both students and staff.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in your new role?
As a school counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students. My goal is to collaborate with parents/guardians, administration, teachers, and staff to ensure students receive the necessary support to blossom into well-rounded and successful young adults.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself that you may want us to include?
When I’m not at school, I like to spend my free time doing jigsaw puzzles. Once I start one, I can’t stop! I also have two bearded dragons, Gail and Nubs that keep me company.
Jenna Conklin, Science
I am excited to be joining the Minisink Valley HS staff to become a part of an uplifting community of life-long learners and spread the wonder of chemistry!
As a chemistry teacher, I am excited to provide an exciting, comfortable learning environment for all students. I am curious and enthusiastic about all science, and I can’t wait to share the excitement with everyone!
Kaitlynn Cutler, Math
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley HS staff?
I have wanted to be a teacher at Minisink since I was a senior in High School. I am so excited to be a part of this community!
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in your new role?
I love teaching and learning about math. One of my favorite things about math is its history because it helps us understand why math is the way it is. I can wait to share a little bit of that history with you this year!
Anything else you would like to share about yourself that you may want us to include?
I am an assistant for the Cross Country program this year and I hope to become involved in the Track and Field programs too. I was a collegiate track athlete at SUNY Geneseo and track has always been a big part of my life. I can’t imagine not being a coach for my favorite sport!
Rebecca Foster-Faith, Science
This year I will be teaching Natural Resources, an elective within the Science Department. This is an active and growing area as we wrestle with questions of sustainable development and environmental justice, and how we can develop the natural world responsibly and to benefit all peoples and nations. I hope to bring a scientific understanding of some current environmental problems to this generation of students.
Many of you in the community already know me as an eighth-grade teacher of both Physical Science and Living Environment. You can still find me in Room 249 in the middle school when I’m not at the high school. When I’m not in my classroom, I’m at my sewing machine as a self-taught quilter.
Stacey LoCascio, Math
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley HS staff?
I am excited to be joining the Minisink staff because it will be my first time teaching outside of NYC. I’m excited for the change of pace, and to get to know my community better. I’m originally from Middletown so I’ve been very close to the Minisink District almost all of my life.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in your new role?
I am a very open-minded person and want to learn as much as I can about each of my students. I enjoy talking about home life, and integrating my students’ cultures/backgrounds into my classroom.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself that you may want us to include?
I love music! A huge part of my life has been dedicated to performing, and I consider the majority of the music department as my closest friends. Whenever there’s a concert or a drama production, I’ll be there!
Gina McNulty, Science
I have been a teacher for 21 years and have worked in several New York City high schools. I have met many wonderful, talented students and staff and faced many unique challenges. The one thing that has been constant is that I love teaching and being around people that share my passion. And it is so important that I am not just respected by my students and colleagues, but they feel respected by me as well. I hope that I remain forever teachable.
My impressions of Minisink Valley High School is that it is a body of people that share my vision of what a school should be. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this community.
Ashley Reilly, special education
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley HS staff?
Firstly, I’m overjoyed at the chance to see and work with students I’ve known as seventh and eighth graders.
As a special education teacher, I’ve truly been blessed to work with dozens of exceptional teachers and aides at the middle school, as well as, the administrators and staff who’ve been nothing short of amazing these past two years.
Having originally taught at the high school, I look forward to working with the many high school colleagues I’ve come to know and appreciate for their dedication to student learning and well-being.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in your new role?
The Minisink Valley community should know: 1) I have been teaching Special Education math classes for several years, 2) I have a strong math and science background including a mechanical engineering degree from RIT and several years consulting experience.
The Minisink Valley community should expect: 1) I will always greet every student with a smile and help them realize their individual value and potential to succeed academically, 2) I will seek out general education and special education students during their study hall, lunch, resource class, and after school activities to offer additional opportunities for their completion of missing or incomplete coursework.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself that you may want us to include?
My husband and I live locally in Sullivan County. We have three children aged five through 12.. We especially enjoy watching the kids play soccer, baseball, and ski.
Bryana Sewell, School Counselor
Why are you excited to be joining the Minisink Valley HS staff?
I am excited to be joining the high school staff because of the positive environment I’ve been hearing about. During my interviews, I consistently heard staff members say that they do not just work at the school, but are a part of a family and community, and I am excited to take part in this.
What do you want the community to know and expect about you in your new role?
I would like everyone to know that I am excited to be working with the students and families at MVHS as one of the new school counselors. I believe in outreach and open communication, so parents should expect to be hearing from me. I also believe it is not only important to strive for academic success, but to ensure social/emotional wellness as well.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself that you may want us to include?
Outside of work I love to do outdoor activities; hiking, running, and skiing. I have a huge passion for travel, and exploring new areas that I have never been to. I also enjoy reading and crocheting.