Pamela Reilly, BA Educational Coordinator

p.reilly@durandac.org

Well-versed in the NJ Core Curriculum Standards, Mrs. Reilly develops a customized curriculum program for each student enrolled at Durand.  She also has developed Durand Academy’s computerized Individual Education Plan (IEP) program.  She devoted her first five years at Durand in the classroom as a Special Education teacher before assuming the Curriculum Coordinator position in 1997.  She works closely with the teaching staff to implement new academic programs and innovative teaching techniques.

Education:  Rowan University
                  
Degrees:  Bachelor of Arts – Special Education
 
Skills/Credentials:  Certified as NJ Teacher of the Handicapped   
  
Areas of Interest: Adoption and piloting of new academic programs,
                                   Innovative teaching techniques

Gwendolyn C. Simpson, BS Teacher

g.simpson@durandac.org

With more than 27 years of classroom experience as a Special Education teacher at Durand, Ms. Simpson uses her passion for science, and computers in the planning and implementation of educational programming for Durand students. 

Education:  Trenton State College

Degrees:  Bachelor of Science – Special Education
                    (with a minor in Media Communication Science, Library Science)
  
Skills/Credentials: NJ Teaching Certifications: Teacher of the Handicapped,
                                    Associate Educational Media Specialist
                                    Certification as a Teacher Mentor   
  
Areas of Interest:  science, computers, music and art

Kellie Alexander-Skla, BA Health and Physical Education Teacher

k.sklar@durandac.org

Kellie has been a Health and Physical Education Teacher for four years and has been teaching Health and Physical Education at Durand since December 2005 Originally from Washington Township, NJ, she played numerous competitive sports in high school. A two-year softball pitcher at Rowan University, she was recently inducted into The Washington Township High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Education: Rowan University

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Exercise Science

Areas of Interest: family, higher education, special needs children

Lisa Iapalucci, BA Teacher

l.iapalucci@durandac.org

Mrs. Iapalucci offers over a decade of experience working in Elementary Education and Special Education.  She regards the rapport between teacher and student as a vital part of the educational process. Her work takes into account that the emotional well-being of a student is directly related to his or her ability to learn.

Education:  Rowan University
                  
Degrees:   Bachelor of Arts – Psychology and Education
 
Skills/Credentials:  Certification as Teacher of the Handicapped
                                     Certification in Elementary Education – Grades K-8   
  
Areas of Interest: Reading, science

Lorraine Hughes, BA Teacher

l.hughes@durandac.org

With over a decade of experience working with children with special needs, Mrs. Hughes regards “respect for each child” as an integral part of her teaching style. She takes a firm approach that rules must be followed in the classroom.

Education:  Jersey City State College           

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts 
 
Skills/Credentials: Certification as NJ Teacher of the Handicapped   
  
Areas of Interest: Behavioral issues

Valerie A. Brannigan, BA Teacher

v.brannigan@durandac.org

Working with Durand Academy since 1990, Mrs. Brannigan enjoys working with young students with special needs. She focuses on teaching students using core curriculum standards and an ongoing positive classroom experience.

Education:  Rowan University
                      Rutgers University

Degrees:  Bachelor of Arts – Psychology 
   
Skills/Credentials: Certification as Teacher
  
Areas of Interest: Children with special needs, curriculum standards, group structure studies

Richard Worrell, BS Teacher

r.worrell@durandac.org

With previous experience as a substitute teacher and teaching assistant at Durand, Mr. Worrell offers over 15 years of experience working with children and young adults. Of special note is his work with families through the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He creates a team atmosphere with other staff in the classroom, helping students achieve their goals.

Education:  The College of New Jersey
                       Wilmington College

Degrees:  Bachelor of Science – Law & Justice
                    Post Baccalaureate Studies in Special Education
 
Skills/Credentials:  Team Building, Communication Building and Facilitation   
  
Areas of Interest:   Environmental education, mathematics, science, social studies

Kim Baxter, BS Teacher

k.baxter@durandac.org

Mrs. Baxter attended Bemidji State University in Minnesota, and received her BA in education. She taught Emotional and Behavioral Disorders for seven years in Northern Minnesota. She lived abroad in 2004, teaching for the Department of Defense Schools in Germany for one year. She moved to New Jersey in 2005 where she began teaching at Durand in October of 2005.

Education: Bemidji State University

Degrees: Bachelor of Arts - Elementary K-8, Emotional & Behavioral Disorders, K-12,
                   Specific Learning Disabilities

Skills/Credentials: MN License: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
                                    MN License: Specific Learning Disabilities
                                    Certification NJ Teacher of the Handicapped
                                    Certification NJ Elementary Teacher
                                    Boys & Girls Town of America - Behavior Management

Areas of Interest: Reading, traveling, experiencing new things, history

Alicia Smith, BS Teacher

a.smith@durandac.org

Ms. Smith has 25 years of experience working with a variety of students and classifications.  Her work experience includes programs at Bancroft, Devereux & Deane Maddox.  Ms. Smith enjoys working with her students and truly appreciates their uniqueness.  This is her second year at Durand.

Education: Millersville State College                  

Degrees: Bachelor of Science
 
Skills/Credentials: Teacher of handicapped certification in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
  
Areas of Interest:  Educational resources, and neurological research

Cathy L. Jones-Alalouf, BA   Substitute Teacher

c.jones@durandac.org

Mrs. Jones-Alalouf had worked in the aviation industry for 20 years before deciding to change careers to work in education.  She has worked with children in Special Education since 2002 and is in the process of obtaining her Certificate of Eligibility in Special Education.  She is currently attending Rider University.

Education: Rowan University
                       
Degrees: B.A. in Communications and minor in Journalism   

Skills/Credentials:  Certified in C.P.I.
                                     Certified in C.P.R.
  
Areas of Interest: Reading and writing

Mary DeNarie, MA Speech-Language Pathologist

m.denarie@durandac.org

Since 1994, Mrs. DeNarie has been enabling students at Durand to achieve their  speech goals. Her 24 years of experience include evaluating and remediating disorders in articulation, language, voice,
and fluency. She performs evaluations, writes IEP goals, conducts therapy, consults with parents and teachers, and assesses progress throughout the year.

Education:  College of New Jersey
             
Degrees:  Bachelor of Science
                    Master of Arts – Speech Pathology 

Skills/Credentials:  Licensed by the State of New Jersey
                                     Certified Member of the American Speech and Hearing Association
                                     Member, NJ Speech and Hearing Association
                                     Member, Kappa Delta Pi  
  
Areas of Interest:  Pediatric population

Amanda T. Kuzmick, MA Speech-Language Therapist

a.kuzmick@durandac.org

With an advanced degree in Language and Communication Sciences, Mrs. Kuzmick has treated children with severe disabilities and rare syndromes. She also has worked with adults who sustained traumatic brain injuries and individuals who have speech-language problems secondary to a stroke. She first worked with Durand Academy during the Fall of 2002 as part of her clinical practicum. She joined Durand Academy as a full-time Speech-Language Therapist in May 2003.  

Education:  Pennsylvania State University
                      The College of New Jersey

Degrees:  Bachelor of Science – Communication Disorders
                    Master of Arts – Language and Communication Sciences

Skills/Credentials: Member, American Speech and Hearing Association
                                    Member, NJ Speech and Hearing Association
                                    Requirements met for ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence and Licensure                                     from the State of NJ for Speech and Language Therapy
    
Areas of Interest: Working with the pediatric population

Marla Gelman  Occupational Therapist

m.gelman@durandac.org

Marla is a Bucks County, PA native and is now working at Durand Academy as an occupational therapist. After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1999, she lived abroad in England studying advertising art, then worked in several key positions at advertising agencies in the US. She returned to school to pursue her Masters in Occupational Therapy, recently graduating from Temple University School of Health Professions. An avid runner, Marla is studying hard for her upcoming National Board Certification exam in Occupational Therapy.

Education: University of Connecticut
                     Temple University

Degrees: BA in Visual Communications
                   Masters in Occupational Therapy

Areas of Interest: Pediatrics, running, animal assisted therapy

Patrice Hoffman, MSW Clinical Coordinator

p.hoffman@durandac.org

With over 20 years of experience working with children and families, Ms. Hoffman coordinates a wide range of clinical services provided to Durand Academy students, including individual counseling, behavioral programming, social skills training, and problem-solving interventions. She facilitates weekly interdisciplinary conferences that discusses the progress of Durand Academy students.

Education:  University of Scranton
                       Rutgers University                 
                       Family Institute of Philadelphia

Degrees:  Bachelor of Science – Human Services
                    Master of Social Work

Skills/Credentials:  Licensed Clinical Social Worker
                                     School Social Work Certification
                                     Certification in Marriage and Family Therapy
        
Areas of Interest: Clinical intervention, family therapy, object relations, psychodynamics, 
                                  neurological and emotional disorders, play therapy

Audrey Taorimina-Danastor, MS School Social Worker

a.taormina@durandac.org

Mrs. Taormina-Danastor helps students develop their emotional management skills, as well as providing social skills training, behavioral interventions, and group facilitation. With a strong background in mental health and specific training in cognitive behavior therapy, she is a key member of the Clinical Staff and brings a decade of experience in this field.

Education:  Stockton State College
                      Rowan University
                      Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Degrees:  Bachelor of Arts – Psychology
                    Master of Science – Clinical Health Psychology
 
Skills/Credentials:  School Social Work – Certification in NJ
                                     Substance Awareness Coordinator
                                     Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy   
                                     Experience with Special Needs Population
                                     Training in Mental Illnesses

Areas of Interest:   Multicultural issues in counseling, substance abuse and addiction issues
                                     Holocaust studies, counseling in schools

Greg Cesare, MSW Social Worker

g.cesare@durandac.org

While studying for his M.S.W., Mr. Cesare decided to focus on working with youth.  He interned at Philadelphia Regional High School working with older students seeking their high school diplomas.  After graduating from West Chester University Mr. Cesare worked at Ranch Hope, a private residential facility for at-risk youth, as a school counselor.  This is his first year working at Durand.

Education:  Eastern University
                       West Chester University
             
Degrees:  B.A. Sociology/Philosophy
                   Master of Social Work
   
Skills/Credentials:  New Jersey School Social Work Certification
 
Areas of Interest: Mentoring, Strengths Perspective, Solution-focused work