Classroom Coliseum

Amy Friedrich works and raises her family here in Goshen. As a teacher, community member, and parent in the Goshen schools, her connections run deep. Her passion to work with students needing academic supports is only matched by her wonderful colleagues, whom she enjoys working with.

Alec Stein is teaching in his second year in GHS, but it feels like he has been here longer - he did his student teaching in the Social Studies Department as well. Mr. Stein brings with him a youthful enthusiasm and love for social studies that resonates with our GHS students. He also has great vision for the future of Goshen High School.

Ms. Giordano is a Goshen alumni who has come back to work with us this year! She came back to work in Academic Intervention Specialists, but comes with a tremendous amount of experience and expertise. Welcome Ms. Giordano!

Dr. Matthew Wentworth is the building leader at Goshen Intermediate School where he works to support teachers in order to empower them to reach more students. Dr. Wentworth's vision for using data to inform decisions as well as streamlining systems to help create more time and space to work with students has built a strong school environment. Working with his teams to build school culture through the Choose Love Program and some creative team building has ben well received in GIS.

For two seasons, we’ve walked the halls of the Goshen Central School District to find the stories that don't always make the morning announcements. We’ve heard from teachers who’ve spent four decades in the classroom and students who are just beginning to find their voices.As we step into a new year and a new season, our mission hasn't changed. We’re here to celebrate the passion, the grit, and the ‘Gladiator’ spirit that defines our schools. Whether you're a parent, a student, or a neighbor in our community, pull up a seat—the Coliseum is open.

Claire Polanis is retiring from Goshen High School this summer and leaving quite a legacy for us. Her vast experience living abroad brought a lot of cultural awareness and new ideas to Goshen. She reflects on an amazing career with guest hosts Carmina Villegas and Jeri Krish. Enjoy.

Beth Laskoski is one of the most kind human beings to ever grace the halls of GHS. Her time in the classroom and volunteering with Odyssey of the Mind and Interact Club has made her a key player in our students' lives for many years. She is saying goodbye to GHS this month, but the work she has done here will live on.

Heather Hendershot is a long-time Orange County resident who serves as the director of Pupil Personnel Services for Goshen Central School District. She recently received her doctorate and is proud of the work that is being done to support the students in all areas of the Pupil Personnel Department at Goshen. PPS oversees services for physical, learning, and other disabilities and also services for immigrant/migrant services and incarcerated youth. She is also a board member of the New York Council of Administrators of Special Education (NYCASE) and a member of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE).This conversation will help shed light on some of what her department does to support students from pre-school through early adult. It was encouraging for me to host this conversation, and I know the listeners will as well.

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Mrs. Johnson wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. Her initial teacher of her dolls at home as a kid was a catalyst to consider education as a career. The influence of her GHS world language teachers, and assignments at Siena College solidified that the teaching content she would master was the Spanish language. Julianne relocated to Goshen with her husband Brian, who is a PE teacher and coach in the district, so they could be closer to her family while they started theirs. Mrs. Johnson loves teaching Spanish and gets excited about instilling that to others. She was as wonderful to speak to as she is in class with the students. Enjoy this episode with Mrs. Johnson.

Gus Lawson is one of those people who’s reputation and visibility are larger than life. Coach Lawson works as a PE Teacher at GHS, rocks the mic for PA announcing, and coaches Football, Basketball, and Track and Field. His uncanny ability to connect with kids and staff through his anecdotes, stories, genuine interest, and disarming smile bring people into his life and inner circle. Coach Lawson is a magnet for anything he leads - whether it’s archery club, PE class, or coaching. Most of all, he brings people in to “Join Track.” This guy came in over President’s Day Weekend to hang posters, fill teacher mailboxes, and begin his long-play recruitment strategy for Spring Track. Check out this off the cuff interview with Lawson and remember: “Lead the pack - Join track!”

Alina Heinz is part of the New Hire class of 2024 in Goshen Schools and has enjoyed the first half of her year teaching at Goshen Intermediate School. She came to Goshen with experience teaching elsewhere and brings a lot of tricks of the trade with her to her students at GIS. Her passion for teaching and learning is contagious and I think you will catch a glimpse of that in this discussion. Give a few minutes of your time to listening to Alina and you will be encouraged about the future growth of our students here at GIS!

Michael Isseks dedicated over 30 years to students in Goshen High School in the Social Studies Department and beyond. As the 2nd Semester of 2024-2025 begins, Mr. Isseks will begin his next phase of life in retirement. Throughout his career, he has always been a humble servant leader even when he had official roles like interim Assistant Principal, Social Studies Department Chair, Goshen Teachers' Association President, athletics coach, class advisor, and more. Due to his deep humility, he was reluctant to join this special podcast series - until his Social Studies colleagues Mrs. Marie Jane Panzer and Mrs. Carmina Villegas (who were students early in his career) asked to interview him themselves to reflect on his career well-served. This episode highlights a special person who's career and relationships have left a lasting impact on the Goshen teachers, students, administrators, and community at large. Thank you, Mr. Isseks for your friendship, collegiality, dedication, and leadership to those who crossed paths with you in your incredible career.

When you look around Goshen High School, you may not realize just how involved Jim Quinlan is in some of the projects and initiatives! Mr. Quinlan is a Goshen High School English teacher who is passionate about how the English curriculum allows students to be creative and think independently. Beyond the classroom, he is a talented musician, drama/musical director, musician, and video producer. Just as much as the kids shine on stage, he shines in the background - happy to let other take the spotlight! In fact, in a podcast interviewing him, he gave a lot of credit to the phenomenal teams he has to support him. Listen to this episode and hear from the creative mind of Mr. Quinlan and you’ll certainly want to be a student in one of his groups! 

Jarrad Vrydaghs is not as visible as many Goshen Teachers are in our community, because he’s stationed as a Goshen employee at John S. Burke Catholic School providing special education services to our out of district students there. While you may not see him at GHS often, you will hear his voice doing play by play calls at the Gladiator Coliseum as he’s running the scoreboard for many of our athletic endeavors. If you look carefully, you will find him next to the mats coaching our Wrestling team as well. This interview highlights a unique job and perspective of the Goshen School District “Teacher of Location” and Jarrad brings the love for Wrestling, PA announcing, and shares some hopes of what could be coming down the pipeline for more media endeavors. Check out the interview with Mr. Vrydaghs, who once told me to pronounce the last name “friedeggs”. Check out his Goshen Gladiators Wrestling Podcast here!

It is a truly special experience when a teacher enters the profession with a wealth of professional practice in the field. Jen Cascino was a graphic designer and illustrator for major professional publications for many years prior to entering the education realm. She spent two years teaching in Brooklyn prior to relocating to Orange County and teaching in Goshen. Her experience creating fine art and digital media for many years has helped her revolutionize the art department for Goshen School District. Her passion for art is rooted in visual storytelling and helping kids achieve more self actualization in their lives.

Some educators’ professional lives take a direct route, but GHS Assistant Principal Jénelle Hindell’s professional work has taken unique and interesting twists. She did not set out to be an educator out of college, and spent time working in political action and college admissions for some time. Her love for history brought her back to education and she loves that content so much that in this interview, it was hard for her to pin down her favorite topic! She worked in a variety of schools, cities, and states on her way through her career, and has landed Goshen as an Assistant Principal in her homecoming back to Orange County. In this episode we unpack her love for education, desire to help kids, and her passion for coaching teachers. Check out this episode and your paradigms about the role and perspective of an Assistant Principal may be changed.

Daniel Passante came to Goshen with an excellent pedigree in communications from his education at the Park School of Communication at Ithaca College, as well as professional work experience in TV studios and even in sports broadcasting. His passion for effective and clear communication with high engagement is an exciting thing to bring to Goshen School District. Most of the time, a public informations specialist is behind the scenes but in this episode you will learn about the guy behind the camera/webpage/newsletter, etc. Not only does Dan bring excellent work for Goshen Schools and the community, but he also shares some great tips for students and professionals working to build their brand, expand their reach, and communicate effectively.

Morgan Serkes is a proud Goshen graduate of the class of 2017 who came home to GHS as a Guidance Counselor in 2024! Ms. Serkes lends a lot of youthful energy to the school and to supporting students. She brought experience at all levels of counseling with her when she joined the team. You will find her helping kids working with college planning, friendships, social issues, and much more. Her experience as an NCAA Division 1 runner and coach provides a different lens for her to work with students, and you will see her coaching Winter Track this season! Ms. Serkes is a welcomed new addition to the school and you will be encouraged in this episode.

Sarah Tierney is a veteran educator who pursues her intrinsic desire to help kids on a daily basis. She came to Goshen from NYC Department of Education with an incredible amount of classroom experience as well as counseling all age levels. Sarah’s desire to work with children to help achieve their best selves as they navigate their adolescent middle school years. There are tremendous challenges in the job, but she values peer mediation, self awareness, and interpersonal connections to help resolve their issues and develop stronger resilience. For any parents or students anxious about their middle school experience, knowing that Ms. Tierney is there should be a great comfort.

On paper, Shannon Bernhardt is a Math Teacher at Goshen High School, but that only skims the surface of what she brings to the school district. Her passion for working with young people and mentoring through athletic competition shines in the school and through this podcast interview. She studied Math in college, but minored in Deaf Studies where she continued her skillset in American Sign Language. She brought an ASL course to Goshen and hopes to continue to grow our program here as well. Ms. Bernhardt seems to manage all of these initiatives through her love and passion for working with your students.

Mrs. Janine Robinson is a core of the Social Studies department in Goshen Schools. She has spent time teaching both 7th and 8th grade US History at C.J. Hooker Middle School. Teaching Social Studies is more than teaching history - it’s about critical thinking, analysis, and developing good citizens. Mrs. Robinson is always working to reinvent herself and adapt to the student engagement needs of her classes. She relies on collaboration with her colleagues and uses the advice she has picked up from literature she has read as inspiration for her lesson planning. Civics and citizenship is ever-more important in our society, and listening to this conversation about how Goshen teachers work with young people to develop young adults will be refreshing.

GHS Principal Nick Pantaleone joined Goshen Tech Director Jon Redeker to interview Gus Rodriguez, a cybersecurity expert. Gus spent 24 years in the NYPD and developed an expertise in cybersecurity, which he turnkeyed into a great new business called the “Digital First Responders.” Gus shares his ideas for students and parents about how to keep students safe and all parents and students should listen to his advice. Check out the links discussed in the pod as well! Commonsense Media https://www.commonsense.org/ “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book DHS https://www.dhs.gov/ CISA https://www.cisa.gov/ WSJ: Wanted Weekend Warriors https://www.wsj.com/tech/wanted-weekend-warriors-in-tech-3b3a7513

John Stephens is a proud Goshen graduate who came back to Goshen Schools to continue his teaching career. His pursuits on the athletic fields in high school and college were filled with many accolades, but the lessons that he learned have been invaluable to his work with students. He has brought lesson in leadership, self awareness, health consciousness, and positivity to the Goshen Health/PE and Athletics Department. This conversation with coach Stephens will make listeners wish you could be an athlete in his programs.

Dr. Greg Voloshin has been a fixture around the Goshen School District since 2013 and his time in Goshen and impact to students is as diverse as can be. He has been Athletic Director, Elementary School Principal, Director of Personnel, and currently holds the role of High School Assistant Principal. His involvement in education has always been about making connections with students, and building relationships through coaching, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Dr. Voloshin has seen a lot of change around the district, and works to support students and staff through all of it. The conversation in this episode is full of positivity with a reflection on the past decade and a view for the hope to come for the future of the school.

Elena Jordon has been teaching English Language Arts for 23 years in Goshen School District, where she also graduated from! Ms. Jordon is a true Goshen Gladiator who has always been involved in a variety of initiatives and programs both academically and athletically. Believe it or not, teaching 7th grade is right where she always wants to be! In this episode of the Classroom Coliseum, we discuss some of the changes and challenges as well as amazing opportunities the past 20 years have brought us in Goshen. Tune in to this episode to hear Ms. Jordon’s passion for this work and these students and you will be rewarded.

The ENL Department is one of the smallest, but potentially most impactful faculty departments in Goshen High School. Students who are learning English as a New Language (ENL), or English Language Learners (referred to sometimes as ELL's), face challenges beyond native English speakers. The ENL department at Goshen High School is vibrant, caring, compassionate, and dedicated to reaching all of these students. This is the largest interview on the Classroom Coliseum, where 5 of us have a conversation about the significance of their work. Special guests Katharine Gonzalez, Ana Serrano Ayau, Isabella Almodovar, and Soraya Puertas discuss this tremendous program. For many listeners, this episode may present a lot of new information, but stay through to the end and you will be moved by the shared passion and love for the work this team puts forth every single day.

Grant Boyd is in his 4th year as an English teacher at Goshen High School. His diverse interests range from reading and advising the Dungeons and Dragons club! His thoughtful approach to teaching and working with kids is meaningful and relevant to all who get to experience it. Check out his interview!

Welcome to Season 2 of the Classroom Coliseum

Steve Donachie landed at Goshen High School 35 years ago as a Social Studies Teacher. Throughout his tenure, he has seen tremendous changes and helped many new colleagues as a mentor and friend. With Mr. Donachie, you're never sure whether he's serious or kidding, and he'll tell you he's "seriously kidding" and you might still not know. His approach to teaching is kid-centered and about making connections, which he has done with students and staff for 35 years. He is a part of the class of 2024 retirees and he shares some great reflections in this episode!

Chris Haller has been working with Goshen students to help them as a counselor and coach for 23 years. With over 30 years of school counseling experience, Mr. Haller has brought countless students through difficult times in school, family, and personal issues both at CJ Hooker Middle School and Goshen Intermediate School. His dedication to helping kids grow and become better versions of themselves is what has kept him coming to work each day. His work extends beyond the school day into our athletics department and he sees coaching as an extension of his counseling job and an opportunity to pour into kids to help them achieve their very best. As a lifelong New York Jets fan, Mr. Haller knows how to push through adversity and work through hard times! Mr. Haller is retiring this year and we are thankful he took time to reflect on his influence on Goshen School District with us!

Cathy Kloorfain has given 35 years of her life to teaching students! Her time has been also dedicated to helping run an amazing Odyssey of the Mind program which elevated experiences for all of our students. Cathy is still full of joy and enthusiasm for school and teaching every day, even as she approaches her retirement as a member of the retirement class of 2024. We wish her all the best!

Mrs. Jeri Krish has been a staple of the GHS community for 33 years in our World Language Department. Her impact on students and faculty has been so positive and uplifting. In order to reflect on her wonderful career, her former student and current colleague Carmina Villegas joined the pod to co-host the episode. Mrs. Villegas’s “lightning round” of questions will brighten your day. Listening to Mrs. Krish reflect on her time working with students through the medium of world languages will encourage you to be more empathetic, compassionate, and kind. Mrs. Krish is part of the retirement class of 2024 and we wish her well in her next endeavors!

Ryan Capocciamo joins the podcast at the end of his first year teaching at Goshen High School. The Goshen school district and specifically the English Department has meant the world to him, and he is so happy to be working shoulder to shoulder with many of the mentors and team who encouraged him during his own schooling. He is a GHS graduate of the class of 2017 who became a colleague in 2023. Ryan loves reading and working with our students. His reflections on the pod will make you hope your child could have “Mr. Cap” as a teacher.

Mr. Greene and Mrs. Diaz discuss the band and orchestra program for the district, which begins in Goshen Intermediate School. GIS offers 4th graders the chance to learn band or orchestra instruments, with exposure to instruments starting in 3rd grade through events like concerts and instrument demonstrations. Parents receive an email with enrollment information via a website link and form. Students need a working instrument, preferably rented from a reputable store, and the lesson book "Essential Elements Interactive." Lessons are 30 minutes weekly in small groups, with a rotating schedule to avoid missing the same class each week, and teachers help students understand lesson charts in each classroom. Parents can support their child by encouraging weekly independent practice and listening to their practice sessions or even arranging video chats with relatives for performances. Check out the Google Site with information! https://sites.google.com/gcsny.org/gis-bandorchestra/home

Char O’Connor has been the school nurse in Goshen Intermediate School for the past 20 years. Her work with families, students, and teachers has helped us all grow in tremendous ways. Her care for the community and her thankfulness to Goshen for their support is infectious. Char is looking forward to her upcoming retirement this next year. Listen to this episode to hear her reflection on a career full of service, joy, and growth through struggles.  @life_-coach_char_121-Instagram Life Coach Char_FB Reach out for private therapeutic yoga sessions

Kathy Higgins has been a 6th grade teacher in Goshen for 22 years, and is commemorating her 37th year in public education. Her desire to help students better themselves is a fantastic model for all aspiring and current educators. She has seen a lot of change throughout her career, and her focus through much of those changes is to help students become critical thinkers and evaluators of information as they grow into adults. Mrs. Higgins is part of the “Class of 2024” retiree group and she is looking forward to new adventures and experiences! This episode is a great reflection on a career of service to our Goshen family.

Rick Sternkopf is a proud Goshen resident who works and lives in Goshen. His commitment to the Gladiators spreads from working with foundational skills with our youngest students all the way through coaching our high school athletes. Rick is passionate about the Scotchtown Avenue Student growth and excitement that elevates the community every day. Tune in for a great conversation with Mr. Sternkopf.

Aliya Schwerner is the Library Media Specialist at Goshen Intermediate School. She has experience teaching elsewhere, but her love for reading brought her to a position in the library. You can tell that she is passionate about reading books and some of her favorites are in the young adult and fantasy world! Listen to her discuss what happens in the GIS library as well as what it means for her to be able to connect kids with books that can uplift, challenge, and inspire. Check out the link we discussed about Saving the Northwest Tree Octopus and Wonderopolis! Wonderopolis https://wonderopolis.org/ Save The Northwest Tree Octopus https://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/

Anabel Tavkar is in her 2nd year as a 4th grade teacher at Goshen Intermediate School, but her 16th year overall in education. Her experience as an English language learner and immigrant from the Dominican Republic has inspired her passion for language acquisition for all learners. She loves working with the 4th graders, and is happy that Goshen has quickly become a new family for her and she treats her classroom as such. Anabel’s story is compelling and anyone would be lucky to have their student in her class!

Valerie Natt is currently a 3rd grade teacher at Goshen Intermediate School, but she has worked across the Goshen district in 3 of our schools! She is also the founder and director of the GIS Drama Club, which has inspired and given opportunities to hundreds of kids! Her passion and drive for kids emanates in her work and this conversation. You can’t help but be encouraged when listening to her. Her advice to students, which she shares at the end, is powerful for all of us. You can get tickets to the upcoming GIS Musical here: https://gis-finding-nemo.cheddarup.com/

Roy Reese’s experience in public education began in the 1960’s as a teacher. He  has had several roles in education including coach, athletic director, stage lighting manager, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent, just to name a few.  Formerly he served as both Principal of Goshen High School and Superintendent of Goshen School District. He has also worked with many college programs and other districts as well. Mr. Reese has “retired” a few times, but continues to pour into teachers and students through taking on interim administrative roles, advising and teaching college students, and volunteering with the GHS Stage Crew. He says he doesn’t “go to work” every day, but he enjoys “going to school.” That philosophy manifests itself with how Mr. Reese works with kids and adults alike in his awe inspiring student-centric approach to learning and leadership. 

Nancy Weber is currently the Assistant Principal at CJ Hooker Middle School in Goshen Central School District, but she has redefined her role throughout her tenure in the district. Nancy has taught 6th and 7th grades as well as AIS. She began her administrative career as an Assistant Principal split between Scotchtown Avenue Elementary School and Goshen Intermediate School. It was a bit of a homecoming when she came back to CJH as the Assistant Principal. She is currently working on a doctoral degree focussed on mitigating chronic absenteeism in the elementary levels to help address high school dropout and success. Her desire to build relationships with students and coach them through life’s challenges is making a difference with the student and family relationships in Goshen.

Danielle Cavagnaro is an Academic Intervention Specialist at CJ Hooker Middle School who is working tirelessly to help math-averse students more engaged and excited about the content. Danielle’s experience has been with all different age levels up to this point, but she gets excited working with middle schoolers. In this conversation we discuss that change, how she can connect with students, and why some people just don’t get middle school - but how she does and how it gets her excited every day.

Patty Capocciamo, or “Capo” as many know her, has been in education for 37 years. She’s certified in mathematics all the way through the secondary level, but has found joy in teaching students ranging from grades 3-6 throughout her career in Goshen. Capo has reinvented her class approach a number of times to stay fresh and involved with changing times. In this episode she shares her thoughts about changing curriculum, changing kids, and approaches to teaching. She has even taught students how to do math via baking chocolate chip cookies during virtual learning in the COVID pandemic. Listen to her reflect on an incredible career, as she looks to her future in retirement.

George St. Lawrence has been working to inspire young people through sports for 43 years. His love for Goshen shines through in his work and his decision to raise a family in this town. His desire to bring Greatness to Goshen is connected to the nexus of being “One Team.” Enjoy, and be inspired by this conversation with Athletic Director George St. Lawrence.

Amy Gargiulo is the Library Media Specialist at Scotchtown Avenue School in Goshen, NY. Her mission is to make the library a dynamic place where kids not only find entertainment, but also solace and enrichment. She encourages kids to search for books and research topics that they are authentically interested in - not just the latest and greatest. “If you only read what everyone else reads, you will only know what everyone else knows”, is her favorite quote. Amy is motivated and inspired to help kids discover their joy and passion in books,because as a little kid, she found her passion in a similar way. Her early elementary years introduced her to an interest in marine biology, which she pursued professionally overseas until she landed back in Orange County, and luckily, in our SAS Library. Her passion for helping kids find their passion is contagious. 

Kate Loftus and Jon discuss what it means to be celebrating the 10th Musical Production @ CJHooker Middle School! This year's production of Annie Jr on March 8 & 9 has a special connection to not only this year's students, but our high school seniors as well. Check out www.gcsny.org for ticketing information. (In the interview we called it the 10th anniversary, but it's the 10th Production we are celebrating this year!)

Terri Baker is the English Department Chair Person in Goshen High School. Her experiences have been formed by many mentors and leaders in her professional life. Ms. Baker discusses the importance of work-life balance and high expectations for student success. Her desire is for students to grow, but also to remember to breathe and process life as it comes to them.  

You may know Amanda Ortiz as the Goshen Parks and Recreation director, or former camp counselor over at Craigville (Myron J Urbanski) Park in Goshen, but she was hired this year as an Academic Intervention Specialist for English Language Arts at C.J. Hooker Middle School in Goshen Central School District. As a Goshen grad, this homecoming is special for her. Her passion for working with young people is infectious and you can hear that resonate through this conversation. Amanda’s passion for working with middle schoolers may be foreign to some, but Ms. Ortiz will inspire you with hope and admiration for middle school kids and teachers.

This episode highlights John Kayser, a 6th grade teacher at CJHooker Middle School. John is inspired as a teacher because he enjoys working with young people. He is always trying to learn new things and attributes much of that passion to growing up as a millennial as technology changed so rapidly. Mr. Kayser’s hope for students is that they begin to own their work: their successes and their failures.