NYSACTE Secondary Fellowship

The NYSACTE Fellowship Program will be open to all career and technical education educators who want to improve their leadership skills while learning more about career and technical education in NYS. The program provides an opportunity for participants to learn from one another while exploring the various CTE delivery models within the state and becoming more involved in CTE professional organizations at the state level.

This program represents an opportunity for extended professional development and will allow NYSACTE affiliate organizations the opportunity to take a more active role in shaping future career and technical education leaders.

Purpose:

To bring CTE educators together to develop their leadership skills and further their involvement in CTE professional organizations
To provide CTE educators an opportunity to become familiar with the variety of content areas and delivery models in NYS in order to better understand the strengths and challenges of CTE in NYS
Provide professional development opportunities in order to share and build best practices in CTE
Support activities that increase leadership characteristics and provide leadership opportunities for career-technical educators by contributing to NYSACTE.

Fellows participate in monthly zoom meetings and complete a series of tasks/assignments known as the program of work throughout the fellowship year. The program of work will begin in October and will conclude in August each year.

The time commitment for the fellowship program is approximately 52 hours. This includes attending the monthly zoom meetings and completing the program of work. It does not include attending PD. CTLE hours can be awarded if needed.

NYSACTE Fellows receive a $300.00 stipend for participating in the program.

Ida Marra and Dr. Alison Matthews are currently serving as the co-coordinators of the NYSACTE Fellowship Program.

Applications are due on August 30, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by the Fellowship Coordinators, NYSACTE President and affiliate organization President. Applicants will primarily be selected based on the quality of their responses and the strength of their letter of recommendation. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by September 5.

Click here for more information: NYSACTE Fellowship Program or apply directly using this link: NYSACTE Fellowship Application

If you have questions about the fellowship program please email Dr. Alison Matthews at matthewsa@harborfieldscsd.org.

2025-26 Fellows

Karen Gross

Karen Gross is the Transition Coordinator and a Special Education Administrator in a public school district on Long Island. In this role, she supports students in achieving their postsecondary goals through career readiness initiatives, work-based learning experiences, and community integration. Dr. Gross works collaboratively with families, businesses, and state agencies to develop robust pathways that empower students toward employment, higher education, and independent living.

Her leadership in building school-community partnerships is reflected in her service as a board member of the Suffolk County Workforce Development Board, executive board member of the New York State Career Readiness Educators Association (NYSCREA), and former board member of the Amityville Chamber of Commerce.

She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. John’s University and multiple degrees and post-graduate certifications, including School District Leader (SDL), School Building Leader (SBL), NYS School Counselor Certification, and the NYS Work-Based Learning Extension. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). She is excited to be a part of the NYSACTE Secondary Fellowship Program.

Amanda Miller

Amanda Miller, born and raised in Horseheads, NY, is a proud graduate of Corning Community College and Mansfield University. She began her career as a middle school Spanish teacher in the Elmira City School District before moving to Cattaraugus County, where she taught Spanish at both the middle and high school levels at Franklinville Central School District. Amanda completed her administrative certification through the University of Rochester, including an internship in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) division of Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES. She was initially hired as a CTE Administrator for Curriculum and Instruction and now serves as the Senior Administrator for CTE. She currently resides in Allegany, NY, with her family. Amanda is deeply passionate about CTE, believing it’s the one area of education whose purpose is never questioned—it simply makes sense. She is excited to continue learning and growing as a leader in this meaningful and impactful field.

Teresa Perez

Teresa Perez began her teaching career in Montessori early childhood education across private, corporate, public, and non-profit ECE centers. This led to adjunct teaching and leadership roles at CUNY School of Professional Studies and Farmingdale College, including fieldwork supervision and mentoring new professors. She is thrilled to be a part of the NYSACTE Fellowship Program!

Since 2021, Teresa has worked at Patchogue-Medford School District, where she leads the Teaching as a Profession program within the Career and Technical Education Department. She has completed the NYS Early Care and Learning Council’s Leading with Racial Equity Fellowship, Suffolk County Schools Superintendents Association Future Leaders Academy, NYS Virtual Implementation of Teaching and Learning (VITAL) Program, and the NYS Department of Labor’s Teacher Ambassador Program.

Additionally, she advises the National Honor Society, Take-a-Look at Teaching Club, Mock Trial Club, mentors for the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness, and co-coordinates the Regional Early Childhood Contest for SkillsUSA. She is also working on completing the TESOL and SWD NYS certification extensions, Early Childhood Leadership certificate from Harvard University, and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship with Stony Brook University.

Savine Roberts

Savine Roberts has taught a variety of business courses throughout her tenure as a Business and Marketing teacher. Mrs. Roberts holds a Master of Science degree in Business and Marketing Education. She also has teaching certificates in Business & Marketing as well as a Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator Extension, and is currently pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Roberts is a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) co-advisor, a Professional Learning Policy Board Building Representative, a Parents, Teachers, Students Association (PTSA) Liaison, and a volunteer coach with Monroe Milers.

During her free time, Mrs. Roberts enjoys spending time with family, friends, and traveling.

Mrs. Roberts continues to seek opportunities to enhance her skills and provide positive experiences for those she serves and the communities she supports. Mrs. Roberts is excited about being offered the opportunity to serve in the NYSACTE Secondary Fellowship program.

Tom Scarola

Tom Scarola is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator at Lindenhurst High School, where he has played a key role in shaping innovative career pathways for students. Over the course of his career, he has dedicated 17 years as a Family and Consumer Science teacher, building a foundation of classroom expertise that informs his leadership today. In his current role, Tom has successfully created eight New York State–approved CTE Pathways, expanding opportunities for students to explore their interests and prepare for college and career success.

Beyond Lindenhurst, he has served as both Dean and Assistant Principal for the Western Suffolk BOCES Summer School program, where he supported diverse learners in achieving their academic goals. Known for his collaborative approach, Tom works with teachers, administrators, and industry partners to ensure programs remain relevant and engaging. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowering students through meaningful, hands-on education.

Amber Stoffel

Amber Stoffel is the Instructional Specialist for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Monroe One BOCES, where she supports teachers in curriculum development and in implementing standards-based instruction and grading practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology. A South Carolina native, she piloted and taught a K–5 STEM program before serving as Program Coordinator for CodeWV at West Virginia University, where she supported educators statewide in integrating computer science into their classrooms. Her work centers on interdisciplinary learning spaces that challenge traditional boundaries and create meaningful, engaging learning experiences for all students.

Nashira Swift-Mckeller

Nashira Swift-Mckeller, a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructor specializing in graphic design and printing. With over ten years of teaching at Buffalo Public Schools and fifteen years of running a graphic design business, she has gained extensive expertise. She is passionate about mentoring students during this pivotal stage in their lives.

Throughout her career, she has been committed to empowering students in graphic design. Her journey began in art school, earning a bachelor’s in communication and graphic design, followed by a master’s in career and technical education from Buffalo State College.

She is especially dedicated to inspiring students who face challenges – like learning disabilities – similar to her own. Her goal is to instill in them a belief in their own potential for greatness. Creativity and art are central to her identity, and she is enthusiastic about helping students discover and develop their unique talents.

Melanie Turpin

Melanie Turpin is a dedicated educator with over 13 years of experience shaping young minds. Her teaching career began in New York City as a Social Studies teacher, where she ignited a passion for history and civics in her students. Leveraging her broad expertise, she transitioned to become a CTE (Career and Technical Education) Business teacher, a role in which she is committed to preparing students for the future workforce.

Melanie is passionate about creating knowledgeable, well-rounded students and helping them explore alternative career pathways. Her curriculum goes beyond traditional academics, focusing on essential life and professional skills. She empowers her students by teaching them the principles of personal finance, honing their interview skills, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit through lessons on entrepreneurship. Through her innovative approach, Melanie is not just teaching subjects; she’s equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

The NYSACTE Fellowship Program is sponsored by CTE Technical Assistance Center of NYS.