May 2025 'Difference Makers' Announced In Greenwich Public Schools

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced last week that 64 GPS employees have been named “Difference Maker” award recipients for the month of May as staff members who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others inside and outside of the town's schools schools.

"I truly believe that our staff is the foundation of what makes Greenwich Public Schools such a special place for the children in our community," Jones said in a prepared statement. "The outpouring of support for these ‘Difference Makers’ shows that we are all making a positive impact every day."

The GPS "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.

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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.

The May 2025 Difference Makers are listed below:

Greenwich High School

• Maria Buono (math teacher)
• Kelly Dwyer (school counselor)
• Aimee Farnum (science teacher/learning facilitator)
• Karen Foster (director of student activities)
• Shannon Murphy (school psychologist)
• Thomas Murphy (safety & security personnel)
• Colin Nanavaty (science teacher)
• Dr. Beena Ramachandran (chemistry teacher)
• Cantor House Support Staff

Central Middle School

• Thomas Healy (principal)

Eastern Middle School

• Shawn Cavanaugh (physical education teacher)
• Kristine Redlien (English teacher)

Western Middle School

• Jillian Corey (music teacher)
• Rachel Gryak (world language teacher)
• Heidi Hupal (professional assistant)
• Karina Magana (school counselor)
• Nicole Pincus (professional assistant)
• Ramon Posada (custodian)
• Olivia Traina (social studies teacher)
• Diana Willie (social studies teacher)

Cos Cob School

• Marlene Ferguson (literacy specialist)
• Michele Prisinzano (third grade teacher)

Glenville School

• Phoebe Daur (Special Education teacher)
• Klara Monaco (principal)
• Joleigh Nelson-Mora (literacy specialist)
• Victoria Trangucci (second grade teacher)

Hamilton Avenue School

• Dr. Kristi Castellon (psychologist)
• Randi Coughlin (math interventionist)
• Lisa Cutler (kindergarten teacher)
• Catherine Shores* (art teacher)

International School at Dundee

• Jennifer Manke (administrative assistant)
• Brittney Veniga (administrative staff assistant)

Julian Curtiss School

• Yaneli Avila (speech language pathologist)
• Christine Kovac (English language learning teacher)
• Anthony Oddo (Special Education teacher)

New Lebanon School

• Darina Fox (ALP teacher)
• Amy Rose (fourth grade teacher)
• Dr. Daniel Russo (principal)

North Mianus School

• Brian Krois (custodian)
• Daniel Romeo (custodian)
• Marcia Rutstein (first grade teacher)

North Street School

• Carol Ceci (Special Education teacher)
• Danielle Micallef (preschool teacher)
• Kelsey Reiff (speech and language pathologist)
• Tara Santillo (first grade teacher)

Old Greenwich School

• Grayson Muskus (first grade teacher)
• Karen Zand (first grade teacher)

Parkway School

• Kristina Loechner (physical education teacher)
• Linda Santoro (ALP teacher)

Riverside School

• Mary Anstey (kindergarten teacher)
• Meera Ayyampully (professional assistant)
• Nicola Brown-Mann (third grade teacher)
• Christina Fazio (Special Education teacher)
• Carolyn Hancock (ALP teacher)
• Krista Larson (professional assistant)
• Michelle Mertz (IT Support Technician)
• Lynn Sterner (literacy specialist)
• Kimberly Sturman (first grade teacher)
• Mary Victor (speech language pathologist)

Central Office

• Alina Agiurgioaei Boie (psychologist)
• Michael Antonaccio (communications specialist)
• Maricela Gonzalez (administrative assistant)
• Shantal Jackson (Special Education teacher)
• Jonathan Supranowitz (director of communications)

* also works with the Windrose Program