Half Hollow Hills Announces Six Administrative Appointments

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District proudly announces six administrative appointments for the 2026-2027 school year: James Geis as Director of High School Special Education, Gail Daugherty as Director of Middle School Special Education, Adriana Mendrinos as Assistant Principal at Half Hollow Hills High School East, Rachel Hludzinski as Assistant Principal at Candlewood Middle School, Breana Armstrong as Assistant Principal at Vanderbilt Elementary School, and Jenna Naclerio as Assistant Principal at Paumanok Elementary School. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, collaborative leadership and a shared commitment to supporting students, staff and school communities.

"The strength of Half Hollow Hills has always been our people," said John O'Farrell, Superintendent of Schools. "These administrators each bring outstanding experience, a collaborative approach and an unwavering commitment to students. We are excited to welcome them into these new roles and look forward to the positive impact they will have across our schools."

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James Geis, Director of High School Special Education
James Geis joins the Half Hollow Hills Central School District as Director of High School Special Education, bringing extensive leadership experience in special education. Most recently, he served the Three Village Central School District as Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services before becoming principal of the district's alternative high school. His previous leadership experience includes serving as Coordinator of Secondary Special Education for the Greater Amsterdam School District, as well as Teacher Coordinator and Extended School Year Principal for Western Suffolk BOCES. Throughout his career, Geis has worked across special education, alternative education and general education settings.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the Half Hollow Hills team and look forward to connecting with our staff, families and students," said Geis. "Together, we will collaborate to provide the essential support that empowers every student to thrive in the least restrictive environment. I am deeply committed to ensuring our students are fully prepared for bright, successful futures."

Geis holds a bachelor's degree in history from Le Moyne College, a master's degree in education from Cambridge College and earned his administrative credentials through Stony Brook University.

Gail Daugherty, Director of Middle School Special Education
Gail Daugherty joins the Half Hollow Hills Central School District as Director of Middle School Special Education after serving as Assistant Director of Special Education in the West Islip Union Free School District. In that role, she focused on supporting specially designed instruction for students. She previously worked as a speech-language pathologist in the Sayville Public Schools and as Director of Elementary Special Education in the Oceanside School District. Throughout her career, Daugherty has prioritized building strong relationships with students, families and staff while supporting the diverse needs of learners.

"I am honored to join the Half Hollow Hills Central School District as Director of Middle School Special Education," said Daugherty. "I look forward to partnering with students, families and staff in the Half Hollow Hills community. I believe open communication and strong collaboration with all stakeholders are essential to meeting each student's unique learning needs and creating an environment where every learner can thrive."

Daugherty holds a bachelor's degree in speech and hearing handicapped from SUNY Geneseo, a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Hofstra University and earned her administrative certification from Stony Brook University.

Adriana Mendrinos, Assistant Principal, Half Hollow Hills High School East
Adriana Mendrinos joins High School East as assistant principal after serving as a Spanish teacher at Herricks Middle School. She taught multiple levels of Spanish, including language immersion and advanced courses, while mentoring new teachers and helping develop engaging, student-centered curriculum. During her educational leadership internship, she collaborated with building administrators on instructional leadership and schoolwide initiatives. In addition to her work in education, Mendrinos coached multiple sports, most notably boys varsity soccer, reflecting her commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the High School East community as assistant principal," said Mendrinos. "I look forward to building meaningful relationships with students, staff and families while fostering a school environment where every student feels supported, challenged and empowered to reach their full potential. I am excited to collaborate with this outstanding school community and contribute to its tradition of excellence."

Mendrinos holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish and secondary education, a master's degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) and a second master's degree in educational leadership, all from Queens College.

Rachel Hludzinski, Assistant Principal, Candlewood Middle School
Rachel Hludzinski joins Candlewood Middle School as assistant principal, bringing 15 years of experience in education, curriculum development and student support. Prior to joining Half Hollow Hills, she taught English and served as dean of students at Rocky Point High School. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Hludzinski values strong partnerships with families, faculty and the community. She believes meaningful relationships are the foundation of student success and that every student deserves to feel seen, supported and inspired to reach their full potential.

"I am privileged to join the Half Hollow Hills Central School District as assistant principal at Candlewood Middle School," said Hludzinski. "It is an honor to contribute to Candlewood's tradition of educational excellence while helping shape the next generation of learners and leaders."

Hludzinski holds a bachelor's degree in English from St. Joseph's College, a master's degree in liberal studies and an advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University.

Breana Armstrong, Assistant Principal, Vanderbilt Elementary School
Breana Armstrong joins Vanderbilt Elementary School as assistant principal, bringing more than a decade of elementary education experience. She taught both second and sixth grade in the Floral Park-Bellerose School District before most recently serving as an instructional coach on special assignment. In that role, she mentored new teachers, supported instructional practices and worked closely with administrators to strengthen schoolwide systems, professional learning and student success.

"From the moment I first walked through the doors of Vanderbilt, I was welcomed with such kindness, enthusiasm and a genuine sense of community," said Armstrong. "That warm reception has made me even more excited to begin this journey and get to know the incredible staff, students and families who make Vanderbilt such a special place. I am honored to join Vanderbilt Elementary School as assistant principal and look forward to supporting and leading alongside such a dedicated school community. I firmly believe elementary education provides the foundation for a lifetime of learning, and I am passionate about helping every student develop the academic skills, confidence and love of learning that will prepare them for future success."

Armstrong holds a bachelor's degree in childhood education from Manhattan College, a master's degree in special education from Hofstra University and earned her school building leadership certification through Molloy University.

Jenna Naclerio, Assistant Principal, Paumanok Elementary School
Jenna Naclerio joins Paumanok Elementary School as assistant principal after 12 years as a teacher and instructional leader at Clara H. Carlson Elementary School in the Elmont Union Free School District, most recently serving as sixth-grade team leader. She has taught all core subject areas while leading curriculum development, mentoring new teachers and building data-driven, student-centered learning experiences. Her path to building leadership includes serving as assistant principal intern for the district's Academic Summer School Program, along with additional district and building leadership roles. She has also advised the district-recognized Science Research Program and Student Council, reflecting her commitment to building community and supporting the whole child both in and out of the classroom.

"I am incredibly honored and grateful to join the Paumanok Elementary community as assistant principal," said Naclerio. "I believe exceptional schools are built on relationships, trust and a shared commitment to helping every child thrive. I look forward to partnering with students, families, faculty and staff to continue building a positive, inclusive school community where every child is empowered to reach their fullest potential."

Naclerio earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from SUNY Cortland and a master's degree in literacy education from Queens College. She holds New York State certifications in school building leadership and school district leadership from The College of Saint Rose.

An education-oriented community with high academic expectations, the Half Hollow Hills Central School District is located in a residential area of 50,000 people in the central part of Long Island, approximately 40 miles from New York City. Providing for the education of approximately 7,200 students, the school district has five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Half Hollow Hills High Schools are fully accredited by the New York State Department of Education. The district is committed to providing all students with equitable opportunities to excel in academics, athletics and the arts.