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Prep welcomes new Faculty & Staff for the 2022-23 School Year
Fairfield Prep welcomes a number of new faces for the 2022-23 academic year. The school year kicks off with many new teachers, staff and administrators.
 

Christopher Altieri '95

Christopher Altieri ’95 holds a PhD from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, and has achieved a lengthy career in print, digital and broadcast journalism. Chris has several years of senior editorial leadership at a number of outlets, including the Catholic Herald — where he was the publication’s first Rome Bureau Chief — Our Sunday Visitor, America, First Things, the National Review and Crux, to name a few. Chris is an expert on the Vatican, and has written three books. Chris taught Social Studies as a long term substitute in the spring of 2022 and will continue to teach Social Studies as a full-time teacher. 

Robyn Bilotta

Robyn Bilotta holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a BA in Social Work from Marist College. She is also a graduate of Lauralton Hall. Robyn’s career as a social worker stretches back more than 20 years, with experience in a variety of therapist and case manager roles at Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport, Pathways Futures Inc. in Greenwich, and Boys & Girls Village in Milford. Prior to arriving at Prep, Robyn’s most recent position was Lead Clinical Social Worker at Yale Psychiatric Hospital where she worked with Transitional Aged Youth. She also is a private practice therapist at Connecticut Healing Center. Robyn is Prep’s new Social Worker.

Megan Callahan

Megan Callahan holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Delaware and a BA in English from the College of the Holy Cross. Megan is an experienced college and high school educator. Some of her recent roles include serving as professor of English composition and English Literature at Purdue University, Sacred Heart University and Norwalk Community College. Megan also taught English at Sacred Heart Academy in Stamford, Bais Chana Academy in Orange and Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy in Stamford. She is also an ACT/SAT Instructor at Summit Educational Group in New Canaan. Megan will teach English at Prep.

Jessica Cuntrera

Jessica Cuntrera is a recent graduate of Fairfield University. She holds a BS in Biology with minors in Education and Religious Studies. Jessica served as a biology classroom observer/assistant at Fairfield Prep in 2021 and most recently worked in the Fairfield U. Biology Department as a Peer Learning Group Leader and Assistant Director of Broadening Access to Science Education Camp. Jessica has additional experience as a teaching assistant and private tutor, and in summer 2022 she participated as one of Prep’s camp counselors in the school’s inaugural Innovation Camp for middle schoolers. Jessica is Prep’s Science Department intern.

Vijay DaCosta

Vijay DaCosta holds a Master of Arts with Honors in Religious Education from Fordham University and a BA in English/Creative Writing from Le Moyne College. He is currently working toward a Post-Master’s Certification in Spiritual Formation from Boston College. Vijay is an experienced Catholic high school educator, having most recently taught Religious Studies at the School of the Holy Child in Rye, N.Y., where he also coached JV lacrosse and assisted as a faculty volunteer in the Campus Ministry program. Vijay previously was the Chair of the Religious Studies Department at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, served as Campus Minister and Religious Studies Teacher at St. John’s Prep in Danvers, Mass., and served as the Assistant Director for Retreats and Service at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Vijay will teach Theology at Prep.  

Jennifer DiLillo

Jennifer DiLillo holds two degrees from Fairfield University: A Master of Arts/Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology and a BA in English and Political Science. Jennifer has nearly two decades of experience in the field of psychology, with her most recent experience centered on high schoolers. Prior to coming to Prep, Jennifer served as the School Psychologist at Staples High School for two years. She was previously the School Psychologist at Trumbull High School for five years and at Fairfield Warde for one year. Jennifer also served as a substitute School Psychologist at Redding Elementary School and at Six to Six Magnet School in Bridgeport.Jennifer is Prep’s new Director of Academic Support.

Brian Hoover

Brian Hoover holds three degrees from Fairfield University: A Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction, a BA in English and a BA in Arts & Performing Arts. Brian previously taught as a substitute teacher at Prep and worked as a summer college essay instructor. He most recently served as an Adjunct Professor of English at the University of New Haven and an Adjunct Professor of Languages & Literature at Sacred Heart University. He also previously served as Adjunct Professor in the English Department at Fairfield U., a Writing Teacher at the Bridgeport Public Library and a Teaching Assistant and Guest Lecturer at both Fairfield U. and Fordham University. Brian will teach English. 

Cassandra Kinskey-Lebeda

Cassandra Kinskey-Lebeda holds an MS in Data Analytics from Western Governors University and holds a BS in Psychology from the University of Scranton. She is also a graduate of Lauralton Hall. Cassandra’s recent focus is in computer science, where she has experience in multiple coding languages and data analytics. Previously, she served as a science teacher at CES, designing, planning and implementing curriculum for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. She additionally worked as a science teacher at schools in New Jersey and the Bronx. Cassandra is Prep’s new innovation teacher in the McLeod Innovation Center.

Torrey MacGregor

Torrey MacGregor holds a Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a BA in English from Grinnell College. Torrey served as an English Teacher at The Field School in Washington, D.C., and also taught English at Fair Haven Union High School in Fair Haven, VT. At Fair Haven, Torrey served on the Restorative Justice Committee and coached the Scholar’s Bowl Team. Torrey will teach English at Prep.  

Devon McCormick

Devon McCormick holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College and a BA in Psychology from Angelo State University. Devon is also pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Fordham University. Devon’s experience includes serving in a number of roles in campus ministry and advancement, with her most recent position being the Director of Campus Ministry and a Theology Teacher at the Canterbury School in New Milford. Devon was previously the Campus Minister at Sacred Heart University, an Advancement Coordinator at Canterbury, the Assistant Director of Advance at the Jesuit Collaborative in Boston, and an Assistant Campus Minister at West Texas A&M University.  Devon is Prep’s new Director of Campus Ministry 

Will Short '18

Will Short ‘18 holds a BA in History from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. Will worked in the Rhodes Colleges Career Services office as a Program Coordinator and Student Intern, and was also a member of the Rhodes College Honor Council. Will’s service experience while in college includes volunteering at a number of Memphis organizations, including St. John’s Methodist Church Soup Kitchen, Food Recovery Network, and Urban Bike Food Ministry. Will is a member of Prep’s newly-created Alumni Service Corps.

Cole Simons '18

Cole Simons ‘18 holds a BA in History from the University of Connecticut. At UConn, Cole was the president of the College Democrats his senior year, and served as the Treasurer and Tech Director of the Hus-Keys A Cappella group. He was also the Treasurer of the Harmonic Huskies and a member of the Huskies for Charity group, where helped fundraise and facilitate clothing, food and toy drives. Cole worked at Colony Grill in Milford and has a number of years of experience in landscaping. Cole is a member of Prep’s newly-created Alumni Service Corps.

Blancamari Somoza

Blancamari Somoza holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from the Teachers College at Columbia University and a BA in Modern Languages from Fairfield University. Blancamari returns to Prep, having served as a Summer School Spanish Teacher in 2019. Prior to attending Columbia, Blancamari was a Second Grade Teacher at St. Agnes Academy in Key Biscayne, Fla. While enrolled at Fairfield U, she also served as a Spanish Tutor at the university’s Academic & Career Development Center. Blancamari will teach Spanish at Prep. Blancamari will teach Spanish at Prep.

 

Amy Stern

Amy Stern holds a Master of Education in Counseling from Alfred University in Brooklyn, N.Y., a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, and a BA in U.S. History from the University of Kansas. Amy also studied abroad at the Language Institute in Eutin, Germany. Amy most recently served as a Science Teacher, School Counselor and IB Coordinator at the German School Brooklyn, while also maintaining an M. Ed Counseling Internship at Brooklyn Technical High School. Prior to that, Amy was the Academic Guidance Counselor at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Ariz., and also served as history teacher at Xavier for eight years. Her education experience also includes teaching history, language arts, social studies and English at two additional Phoenix schools: St. Agnes Catholic Elementary School and Cesar Chavez High School. Amy is Prep’s newest Guidance Counselor.

 

Jordan Smith

Jordan Smith holds an M.Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and a BA in Classics and Theology from the College of the Holy Cross. Jordan recently served as the Director of Campus Ministry at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, where he also coached varsity boys golf. Jordan previously served as a Religious Studies Teacher and Campus Minister for Retreats at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, where he also introduced the Kairos Retreat Program. Jordan’s teaching experience also includes serving as a student intern at Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury, Mass., and at the Taft School in Watertown. Jordan is Prep’s new Assistant Director of Campus Ministry.

 

Zachary Thomas

Zachary Thomas holds a Master’s in American History from Pace University and a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University in Irvine, Calif. He also holds a BS in Secondary History Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Zachary most recently served as a Social Studies Teacher at Stratford High School, where he taught history, civics, AP Psychology and World Studies. Zachary is a member of the Fairfield Prep Football coaching staff, serving as Varsity Offensive Coordinator and Varsity Quarterback Coach. He also is a member of the Prep Baseball coaching staff as a Varsity Outfield Position Coach and Varsity First Base Coach. Previously, Zachary coached baseball and football at Jonathan Law and Bunnell High Schools in Stratford, respectively. Zachary will teach Social Studies.

 

Thomas Tulp

Thomas Tulp holds a Master of Theology from Boston College, a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and a BA in Theology and History from Marquette University. Thomas more recently served as a Theology Teacher at St. Joseph Preparatory High School in Boston, where he also coached tennis and golf. Thomas previously served as a Student Development Specialist at the Office of Student-Athlete Academic Services at Boston College, working with student-athletes and tutors to develop education skills necessary for the collegiate environment. Prior to that, Thomas was a Theology Teacher and Department Chair at St. Joseph Catholic High School in Ogden, Utah. Thomas will teach Theology at Prep.

 
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