The Alpha School Team
John Gonzalez, Principal
John Gonzalez is the principal of Alpha School. Previously, Mr. Gonzalez was the supervisor of instruction at the Gateway School in Carteret, New Jersey. Mr. Gonzalez is a graduate of Rutgers University and New Jersey City University. Mr. Gonzalez has a Master of Arts in Special Education and brings years of experience working as a classroom teacher, head teacher, and administrator with the Jersey City and Newark Public Schools.
Diane Gray, Supervisor of Instruction
My name is Diane Gray, and I’m the Supervisor of Instruction at Alpha School. I have been in the field of education for over 20 years. I graduated from LaSalle University with my Elementary and Special Education degrees. I received my Masters of Education degree, as well as, my Guidance Counselor Certificate and Supervisor Certificate from Georgian Court University. I worked in public school special education for 15 years, while also coaching girls softball and basketball. I was the Stem teacher at Harbor School, before beginning as the RKS Supervisor of Instruction. I have had the privilege of supervising at all three of our schools, Alpha, Harbor, and Gateway. I am very fortunate to be part of this amazing team of professionals. I look forward to a productive partnership between our staff and families to ensure that our children can achieve their highest potential.
Wanda Pratola, Secretary
I first started at the Harbor School (our sister school) in 2001 and I transferred to the Alpha School in 2004, and have been here ever since. My job is diversified which makes it interesting on a daily basis. I am the first person everyone sees when you enter our doors. I have a positive attitude and I am always happy to greet all our visitors. My duties consist of answering the telephone, taking care of students’ records, scheduling all meetings, and speaking with many of our students’ parents on a daily basis. I also assist all our staff with their needs as well. I feel that being positive, compassionate and getting along with administration as well as my co-workers is very important in our setting. The Alpha School has become my second family and I enjoy coming to work every day. I feel that I make a real difference in the lives of our students and their families.
Denise Sibilia, Secretary
My name is Denise Sibilia and I am a secretary at Alpha School. I first started working part time at our sister school, Harbor School in 2020. I soon had the opportunity to work full time between both Harbor and Alpha Schools. I later transferred full time to Alpha School in 2022. In addition to the office duties, I am responsible for, I enjoy the daily interaction I have with administration, staff, students and their families. I find it fulfilling being a part of helping to ensure that the school day runs smoothly for the Alpha School family. I enjoy being there to help everyone have a successful and wonderful day. I enjoy coming to work because of the wonderful people I get to work with every day. I feel blessed being part of the amazing team at Alpha School.
Beverly Holborow, Related Services Coordinator and Speech Therapist
I began working at the Alpha School in September 1996 as a staff Speech-Language Pathologist and Related Services Specialist. As the Related Services Specialist, I am responsible for coordinating Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy for all the students that attend the Alpha School. In addition, I act as a liaison between the therapy staff and the administration. I provide information regarding our therapy programs to parents and case managers looking to place students at our school. I collaborate with therapists from our sister schools, Harbor School and Gateway School, to gain new information and ideas to keep our therapy program dynamic. As a staff Speech-Language Pathologist, I provide speech and language therapy for Elementary through High School aged students. I have mentored and supervised many students from various undergraduate and graduate programs in Speech Pathology. I developed a dog therapy program here at Alpha School. My therapy dog Vegas works with students in individual speech therapy sessions as well as larger class group sessions. Additionally, she assists students experiencing anxiety and emotional difficulties. I have attended numerous continuing education courses in the areas of augmentative communication, oral-motor/feeding and autism. I received formal training in the use of PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets) method. In 2002 I received the Ruth K. Newman award for Excellence for teaching special needs students.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Kean University in May of 1992. I went on to receive my Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology from Kean University in August of 1993. My first job experience was as a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Children’s Center of Monmouth County. I have worked for a private practice in Monmouth County as well as for several agencies throughout Ocean County.
Christine Spina, Secondary Teacher
Hi! My name is Christine Spina. I was born and raised in Jersey City/Bayonne. I graduated from Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University) with a Bachelors’s Degree in Special Education. I taught for 2 years at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind in Jersey City. I moved to the shore area 20 years ago to begin working at Alpha School. The best part of working at Alpha so long has been working with the students and watching them grow through the years as well as the lifelong friendships I have made. I am a proud mom of 9-year-old soon to be 10-year-old triplets, Nicholas, Elizabeth and Robert. I love spending time with my kids and cheering on their sporting teams! When I have free time I enjoy reading, walking, going out to eat, and going to Broadway shows.
Nicole DiMeo, Secondary Teacher
Hi! My name is Nicole DiMeo. I am a special education teacher at Alpha School. I have been working in the field of education since 2001. I started working as a paraprofessional while I attended college. I graduated from Georgian Court University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree and am dual certified as a Special Education Teacher and an Elementary Teacher. I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and will graduate in 2024.
In my time outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our son, and our families.
Kirsten Earle, Secondary Teacher
Hi! My name is Ms. Kirsten Earle. I have been teaching at Alpha School since 2021. Previously, I have taught preschool and then worked many years for the Early Intervention Program as a teacher and social worker. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rutgers and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Monmouth University. Currently, I have a Provisional Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) Certification and am finishing the additional graduate work at Stockton University to obtain the Standard TOSD Endorsement. I am on track to complete this coursework in 2024. I also currently hold Elementary and Psychology teaching certificates as well a Certificate in Social Work.
Working at Alpha School is a great fit for me. Not only do I have many years of experience working with children with special needs but it hits close to my heart. One of my 2 amazing daughters is on the Autism Spectrum and has mild learning disabilities.
Both of my young adult daughters, Jenna and Molly, and our goofy dog, Zoey, live at home with me. For leisure I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, boating, and going on road trips. Exploring every state in the country is on my bucket list.
Shannon Janicki, Teacher
Shannon Janicki is an eccentric, charismatic teacher who uses love and compassion to help children overcome obstacles and accomplish goals. She was raised by her loving parents in Lakewood, NJ with her two brothers and one sister. Compelled to help children with special needs, she acquired her degree in special education from Georgian Court University with a Teacher of the Handicapped certification.
She gained experience in the field by first being a paraprofessional at Lakewood High School in a medically fragile class. In her almost 20 years of being in the field, she has worked with multiple populations from medically fragile to behavioral/emotional disabilities to down syndrome to autism. During her college days, Shannon did observation hours at the Alpha School. Years later, when the opportunity arrived for her to run her own classroom at the Alpha School, she happily accepted the position.
Her lessons are focused on gaining the skills to navigate real-life scenarios that her students will encounter. By utilizing demonstrations and creating a vibrant atmosphere, she empowers colleagues in gaining repour which allows them to teach independence and communication. Her students strive for excellence and are treated with respect as if they were her own.
Jessica Duda, Secondary Teacher
Jessica Duda is a Secondary Teacher at Alpha School. I have been in education for 6 years. I graduated from Monmouth University in 2017 with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. I have a personal connection to this field as my youngest sister is Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is my passion to encourage and help students grow both academically as well as in life. I am truly honored to be able to work with our students here at Alpha School.
When I am not working with these wonderful students, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs, my family and friends, or enjoying a good book with a nice cup of tea or coffee.
Sara Stockton, Art Teacher
Hello. My name is Sara Stockton and I am the art teacher at the Alpha School. I joined this exceptional school community in November of 2016. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Douglass College at Rutgers University in 1997. I received my Teacher of Art certificate from Georgian Court University and my Teacher of the Handicapped certificate from New Jersey City University. I was a paraprofessional and an Art Teacher for a combination of 9 years and took a 10-year break to stay home to be with my two daughters. I love every day at the Alpha School. The students are such a big part of my life and the people I work with are caring, dedicated and unlike any others. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my daughters, my sister and my cousins as well as friends. My favorite pastimes include going to the beach, cooking and drawing.
Geoff Szeto, Teacher
Hi! My name is Geoff and I am a Special Education Teacher at Alpha School. I love creating a fun and nurturing environment so students look forward to coming to school. I take pride in teaching students' self-acceptance, self-love, respect for others, and the importance of being authentic. I teach real life skills to deal with real world problems. As an advocate for lifelong learning and independence, I focus on teaching life skills that extend beyond the classroom. From basic daily routines to practical job-related skills, I equip my students with the tools they need to navigate the world confidently.
Kathy Moore, Health and Physical Education Teacher
I began teaching at Alpha School in 1985, as the Health and Physical Education instructor. My responsibilities include developing, strengthening, and implementing the health and physical education curriculum. I enjoy helping my students strengthen appropriate social interactive skills with their peers during activity. I have established a strong rapport and respect with my students, which I am very proud of. In addition, I have established athletic programs for our students to participate in Special Olympics competitions – both bowling and bocce. Beginning this year, I have established an Alpha School Alumni bocce team for participating in Special Olympics. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Trento State College(presently the College of New Jersey), and I hold a New Jersey teaching certificate to teach Health and Physical Education – grades K-12. I reside in Brick Township with my husband Tony, and have three wonderful children, Amy/husband TJ, and twin sons Michael and Ryan.
Denise E. Kumpel, M.A. CCC/SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist
I have been a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 2002. I initially earned an A.A degree through Ocean County College and a B.S degree in Speech from Stockton University, before going on to acquire an M.A. degree from The College of New Jersey in the area of Speech and Language. I was employed on an emergency certified basis in a special needs school in N.J., while continuing to pursue my education. Following the completion of my Master’s Degree, I joined the Alpha School family, and have provided speech and language services to children and students from the ages of Preschool-21. I primarily service the High School students at Alpha, and enjoy focusing on increasing social and pragmatic skills, and further transferring those skills over into community settings. In addition, I work for Early Intervention servicing the birth-3 population, and also do part-time private therapy work as well. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with and taking walks with my dog, drawing, exercising, and cooking/baking.
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Kean University in May of 1992. I went on to receive my Master of Arts degree in Speech Pathology in August of 1993. My first job experience was as a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Children’s Center of Monmouth County. I have worked for a private practice in Monmouth County as well as for several agencies throughout Ocean County. I currently have a part-time private practice.
Jessica L. Gurry M.S. CCC-SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist
Hi! J I am Jess Gurry! I am one of the speech therapists here at Alpha School! At a young age, I knew I wanted to do something to help others. I was a rather social child growing up and realized that I loved making connections and communicating with others, so I attended East Stroudsburg University and graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology in 2009 and with my Master’s degree in SLP in 2011. I dabbled with out-patient rehab and public-school positions; however, a private school setting is where my heart lies. Before obtaining my Speech–Language Specialist position at Alpha School in 2013, I was a paraprofessional during my college breaks at a Children Center of Monmouth County and School for Children (now Hawkswood School). I really love my job and thoroughly enjoy what I do! I love my students and treat them as if they were my own. I try to make therapy fun and engaging! I am not sure who is more excited when goals are reached! My students definitely know when I am so proud of them! To me, there is no greater super power than being able to give my kids a "voice" and help them communicate with their families and connect with their friends and community.
In my free time, I love to hang with my family and friends, make Cricut crafts, listen to music, have dance parties in my kitchen, and go to the beach! I am also an 80-year-old at heart and obsessed with Hallmark Movies, so I volunteer at the Hallmark Christmas Con every year in Edison- since they started in 2019!
Tziporah Silberman, Speech Therapist
Hi! My name is Tziporah Silberman, and I am a speech language pathologist at the Alpha School. I received my bachelor's degree from Excelsior College, and my master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. I first joined the Alpha school in 2020 while covering a leave, and am very excited to be back! I have worked as a speech therapist in multiple settings, including private practices, public schools, private schools and hospitals. My favorite thing about being a therapist is helping my students find a voice, watching them progress and making a difference in their lives! I feel very fortunate to be able to work in such a setting!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends cooking, baking, and hosting parties. I also enjoy spending time with my son- hence I can say that my life is one big speech therapy session!
Emily Garcia, Occupational Therapist
Hi! My name is Emily Garcia, and I am an Occupational Therapist at the Alpha School. I received my bachelor's degree from Montclair University, and my master's degree from Salus University. I am passionate about working with the pediatric population. I have worked as an occupational therapist in public schools, early intervention, and an outpatient pediatric clinic. My favorite thing about being a therapist is helping my students reach their goals and increase their independence, whether it is in functional living skills, fine motor skills, pre-vocational skills, etc. I enjoy helping them reach their fullest potential. I am grateful to work with such amazing students!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family (especially my niece and nephews), baking, and spending time at the beach.
Kevin Nussbaum, Social Worker
Kevin Nussbaum is the Social worker at Alpha School , and is a licensed
Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. Mr Nussbaum obtained his undergraduate degree in psychology and political science from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. He received his Masters degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work in New York.
Kevin primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a solution focused therapy that empowers clients to challenge unhealthy thought processes, and use more effective behavior patterns. Through the use of talk therapy , therapeutic games and activities, and “homework” in which students can practice healthy coping skills outside of sessions, Kevin utilizes CBT to help students work toward their various social-emotional goals.
Kevin also works with students using a holistic approach that integrates the mind, body, and , spirit., in order to help students better deal with anxiety, depression, conflict resolutions, and a myriad of other situations.
Kevin also incorporates coping strategies such as deep breathing, techniques, guided imagery, yoga, meditation, and breath work in sessions. Holistic therapeutic approaches can help students move toward achieving their goals using natural innate skills.
Katherine Frustieri, Job Coach
I started working at the Alpha School in September of 1998. I was a Para-professional for three years in the High School before taking on the position of Job Coach. I take our students, ages 16-21 to a variety of local businesses for job sampling. Our students volunteer for these work experiences. I train the students on how to complete the tasks and appropriate social skills needed for job placement. Since acquiring this position, I have added several new businesses that participate in our program. I believe that my enthusiasm for this program translates to our student’s performance and their eagerness while on the job sites. I also run the weekly pizza program and the annual Mother’s Day plant sale. All proceeds are used for the end of the year luncheon to reward our students for all their hard work.
Jennifer Trause, CPI Trainer
Hi, I’m Jennifer Trause, and I am on the Behavior Team as well as the certified CPI (Crisis Prevention and Intervention) trainer at Alpha School in Jackson, NJ, where I work with students with a wide range of disabilities. I train the staff in verbal intervention, nonviolent crisis intervention, advanced physical skills, and advanced disengagement techniques. This includes problem-solving and decision-making skills to recognize the level of risk and apply the most appropriate verbal and/or physical techniques. I bring over seven years of experience in special education, along with 10 years of working in daycare settings, which have both helped shape my skills and approach to individualized support. For me, empathy and patience are essential, and I’m committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels valued.
Gina Piro, Secondary Teacher
Hi! My name is Gina Piro. I am a special education teacher at the Alpha School. For the past 18 years, I have been a NYC public school teacher in Brooklyn. Over those 18 years, I taught elementary education and special education. I was also the reading and math coach who focused on curriculum instruction for grades Pre-K through 5th grade. I have my master's degree in special education, and I'm triple certified in NJ. I have my P-3 certification, K-5 certification, and my Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification. I have my beautiful 9-year-old daughter and decided to find employment closer to home since I'm a NJ resident.
I choose the Alpha School because it is a great fit for me. Not only do I have many years of experience working with children with special needs but it hits close to my heart. My daughter has mild learning disabilities that she struggles with. I understand from a parent's perspective what it means to have a child with learning disabilities. My husband, my daughter Adrianna, and our adorable little dog, Suzie, live at home with me. For leisure, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, and going on vacations. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with all of you!
Whitney Lott, BCBA
Hi! My name is Whitney Lott, and I am the BCBA here at Alpha School. I received my Bachelor's degree from Centenary University and my Masters in Education in Autism and ABA from Monmouth University. I joined Alpha School in November 2024 and I am excited to work with such a dedicated and collaborative team. I have worked with students with disabilities in multiple settings, including home, school and clinic. My favorite part of being a BCBA is the opportunity to make an individualized and positive impact with each student. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, going for walks with my dog, and going to the beach.
Jessica Gross, School Nurse
Hello! My name is Jessica, and I’m the School Nurse here at Alpha School. I joined the Alpha family in July 2024 and am truly excited to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive team. I graduated from Ocean County College with my Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in 2016, and went on to finish my Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Chamberlain University in 2018. With 8 years of experience as a registered nurse in a hospital setting, including most recently 2 years in the ICU, I bring a solid foundation of medical knowledge and a compassionate approach to caring for our students. My focus is on creating a safe, nurturing space where every child feels supported and cared for, ensuring that health and well-being are at the forefront of everything we do.
Marion Brady, Primary Teacher
Amanda Keene, Primary Teacher
My name is Amanda Keene. I am a special education teacher at Alpha School. I have worked for over 10 years in the special education field between being a paraprofessional and special education teacher. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Montclair State University. In my spare time I enjoy going fishing, camping, spending time with family and friends, and watching movies.
Marissa Ragusa, Primary Teacher
Maria Decker, Secondary Teacher
Hello! My name is Maria Decker. I am a special education teacher at the Alpha School. I graduated from Georgian Court University with a BS in Psychology. I also have two teaching certificates, one in Elementary Education and one in Special Education. My teaching experience began in an alternative high school as a maternity leave replacement. From there I went on to teach fifth grade at the Christa McAuliffe School in Jackson. I took a 10 year break from teaching when I had my first daughter. After being a stay-at-home mom to my two beautiful girls, I returned to teaching in Toms River where I was a resource teacher for Language Arts.
I recently took a break from teaching in the public school, but I missed working with children. That's when I found Alpha School. I've only been here a short time but I can say that working with students at this school is extremely rewarding. I look forward to meeting and working with students and their families to help them be successful in every way possible.
In my free time I love to cook, bake, workout and spend quality time with my family and friends.
Faye Erven, Secondary Teacher
Kelli DiGiacomo, Paraprofessional Coach