Welcome from Head of School Yvette is my mentor and my inspiration, I am eternally grateful for all she has done for me.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us this evening to support our Co-Founder Yvette Siegel-Herzog. Yvette has taught me a lot over 25 years about what it means to be a leader and an educator. She is my mentor and my inspiration, and I am eternally grateful for all she has done for me, and more importantly, for the thousands of lives she has changed through her visionary leadership. To all those who have supported this event — parents, alumni parents, alumni, friends of the school — your generosity this evening will ensure that Stephen Gaynor School will continue to offer our unique and transformative educational program for generations to come. To our co-hosts and Gaynor alumni parents Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, thank you for helping us tell our story in such a compelling way. To Joaquin ’17, we hope you will continue to live our mission throughout your educational journey and beyond. We wish you all the success and happiness in the world. To our performer Sutton Foster, and our special alumni performer Caroline Watters ’13, thank you for celebrating Yvette in song. And to our Gala Co-Chairs, Nicole Coslov and Marcy Sakhai, thank you for all of your efforts behind the scenes to create this fitting celebration of Yvette Siegel-Herzog and our school! Sincerely,
DR. SCOTT GAYNOR HEAD OF SCHOOL 2 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
We are so excited to welcome you here tonight as we celebrate our outstanding school and our Co-Founder, Yvette Siegel-Herzog. On behalf of the entire parent body, we thank Ms. Siegel for being a visionary and pillar of the school. She has made it possible for all of our children to grow and succeed, and we are honored to be the Co-Chairs of this event that celebrates her life’s work. To the Auction Leadership Committee, we are so grateful for your dedication to making our auction such a success. You spent endless hours brainstorming and connecting and brought creativity and positivity to the process of curating the perfect auction.
Welcome from Gala Co-Chairs
We are so grateful to our hosts Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and Joaquin Consuelos ’17 for hosting this event and for being such a dedicated alumni family. To Caroline Watters ’13, thank you for sharing your voice and story with us this evening. To Lydia Fenet, thank you for bringing your energy and passion for our school to our live auction. To the Gaynor community, thank you for attending tonight, toasting your glasses, and raising your paddles high as we Honor the Past and Embrace the Future of Stephen Gaynor School. With gratitude,
Nicole Coslov
Marcy Sakhai
NICOLE COSLOV AND MARCY SAKHAI GAYNOR GALA 2020 CO-CHAIRS
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 3
Gala Committee
Thank You We thank our entire Gala Committee for all of their hard work and dedication. Without you, this event would not be possible.
GALA CO-CHAIRS Nicole Coslov Marcy Sakhai
4 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
AUCTION LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Jamie Baron Colette Bennett Haley Binn Lorie Broser Melissa Durliat Sheri Farber Robin Geisler Rachel Goldflam Alyssa Klein Johanna Lindsay Lanie Mastrodimos Sharon Nussbaum Jon Oram Aly Organek Daniella Pally Lisa Rubin Lee Spies Tanya Sridaromont Wells Karen Wartell Lori York Brooke Zarkowsky Janine Zeccardi
Board of Trustees
2019-2020 STEPHEN GAYNOR SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Grant Duers – President Ericka Leslie Horan – Vice President Hamburg Tang – Vice President Jay Kramer – Treasurer Jillian Neubauer – Secretary
Andrew Bast Kristine Baxter Hillary Blumberg Lorie Broser Patterson Chiweshe Carol Feinberg *Dr. Scott Gaynor – Head of School Oscar Gil Vollmer Benjamin Hamilton *Megan Hogan – President of Parents’ Association Henrietta Jones Steven Kobre Elizabeth Mily Keech Combe Shetty *Yvette Siegel-Herzog – Co-Founder and Director of Education Gordon Uehling *Ex officio member
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 5
TRUSTEES EMERITI Dr. Mary Fitzpatrick Jo Ann Gaynor Gordon Gaynor GAYNOR ADVISORY COUNCIL Chris Canavan Seth Kramer ’95 Kristerfor Mastronardi Aly Organek Josh Wiener
No one had the vision to reach these children. They all said, ‘These children can’t learn,’ but we knew that they could learn – they just learn in a different way. -YVETTE SIEGEL-HERZOG, CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
6 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Founded in 1962, Stephen Gaynor School grew out of a friendship between two visionaries — Dr. Miriam Michael, a psychologist, and Yvette Siegel-Herzog, an educator — who met as students at New York University. Though the field of special education was in its infancy at the time, the friends saw the need to establish a school for bright students with learning differences. Incorrectly labeled as “slow learners,” these students were often caught in a cycle of academic failure and low self-esteem. Thus, the pair created a school where the students could thrive, pioneering the individualized, multisensory teaching approach used today. In 1962, they enrolled their first class with five students, housed in a two-room Upper East Side apartment, and the school has flourished ever since. We’re proud to say that after more than fifty years, Michael’s and Siegel-Herzog’s vision has grown from an idea about a school that could help children with learning differences to one that has touched the lives of thousands of children. Today, our school enrolls nearly 400 students and operates across a two-building campus totaling nearly 80,000 square feet. We are known for attracting outstanding faculty and practitioners who help each student find their own way to shine every day.
ABOUT STEPHEN GAYNOR SCHOOL
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 7
Yvette Siegel-Herzog CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
8 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Yvette Siegel-Herzog met her lifelong friend and colleague Dr. Miriam Michael at New York University in the early 1960s. Their life experiences would lead them to focus on the needs of bright students who learned differently and in the process allow them to change thousands of lives through the establishment of Stephen Gaynor School in 1962.
When asked what keeps her coming back to work each day, Yvette replied, “My love for the school. In part it’s all the children I have right here under my nose. It is the stimulation of my colleagues. I would hate to feel ’excessed’ – I would hate to feel I am not doing something useful. One is tempted, but relaxation is only lovely for a short spell in the context of being useful.”
From the early days of the school’s founding, Yvette quickly became a gatekeeper of sorts with regard to finding “Gaynor kids.” She met for hours with each prospective student and family to determine whether or not Stephen Gaynor School would be the right fit for each student’s educational and emotional journey. Although the school has changed dramatically since its founding in an East Side apartment, parents of students from the 1960s through today will recognize the individual attention paid to each child, from that intake interview through their entire tenure at Stephen Gaynor School.
Over 1,500 alumni have benefitted from a Gaynor education, thanks to Yvette’s unwavering dedication to her vision. Over the years, the institution has grown, with hundreds more students, faculty, staff, and administrators than the founders could have ever dreamed.
Decades later, Yvette continues her daily commitment to ensure the school continues to provide the “highly individualized educational program” embedded in the school’s mission.
Yvette’s vision for the future is to continue the success on which the school has been built thus far while always making sure that every child is getting what they need. In addition to having the best teachers, it is “taking care of the vulnerable, delicate, resilient, wonderful children that have been entrusted to us.” Thanks to the solid foundation she has built, the school is ready to support Gaynor students now and well into the future.
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 9
ABOUT THE HOST
MARK CONSUELOS Actor and producer Mark Consuelos continues to captivate global audiences with transformative performances spanning television, film and theatre while constantly seeking new and compelling narratives to develop. Consuelos can currently be seen as Hiram Lodge, in The CW’s breakout series, RIVERDALE, which is in production on its fourth season. Consuelos is a fan favorite of the show and won the 2018 TEEN CHOICE Award in the category of Choice TV Villain for his portrayal of the ruthless and charismatic businessman who will stop at nothing to protect his business and get what he wants. Consuelos also appeared in Hulu’s highly reviewed DIFFICULT PEOPLE, USA’s QUEEN OF THE SOUTH, the second season of DirecTV’s KINGDOM, and Amazon’s first original series, ALPHA HOUSE opposite John Goodman as ’Andy Guzman’, a Republican U.S. Senator from Florida and presidential candidate. He also starred in NBC’s hit medical drama THE NIGHT SHIFT as “Cain,” a mysterious, highly confident and aggressive travel nurse who emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico. In 2012, Consuelos famously underwent a drastic physical transformation for his role as ’Spivey’, a dark and demented patient at Briarcliff Manor, the institution at the center of AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM, the sophomore season of Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed horror anthology series for FX. Consuelos is perhaps best known for his role as ’Mateo Santos’ on the long-running soap series, ALL MY CHILDREN, for which he received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination in 2002. His other television credits include FOX’s baseball drama, PITCH, created by Dan Fogelman, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, THE NEW NORMAL, GUYS WITH KIDS, HOPE & FAITH, THIRD WATCH, UGLY BETTY, AMERICAN FAMILY, and FRIENDS, among others.
10 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
On the big screen, Consuelos starred in Barry Sonnenfeld’s comedy NINE LIVES opposite Jennifer Garner and Christopher Walken, which came out on August 5, 2016. He also starred in Katie Holmes’ directorial debut, ALL WE HAD which premiered at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. Previously, Consuelos starred in Universal’s A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES opposite Liam Neeson, and in John Dahl’s WWII drama, THE GREAT RAID for Miramax co-starring Benjamin Bratt and James Franco. His other film credits include WEDDING DAZE with Isa Fisher and Jason Biggs, MY SUPER EX-GIRLFRIEND opposite Uma Thurman and Luke Wilson, and Kevin Smith’s COP OUT opposite BRUCE WILLIS. On stage, Consuelos most recently appeared in the New York premiere of Stuart Ross’ off-Broadway production of STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS, a collection of short plays addressing the battle for marriage equality in the United States. He has also appeared in offBroadway productions of BOY’S LIFE by Howard Korder and ORPHANS by Lyle Kessler, as well as the Penguin Repertory production of ONE SHOT, ONE KILL, and AN OAK TREE at the Barrow Street Theatre. In 2007, Consuelos and wife, Kelly Ripa created the production banner Milojo Productions, dedicated to championing top-of-the-line documentaries and bringing powerful stories to life. Milojo has developed and produced for networks including, Bravo, Logo, VH1, E!, CMT, HGTV, WeTV, TLC and Discovery. In addition, Milojo produced Emmy®nominated documentary, The Streak for ESPN, and critically acclaimed documentary Off The Rez for TLC, both of which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Their newest docu-series for Logo, Fire Island, premiered in 2017. The company has been involved in such projects as Masters of Reception, Homemade Millionaire, Dirty Soap, Cheer, Secret Guide To Fabulous, My Diet Is Better Than Yours, Secret Guide to Summer, and the New Now Next Vote election specials with Wanda Sykes. Milojo is deeply involved in the digital space with multiple web series, including their recent series for YouTube’s AwesomenessTV, Joffrey Elite. Milojo has also partnered with many successful comedy writers and sold several scripted projects to ABC, a dark comedy to HBO, and an earlier musical comedy to ABC Family (now known as Freeform). Consuelos resides in New York City with his wife Kelly and their children; Michael, Lola and Joaquin.
ABOUT THE HOST
KELLY RIPA Host and Executive Producer, “Live with Kelly and Ryan” Entrepreneur, host, actress and producer, Kelly Ripa is one of the most powerful voices in media, with a diverse body of work both on and off-camera. A household name for nearly two decades, Ripa has hosted the awardwinning “Live” franchise for more than 18 years, and has established “Live” as a major destination for entertainers, politicians, athletes and other cultural icons. In May of 2019, Ripa was honored with her sixth Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Award, for Outstanding Talk Show Host on behalf of “Live.” Her contributions as host of “Live” have helped garner the show 15 Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show, with a win in the category in 2012. In addition, Ripa has received multiple People’s Choice nominations for Favorite Talk Show Host. Beginning her entertainment career as an actress, Ripa’s success spans numerous celebrated television series. In 2015, Ripa guest-starred on an episode of the hit comedy series Broad City, where her performance, playing an alternate side of her television persona, was met with rave reviews. In 2003, she ventured into primetime, starring in the half-hour sitcom Hope & Faith as “Faith Fairfield.” The series ran for three seasons on ABC. Prior to this, Ripa concluded her 12-year tenure as “Hayley Vaughan,” the role that launched her career, on ABC’s beloved daytime drama All My Children. For her performance, Ripa won three Soap Opera Digest Awards, two for Outstanding Younger Lead Actress and one for Hottest Romance, which she shared with her real-life husband and costar, actor Mark Consuelos, as well as three Daytime Emmy nominations. Ripa’s versatility and breadth of character led to other on-screen opportunities, including a recurring role on the hit NBC series Ed and an
appearance in late night TV’s most coveted role, hosting Saturday Night Live. In 2007, Ripa hosted the “50 Funniest Women Alive” special on the Oxygen network, adding to other notable credits that include hosting the TV Land Awards in 2007 and 2012. Ripa also served as host of the annual ABC “Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade” nine times, receiving a 2006 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Special, plus nominations in 2007, 2008 and 2009. In film, Ripa appeared in Marvin’s Room, the acclaimed Miramax feature with Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio, and won the Best Actress award at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival for her lead role in The Stand-In. Milojo Productions, Ripa and Consuelos’ NY-based production company, develops and produces content across platforms. Milojo has developed and produced for networks including Bravo, Logo, VH1, E!, CMT, HGTV, WeTV, TLC and Discovery. This year, Milojo is set to produce ABC’s new comedy Work Wife, based on the real-life partnership of Ripa and Ryan Seacrest. Milojo is also producing an upcoming non-scripted series for Disney+ entitled Family Reboot. Previously, Milojo produced Emmy®nominated documentary The Streak for ESPN and the critically acclaimed documentary Off The Rez for TLC, both of which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. In 2017, Milojo produced the docu-series Fire Island for Logo. Milojo is deeply involved in the digital space with multiple web series, including their series for YouTube’s Awesomeness TV, Joffrey Elite and their most recent series for Facebook Watch, Kelly Ripa and Rachael Harris’ Heads & Faces. Ripa has earned numerous accolades over the years including the prestigious Excellence in Media Award from GLAAD in 2015, for her efforts advocating for equality and dedication to driving acceptance forward. Ripa met her husband Mark Consuelos on the set of All My Children. The two married in 1996, a year before their characters married on-screen. They live in New York and have three children.
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 11
Sutton Foster TWO-TIME TONY AWARD WINNING ACTRESS, SINGER, AND DANCER
12 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Sutton Foster can currently be seen starring as the lead of Darren Star’s hit TV Land series, “Younger.” Broadway: Violet, Anything Goes (Tony Award), Shrek, Young Frankenstein, The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Women, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony Award), Les Misérables, Annie, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Grease. Off-Broadway: Sweet Charity (The Pershing Square Signature Center) The Wild Party (City Center Encores!), Trust (Second Stage), Anyone Can Whistle (City Center Encores!). Albums: Take Me to the World, Wish and An Evening with Sutton Foster: Live at the Café Carlyle. Television: “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” “Bunheads,” “Elementary,” “Psych,” “Royal Pains,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “Flight of the Conchords” and “Sesame Street.” She will also be starring in The Music Man on Broadway in 2020. She holds an honorary doctorate from Ball State University, where she also teaches.
Gaynor alumna, Caroline Watters ’13, is an actress, singer, and graduate of York Preparatory. Caroline is currently a sophomore at Lafayette College majoring in English. At Lafayette, she is involved in one of the campus’ acapella groups and has a lead role in the spring semester production of Footloose. Caroline has been a professional actor since the age of 9. Some of her work includes roles in an episode on the HBO series “Girls” and most recently, in the feature film Inez & Doug & Kira, which won several awards at both the Queen Palm International Film Festival and Woodstock Film Festival. Caroline has always considered Gaynor to be a second home, and she appreciates how it helped her grow during such formative years of her life. She feels honored to perform at Gaynor Gala 2020 and is looking forward to helping celebrate and honor Yvette SiegelHerzog with the Gaynor community!
When I was at Gaynor, Yvette brought such immense joy and happiness into a room that I couldn’t help but smile. She had so much on her plate and yet she took time to talk to each child and get to know them. I am forever thankful to know someone as kind and thoughtful as her. Yvette made my experience at Gaynor one I will never forget.
Caroline Watters ALUMNI PERFORMER, CLASS OF 2013
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 13
14 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Program Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and Joaquin Consuelos ’17
Cocktail Hour and Silent Auction 6:30-7:30 pm
Welcome Special Musical Performance by Caroline Watters ’13 Video Live Auction
Dinner Silent Auction Closes 9:30 pm
Musical Performance by Sutton Foster Dessert & Coffee
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 15
Thank You to Our Sponsors Recognition as of March 4, 2020
INNOVATOR Andrea & Andrew Bast Lorie & David Broser Capital One Melissa & Mark Durliat Tansa & Can Eksioglu Carol Feinberg & Kenneth Gilman Colleen Foster & Chris Canavan Jane Gundell & Grant Duers Stephanie & Martin Hinton Henrietta Jones Law Offices of Neal H. Rosenberg Elizabeth Mily & Edward Zwilling Elizabeth Philipp & David Pettker Keech & Akshay Shetty Rachel & Martin Small Lauren & Daniel Stein Elisa & Ramin Tabibzadeh Gayane & William Tovell EDUCATOR Sudie Anning & Kevin Raidy Nicole & Nicholas Coslov Lizzie & Scott Domansky Stephanie & Matthew Herfield Marcy & Cyrus Sakhai
16 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
ADVOCATE Jamie & David Baron Nicole & Justin Ehrlich Shulamith Goldberg Bron & William Bron Laurie & Jeffrey Goldberger Tammy & Scott Mager Ellen & Corey Menscher Lisa & Anthony Norris Paycom Payroll, LLC Amanda Taylor MENTOR Kristy Baxter Hillary Blumberg & Alex Ginsburg CCS Fundraising Justine Cheng & Benjamin Hamilton Christine & Todd Fisher Lisa & Jon Goldberg Kathleen Jennings & David Gray Lara Marcon & Jayaveera Kodali Stephen Kozuch & Tim Mulvaney Paige & Todd Kramer Law Offices of Regina Skyer Alexandra & Peter Longo ’05 Sheila & SI Newhouse Park Avenue Building & Roofing Supplies Nicole & Jason Philips Jessica & Timothy Quinn Margaret Green-Rauenhorst & Michael Rauenhorst Sarah Stemp & Gary Schlesinger Katherine & Craig Sedaka Mariela Torres & Daniel Nunez Andrea & Jay Tucker
TABLE CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Berkman & Benjamin Rosenblum Michele & Laurence Blumberg Jasanna & John Britton Stella Bugbee & Todd St. John Taylor & Howard Chen Indrani Deb & Sudarsana Yeleswarapu Cristina & Joshua Diamond Katya Duenas & Fernando Dammert Ariel & Justin Fantasia Robin & Adam Geisler Rachel & Joshua Goldflam Adina & Tod Haller Megan & Curtis Hogan Karen & Robert Kennedy Alyssa & Andrew Klein Nicole & Danny Koch Janet Krauthamer & Jason Schoenberg Rachel Levy & Colin O’Donnell Alison & Joshua Lindland Aliza & Steven Major Darya & Kristerfor Mastronardi Judy Minor Solana Nolfo & Steven Lichtman Aly & Jacob Organek Bethany & Joshua Pristaw Barbara & Charles Reinhard Lisa Rubin & Jonathan Oram Cynthia & Yaron Schwartz Rebecca & Peter Shapiro Ilicia Silverman Nicola Tippins & Jonathan Neave Jeanne & Ian Wall Karen & Mike Wartell
Kathy & Michael Weber Tanya and David Wells Brooke & Daniel Zarkowsky EVENT DONORS Austin & Co, Inc. Colette & Daniel Bennett Laurie & Andrew Braun Suzanne & James Bergoffen John Berton Jay Canell Nancy & Dan Carlinsky Citadel Security Agency Elinor & Michael Crames Shelley & Ruvan Cohen Donna Dean & Clint Black Design 2147, Ltd Sherry & Mark Fessel Jill Fiengo & Lael Schultz Katherine & Evan Flecker Karen Frieman & Shane O’Neill Laurie & Jeffrey Goldberger Vico Gonzalez Renee Khatami & Rick MacArthur Karen & Victor Kiarsis Lavori Sterling Foundation Inc Haley Lieberman Binn Antoinette Lynn Sharon & Christopher Lombardo Jane Lowett Christy McAvoy & Walter Kane Ronne Mandelker & Andrew Braiterman Ellen & Corey Menscher Amy Montoya & Peter Scheman
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 17
Safia Morsly-Fikai & Lamine Fikai Nancy Needell & Siegfried Knopf Lawrence Neubauer Bettina & Kenneth Plevan Susan & Laurence Schulman Ann Shipley & Benjamin Dean Yvette Siegel-Herzog Cynthia & Matthew Silver Rachel & Martin Small Rita Soffer-Leeds Amy & Jeff Tarr Kathleen Toner Talbot & Thomas Talbot Debra & David Trachtenberg Katherine Yang & Raymond Chan Dina Weiss & Michael Severs Wayne M. Winnick Chiropractic, P.C. The Weeks Lerman Group SPECIAL THANKS Lorie and David Broser Fariba Secret Events Lydia Fenet Howard Marlin Andrea Nelson Pier Sixty Progressive Color Corporation Pro Piano Shoreline Audio Visual LLC Terrebonne Productions Lauren Travaglione
18 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Inspiring through action Capital One® is proud to support the extraordinary work of the Stephen Gaynor School and sponsor this year’s Gaynor Gala celebrating Yvette Siegel-Herzog. Thank you for your contribution to special education. The entire Capital One Commercial Banking team recognizes your outstanding achievements and everything you do for our community.
capital.one/commercial Miriam B. Tanenbaum Market Executive Head of Long Island/Queens Regional Commercial Banking 1307 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747 631-776-3849 | miriam.tanenbaum@capitalone.com
The third parties listed are not affiliated with Capital One and are solely responsible for their product and services. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Products and services are offered by Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC. © 2020 Capital One.
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 19
*Original artwork by Luc Durliat 20 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
EVERY CHILD IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF FLOWER. ALL TOGETHER THEY MAKE THIS WORLD A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN. Thank you Ms. Yvette Siegel-Herzog for tending to our buds. With love, The Broser Family The Durliat Family
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 21
To Yvette, Our heartfelt thanks for your vision and for creating a school where Joaquin and so many other students can shine. We are grateful for your vision of seeing the potential in all children.
22  |  GAYNOR GALA 2020
We love you, we celebrate you, and we thank you. Mark, Kelly, Joaquin, and the entire Consuelos Family
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 23
DEAR MS. SIEGEL Thank you for unlocking our potential 2010-2011
24 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Emily Zaretsky, Artist, Writer
PJ Duers, Baseball Statistician
Elijah Wiesel, Rock Star
Charlie Keimweiss, Chess Master
Charlie Manzano, Broadway Bound
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 25
Dear Yvette, Since we have arrived at Gaynor, our families have felt nothing but warmth and compassion and have made lifelong friendships with not only other families, but administrators, teachers, and therapists alike. We may not have been born into the Gaynor family, but we truly feel like we are part of the Stephen Gaynor School family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If our children would write how they felt about you and the school that you have built, this is what they would say…
26 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Ms. Siegel, Ms. Siegel, We met on my very first visit to Stephen Gaynor School. You made me feel so welcome. You talked to me in a way I could understand. You treated me as an individual. Thank you for creating and guiding such a wonderful place for children like me to succeed, grow and feel confident. Along with the entire Gaynor Community, you understand I learn in my own way. Because of you, I LOVE coming to school every day ... all the way from Brooklyn! Love, William Whidden Tovell III (Orange)
Four years ago I first met you after a pre-Willow Room play group. I had just begun to be able to hear the world around me clearly less than a year earlier, and even though I had many ideas, thoughts and words in me, very few people understood me...but you did. Thank you for seeing my potential. And thank you for filling our school with amazing teachers who so intensely care about us and have the passion to make sure that every child that walks through the Stephen Gaynor School doors has the opportunity to unleash their potential on the world! Love, Lokaya Shetty (Pink)
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 27
WE THANK YOU YVETTE… for your dedication, leadership, humor, determination, and passion. You’ve made a lifetime impact on us and generations to come.
28 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
With gratitude to all of Max’s teachers for your support. Special thanks to Dr. Gaynor, Ms. Logue, Ms. Dobish, Ms. Farrell and Ms. Cartolano—thank you for believing in him. It’s a gift to be part of the Gaynor family and we thank everyone in the school for making this possible.
Marcy & Cyrus Sakhai, Olivia, Gabrielle, Leila, Max
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 29
Gaynor has done so much for our family. We will be forever grateful to all the amazing educators! Thank you, Yvette, for having such vision!
30  |  GAYNOR GALA 2020
We are so proud of your achievements, Cameron! Your enthusiasm and beautiful spirit bring us so much joy every day. We love you! Mom, Dad & Drew
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 31
A leader has the vision and conviction to achieve their dream. Yvette has inspired Stephen Gaynor School to dream and achieve for our children.
32  |  GAYNOR GALA 2020
Thank you Yvette for all you have done for thousands of students and their families. Carol Feinberg and Kenneth Gilman Henrietta Jones
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 33
WELL DONE STEPHEN GAYNOR SCHOOL Congratulations to the students, parents, teachers and administrators for your hard work and dedication!
34 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Representing children and their families regarding educational/legal issues Neal Howard Rosenberg, Esq. Alexandra Hindes, Esq. Karen Newman, Esq. Jenna Pantel, Esq. Jennifer Teigman, Esq. Meredith Duchon, Esq. Elissa Stern, Esq. Lakshmi Singh Mergeche, Esq Michael Mastrangelo, Esq. Vanessa Vazquez, Esq.
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 35
CONGRATULATIONS ELI! We are so proud of you. Lots of love, Dad, Mom, Jesse, & Leo
36 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
We are grateful for the support and leadership of Gaynor’s amazing administration, faculty, and staff. Many thanks to Scott Gaynor & the fabulous teachers for everything you do for our students and community all year long. And, of course, congratulations to the school’s heart and soul, Yvette Siegel-Herzog.
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 37
“ONE LOOKS BACK WITH APPRECIATION TO THE BRILLIANT TEACHERS, BUT WITH GRATITUDE TO THOSE WHO TOUCHED OUR HUMAN FEELINGS. THE CURRICULUM IS SO MUCH NECESSARY RAW MATERIAL, BUT WARMTH IS THE VITAL ELEMENT FOR THE GROWING PLANT AND FOR THE SOUL OF THE CHILD.” CARL JUNG
38 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Yvette, There are no words to thank you enough for all that you have done for the thousands of children who have found a home at the Stephen Gaynor School. You have provided a safe, loving, and character building school that provides students with a love for learning, but more importantly, a love for themselves.
We love you Yvette. You are a gift! Stephanie and Martin Hinton Elizabeth and David Pettker Rachel and Martin Small Lauren and Danny Stein Elisa and Ramin Tabibzadeh
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 39
40 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
THANK YOU TO YVETTE AND THE WONDERFUL AND DEDICATED FACULTY AND STAFF OF STEPHEN GAYNOR SCHOOL. Andrea & Andrew Bast Maja & Alex Chiesi Laura & Jim O’Hare Sara Tompkins Lisa Sidel
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 41
CONGRATULATIONS YVETTE! Yvette, you are a true inspiration for your vision, leadership, and dedication to the Stephen Gaynor School mission and its children!
42 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Thank you for creating the learning environment and community of dedicated educators and administrators who have helped support our son on his journey these past 8 years. We are eternally grateful to you and the entire Stephen Gaynor School Family!!! With love and affection, Elizabeth Mily & Edward Zwilling
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 43
SO ADORED, SO LOVED We love you Momseeweenee! We love you Omichin!
44 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
You are our queen. You have bravely guided our four generations with love, wisdom, generosity and laughter. With love forever from your motley crew,
Wendy, Paul, Rebecca, Keven, Melanie, Avi, Jessie, Susie and Erik.
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 45
46 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Paycom is proud to partner with Stephen Gaynor School in its mission to create a diverse,
and
nurturing
inclusive
environment for children with a
range of learning differences.
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 47
To Yvette We are deeply grateful for your vision, devotion, and leadership that has helped change the lives of so many families. Haley Lieberman Binn Oscar Binn (Red)
48  |  GAYNOR GALA 2020
YVETTE, YOUR DREAM INSPIRES US EVERY DAY. With gratitude, Christine, Donna, Michelle, and Rebecca
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 49
You entered our lives at the very beginning of our journey with Nathaniel, so many years ago
THANK YOU OUR DEAREST YVETTE (SHOTZE!)
You guided us with thoughtfulness, insight, and wisdom, always thinking of Nathaniel and his needs. With Love, Shelley & Ruvan Cohen
50 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
In honor of the wise, perceptive and discerning leadership of Yvette Siegel-Herzog Andy Braiterman and Ronne Mandelker
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 51
IN HONOR OF YVETTE
WHO WITH MIMI HAD THE VISION and in tribute to Stephen Gaynor School faculty who continue to realize their dream
NANCY AND DAN CARLINSKY
52 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
WE CELEBRATE YOU YVETTE! WITH GRATITUDE AND ADMIRATION THE MACARTHUR FAMILY
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 53
Join Stephen Gaynor School in celebrating our Aunt Yvette
NEFFE & CO. Her intellect, good humor, and many accomplishments continue to inspire us all.
54 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
In honor of the Stephen Gaynor School community for all of the incredible work and effort you give each day to support our children. Thank you to Marcy and Cyrus Sakhai for being such wonderful friends and for making tonight so special. Lizzie and Scott Domansky
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 55
YVETTE SIEGEL-HERZOG We are eternally grateful for your vision, your passion, and your innate ability to see the true child. With love and appreciation, Karen, Bob & Abby Kennedy
56 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the amazing Gaynor Teachers and Specialists, with special thanks to the wonderful Orange Cluster Teachers.
WE CELEBRATE THE VISIONARY YVETTE SIEGEL-HERZOG The Fantasia Family The Goldflam Family The St. John Family The Wartell Family The Wells Family
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 57
Thank You Aaron Harnick We appreciate you giving so much of your time and energy to making this event such a success. We are so grateful to you for your support of our school and our students! Thank you, Stephen Gaynor School
58  |  GAYNOR GALA 2020
YVETTE,
YOU ARE A VISIONARY AND PIONEER WHO HAS DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED THE LIVES OF SO MANY CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR COLLEGIALITY, YOUR TIRELESS DEVOTION TO CHILDREN, AND YOUR INSISTENCE THAT THEIR NEEDS BECOME OUR PRIORITIES. WE SALUTE YOUR DRIVE, ELEGANCE, GRACE, WISDOM, AND JOIE DE VIVRE!
Amy Belkin, Ed.D. Janet Brain, Ed.M. Norma Doft, Ph.D. Arlene S. Falk, M.A. CCC SLP Barbara Kenner, Ph.D. Antoinette J. Lynn, Ph.D. Donna Orloff, M.A. CCC SLP Davida Sherwood, Ph.D.
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 59
You are a true visionary and the heart of the Stephen Gaynor School. You have made an indelible mark on our children’s path. We are honored to celebrate you!
CONGRATULATIONS, YVETTE! The Blumberg Family The Diamond Family The Haller Family The Koch Family The Nolfo/Lichtman Family
60 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
The Bergoffen Family extends their thanks to Yvette for their son’s wonderful years at Stephen Gaynor School.
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 61
In honor of: Ms. Smith and Ms. Noguera Ms. Lewis and Ms. Foster-Bey Ms. Weiss-Perea and Ms. Miller From: Anna Kristine Lindland Yael Levy Alex Mastronardi Dex and Mili Neave Nicholas O’Donnell Nainika Yeleswarapu
62 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
We are forever grateful for your commitment to helping our children gain the skills and confidence necessary to learn, grow, and reach their full potential!
MS. WEISS-PEREA, MS. MILLER, MS. THALER, AND MS. APFELBAUM Warmly, the Hogan, Pristaw, and Reinhard Families
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 63
THE VISION OF YVETTE SIEGEL-HERZOG
Has enhanced our lives beyond measure. On behalf of Charlie Britton, Conrad Minor, Emily Oram, Eli Schoenberg, Simon Shapiro, and Mark Silverman, we thank you.
64 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Congratulations, Ms. Siegel! Our family is grateful for your vision and leadership. Your work uplifted our family and made Tyler and Layla happy and confident students. Love, Corey, Ellen, Tyler, and Layla Menscher
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 65
We are a strong supporter of the arts and it is an honor to be a video partner of Stephen Gaynor School.
TERREBONNE PRODUCTIONS
66 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
From age Four to Fourteen And from Willow to Blue You’re our Son’s Second Home We’re so Grateful to You.
FROM THE FAMILY OF:
We Give Thanks to the Team From Ms. Logue to Ms. K You’ve Stood by our Side Every Step of the Way!
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 67
In honor of our grandson Harper Hayne. Grandma Rita and Pal Hal
68 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
THANK YOU, YVETTE! WE ARE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR MAKING STEPHEN GAYNOR SCHOOL SUCH AN INCREDIBLE AND SPECIAL PLACE FOR OUR CHILDREN:
Aidan Harrison Lexi Reed Rylan William Andrew & Alyssa Klein Steve & Aliza Major Jacob & Aly Organek Yaron & Cynthia Schwartz Dan & Brooke Zarkowsky
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 69
Yvette Siegel-Herzog, thank you for “dreaming up” the Stephen Gaynor School where children learn and progress every day in an environment that allows them to be different and the same.
“1ST-THINK, 2ND-DREAM, 3RD-BELIEVE” WALT DISNEY The Berkman-Rosenblums The Chens The Geislers The Walls The Webers
70 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Yvette, you are inspirational, remarkable, intelligent, loving, passionate, humorous, elegant, fearless, trailblazing, innovative, surprising, engaging, dedicated, eloquent
AND WE’D FOLLOW YOU ANYWHERE Love from the Brownstone Crew, Sloan, Mindy, Ellen, Donna, Chris, Joe, Debra, Yosefa, Kate, Roberta, Ariela, Anna, Carlvin
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 71
FARIBA SECRET EVENTS Fariba, event planner, is proud to support the Stephen Gaynor School where children are provided a path to reach their full potential. FARIBA MOGHADASIAN EVENT PLANNER • EVENT DECOR • FLORAL DESIGN WEDDING • BAR/BAT MITZVAH • CORPORATE • SOCIAL EVENTS 516 610 6433 @faribasecretevents faribasecretevents@gmail.com
72 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Yvette has a magical way of seeing our children; their pain, their struggles and their potential. We are grateful to know her and to have received her advice and guidance. The Bennetts
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 73
Nicole, Thank you for dedicating your time, energy, and creativity in order to make tonight’s event such a success. This event would not be possible without your enthusiasm and unwavering support of Gaynor’s mission. The Gaynor community is so thankful for parents like you.
Thank you, Stephen Gaynor School
74 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
Marcy, Your leadership and support has ensured that tonight will surely be a success. We are so grateful that you are a part of the Gaynor community and that you have chosen to dedicate your skills, compassion and energy to this event and to the school.
Thank you, Stephen Gaynor School
GAYNOR GALA 2020  | 75
To Yvette, Our admiration for you has no bounds, nor does our gratitude. You have touched and bettered the lives of so many children and given hope and optimism to so many parents. We will never forget the role you played in our lives. The memories of our years at Stephen Gaynor School always include your warmth and your wisdom.
CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS WELL DESERVED HONOR. Debby, David, and Jaclyn Trachtenberg
76 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
We are thankful for the special teachers of the EC for creating an environment where our daughter feels comfortable and confident being herself.
YVETTE, WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL To our daughter Brooklyn: You are beautiful, you are valued, and you are loved...always. Love, The Herfields
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 77
YVETTE OUR WISHES FOR A LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE! You and Dr. Michael created an amazing and unique school where our kids are cherished and love to come every day. Shuly and Bill Bron
78 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
OUR APPRECIATION TO THE PINK CLUSTER TEAM Donna Logue
Rachel Arbesfeld
Morgan Conlon
Kristen Benvenuto
Janine Gaynor
Beth Davidoff
Megan Scanlon
Kristi Evans
Sarah Graf
Simona Fertel Lauren Levenson Jamie Ravech
For the excellent job you do with our children. Also, thank you to the support and security staff who run the school smoothly and help keep our children safe and happy. Shuly and Bill Bron
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 79
Sari Perrino Deanna Ferrante Emily Barnes Tia Murkison Marcela Soler Chrisly Macareag Mary-Lou Watkinson
A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE ADVANCEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICES The success of the evening and auction is because of this team and we are grateful for your time, energy, and commitment and appreciate the privilege of working together. Marcy Sakhai and Nicole Coslov Gaynor Gala Co-Chairs
80 | GAYNOR GALA 2020
We are so honored to celebrate a woman who has changed all of our lives. Yvette Siegel-Herzog’s vision and passion to help students with learning differences has had an immeasurable impact on thousands of students and families over the years, and will undoubtedly continue to impact many more in the years to come. Hillary Blumberg & Alex Ginsburg Justine Cheng & Benjamin Hamilton Ericka Leslie Horan Margaret Green-Rauenhorst & Michael Rauenhorst Jillian Neubauer Lawrence Neubauer Julia Rosner Kelly & Hamburg Tang
GAYNOR GALA 2020 | 81
Yvette, We love you for all that you have done for our family and the countless families that you have touched through Stephen Gaynor School. You continue to be an inspiration to all of us.
Scott, Lauren, Chloe, Dylan & Sydney
82 | GAYNOR GALA 2020