January 10, 2023
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical
Research and Pharmaceutical Sales
February 15, 2023
Dentistry, Dental Surgery and Dental Practice Panel
March 27 , 2023
General Education, Special Education and Educational Administration Panel
April 26, 2023
Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software
Development and Sales/Web Design Panel
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Research and Pharmaceutical Sales
Pharmacist, CVS
Pharmacy
SESSION 1
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Vice President, Clinical Development, Taiho Oncology, Inc.
Elizabeth Calleja is a board-certified pediatric hematologist/oncologist. She obtained her BS from Georgetown University and her MD from Georgetown University School of Medicine. Elizabeth completed her pediatric residency at the New York Hospital / Cornell Medical Center where she was a chief resident and her fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at the New York Hospital and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where she was a chief fellow. She was an attending physician at MSKCC prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, and now serves as a consultant at MSKCC. In 2001, Elizabeth began her pharmaceutical career at Roche where she had roles of increasing responsibility in leading global clinical development teams across various therapeutic areas She is now a vice president in clinical development at Taiho Oncology.
Elizabeth lives in Manhattan with her husband. She enjoys theater, movies, and travel.
Research Pharmacist, NYU Langone Health Perlmutter
After graduating Hill in 2012, Nicole entered the 6 year Doctorate of Pharmacy program at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Upon completion and passing of her boards, Nicole began her career at NYU Langone Tisch Hospital in Manhattan as an inpatient pharmacist.
Working all hours of the day and night, through a global pandemic, and much more, Nicole was quickly immersed in the world of hospital pharmacy. From general inpatient pharmacy, she transitioned to a more focused position as an inpatient oncology pharmacist. After two years, Nicole took on the role as an investigational pharmacist at their outpatient infusion center at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center. As a research pharmacist, she is responsible for providing information from the pharmaceutical company to the appropriate healthcare team members about the investigational drugs. The expertise provided by the pharmacists ensures the therapies are being used safely by her patients and according to the clinical protocol. Nicole's current role is ever changing, but she can confidently say her work ethic and desire to keep progressing in her career can be attributed to the values instilled in her as a Hilltopper!
Holly Kern is Director, Strategic Business Planning & Execution in Global Medical Affairs at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University, a Bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and has been working in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry for over 25 years. In her role at Regeneron, Holly supports a team of medical directors with strategy and project management to help move projects forward while staying on budget and meeting timelines
cess & Reimbursement Manager, Bristol Myersuibb
na attended St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary and High ools and received her undergraduate degree in Philosophy, mmunications and French at New York University. She ained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Fordham University and later completed certificate programs at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London
Diana’s post university professional career in Healthcare began at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where she worked in administration as a Practice Coordinator and contributed to the workings of this multifaceted and dynamic healthcare organization for eight years She then transitioned to a career in Medical Sales, specializing in neuroscience and psychiatry specialty sales where she learned the science and mechanisms of action for numerous medications and educated on these medications throughout hospital systems and private medical practices in and around New York City. Diana has worked for Glaxo Smith-Kline, Merck, Syneos Health and Bristol MyersSquibb among other companies. She recently transitioned from specialty sales to a growing segment of the pharmaceutical industry, Access and Reimbursement Management.
Pharmacist, CVS Pharmacy
After graduating Hill in 2015, Meghan attended Philadelphia College of Pharmacy’s 6 year Doctor of Pharmacy program. During Meghan’s graduate years, she completed multiple rotations including acute patient care at Robert Wood Johnson and pediatric ICU at New York Presbyterian. Upon graduation, she accepted an offer as a full-time staff pharmacist at CVS Pharmacy. Since then, Meghan has been given the opportunity to be a Pharmacist in Charge and lead numerous COVID vaccine/flu clinics.
Director, Quality Control Microbiology, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cell Therapy Organization
MaryEllen Usarzewicz (Spall) received her Master of Science in Microbiology degree from Wagner College. She is currently a Director of Quality Control, Microbiology at Bristol Myers Squibb in the Cell Therapy Organization. She lives in Cranford, NJ with her husband Mark of 19 years and two children Clarke and Stella.
SESSION TWO: FEBRUARY 15, 2023
Dentistry, Dental Surgery and Dental Practice Panel
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Dr. Michelle Giumenta is a Staten Island resident and a Pediatric Dentist for over 25 years. She graduated from St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School in 1983 and St. Joseph Hill Academy High School in 1987. She went on to attend Wagner College. She left Wagner College after three years when she got accepted to early admission to New York University College of Dentistry She graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1994. After graduating from dental school she completed a one year General Practice Residency Program at Staten Island University Hospital in 1995. Dr. Giumenta went back to New York University College of Dentistry to complete a two year specialty degree in Pediatric Dentistry and graduated in 1997. Dr. Giumenta opened her own private practice in New Dorp in 1999. She is a pediatric dentist on staff at Staten Island University Hospital since 1999. There she is involved with the dental residents teaching them dentistry in the clinic and in the operating room. The Hospital honored Dr Giumenta with the Alfred J Frissola Humanitarian Award in 2014. This award is given to a dentist who is a member of the profession who demonstrates empathy and compassion for patients and a devotion to young professionals and has a dedication to the profession.
Dr. Giumenta is a member in many professional organizations. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Society of Dentistry for Children, the New York State Pediatric Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the New York State Dental Association, the Second District Dental Society, the Richmond County Dental Society where she has
SESSION 2
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
served on the Board of Trustees and the Italian Dental Society where she served as president. She was also a member of the Staten Island Rotary Club and has gotten recognition for working with needy children and their families
Dr. Giumenta donates much of her free time to local schools teaching the children about teeth, what foods are good to eat and what foods are bad, and how to take care of their teeth so their teeth can last a lifetime.
After graduating from Hill in 2014, Phyllis attended Boston College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Mathematics in 2018. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2022. Since graduating, Phyllis has been pursuing her dream of becoming an oral & maxillofacial surgeon through an internship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She will be starting her formal residency training at Temple University Hospital in July, where she will complete four years of oral & maxillofacial surgery residency training, combining training in oral surgery, internal medicine, general surgery, anesthesiology, ENT, and emergency medicine. She is passionate about oral surgery due to its broad scope (trauma, TMJ, dentoalveolar, pathology, etc) and ability to combine medicine and dentistry. Phyllis is thankful for her time at Hill as the strong foundation for her academic and career goals
SESSION 2
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Dr. Lisa Indelicato knew at a very young age she wanted to pursue a career in dentistry and began working in a dental office by the age of 15. A lifelong Hilltopper, Dr. Indelicato graduated Hill Elementary School in '97 and High School in '01. She then went on to complete a pre-dental curriculum at SUNY Binghamton where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology Dr Indelicato graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where she earned Dean's List Honors. After graduation, she chose to continue her training by completing a general practice residency program at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ.
Now, Dr. Indelicato practices with her husband in their private practice, Red Barn Dental, located in Middletown, NJ. For Dr. Indelicato, Red Barn Dental is a dream come true and her enthusiasm for the dental profession continues to grow stronger every day As a general dentist she practices all aspects of dentistry, and is committed to providing each and every patient with the highest quality of care. In her spare time, she can be found working out with Peloton, visiting friends and family, and spending time with her two sons, Benjamin and John.
SESSION 2
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Pediatric Dentist
After graduating Hill, Dr. Pallonetti earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from Cornell University. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where she was named to the Dean's List for four years. Dr. Pallonetti was also selected to be a member of Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society After dental school, she continued on to Jacobi Medical Center at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine to complete her advanced education training in Pediatric Dentistry, where she served as chief resident in her final year. She is currently an associate pediatric dentist at Kids Dental in Huguenot.
Dr. Pallonetti is a board certified pediatric dentist and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, and the Second District Dental Society. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters She enjoys baking and taking trips to Long Beach Island, NJ.
Pediatric Dentist
Dr Paulina Kanakos graduated St Joseph Hill Academy in 2009 and attended George Washington University for her undergraduate studies. She then continued to receive her dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She completed her residency at University of Connecticut for her specialty in Pediatric Dentistry in 2019. She grew up with three
SESSION 2
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
uncles who are Pediatricians and was always inspired by their lifelong commitment to treating children. She followed in their footsteps, deciding to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. She loves seeing her patients every day and developed her own system for making kids excited to take a trip to the dentist! Dr. Kanakos is of Greek descent and is involved in her Greek culture, family, and Church community. She was also very influenced by her YiaYia and Pappou (grandmother and grandfather) who immigrated to America from Greece in search of a better life for their families. They always preached hard work, honesty, education, integrity, respect, and to be a great teammate.
Stephanie graduated from St. Joseph Hill Academy in 2013. While in high school Stephanie worked at Dr. Donato’s Orthodontic office where she discovered her passion for orthodontics She continued her education at the University of Miami on a predental track majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry and religion. She was able to further discover her passion for orthodontics while working at Dr. Mariani’s Orthodontic office in Miami. She graduated a semester early in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science. In 2017 she began her dental training at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2021. Stephanie is currently completing her residency at Seton Hill Center for Orthodontics where she will receive a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in December of this year Upon graduation, Stephanie plans to complete her board certification and return to the sunshine state to begin her career as an orthodontist!
, 2023
General Education, Special Education and Educational Administration Panel
Caminiti,
English Teacher, Hillsborough High School
Drama Teacher, IS 75
Former Principal Murry
Bergtraum High School for Business Careers, Consultant for the Department of Education
Lower School Special Education Head Teacher, Quad Preparatory School
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Zoom link is shared with current SJHA High School students only.
Melissa Daniels, ES '95, HS '99 Sophie de Freitas, ES '09, HS '13 Barbara A. Esmilla, HS '72 Kristin McHugh, HS ‘89 Principal 721R, The Richard H. Hungerford School Michaela (Hady) HS '12SESSION 3
Monday, March 27, 2023
English Teacher, Hillsborough High School
Michaela (Hady) Caminiti graduated from Rider University in 2016 with a double major in Secondary Education and English Literature, and as the top 1% of her class. She has been teaching high school English for 7 years in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Primarily working with sophomores, Michaela teaches English II at a variety of student levels, including the In-Class-Resource setting of General Education and Special Education students, and at the Honors level. In this role, she is responsible for creating lessons that empower students to practice key reading, writing, and speaking skills, differentiating content for students of all learning levels, and assessing student growth through a variety of ways. Furthermore, Michaela co-teaches with a partner in the Special Education department, working closely as a team to ensure all students can succeed.
Michaela also facilitates Hillsborough High School’s Peer Mentoring Program, training juniors and seniors to serve as peer leaders to incoming freshmen during their first year in the high school community. Outside of her career, Michaela is a proud member of Hill’s Kairos Program, serving as an adult leader. She considers it a privilege to work alongside Hill’s wonderful faculty, staff, alumni, and students through the Kairos retreats year after year.
SESSION 3
Monday, March 27, 2023
Drama Teacher, IS 75
Melissa Daniels is a Hill Lifer, having attended the school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She attended Binghamton University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in History, and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies at the College of Staten Island. Her first teaching position was in middle school English Language Arts, which she did for 8 years. During that time, Melissa was recognized by St. John’s University for her excellence in education. Her lifelong experience and love of theater and dance, and her degree in education, led to a theater position 11 years ago, where she directs and choreographs two productions each year. In addition to teaching middle school drama, Melissa is active in the Staten Island community theater scene and at Staten Island Ballet.
Former Principal Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers, Consultant for the Department of Education
Barbara's career expands over 33+ years working for the Department of Education. She started as a student teacher at Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Career when it first opened in 1976. She then spent the next 25+ years teaching, coaching (tennis, volleyball and gymnastics) and holding other various positions in addition to teaching Health and Physical Education. Barbara obtained her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in addition to her degree in Educational Administration. In 1996 she became the Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services at
SESSION 3
Monday, March 27, 2023
New Dorp High School. In 1998 Barbara was offered the position as the Assistant Principal of Pupil Personnel Services at Fiorello LaGuardia High School for Music and Art and Performing Arts. In 2000 she was offered the position of Fit for Life Coordinator where she assumed the responsibility of overseeing Health and Physical Education and PSAL sports for the then BASIS (Brooklyn and Staten Island Schools) Superintendency. After serving in this position for two and a half years Barbara was asked to "throw her hat" into the ring for the Principalship of Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers. After an intense interview process she was offered the job and spent the last 8 years of her career serving the school where she began my career. After Barbara retired in 2010 she took a year off and then worked in various part time positions. Currently, she is a consultant for the Department of Education reviewing various Career and Technical Education programs in the New York City Public High Schools.
Barbara has traveled extensively throughout her life. Always active in sports until her recent injuries Barbara loves to read, spend time with friends, many of whom are her former students but first and foremost she spends most of her time with her family. She is blessed to still have her mother who is 93 years old. Although she is an only child Barbara comes from a large family and has many cousins on both sides of her family. She is Filipino and Italian. Her father passed away in 2014. He was from the Philippines and her mother is Filipino and Italian Barbara's class recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary from St. Joseph Hill Academy.
SESSION 3
Monday, March 27, 2023
Lower School Special Education Head Teacher, Quad Preparatory School
Sophie went to school at SUNY Geneseo her undergraduate degree (childhood education with special education) and graduate degree (reading and literacy). Sophie currently lives in Hoboken, and works at The Quad Preparatory School in lower Manhattan. Sophie works with a neurodiverse population, specifically twice-exceptional children Prior to this experience, Sophie worked as a graduate assistant for The Research Foundation for SUNY and a site supervisor at AutismUp in Rochester.
Principal 721R, The Richard H. Hungerford School
Mrs. Kristin McHugh ‘89 is the current Principal of 721R, The Richard H Hungerford School The Hungerford school services students with a wide spectrum of physical and cognitive disabilities. We provide services for students with Autism, learning disabilities and multiple disabilities. The Hungerford school has over 450 students spread across 10 sites on Staten Island. The middle and high school students learn academics based on NYS standards and Activities for daily living.
Mrs. McHugh started her career on Wall Street coming out of St John's University with a business degree. She worked her way up to being a Vice President for Prudential Securities, Bear Sterns and Merrill Lynch traveling the country for each of them While working on Wall Street, she worked on a Master’s Degrees in
SESSION 3
Monday, March 27, 2023
Education at night and on the weekends After having her third child, she transitioned to becoming a Special Education Teacher to be closer to home. Mrs. McHugh started teaching at Hungerford in a 12:1:1 class while working on a Master’s in Administration degree. She then moved into an Assistant Principal position and eventually became the principal in 2017.
Mrs McHugh lives in West Brighton with her husband Jim and their kids. She is the proud mother of two Hilltoppers, Madison ’21 and Grace ’22, and let’s not forget her son Sean that attends Xavier High School.