CAREERSINCOMMUNICATIONS ANDMEDIA
SESSION 1
Monday, January 8, 2024
specialist for Queen City News in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her reporting took her shark tagging in the open Atlantic, tracking hurricanes and sea-level rise on the Carolina coast, and to innovative climate resilient farms She previously covered tornado outbreaks as a meteorologist for the CBS/FOX affiliate in Springfield, Missouri, and blizzards for the ABC affiliate in Sioux City, Iowa.
Raffa is a Station Scientist Committee Member with the American Meteorologist Society and a Climate Matters Meteorologist for Climate Central. In 2023, she presented peer-reviewed, published research to the AMS Broadcast Conference, highlighting how survey participants understood and cared about the climate crisis when framed as a local story featuring local people. She also writes lessons and tests hands-on activities in weather and climate science for children at local science museums
Raffa earned her Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science with Minors in Spanish and Communications from Cornell University.
SESSION TWO: MARCH 18, 2024
Careers in Medicine: Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Physician Assistant
Dyane Cavagnaro-Irvine, PA-C, HS '89
Maternal-Child Health
Manager, Advanced Clinical Providers, Staten Island University HospitalNorthwell Health
Dr. Georgina Ferzli, MD, MS, FAAD, ES '00, HS '04
Leading, Board-Certified Dermatologist & Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University and Columbia University NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Dr. Christina Martin Schaff, MD, HS ’10
Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Noelle Angela Mele, PA, HS ’17
Hematology/Oncology Physician Assistant, Staten Island University HospitalNorthwell Health
Dr. Rebecca Pietro, DO, HS ’09
Rheumatology Fellow, Mount Sinai Hospital
CAREERS IN MEDICINE: MEDICAL DOCTOR, DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
SESSION 2
Monday, March 18, 2024
DYANE CAVAGNARO-IRVINE, PA-C, HS '89
Maternal-Child Health Manager, Advanced Clinical Providers, Staten Island University Hospital-Northwell Health
Dyane graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from St Peter's University, and pursued a career as a Physician Assistant following graduation from the Bayley Seton Hospital PA Program. Her journey began practicing medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology; however, she spent the majority of her clinical career in the field of Neonatology. Her commitment to provide quality, safe care to the women and children of Staten Island is what has directed her professional path. Her leadership and administrative roles evolved from Chief Neonatal PA, to Advanced Clinical Provider (ACP) Supervisor of the six divisions of Pediatrics, to her current position as the Maternal-Child Health ACP Manager. Her primary focus is development and integration of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners across the Departments of OB/GYN and Pediatrics at Staten Island University HospitalNorthwell Health.
A member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and New York State Society of Physician Assistants, Dyane is dedicated to ensuring that PAs and NPs practice to the fullest extent of their license. She was awarded the Physician Assistant of the Year Award at the inaugural SIUH-Northwell Health ACP Recognition Ceremony in 2017, and the SIUH Super Woman in Medicine Award in 2023. Passionate about teaching students and colleagues, Dyane has been the recipient of the Wagner College PA Preceptor of the Year Award and has developed a Northwell-
CAREERS IN MEDICINE: MEDICAL DOCTOR, DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
SESSION 2
Monday, March 18, 2024
Health Neonatal ACP Competency Course to enhance proficiency of procedural skills for Neonatal ACPs across the organization.
Dyane continues to live on Staten Island with her family She is actively involved in the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council, promoting Autism Awareness with local organizations like Eden II and the GRACE Foundation.
DR. GEORGINA FERZLI , MD , MS, FAAD , ES '00, HS '04
Leading, Board-Certified Dermatologist & Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University and Columbia University NewYorkPresbyterian Hospital
Georgina Ferzli, MD, MS, FAAD is a leading, board-certified dermatologist in New York. In addition to private practice, she serves as Clinical Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University and Columbia University NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Ferzli specializes in both cosmetic and general dermatology. Dr Ferzli graduated from Georgetown University, where she also received her Master’s degree in Physiology and Biophysics. She completed her medical and dermatology training at the State University of New York at Downstate, where she graduated with honors and was selected to serve as Chief Resident in her final year. Dr. Ferzli then completed more refined training with a prestigious fellowship in Lasers and Cosmetic Dermatologic
CAREERS IN MEDICINE: MEDICAL DOCTOR, DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
SESSION 2 Monday, March 18, 2024
Surgery at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, under the tutelage of Dr. Roy Geronemus and team.
Dr. Ferzli is sought after for her skill using advanced lasers and technologies, her customized approach to body contouring, and her aesthetic ability with Botox and dermal fillers Dr Ferzli has received numerous awards, including being the first recipient of the State of New York Award for Excellence in Patient Care and Compassion, which was created in recognition of her unique dedication to her patients.
Dr Ferzli has authored several original articles, including those published in journals such as the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Cancer Research, Cutis, and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. She continues to stay on the forefront of dermatologic research, and lectures across the country on a diverse set of skin, health, and beauty topics. She is commonly featured in Allure, Glamour, and New York Magazine, sharing with her community her tips for healthy skin!
DR. CHRISTINA MARTIN SCHAFF, MD ,
HS ’10
Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Dr. Christina Martin Schaff graduated from St. Joseph Hill Academy in 2010. Knowing in high school that she wanted to pursue a career in medicine, she went to Villanova University on the pre-medicine track and in the Honors Program where she earned her Bachelor of Science. After she graduated from college, she attended Stony Brook University School of Medicine where she earned her Doctor of
CAREERS IN MEDICINE: MEDICAL DOCTOR, DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
SESSION 2
Monday, March 18, 2024
Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Martin Schaff completed her neurology residency at Temple University Hospital. During her residency, she served as Chief Resident and was selected for induction to Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA), the national medical honor society. She subsequently completed her fellowship in Neuromuscular Neurology and Neuromuscular Pathology at Johns Hopkins At the completion of her medical training, she returned to Temple University Hospital to join the faculty in the Department of Neurology and Neuromuscular Medicine. In addition to her clinical duties, which involve participation in the MDA/ALS multidisciplinary clinic and supervising the residents in the clinic and in the hospital, she serves as the Associate Clerkship Director for the 3rd year medical students at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. She is board certified in Neurology.
In her spare time, Dr. Martin Schaff enjoys cooking, working out with Peloton classes, and spending time with her family, including her college sweetheart and husband, Mark, and their newborn baby girl
NOELLE ANGELA MELE , PA , HS ’17
Hematology/Oncology Physician Assistant, Staten Island University Hospital-Northwell Health
Noelle Mele graduated from the Wagner College Physician Assistant Program in 2022 and is currently working as a Hematology/Oncology PA on Staten Island. She works with a diverse group of patients, and feels so grateful to work amongst such spectacular clinicians. Noelle’s days as a Hilltopper were instrumental in preparing her for PA school and ultimately her career. Her growth
CAREERS IN MEDICINE: MEDICAL DOCTOR, DOCTOR OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
SESSION 2
Monday, March 18, 2024
through the years at Hill allowed her to develop the discipline, work ethic, compassion, and confidence to be the health care provider that she is today. Noelle always says that her journey to becoming the best version of herself started at St. Joseph Hill Academy.
DR. REBECCA PIETRO, DO, HS ’09
Rheumatology Fellow at Mount Sinai Hospital
Rebecca Pietro is a born and raised Staten Islander She attended St. Joseph Hill Academy and graduated in 2009. She went on to study Biology at Quinnipiac University, graduating in 2013. Following her undergraduate degree, she worked as an emergency room scribe at Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island. She completed her medical education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia followed by her internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai West/Morningside Hospitals in Manhattan. During residency, she completed the Graduate Medical Education Leadership program and research projects focused on osteoporosis and lupus nephritis. She was then chosen to serve as Chief Resident leading the Women in Medicine Committee and Research Council in 2023. She is currently a first-year Rheumatology Fellow at Mount Sinai Hospital and plans on pursuing a career in academic medicine upon graduation.
SESSION THREE: APRIL 10, 2024
Careers in Government: Analyst, Attorney and Forensic Science
Victoria Rose DePrimo Capizzo, MS, HS ’13 Chemist, US Customs and Border Protection Forensics Team
Josette Rocco, Esq., HS ’09 Associate Attorney, New York State Department of State
Mackenzie DeRosa, HS '14
New York State Trooper
Tricia Testaverde, Esq., HS ’91 Senior Counsel, New York City Law Department
Gilda Tirro, MS, ES ’04, HS ’08 Chief of Staff for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Support Team to US Department of State and US Agency for International Development (USAID)
CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT: ANALYST, ATTORNEY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
SESSION 3
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
VICTORIA ROSE DEPRIMO CAPIZZO, MS, HS ’13
Chemist, US Customs and Border Protection Forensics Team
Victoria knew from grammar school that she wanted to pursue a career in Forensic Science She had her sights set on going to Hill for its rigorous education, credits for college level courses, and it offered Forensic Science as an elective. After graduating Hill in 2013, Victoria went on to John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. She graduated in 2017 as a member of the Honors Program with a Bachelor’s of Science in Forensic Science with a concentration in Toxicology and a Minor in Biology
Victoria then attended The University of New Haven in Connecticut for her Master’s in Forensic Science. Her Master’s thesis focused on exploring both the detection of controlled substances and fingerprint processing.
After graduation in 2019, Victoria worked for a short time as a paralegal in an insurance company. She then was hired as a Criminalist in the Controlled Substance Analysis Section (CSAS) of the New York City’s Police Department Police Laboratory in Jamaica, Queens. Victoria performed casework for the section and later on was assigned to the Quality Control Section within CSAS. In addition, she worked on a research project, participated in different committees, and provided a section-wide training.
CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT: ANALYST, ATTORNEY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
SESSION 3
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
In February of 2023, Victoria was hired as a Chemist on the Forensics team for US Customs and Border Protection as part of the US Department of Homeland Security in Newark, NJ. She currently works on Controlled Substance and Latent Print Processing cases. She assists in supporting the JFK Airport Laboratory and will be going to San Ysidro, California to provide support to their laboratory this May.
MACKENZIE DEROSA, HS '14 New York State Trooper
Mackenzie DeRosa attended St. Joseph Hill Academy from 20102014 During those four years, Mackenzie played basketball, soccer, and track. She was a member of Student Council and participated in numerous clubs such as Special Olympics and Kairos. After graduation, Mackenzie attended Marywood University for one year before transferring to the University of Scranton and majored in Criminal Justice. In 2016, she took a semester off and joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Mackenzie graduated bootcamp in 2017 as the honor grad and was awarded the Physical Fitness Award.
Mackenzie returned to Scranton and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree. In 2019, she became a New York State Trooper. Since joining the State Police she has worked the road in Orange County and Staten Island. She was also a Training Instructor at the Academy in Albany. Mackenzie ended her military career this year as a Sergeant Currently, she is a Defensive Tactics Instructor at the New York State Police Academy in Cazenovia, NY. Mackenzie will be moving back to Staten Island to work the road again in May 2024.
CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT: ANALYST, ATTORNEY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
SESSION 3
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
JOSETTE ROCCO, ESQ., HS ’09
Associate Attorney, New York State Department of State
Josette is currently Associate Attorney with the New York State Department of State where she litigates public complaints and investigations against Department of State licensees. After graduating Hill in 2009, Josette attended State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in dual majors of psychology and philosophy At SUNY Albany, Josette was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity, and the University Dance Council. After graduating from SUNY Albany in 2013 cum laude, Josette attended Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University where she focused her studies on environmental law.
During her time in law school, Josette interned with State and local governments including with the New York State Office of the Attorney General. After graduating from law school in 2016, Josette was selected by her law school for the New York State Excelsior Fellowship program where she started her career with the New York State Department of State in Albany. As a New York State Excelsior Fellow, Josette worked on waterfront revitalization programs and consumer protection issues. Josette continues to enjoy life as a public servant; working in government allows for a positive work-life balance where she can continue to enjoy Latin dancing around New York City.
CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT: ANALYST, ATTORNEY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
TRICIA TESTAVERDE, ESQ., HS ’91
Senior Counsel, New York City Law Department
Tricia graduated from St. Joseph Hill Academy in 1991 and loved her time as a Hilltopper. At Hill, she played on the Varsity Basketball team all four years and was involved in Student Council and later a member of the National Honor Society.
Tricia went on to attend the University of Scranton, PA and graduated cum laude in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with minors in Philosophy and Criminal Justice.
Following undergrad, Tricia attended Brooklyn Law School, graduating in 1998.
At the beginning of her legal experience, Tricia worked for a private firm, Seeger Weiss, LLP, in mass tort litigation and arbitrations. She began her career as an attorney in the government at the Corporation Counsel’s Office, New York City Law Department in 2001
For over 20 years, Tricia has been representing a variety of City agencies in litigation defense.
SESSION 3 Wednesday, April 10, 2024
CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT: ANALYST, ATTORNEY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
SESSION 3
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
GILDA TIRRO, MS, ES ’04, HS ’08
Chief of Staff for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Support Team to US Department of State and US Agency for International Development (USAID)
Gilda Tirro currently serves as the Chief of Staff for the NGA Support Team at State Department and USAID. In this role, Gilda ensures that policymakers and senior leaders are provided timely geospatial data to make informed and crucial decisions. Gilda navigates complex challenges and manages cross-agency projects which makes an impact on NGA’s strategic and analytic mission.
Gilda joined the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in 2013 serving as an Aeronautical Analyst where she evaluted and produced aeronautical products to support the safety of navigation mission. Following this assignment, she went on to become an Executive Officer for an NGA Support Team at a partner organization where she worked as a central component between the two organizations. She then worked as the Canada International Officer where she represented her agency to maintain the geospatial relationship between her agency and their Canadian partners.
Gilda attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and double minored in Air Traffic Control and Homeland Security. At EmbryRiddle, she served as Chapter President for Women in Aviation, International and Chapter President for Ninety-Nines, International
CAREERS IN GOVERNMENT: ANALYST, ATTORNEY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE
SESSION 3
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Organization of Women Pilots. These organizations are essential for supporting and encouraging women to thrive in the aviation community. Gilda also attended the National Intelligence University where she earned her Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence with a concentration in Terrorism.
