Thomas School Leadership Team
RHONA SCHWARTZ, HIGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR
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ob as high school director because I have the f connecting with talented staff throughout the on, amazing students and families, and experts ater community. I have been a special educator g to admit, and a school administrator for over My husband and I have been married for 27 our 2 wonderful sons are 24 and 25 years old ry excited that our older son will be getting xt fall! We currently have 3 rescue dogs as well d dogs that bring us fun and joy.
How long have you worked at KTS?
This past summer, I celebrated my 20-year anniversary with TLC. My first year, I worked on designing and putting together the high school program, and I have been the director of the high school since it opened in 2005.
Who/What inspired you to become a High School Director?
As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. When I was 5, my mother, who had a B.A. in business, went back to school to take the required courses for elementary teaching certification. I thought that the projects that she completed were so much fun and engaging! She was an award-winning teacher and a summer camp director, and she was my chief inspiration. In high school, I volunteered at a facility for children with severe disabilities, and although it was challenging, I knew that it was what I wanted to do as a career. When I was in grad school at Teachers College, Columbia University, I taught at a school for adolescents with learning and other disabilities. I discovered that I loved working with adolescents, and that set me off to where I am today.
Describe what has been your experience at KTS. Whenever visitors come to KTS, I always hear the same phrase –that there is an overall welcoming feeling and a nurturing environment. TLC’s mission is evident through the dedication of the school’s extremely hard-working staff, who never stop trying to find the best ways to ensure success for all our students. The staff’s teamwork and camaraderie, as well as their creativity and commitment to the students, have made KTS the outstanding program that it is today. I have remained at TLC for 20 years because of the support and encouragement from the executive director and colleagues, and the opportunities provided for innovation and implementation of best practices.
What have you learned from being in your profession?
When I first started as a special educator, I made the conscious decision of working in a nonpublic school so that I could have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students. Over the years, public school special education programs have gotten better, but there is always a need to serve those who require a more intensive environment for academic and social-emotional success. Education is a tough field, and special education is even harder, with huge amounts of paperwork as well as students who need alternative ways of instruction. Special educators are like detectives and scientists, searching for the best ways to meet the needs of the students. Sometimes, the answers are clear and other times, they require more investigation and trials. Being a successful special educator means being inquisitive, flexible, creative, and willing to go above and beyond every single day.
What would you tell others about being a part of the KTS community?
TLC/KTS is truly a community, not just an organization or, in the case of KTS, not just a school. The community is a wonderful mix of employees, families, and children supporting and celebrating one another.
JOSH CARPENTER, HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Tell us about yourself.
I am a dedicated father, husband, and educator with over 13 years of experience in the field of special education, the past 7 years being in leadership roles.
How long have you worked at KTS?
I am currently working on my third year at KTHS.
Who/What inspired you to become an Education Director?
After providing leadership in a nonprofit aimed at helping adults with disabilities, I saw the need for strong leadership in secondary education within our community.
Describe what has been your experience at KTS. KTHS has been a welcoming and collaborative environment.
What have you learned from being in your profession?
People are people regardless of their role, stature, or ability level.
What would you tell others about being a part of the KTS community?
This is a collaborative and welcoming environment to work within.
ALYSON TILLES, HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM COORDINATOR
Tell us about yourself.
I have been the Curriculum Coordinator for the high school for the past 4 years. I love working with teachers on lesson planning and instruction. I also like to incorporate the arts into all classes, and enjoy seeing the students’ creativity as they demonstrate their learning in various ways. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and taking long walks outside.
How long have you worked at KTS?
I have worked at KTS for 4 years.
Who/What inspired you to become a High School Curriculum Coordinator? I was inspired to be a curriculum coordinator when I began planning and delivering professional development to teaching staff at prior schools where I have worked. I enjoyed facilitating the trainings and have always liked to explore and learn about different content areas.
Describe what has been your experience at KTS. My experience at KTHS has been instrumental at expanding my knowledge of all subject areas. I have also learned a lot from all of the wonderful teaching staff we have at school.
What have you learned from being in your profession?
From being in my profession, I have learned that students meet greater academic success when they feel seen, respected, and cared for by their teachers. Once a solid relationship has been developed between a student and a teacher, there is no stopping them from reaching their greatest potential!
What would you tell others about being a part of the KTS community?
KTS will become your second family. We are a team and have a common goal-the success and well being of each and every child that comes through our doors. We are a hardworking and collaborative group, and support each other in all endeavors. Our students are the KINDEST children I have met.
DR. NICOLE
ABERA,
DIRECTOR OF LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Tell us about yourself.
I have been the lower/middle school director for 7 years. I love my job at the school and really enjoy building relationships with students and their families. It brings me joy to see students try new things, learn new skills, and experience success in areas that are challenging for them. I also love to see students smile and have fun at school.
Who/What inspired you to become a Director of Lower and Middle School Programs?
I was inspired to become an educator by my late aunt who was a special education teacher for 30 years in Cleveland, Ohio. She loved teaching and was very creative.
Describe what has been your experience at KTS. I've experienced KTS to be a place where people really care about students and go above and beyond to help them be successful every day through fun, creative, and challenging lessons and a warm and supportive environment.
What have you learned from being in your profession?
I've learned that students learn best from people who take time to get to know them, give them the tools they need to be successful, and challenge them to be their best selves.
What would you tell others about being a part of the KTS community?
KTS is such a great place. We are a warm, close-knit community of educators and learners who do amazing (and often very challenging) work every day. Our students are some of the most hardworking, kind, and friendly people in the world.
Anything else you would like to share?
I love KTS.
JENNIFER CONNERTON, LOWER
AND MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Tell us about yourself.
Originally from Switzerland, I started my career teaching science at a nonpublic school in Washington DC before joining The Katherine Thomas. I love working in schools for students who have special needs and abilities because every day is a new adventure. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling around the world with family and friends and skiing, hiking, and playing tennis with my husband.
How long have you worked at KTS? 5 years!
Who/What inspired you to become a Lower and Middle School Education Director?
Becoming an education director was a natural progression in my journey as an educator, driven by my commitment to fostering a positive school environment and supporting both students and teachers.
Describe what has been your experience at KTS.
My experience at The Katherine Thomas School has been exciting, has challenged me professionally, and has allowed me to form meaningful relationships with students, staff, parents, and external stakeholders.
What have you learned from being in your profession?
Throughout my teaching career, I witnessed the impact that effective (and ineffective) leadership can have on a school community. I wanted to take on a role where I could create a safe and inclusive space where every student can thrive regardless of their disability.
What would you tell others about being a part of the KTS community?
I am fortunate to be a part of the Katherine Thomas School community, where my colleagues are kind, creative, patient, and extremely hardworking people and the families are supportive, trusting, caring, and collaborative partners.
