MEET THE HVRBERN TEAM
Carlos B. Sánchez, M.S. TESOL
Executive Director
Carlos Sánchez began his career in education as a Dual Language and English as a Second Language teacher in New Rochelle. Thereafter, he also served as an administrator in the same district. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the HV RBE-RN, Carlos served in the capacity of Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment for the Port Chester – Rye-Union Free School District.
Rachael Wasilewski-Alcantara, M.A. TESOL
Assistant Director
Rachael Wasilewski-Alcantara brings a wealth of expertise in the field of English Language Learning, characterized by her impactful roles as an ENL Program Coordinator in Brooklyn, NY, and as a Resource Specialist for the Hudson Valley RBERN. Her commitment to the educational needs of ELLs is evident in her hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and advocating for top-notch instructional programs. Rachael's areas of professional passion include Data-Driven ENL Instruction and Assessment, ENL Instructional Strategies, Integration of Statewide Learning Standards for ELLs, ELL Accountability, and Comprehensive ELL Program Reviews.
In her current role as the Assistant Director of the Hudson Valley RBERN, Rachael continues to contribute significantly to the field, enhancing educational outcomes for ELL students. Additionally, her expertise extends to teaching ELL-focused educational leadership at Hunter College, where she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience. Rachael's academic background is robust, holding both a Master of Arts in TESOL and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from CUNY Hunter College, further solidifying her as a knowledgeable and dedicated leader in education.
Lisa Bayrasli, B.A., M.S.
Senior Office Assistant
Lisa C. Bayrasli previously worked in the production department of an educational publisher specializing in ELT/ESL. There she gained experience in the graphic design and production of ELT courses. More recently, Lisa was responsible for developing graphic design elements for a law firm and helped organize and maintain company digital files. Lisa has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Manhattanville College. She earned a Master of Science degree in Publishing from Pace University.
Beverly Guity, M.S. TESOL
Resource Specialist
Beverly has over eight years of experience as an ENL educator serving in roles ranging from ENL teachers/coordinator, adult instructor, and now a Resource Specialist for the HV-RBERN. She has done extensive work with educators and families of English language learners in providing and supporting them with the resources needed in language and literacy development.
Beverly’s greatest passion is working with and for immigrant families and diverse populations. She strives to continue to aid families and educators with the resources and knowledge needed in developing language and literacy skills to ensure access to a quality and equitable education.
Beverly holds a Master degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and a Master degree in Educational Leadership.
Vanessa Gulfo, M.S. E.d.
Resource Specialist
Vanessa Gulfo has over 10 years of experience in the Field of Education. Her experience began in East Harlem in the Archdiocese of New York serving a high population of English Language Learners and families. She continued her journey at the New York City Department of Education where she served as a General, Bilingual and Dual Language teacher. In the last four years, she was a Literacy Coach. She provided tools and resources through coaching cycles, data analysis and professional development to the teachers, school administration and school district. As a coach, she also provided small group Tier 2 intervention to English Language Learners.
In addition, Vanessa worked alongside the Childrens Aid Community School Director and provided additional literacy support in workshops for families of English Language Learners. Vanessa graduated from City College with a Dual Bachelors in Childhood Education and Sociology. She holds a Masters in Bilingual Childhood Education from City College and a Masters in Educational Administration from Mercy College.
Vanessa’s experiences and core values drive her passion of supporting and providing English Language Learners and their families an equitable and culturally inclusive educational experience.
Sheri Handwerger, B.A.
Senior Office Assistant
Sheri Gordon Handwerger has a broad background in office administrative management. Recently, she worked in school settings with very diverse populations. Some students and their parents were found to have just relocated from South America, Europe, and Asia to Westchester County. As a result, key to the enrollment/registration process was identifying early on which of those students needed referrals to staff for ENL services. Sheri has also spent an extensive period of time working in the business sector taking on various roles in: human resources, finance, procurement, sales, export, and customer service.
Sheri has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Human Services from Binghamton University. While at Binghamton, she studied the Yiddish language for two years enabling her to read and write letters home, as well as speak the language with close family and friends. She also reads, writes and knows some conversational Hebrew.
David Mumper, M.S. E.d.
Resource Specialist
David Mumper has worked in secondary and higher education since 2001. He completed his Master’s degrees at Harvard University, City College of New York and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, earning degrees in philosophy, TESOL, and educational administration.
Mr. Mumper worked for the NYC Department of Education for nearly a decade, serving as an administrator, ELA and ESL teacher at the high school level. Currently, he focuses on supporting Hudson Valley school districts to create programmatic and instructional systems to best serve ENL students.
Christine Olsen, M.A. TESOL, M.S. E.d.
Resource Specialist
Christine’s dedication to serving English learners began when she volunteered at a high school in Buffalo, NY. Since then, she has served English learners and teachers in New York City and several universities in China. Christine began her work in the Hudson Valley as a literacy specialist where she facilitated professional learning opportunities for school leaders and teachers of students with disabilities. These experiences and her core value of community guide her work with the Hudson Valley RBERN. In her current role as a resource specialist, she is responsible for supporting Hudson Valley school districts in developing co-teaching practices for ENL and content area teachers, ELL Identification, and Title III programming. She also serves as a member of the planning committee for the Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support’s DEI Leaders’ Network and a facilitator for the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI). Christine holds a Master of Arts degree in Foreign Language Education and TESOL from New York University and a Master of Science degree in Secondary Literacy Education from Hunter College. She also earned an Advanced Certificate in Progressive Leadership from Bank Street College of Education while she was an apprentice in the New York City Department of Education’s Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP).
Alison Provencher, M.S. E.d.
Resource Specialist
Alison has built a career around English Language Learners with disabilities, beginning as a paraprofessional, a bilingual special education teacher, a mentor, a curriculum coordinator, an assistant director of an early childhood center and a TESOL graduate professor. She has also been a specialist in the area of English Language Learners who are also students with disabilities or at risk, providing professional development and support to teachers, administrators, schools and districts in New York City. Her expertise is in identifying, assessing and instructing English Language Learners and distinguishing language development from a disability.
Alison is excited to join the HV RBE-RN as a Resource Specialist to be able to continue the work towards access, equity and diversity in the Hudson Valley region at the Southern Westchester BOCES.
Lixdania Perez, M.S. TESOL
Technology Specialist
Lixdania proudly served as an ENL teacher/ coordinator and advocate within the New York City Department of Education for nearly ten years. Her experience includes working towards making an impact on ELLs' educational journeys across multiple districts within the Bronx. With a Master's degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and an advanced certificate in School Building Administration and District Administration, Lixdania brings both pedagogical expertise and a deep understanding of educational leadership to her roles.
Beyond the classroom, Lixdania has played a pivotal role in integrating access for English Language Learners through technology. She has actively collaborated in district-wide professional development initiatives, offering invaluable insights and guidance to fellow educators and administrators dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for ELLs with the use of technology.
With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, Lixdania continues to inspire and lead in the realm of ESOL education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and linguistically.