The heart of LHS is the teachers and staff who care deeply about the academic growth of their students. Twenty staff and faculty members were asked the following question: “What do you love the most about your job?” The varied responses show just how special Lynbrook is:
“I love when the students come to just say hi to me and want to chit-chat about anything.” – Valerie Russo, guidance secretary
“I feel incredibly fortunate to come to work at LHS every day. The absolute best part of my job is the relationships I’ve built with my students. They are hardworking, kind, respectful, and full of enthusiasm.” – Karen Smith, ENL teacher
“The freedom to teach about topics that my students want to research. Since their research projects change each year, I get to learn about new science research topics every single year too.” – Kathleen McAuley, Science Research teacher
“What I love most is this building. I have taught in other districts, and even though I love teaching cooking, there is no place like Lynbrook High School!” – Lauren Reganato, Family and Consumer Science teacher
“What I love the most is being around young people who keep me always thinking, wondering and keep my mind active. Every day is exciting for me. I also think that teaching is the most noble profession.” – Leonard Bruno, foreign language teacher and chairperson
“I get to know students over the course of their four years here and watch them grow and develop from freshman into senior year when they are turning into young adults. I also love that I get to help students figure out their path beyond high school and provide them with the support necessary to achieve their goals.” – Sue Moller, guidance counselor and chairperson
“Being part of the Lynbrook family is a true privilege. There’s nothing better than starting your day by leaving your own family at home to join your second family at work.” – Vincent Lentini, Fine Arts, Family and Consumer Science, & Technology teacher and chairperson
“I love teaching new things as seen from students’ perspective. When I hear that students understand what I am saying, that’s priceless. Also, when I hear that people go places and do great things, I am happy that I’ve contributed a bit into this.” – Bardhyl Fejzo, physics teacher
“History has always been fascinating to me, so being able to discuss it every day is very cool. I also love working with the students and having them gain a deeper understanding of how history impacts us today.” – Michael Cerbelli, social studies teacher
“The favorite thing about my job is knowing that I have amazing friends. They have been there for me through thick and thin, and I know they care about me. They crack me up on a regular basis, and I love eating lunch with them.” – Ellen Restivo, ENL teacher
“The thing I love most about my job is forging meaningful relationships with my students, colleagues, and their families. That has been my favorite aspect of education ever since beginning my career as a classroom English teacher.” – Bryan Garcia, assistant principal
“I love working with the students. Being a teacher is an enjoyable career…and keeps you young.” – Eric Finder, social studies teacher and chairperson
“Being a safe space for students, staff, and families to come when they need for the good, not so good, and all the in between. In addition, watching the growth in students to young adults throughout the years.” – Samantha Lancaster, social worker
“My most favorite part of the day is that I get to see students all day long from all grades, and every question that I am asked is a little bit different.” – Jane Paladino, senior library clerk
“The kids! And seeing that spark when they actually change their minds about something because they actually put some thought into it! Also, when I hear my classes still discussing the topic in class as they walk out of the room at the end of the period.” – Jill Garfunkel, English teacher
“Genuine interactions with the young minds of tomorrow motivate me to excel in my craft. I feel challenged to transform a student’s initial lack of motivation in math into a belief in their own potential for success through effort. Working alongside an amazing team of educators who take pride in their work further inspires me.” – Christopher Persaud, math teacher and chairperson
“I love watching ‘my kids’ evolve during their four years at LHS. Most come in as timid freshmen, and by the time they leave, they have transformed into confident young men and women who are ready to take on the next phase of their lives.” – Cathy Hetrick, nurse
“What I love most about my job is that I get to walk into a building every single day where everyone truly wants to be. The energy, enthusiasm, and sense of belonging at LHS are unmatched. The students are eager to learn, the staff is dedicated and supportive, and the community as a whole embraces education in a way that makes this school feel like family.” – Mary Kirby, English teacher
“I love working with teenagers because of their energy and passion for life.” – Michael Franklin, math teacher
“My favorite part about the job is helping. It’s such a bright spot in my day to assist kids in their academic endeavors, or even other endeavors, and just try to fill in the missing pieces and help them on their way.” – Maureen Bertolini, library media specialist
