Meet the Trustees - Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel High

GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
Imma De Stefanis (`80), Ph.D., RSCJ, President
Sr. Imma De Stefanis was born and raised in White Plains and is a proud graduate of GCA
High School. She holds a BA in English from Pace University, an MA in Curriculum from
UC Berkeley and a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from Boston College.
She is a lifelong educator and published author who began her career at the middle and
high school levels as both teacher and administrator. Her career later brought her to higher
education where she held an administrative post-doctoral position at Harvard University and taught in the
Psychology Department at Boston College. Imma returned to the area 10 years ago to become Academic
Dean and later Vice President at Manhattanville College. She is the founding partner of Sherpa Ed
Consulting which provide organizational management and leadership training services to non-profit
organizations and schools, and serves as the Executive Director for the Stuart Center for Mission,
Educational Leadership and Technology in Washington, DC.
Committee Service: Executive Committee (Chair); Committee on Trustees; Finance & Investment
Lisa Cribari (`72) Vice President
After a career in media and publishing as a senior Human Resources executive, Lisa joined
the Ford Foundation in 2009 as Chief Human Resources Officer, seeking new ways to
contribute to the greater good and express her compassion for the underserved – values she
attributes to her years at GCA High School. Lisa has been a Trustee since 2009 and Cochaired GCA’s Principal Search Committee whose efforts led to the appointment of GCA’s
newest principal, Sr. Laura Donovan.
Lisa was born and raised in Westchester County, has a passion for youth development and community
healthcare, and serves on the Board of Girls Inc. of Westchester County as well as the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Northern Westchester Hospital. Lisa holds an MBA from Pace University’s
Lubin School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in French Literature from the College of New Rochelle.
Committee Service: Executive Committee, Committee on Trustees
Laura Finneran (`86), Treasurer
Laura graduated from GCA in 1986 and has many ties to the GCA community. Laura was married in the
Chapel of Divine Compassion and her oldest daughter, Georgina Finneran, graduated from GCA last June
(2014). Laura holds an MBA from Iona College and a BSBA from Western New England University. She
has over twenty years banking experience and is currently a consultant for JP Morgan Chase and also
teaches Money & Banking at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York. Laura is an active member in
the Catholic school community and is currently President of the Home School Association at Annunciation
Elementary School in Crestwood, NY. Laura served on the GCA Board of Trustees from 2007- 2010.
During that time, she served as Chair of the Recruitment Committee and was a member of the Executive
Finance Committee.
Committee Service: Executive Committee; Finance & Investment Committee
8/2014
GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
Jennifer Mullery Talbot (`91), Secretary
Jennifer was born in the Bronx, NY, raised in Yorktown Heights and currently resides in the
Bronx. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from Fairfield University and a
master’s degree in History from Fordham University. Jennifer is currently employed at
Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY where she serves as Dean of Studies for the
College’s undergraduate students.
Jennifer begins her second term on the Board this year and has been an active alumna since her graduation
in 1991. In more recent years she helped to organize an All-Alumnae reunion on GCA’s campus and has
also spoken at the Senior Class Dinner to welcome graduating seniors into the community of proud GCA
alumnae and encourage their continued and active participation at GCA. Jennifer is one of four Mullery
siblings who are proud alumnae of GCA – Mary Ann ’86, Sue ’87 and Nancy ’89.
Committee Service: Executive Committee, Development Committee
Janis Archer (`71)
Janis Archer rejoined the Board in 2011 after serving a previous term from 2001-2004.
During that initial term, Janis chaired the Board’s Development Committee and
redesigned, implemented and supported a new GCA High School website. She has
remained an active member of the Development committee since 2001.
Janis currently directs the Office of Strategy Management for the State’s electric utility,
the New York Power Authority. She has used her strategic planning expertise to facilitate the development
of the GCA High School 2011-2015 Strategic Plan.
Janis graduated as valedictorian from Good Counsel Academy in 1971. She earned her BA in Mathematics
from Binghamton University, an MS in Computer Science from the Courant Institute of New York
University and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. In addition, she taught for
many years as an adjunct at Pace University and Westchester Community College.
Janis is a lifelong Westchester resident; she was born in North White Plains and currently resides in
Chappaqua where she serves on the Board of Managers of her condominium complex, Chappaqua
Commons.
Committee Service: Development Committee; Strategic Oversight Committee
8/2014
GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
William Bozzone
Bill was born in New York City and is currently a resident of White Plains. He teaches
Global II Honors and AP Macroeconomics at Fordham Preparatory School. At CUNY
Lehman he graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned a BA in History with a Minor in
Secondary Social Studies Education. He went on to earn a Master’s in Social Studies
Education from Iona College.
Bill’s
ll’s daughter, Laura, graduated from GCA High School in 2005. He led combined trips of Fordham Prep
and
nd Good Counsel to Europe in 200
2007 and 2008. Bill previously served on the Board of Trustees from
Committee Service: Finance & Investment
Lucille Coldrick, RDC, (’54), RDC Leadership Team Liaison
Sr. Lucille is a former GCA teacher of history and Religion (1963(1963 1985), and principal
(1978 – 1985); a former adjunct teacher of history at Pace University (1985 – 1989); former
principal at Preston High School in the Bronx (1991 – 2008).
A graduate of Good Counsel College, she earned a master’s degree in Modern European
History from Fordham University and holds permanent NYS certification in secondary school teaching and
in supervision and administration.
n. As teacher and administrator, she was awarded several professional
grants for post-graduate
graduate study. A trustee of Stepinac High School in White Plains, 2009 - 2012, she was
also a member of the Archdiocesan Evaluation Committee of Secondary Schools.
She has served in various roles in formation and elective government within the Congregation of the Sisters
of the Divine Compassion; and, is currently a member of the Leadership Team of the Congregation, serving
as its liaison to the Academy of Our Lady oof Good Counsel High School.
Travel has included Austria, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, and the USSR.
Eileen Curran (`90)
Eileen was raised in Yonkers and currently lives in Eastchester. She earned a B.A. in
Literature and an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Pace University. Eileen works
for Pfizer and has held many positions in the training department from Program Manager
Man
to Project Manager and most currently, Learning Operations Manager for Global
Commercial Operations for North America. Prior to Pfizer, she taught English at GCA.
Eileen has been an active member of the GCA community both as a student and an alumna. She served on
the Board from 2005 - 2011. During this time on the Board, she served as the Chairperson of the
Development Committee. After leaving the Board, she remained on the Wall of Fame Committee. Eileen is
also member of the Board of Trustees of the RDC Counseling Center.
Committee Service: Development Committee
8/2014
GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
Cynthia Devasia (`95)
Cynthia is a Labor & Employment attorney at Koehler & Isaacs LLP where she
represents labor organizations and employee benefit funds. As General Counsel,
Cynthia provides regulatory compliance advice and litigates in state, federal and
administrative tribunals. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law teaching
Legal Writing and Lawyering Skills at Cardozo School of Law, her alma mater. As a
member of the New York County Lawyers Association Law Related Education Committee, she lectures
about legal topics in New York City schools. Cynthia has written numerous law related articles for firm,
client and bar association publications.
Cynthia holds Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Political Science and English from the State University of New
York at Albany. She is a graduate of GCA High School (’95) and helped orchestrate a multi-year class
reunion. This is Cynthia’s second year of Board service. She looks forward to continuing service with the
diligence and compassion she learned at GCA.
Cynthia hails from Port Chester, NY and resides in Manhattan where she is current committee member and
former President of the Park Lane Condominium Board of Managers.
Committee Service: Committee on Trustees
Laura Donovan, RDC (`68) Principal
Sr. Laura, principal of the Academy, is a Sister of the Divine Compassion who has been
engaged in the Sisters’ mission and educational ministries for over forty years. Sr. Laura
was born in Geneva, NY; her family later moved to White Plains where she remains a
resident at Our Lady of Sorrows Convent. Her education and professional experience
include a B.S. in Science from Good Counsel College/College of White Plains, an M.S.
in Religious Education/Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chicago, an M.S. in Secondary School
Science from Villanova University in PA, and a professional diploma in School Administration and
Supervision, 7 – 12, from Manhattan College. Sr. Laura also holds New York State Certification in Biology,
Chemistry, Physics, General Science, and Secondary School Administration.
A graduate of GCA, Sr. Laura served as teacher, Science Department Chairperson, and Dean of Students at
both GCA and Preston High School in the Bronx.
Committee Service: Executive Committee, Finance & Investment
8/2014
GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
Bernice J. Houle
Houle, Ph.D.
Dr. Bernice J. Houle is an Associate Dean in the Seidenberg School of Computer Science
and Information Systems (CSIS) at Pace University. She has a Ph.D. in Higher Education
Administration from New York University, an M.S. in Education and a B.S. in
Mathematics
matics from Pace University. Dr. Houle has been working at Pace since 1987, first
in the Office of Undergraduate Admission, leaving there as an Associate Director, and
then in the Seidenberg School at Pace.
During her tenure at Pace, Dr. Houle has taugh
taughtt for the mathematics and the information technology
departments and assisted with curriculum development. She has also taken a lead role on a number of
assessment and accreditation initiatives for the School. Since becoming a GCA Board member in 2008, she
s
has been able to draw upon these experiences to assist in various initiatives at the high school.
Dr. Houle’s connection with GCA is an indirect one. As an undergraduate at Pace in the mid 1980’s, Dr.
Houle would periodically come to the high school to tutor students in mathematics. She has been impressed
with the sense of community and the spirit in the School ever since.
Committee Service: Site Services/Feasibility Committee
Committee; Finance Committee
Stefania Mignone (`99)
Stefania, a lifelong resident of Westchester, was born and raised in Yonkers, NY. While
a student at Good Counsel Academy, she was very active in sports and various clubs.
After graduating from GCA in 1999, she attended Union College, where she earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Ci
Civil
vil Engineering. Stefania is currently an engineer for
the City of White Plains. She is a member of the Ameri
American
can Society of Civil Engineers.
Stefania joins the Board as a new member this year. She has stayed active with GCA
since her graduation in 1999, due
ue to her love of GCA, and desire to give back to GCA in any way she can.
She has spoken at the Senior Class Dinner to welcome graduating seniors into the alumnae community.
Stefania has also organized two reunions for her graduating class (including her ggraduating
raduating class ’10 year
reunion). She currently resides in Yonkers, NY
Committee Service: Site Services/Feasiblity Committee; Finance Committee
8/2014
GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
Bedina O’Neill
Bedina was raised in Carlow, Ireland where, as a secondary school student, she was taught
at the all-girls Catholic school, St. Leo’s College, run by the Sisters of Mercy. She came to
New York for the first time in the summer of 1995, while on vacation from University
College Cork (UCC), Ireland, moved permanently to New York some years later and
currently resides in Westchester County with her fiancé Ramiro and their son, Daniel.
Bedina graduated from UCC with a BA in Geography and Sociology and the title of “College Scholar.” On
academic merit she achieved a full scholarship for post-graduate education at UCC and earned an M. Phil in
Geography. During her time as a Masters student she gained experience tutoring and mentoring
undergraduate geography students. After a career in Recreation and Corporate Management, she joined the
Advancement Office at Convent of the Sacred Heart Greenwich, CT where she also taught Spanish in the
Upper School. In February of 2013 she joined the Development Office at The French-American School of
New York in Mamaroneck, where she is the Director of Alumni Relations and Deputy Director of the
Capital Campaign.
Bedina’s affiliation with GCA is indirect and comes through a working relationship with Board President
Imma De Stefanis, RSCJ. She joined the Board of Trustees at GCA in 2013 and has served as a Co-op
Board member and president at Chester Hills in Port Chester (2005-2009) and as an ex-officio member of
the Parents’ Association Board at CSH (2005-2013).
Committee Service: Development Committee (Chair) and TBD
Patricia Sheridan (`60) LCSW, RDC
Presently Sr. Pat is the Director of the RDC Center for Counseling and Human
Development, Inc., a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion. She
was born in White Plains and currently lives in White Plains. She is a graduate of
Good Counsel Academy High School and values her experience there tremendously.
She graduated from Good Counsel College, now Pace University and also holds a
Master’s degree in Reading from Manhattan College, a Masters in Educational Administration and
Supervision from Pace, and a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. She has been serving on
the Board of Trustees of Good Counsel Academy High School for the past three years. In addition she is an
ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees of the Counseling Center, since 2008.
Committee Service: Committee on Trustees (Chair)
8/2014
GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015
Helen Adesuwa Uzamere, DPS, PMP
Dr. Helen Uzamere is Director of Information Technology for the New York City
Criminal Justice Agency. Born in London, England and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Uzamere
is a certified project manager with over 25 years of technology experience on three
continents. Her work has spanned academia, non-profit and corporate sectors,
including Compaq Computers (now HP) and IBM. She has a Doctor of Professional
Studies in Computing and an M.S. in Information Systems from Pace University’s Seidenberg School of
Computer Science and Information Systems, a Post Graduate Diploma in Computing and Artificial
Intelligence from London UK’s South Bank University and a B.S in Economics and Statistics from
University of Benin, Nigeria. Dr. Uzamere is also an adjunct professor at Pace University, Westchester
Community College and The College of Westchester, where she teaches a variety of courses including
Project Management, Statistics, Math, Office Technology and Computer Networking. Dr. Uzamere’s
connection with GCA is through Dr. Sue Merritt who was a mentor during her graduate studies at Pace
University.
Committee Service: Site Services/Feasibility Committee
8/2014

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