Board of Education honors long-serving SWBOCES employees, tenure recipients

  • three people at a table

    From left, Teaching Assistant Deborah Maas, honored for her 40 years of service, Deputy Superintendent/COO Dr. Brendan Lyons, and Assistant Director of Special Services Jessica Walker.

  • two woman smiling

    Director of Human Resources Suzanne Doherty, left, and Benefits Coordinator Jodie Riverso, who was honored for her 20 years of service. 

  • three people at a table smiling

    Director of Special Services Andrea Byrne, left, 30-year Teacher Aide Aleus Alcin, and a guest.

  • three people holding certificates

    Honorees Jodi Riverso, Benefits Coordinator (20 years), Teaching Assistant Mary Christine Gloster (tenure recipient), and LHRIC Network Specialist Eric Hernandez (10 years).  

  • man addresses audience

    District Superintendent Harold Coles, Psy.D., addresses employees at the tenure and longevity reception.

  • speaker at front of room

    Board President John Filiberti addressing the honorees.

  • woman shakes man's hand
  • woman shakes man hand while another looks on

    Providence "Prudie" Lenhard is honored for 20. years of service.

  • woman steps up from audience
  • woman shakes hands in thanks

    Benefits Coordinator Jodi Riverso accepts the honor for her 20 years of service.

  • two man shake hands while a third looks on

    Assistant Superintendent for Business and Administrative Services Steve Tibbetts accepts congratulations for his 20 years of service. 

  • man congratulating another man
  • woman shaking man's hand
  • two men congratulating a woman
  • woman smiles as she accepts congratulations

Thanks and congratulations were the themes of the evening as the Southern Westchester BOCES Board of Education awarded tenure to 11 individuals and honored 34 employees for their length of service.

A reception was held prior to the Board's Oct. 19 meeting to recognize these accomplishments.

Tenure is an employment status educators may earn after a period of probationary employment. It is a significant career accomplishment and a statement of commitment and trust by the district. The person receiving tenure has proven themselves as highly capable professionals who reflect the district's mission, vision and values. 

"This is a privilege," said Board President John Filiberti. "We're happy that you've chosen Southern Westchester BOCES. We're happy that you've received tenure. And we're looking forward to a very long relationship together."

District Superintendent Dr. Harold Coles echoed that sentiment. This BOCES could not accomplish what it does without them, he told the honorees. The evening's festivities are a token of appreciation for their many contributions. 

"In walking around and talking to all of you in your different programs in the past few weeks," Dr. Coles said, "I've seen the love, the interest, the energy, and the desire to help students and make sure they have everything  they need to have. You make SWBOCES what we are."

The following individuals received tenure:

  • Curtis Anderson, Jr., Teaching Assistant, effective Jan. 22, 2022
  • Julie Auguste-Brice, Teaching Assistant, effective Sept. 1, 2022
  • Jason Devlin, Teaching Assistant, effective Sept. 1, 2022
  • Mary Christine Gloster, Teaching Assistant, effective Oct. 15, 2022
  • Sherrie Goldstein, Teaching Assistant, effective Sept. 1, 2022
  • Howard Hamilton, Teaching Assistant, effective Feb. 12, 2022
  • Michele Hamilton, Teacher, effective Sept. 1, 2022
  • Linda Liebman, Teacher, effective April 30, 2022
  • James Northcutt, Teaching Assistant, effective Sept. 1, 2022
  • Heather Marie Salinger, Teacher, effective Oct. 19, 2021
  • Michelle Tilokee, Teaching Assistant, Sept. 1, 2022

Meanwhile, 34 employees were honored for their longevity on the occasion of their 10th, 20th, 30th or 40th anniversary. They combine to represent 610 total years of service. 

Mr. Filiberti thanked them on behalf of the entire Board of Education. The level of commitment of our employees really shines through, he said, and Board members see it firsthand when they visit programs.

"It's very humbling to have so many good people in an organization," he told the honorees and the coworkers and supervisors who joined them. 

Dr. Brendan Lyons, Deputy Superintendent/COO, read aloud the names and presented certificates to those honored.

"Tonight is all about commitment," Dr. Lyons said. "In the short time that I've been here and seeing all the great work that's being done, that commitment comes through in every single environment."

The following individuals were honored:

40 years
Deborah L. Maas

30 years
Aleus Alcin, Conchetta Madera, Monica E. Morandi-Liman, and Julie E. Zinserling;

20 years
Melissa Barreto, Jean Benitez, Tarik Curry, Donna M. Harris-West, William M. Jones, Richard E. Lamb, Susan Laquercia, Providence Lenhard, Stephen Tibbetts, Stacey DiPaola, Tracy Sadler-Hormazabal, Jodi Riverso, Spencer Ingram, Merline Martes, and Kim Gaines;

10 years
Judith Baddeley, Anna Marie Brancucci, Karen Canino, Moise Emile, Eric Hernandez, Michele L. Insalaco, Mae Isaac, Cathi Maida, James M. Penn, Gillian Staples, Teresa Giorgio, Adrian Drezga, and Jesus Malpartida.