P53K @ P.S. 384

School Social Worker

My name is Rachel Trojer, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), working at P53K@384 since January 2017. I graduated with my BA from Stony Brook University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Child and Family Studies, and graduated with honors from New York University in 2011 with my MSW. I received my clinical license in 2014 after completing 2,000 hours of clinical practice. I have my Basic DIRFloortime Certification and have completed several other play therapy training courses (AutPlay, Child-Centered Play Therapy). I love coming to work each day and providing counseling services to our students, and truly believe all children have the capacity to learn regulation skills and grow socially with the consistent presence of compassionate, caring adults. When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my son, and our dog Jax, practicing yoga and meditation, and interior design.

Music Teacher

Coming soon...

Speech therapist

Hi! My name is Michelle Tartaglione, and I am a Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, working at P53K since 2017. I graduated with my BS and MS from Duquesne University, majoring in Speech Language Pathology. I love working hand and hand with our teachers to help our students grow into more independent communicators. When not at work, I enjoy spending time traveling, going to Broadway shows and scuba diving!

Speech Therapist

Hello! My name is Alexandra Verardi, Alex for short! I am a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. I went to undergrad at SUNY Cortland where I received my bachelor’s degree and graduate school at Syracuse University for my Master’s degree. I started working at P53K in December of 2021. I love coming to work and helping students find their voice, whether it be verbal, PECs, gestures, ASL, etc. When I am not at work, I enjoy playing soccer, taking care of my plants, and playing with my dog, Dino!

Bilingual Speech Pathologist, Spanish Extension, PROMPT Certified MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, PC, SBL, SDL

Terapeuta del habla bilingüe, extensión en español, certificado de PROMPT

I’ve worked as a speech therapist at P53K since 2009. I received a Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology at Brooklyn College, CUNY. I have a bilingual extension to my New York State Professional license in Spanish and work with students in Spanish and English. As a PROMPT-certified clinician, I conduct PROMPT assessment and treatment in the school. I specialize in bilingual assessment and intervention, evaluation, and treatment of speech sound disorders (e.g., apraxia), and assistive technology for alternative forms of communication. I am determined to help bridge the opportunity gap and love seeing my students develop more powerful voices as we work together on improving their communication skills. After work hours, you can find me in a park in Brooklyn with my younger children, and during the vacations you can find me in Buenos Aires visiting my older children.

Special Education Teacher/6:1:1

Hi! My name is Caitlin Macca and I am a certified Birth-2nd grade and 1st-6th grade Special Education Teacher. I went to undergrad at SUNY New Paltz where I received my Bachelor’s degree and graduate school at LIU Post for my Master’s degree. I have been with P53K since September 2017. I love coming to work knowing I am helping my students grow and learning new skills! When not at work, I enjoy being with family and friends, going to concerts and sports games, and traveling.

Senior Occupational Therapist

Hola! My name is Erica Yauri Quizhpi and I am a senior occupational therapist for the Department of Education for 6 years. I received my Master’s in occupational therapy from American International College in 2014. I have been at P53K since 2016. I love facilitating independent skills with all my students and encourage their independence and advocacy skills as well. I love my family including my German Shepperd, hanging out with friends, and anything in the Harry Potter World.

Teacher 12:1:1

My name is Leninrose Robitson. This is my second-year teaching at P53K. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, majoring in Airport Management. I received my Master’s degree from Hunter College, City University of NY, Majoring in Special Education. I love helping students to improve their academic and social skills. When I am not at work, I love spending time with my husband and two daughters.

Speech Therapist

My name is Barbara Barone and I have been a speech therapist at p53k since 2013. I received my Bachelors and Masters in Communication Sciences at St. John’s University. I am passionate about working with my students and their families to promote social, emotional and academic success. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, exercising and spending time with my husband and four amazing children.

Teacher- 6:1:1

Hi! My name is Jillian Shedd and I have worked at P53K since 2021. I am a NYC Teaching Fellow and am earning my dual master’s in general/ special education in Grades 1-6. I love working with students to help them grow and succeed! When I am not at work I enjoy shopping, spending time with my family, friends, and playing with my dog, Sadie!

Teacher Development Facilitator

I have been at P53K since 2012. I began my career as an 8:1:1 Grades 3-5 Teacher. Then I became 12:1:1 Grades K-2 Teacher. I have been an Instructional Coach at P53K since 2015. I am also a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. When I am not at work, I am spending time with my husband and daughter.

Special Education Teacher 12:1:1

Hello, my name is Josephine Adorno. I have been a teacher with P53k for 7 years. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Hunter College, City University of NY. I have a dual certification in General Education and Special Education in Birth-2nd grade, with an annotation in Severe Multiple Disabilities. I enjoy being able to teach young learners and helping each student grow towards independence. It is a gratifying experience to help my students learn new skills and watch them gain confidence as well as make friendships with their peers. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband and my daughter, dancing and playing with my two-year-old nephew, snuggling with my two dogs, and reading psychological thrillers.