Neary Educational Center’s Newest Teachers

Madison Agovino

Madison Agovino’s experience in education includes serving as a teaching assistant in North Rockland and as a lead teacher at Cornerstone Christian School. She holds both a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education - certified Childhood Education Grades 1-6 and Master of Science in Childhood Special Education - certified Students with Disabilities All Grades from Alliance University and is bringing that experience into a new role as a kindergarten teacher. This year, she's looking forward to all the new experiences that come with a kindergarten classroom and creating a strong sense of community with her students. As Ms. Agovino puts it, she’s excited to “teach kindergarten this year and all the new experiences together as a class family.”

Alexandra Behn

A North Rockland alum who graduated in 2011, Alexandra Behn holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Teaching from St. Thomas Aquinas College and previously served as a teaching assistant in the North Rockland Central School District. She’s now returning to the district as an educator, bringing her experience and connection to the community with her. This year, she’s looking forward to creating meaningful experiences that encourage students to think creatively, build confidence and become more independent learners.

Kayleigh Cockburn

With a Bachelor of Arts from Hofstra University and a Master of Science in Education from Niagara University, Kayleigh Cockburn brings experience as a special education teacher at Rockland BOCES and Abilities First. As she begins her next chapter in North Rockland, she’s most excited to become part of the supportive and welcoming community that makes NRCSD special.

Meagan Collins

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from Ramapo College, Meagan Collins went on to earn a Master of Science in Teaching in Childhood and Special Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Her connection to North Rockland began long before her time as a teacher’s aide and teaching assistant in the Visions Program at Neary Educational Center. Meagan grew up in the NRCSD and graduated in 2015.

She is looking forward to getting to know her students and creating a classroom family. One way she’s bringing that idea to life is through a “Class Family Tree,” where students and staff can share family photos and bring a piece of home into the classroom. The project celebrates the families and backgrounds that make each student unique while creating a classroom community built on inclusion and acceptance.

Jennifer Lee

With a background in special education, Jennifer Lee brings experience from both Rockland BOCES and the New York City Department of Education to her new role as a special education teacher at Neary Educational Center. Ms. Lee earned her Bachelor of Science from Stony Brook University and Master of Science in Education from Hunter College. As she begins the school year, she is especially excited to become immersed in the North Rockland community and learn more about its rich culture. She looks forward to experiencing all the community has to offer!

Megan McGuinness

Megan McGuiness is new to the district this year, bringing experience as a special education teacher with the New York City Department of Education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from The Catholic University of America and her Master of Science in Teaching from Pace University before joining the Neary Educational Center team. Megan said, “I’m most excited to continue building a positive and supportive classroom community where my students feel successful, comfortable, and excited to learn. I’m also looking forward to trying new hands-on activities, visuals, and structured routines that support independence and engagement in my classroom. As someone who is new to North Rockland, I’m especially excited to become more connected with the school community and collaborate with the staff around me.”

Jane Porter

Jane Porter earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Manhattan College before earning her Master of Science in School Psychology from Mercy University. She began gaining experience in the field as a school psychologist intern with the Clarkstown Central School District.

Now, she’s excited to begin her first year in North Rockland and become part of the Neary Educational Center community as a School Psychologist. She’s especially looking forward to working in a supportive and positive school environment and getting to know the students, staff and families who make Neary such a special place.
 

Sandra Todoric

With a background spanning special education and early childhood education, Sandra Todoric brings experience from Rockland BOCES, the Fred S. Keller School and Jawonio to her new role in North Rockland. Ms. Todoric earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Novi Sad and Master of Science in Education from The College of New Rochelle. As the new school year begins, she is excited about the possibilities ahead and the journey it will bring. She looks forward to watching her students grow and discovering where the year takes them along the way.

Joseph Toomey

With a background in special education, Joseph Toomey brings experience from three school districts to his new role at Neary Educational Center. Joseph earned a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Binghamton, followed by a Master of Science in Teaching from St. Thomas Aquinas College and a Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY New Paltz. Before joining the district, he worked as a special education teacher in the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District, Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District and Brooklyn East Collegiate School. Mr. Toomey said, “I'm excited to join such an incredible district like North Rockland, and I am excited to expand my teaching experience in working with the awesome student population at Neary.”