Berlin CSD, Elementary School principal Tracy Kent and Middle/High School principal Kimberly Brownell are excited to welcome Ms. Hannah Lanzillo 6th grade Math, Ms. Taylor Meyer BES Math Specialist and Ms. Lisa Leffler BES Reading Specialist into their new positions here at BCSD. Please learn more about them in their own words.

Welcome to the Berlin Central School District!

 

 

 

 

Hannah Lanzillo
6th Grade Math

 


What is your education background?

I have spent most of my life in the Capital Region area and love it here!  After graduating from Ichabod Crane High School I attended Houghton College, a small school in Western, NY.  While at Houghton I earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) with a concentration in Math/Science.  Following my time at Houghton I decided to attend the University at Albany to earn a master’s degree in teaching literacy (Birth-6th Grade).

 

What is your background like – previous jobs?

I worked several different jobs teaching children before becoming a classroom teacher (the best job!).  One of my favorites was working as an environmental educator in the Adirondack Mountains.  Some of my duties included hiking Mt. Jo (near Lake Placid) with fourth grade students and exploring the woods with kindergarten students.  My first job as a classroom teacher was just over the border in Bennington, Vermont.  At Bennington Elementary I taught first grade for three years and then decided to move up to fifth grade. I taught fifth grade for 5 years before coming to Berlin.

 

Tell us about your family?

I live with my husband, Nick, and our two young daughters Adelyn and Cora.   My husband has a PhD in physics and is a scientist.  Adelyn loves to do craft and painting projects and Cora loves to run around outside.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Lisa Leffler
BES Reading Specialist

 

 

 

Hello, my name is Lisa Leffler.  I am so excited to join the BES community as the new reading specialist!

Prior to this role, I was a 3rd grade teacher in Schoharie County. Additionally, I was a substitute teacher for three years at various districts in Rensselaer County, including Berlin Central School District.

I attended Hudson Valley Community College for Early Childhood Education, Russell Sage College for Childhood Education/English, and SUNY Albany for Literacy.

My family and I live in the Averill Park area. In my free time I love to hike, bake, and of course- read! My favorite children’s book author is Mo Willems.  I look forward to sharing my love for reading with BES students.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Taylor Meyer
BES Math Specialist

 

 

 

What are your interests outside of school?

When I am not at school you can usually find me hiking mountains in New York and Vermont with my family.  We also like to visit local state parks to hike and picnic.  In addition, I enjoy running.  I ran cross country and track and field in college.  I’ve run the Hudson Mohawk Marathon and many local 5K runs.  If I have free time and I’m not outside hiking or running you will probably find me curled up on the couch with a book!

 

What is your education background?

I graduated from Berlin High School in 2017 (Go Mountaineers!) and attended SUNY Oneonta that fall. I graduated from SUNY Oneonta in December 2020 with my bachelor’s degree and certification in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. I am most currently working on my master’s program at SUNY Oneonta, where I am studying Literacy!

What is your background like – previous jobs?

This is my first full-time teaching position, and I am so excited! Previously, I have been a substitute in the Berlin and New Lebanon school districts and filled two long-term substitute positions in Berlin. In addition, outside of school, I have been the Assistant Director of the Stephentown Summer Youth Day Camp!

Tell us about your family?

Family is the most important thing in my life. I am very close with my mom, dad, and younger sister. I visit my grandparents every week; I am so fortunate to have my family close by. And I can’t forget about my fur babies! I have two rescue dogs Ellie Mae and Hamilton, and my three adopted cats Samson, Delilah, and Snoopy.

What are your interests outside of school?

When I’m not in school or at summer camp, I love to be outside! I go hiking with my dogs, kayaking with my family, fishing, or going to the beach in the summer! During the fall and winter, I enjoy apple picking and ice skating. After school, one of my favorite things is to snuggle with my dogs and read a book or watch a TV show.