Berlin CSD is excited to welcome new and familiar faces to the BCSD staff. Please welcome Ms. Deanna Baker, Deputy Austin McGuire, Ms. Tess Mulvey, Ms. Erin Lee, Ms. Samantha DeCarciofolo and Ms. Nicole West to their new positions at BCSD.  Learn more about our new BCSD staff in their own words below.

 

 

 

 

 

Deanna Baker 
Berlin Elementary School
Shooting Stars Classroom Teacher

What is your new position at Berlin Elementary School?

This year I will be leading a new classroom at BES. We are the Shooting Stars of Berlin. We are a K-3 classroom where we strive to meet the individual needs of each student.

What is your education background?

I attended Keuka College where I received a Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Special education. I then received my Masters Degree from St Rose in Literacy.

What is your background like – previous jobs?

I have held many jobs in a variety of areas. I have worked in day cares, office supply and craft stores as well as a candy store. I have worked with the elderly as a recreation director and worked with youth in the foster care system. I enjoy working with and helping people.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married for 2 years and we welcomed our son, Mason, in March 2022. I have a very large family that I enjoy spending time with.

What are your interests outside of school?

I enjoying doing my part to protect the Earth and volunteer with various organizations including my church and local fire company. I enjoy spending time with friends and family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deputy Austin McGuire
Berlin Central School District School
Resource Officer

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?

I grew up and went to school in Mechanicville. I have lived there for most of my life- with the exception of my time spent in the Navy when I lived at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville Florida. I have been in law enforcement for about 13 years now and have worked at a couple of different agencies before working at the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office. I am married and I have 2 kids.

How long have you been with the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department?

I began working for the RCSO this past March, but I have been in law enforcement since 2009.

What did you do before becoming a school resource officer?

Before taking the role of SRO I was a deputy assigned to the midnight shift.

Why did you choose to become a school resource officer?

The SRO position has always interested me. I enjoy the community policing aspect of my job, and this role will allow me to get into the community with some of its youngest and most impressionable members. My goal is to connect with the students and staff and create a positive relationship and image of police, and to be a resource for the students, staff, and the parents as well.

How do you plan to connect to students who are uncertain about having an officer in the building?

There are many negative beliefs and stereotypes about law enforcement today, and many of them are very much untrue of the vast majority of officers. For the students, staff and parents who may be unsure of what to expect, what role I will play, and who might be uneasy about my presence in their schools I will do my very best ease your concerns by being available for an open dialogue with anyone and everyone who comes to me, so if you have a question or a concern- please ask or make it known! I can’t help with an issue that I don’t know exists. I also think a common misconception is that the SRO program is a way for law enforcement to “police” the schools. Although there are times when arrests do occur, this is not really the case. I am here simply for the safety and protection of the students and staff. When I look at the “School Resource Officer” title, I want people to see it more for the “School Resource” aspect- not so much the “Officer” aspect. I am not here to be a new way to discipline students, but instead to offer help more readily, to build trust, to create and promote a positive and safe environment, and once again- to make sure our schools are as safe as possible.

 What are you looking forward to the most about being the SRO for Berlin Central School District?

There are many things that I am looking forward to as the new SRO at Berlin. I am looking forward to working with kids and being able to provide whatever help I can to them. I am also very happy to be able to take on a more supportive and assistive role in a community, rather than the enforcement role I am used to. This role will be challenging, but fun, and I am excited to get started in September!

 

 

 

 

Tess Mulvey
Berlin Elementary School
4th Grade Teacher

What is your new position at Berlin Elementary School?

Hello! My name is Tess Mulvey and I will be the new 4th grade Teacher!

What is your education background?

I graduated from The College of Saint Rose in 2021 with my Bachelors degree in Childhood and Special Education. In May of 2022 I graduated with my Masters in Literacy also from Saint Rose. 

What is your background like – previous jobs?

I have volunteered with the STRIDE Adaptive Sports swim team as a Special Olympics Coach and as a swim instructor since 2017. From 2016 to 2019 I worked at East Greenbush Town camp starting as counselor/lifeguard and worked up to water safety instructor and  Assistant Director. This past school year, ‘21-’22, I have been a building substitute at BES. I was also a long term substitute for 4th grade at the beginning of the year and in Kindergarten at the end of the year. 

Tell us about your family.

I grew up with my mom, my dad and my brother in East Greenbush. My brother is currently in the Army stationed in Texas. In 2021, I adopted a dog named Niko, who is the absolute best. He is a husky-pit mix and I am always happy to show people pictures of my dog (even when they do not ask). 

What are your interests outside of school?

When I am not in school I like to swim in my pool, read, kayak, hang out with my friends and take my dog for walks. I also love to travel and visit new places! My favorite place I’ve visited is Hawaii.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erin Lee
Berlin Central School District
Speech Language Pathologist

What is your new position at BCSD?

I am the new Speech Language Pathologist! I will be working with the older students in the elementary school and middle/high school students.

What is your education background?

 I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. I studied Communication Sciences and Disorders, and I had wonderful field experiences during my time there. Since graduating, I continue to seek out continuing education seminars and experiences to stay on top of the most current research and therapy strategies.

What is your background like – previous jobs?

 After college, I went into EI/Preschool Speech Therapy. It was very fun, and I learned a lot about the field! It was actually through this job that I was introduced to the Berlin District. I had the opportunity to work with the youngest Mountaineers in the UPK program!

Tell us about your family.

I grew up in Western Massachusetts, and moved to Albany after college. It can be hard to live away from my family, but I have found living on my own to be very rewarding as well! Right now, I live in an apartment with my cat, Harper.

What are your interests outside of school?

I love to use my creative side outside of school! I am notorious for picking up different crafty skills and projects. I currently really enjoy knitting, and I am trying to pick up crochet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samantha DeCarciofolo
Berlin Middle High School
7th grade Social Studies Teacher

What is your new position at Berlin Middle High School?

7th Grade Social Studies

What is your education background?

I earned my Bachelor’s in History and Gender & Women’s Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh and completed my Master’s in Adolescent Social Studies at SUNY Oswego.

What is your background like – previous jobs?

For the past 2 years I have been the 7th grade History teacher at KIPP Tech Valley Middle School in Albany. Before that, I worked as a field trip teacher at an Erie Canal Museum in Central NY!

Tell us about your family.

My family is originally from Central New York and the Boston area but I grew up in Oneida, NY! I spend a lot of time visiting that area as well as Boston to spend time with my partner’s family.

What are your interests outside of school?

In my free time I love to try to be active whether that is running, hiking, or in the water. I am always reading a new book and I love getting new recommendations from people! I also love food and trying new places and dishes that I try to post on my food Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole West (Connelly)
Berlin Middle High School
8th grade English and Language Arts Teacher

What is your new position at Berlin Middle High School?

I am very excited to join the English department at Berlin and to teach ELA to the 8th graders!

What is your education background?

I was raised in Averill Park and graduated from Averill Park High School. I then went onto earn both my B.A. in English and my M.S.Ed. in Adolescence Education from The College of Saint Rose.

What is your background like – previous jobs?

Prior to teaching I spent time living and working overseas in Ireland and when I came home I worked for many years in different capacities at law firms in the Capital Region. Then, about 8 years ago, I was  lucky enough to spend time with an 8th grade English class at Mechanicville Jr./Sr. High School, which is when I fell in love with teaching. That’s when I decided to pursue my master’s degree. After earning my degree I taught middle school and high school English at La Salle Institute in Troy for several years. During my time at La Salle I was also the moderator for the school’s newspaper.

Tell us about your family.

I live with my wonderful husband, James, and my two fantastic and active boys, Gavin and Liam, in Averill Park. James works in finance and is an avid golfer who loves the outdoors. Gavin is 9 years old and loves science, math and to play all kinds of sports. Liam is about to turn 1 year old in October and loves to laugh, is starting to talk and is learning to walk.

What are your interests outside of school?

Outside of school I love to spend time with my family, read, travel, and go skiing and snowboarding. I especially love skiing and snowboarding at our local mountain, Jiminy Peak.