Berlin CSD is excited to welcome new and familiar faces to the BCSD staff. It has been a busy first month of school, and the staff have hit the ground running. Please take a moment to welcome and learn more about these new and familiar faces: Ariel Gilbert, Katie Hooks, Jessica Rontey, Tracy Peter Hoen, Miranda Smith, Nicole Russell, Emily Beretvas, Savanna Caldwell, Allie Wolfe, and Dr. Emily W. Tergliafera. Learn more about them in their own words below.
Ariel Gilbert
Berlin Central School District
Technology and Instructional Support Coordinator
What is your new role/position at the Berlin Central School District, and how long have you been with the district ?
This year, I stepped into the role of Technology and Instructional Support Coordinator. I’ve been with Berlin for over 20 years, all of that time as a classroom teacher. Over those years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and learning alongside so many amazing students and colleagues. Now I’m excited to support teachers and students in new and meaningful ways.
What excites you most about taking on this new opportunity?
When I became a teacher, my goal was always to make a positive difference in the lives of children. While I may not be in the classroom every day anymore, I still carry that same purpose with me. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to support teachers, students, and the community in new and impactful ways. I am learning a great deal about technology and how to help our staff and students most effectively.
What in your previous positions and time at Berlin CSD do you feel will help you going forward?
My years in the classroom provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges and joys that teachers face. That perspective helps me see things through a teacher’s lens, which I believe is crucial in this role. I also know the Berlin community, including our students, families, and staff, and that sense of connection and shared purpose will guide me as I work to serve and support them.
What are your interests outside of school?
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, hiking, or reading a good book. I love spending time outdoors and exploring new places. I’m grateful for my wonderful family and friends who keep me grounded and inspired.
Katie Hooks
MTSS Behavior/Math Teacher
Elementary Team Leader
What is your new role/position at the Berlin Central School District and how long have you been with the district?
I am entering my 21st year in the district. Most of my years have been spent teaching Kindergarten, with a few in 2nd grade. My new role this year is MTSS Behavior and MTSS Math.
What excites you most about taking on this new opportunity?
One of the things I love most about being a teacher is building relationships with kids and colleagues. With this new role, I will have the opportunity to work with students from grade K-5. I will be assisting to make sure that students are successful in and out of the classroom.
What in your previous positions and time at Berlin CSD do you feel will help you going forward?
For the last 16 years I have been one of the Team Leaders at Berlin Elementary, this gave me work with students for a short time. In this new position, I will have more opportunities to work with students in and out of the classroom and be able to follow through with things we have worked on.
What are your interests outside of school?
I live in Massachusetts with my husband Jason and two children, Hannah and Liam and our dog Cliff. As a family we like to camp and travel to the beach! One of my favorite things to do is watch my kids participate in one of the many sporting events. When I am not here at school, you can find me on the sidelines of a game cheering them on
Jessica Rontey
Third Grade Teacher
Character Education Advisor
What is your new role/position at the Berlin Central School District and how long have you been with the district?
I am back in third grade this year! This is my twenty-third year with the district. I began teaching third grade at Stephentown Elementary and continued to do so at BES when our SES building closed. I have also taught MTSS Math and fourth grade at BES!
What excites you most about taking on this new opportunity?
I am excited to be in a co teaching classroom this year with Mrs. Savaria and Mrs. Winner, which is a new experience for me. I look forward to being able to work closely with my teammate Mr. B again as well. We are all looking forward to an amazing year together! I am also excited to be back in the classroom again where I can create lasting relationships and memories with my students.
What in your previous positions and time at Berlin CSD do you feel will help you going forward?
Having taught both fourth grade and MTSS Math, I know what is expected of fourth graders and what has been explored in second grade math class. Some of my MTSS math students from last year are actually in our class this year as well!
What are your interests outside of school?
I have two children in the school district, a tenth grader and a seventh grader. In our spare time we like to spend time with our family and friends. We also enjoy traveling and camping. One of my favorite places to be is in the woods. I enjoy exploring hiking trails with my family. My favorite way to unwind is by curling up with a good book!
Tracy Peter Hoen
Berlin Elementary School
K–5 Reading Specialist
What is your new role/position at the Berlin Central School District and how long have you been with the district?
This year, I am thrilled to step into the role of K–5 Reading Specialist. I’ve been a part of BCSD for 24 years, spending the majority of that time in third grade. Over the years, I’ve also served as the K–12 ELA Curriculum Coordinator and as a Literacy Coach. Before coming to Berlin, I began my teaching career in North Carolina, where I taught for two years.
What excites you most about taking on this new opportunity?
Reading has always been one of my greatest passions, and nothing brings me more joy than helping children grow into confident readers. I love sharing books, sparking excitement, and helping students discover the stories and genres that inspire them. I’m especially looking forward to working across all grade levels, building strong foundations in reading, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning in every student.
What in your previous positions and time at Berlin CSD do you feel will help you going forward?
My time in third grade gave me invaluable experience in fostering both the skills and the love of reading. In addition, my work as a Literacy Coach and ELA Curriculum Coordinator allowed me to research best practices, implement innovative strategies, and collaborate with colleagues to support student success. These experiences have shaped my approach to teaching literacy, and I am excited to bring that knowledge and perspective into this new role.
What are your interests outside of school?
I am married to my high school sweetheart of 29 years, and together we have two children, along with two lovable Cocker Spaniels who keep us busy and active. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, gardening, reading, playing tennis, and hiking with our dogs. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a good book or an outdoor adventure, I love finding balance and joy in both
Miranda Smith
Berlin Middle High School
Teaching Assistant
What is your new role/position at the Berlin Central School District and how long have you been with the district?
I am a Teaching Assistant at Berlin Middle High School. I have been with the district for a year as a monitor at BES.
What excites you most about taking on this new opportunity?
Getting to encourage students to try their best and help meet their academic goals.
What are your interests outside of school?
I have a small family, my husband Luke and daughter June. I am interested in baking, reading, art, and decorating for holidays and events.
Nicole Russell
Berlin Elementary School
Teaching Assistant
What is your education background?
I recently graduated from Hudson Valley Community College and received a Teaching Assistant Certificate, TAC. I am a parent to parent advocate for special needs. I have been at Berlin CSD going four years as Special Education Teacher Assistant sub, before being hired for this position.
Previous jobs: Radio Announcer for 4 years, I worked for Wildwood Programs for 3 years (School and Residential), and Catholic Charities.
Tell us about your family?
I have been married to my husband Jerry for almost three years come Oct 1st. We have four children. Angelle the oldest is in College, we have three children in the Berlin CSD, Juliana who is Junior, Phoebe in 7th grade, and Jonah who is in 3rd grade. We like taking trips together, baking and listening to music. We like to dance too!
What are your interests outside of school?
Outside of school my interests are crafting, dancing, drawing, baking, spending time with my family and my chickens, hiking and especially laughing! I always love to hear the funny stories children have to tell.
Emily Beretvas
Berlin Middle School
6th Grade ELA Teacher
6th Grade ELA teacher
What is your education background?
I went to Shaker High School then HVCC where I studied Liberal Arts and Sciences. Then I went to SUNY New Paltz and studied Adolescent Education with a concentration in English. I just graduated from New Paltz in May!
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I just graduated college so the only official teaching jobs I have had were substitute positions during college. However, I taught swimming for thirteen years and I have been a nanny/babysitter for as long as I can remember. I love working with kids of all ages and helping them learn and grow.
Tell us about your family?
I currently live with my parents in Albany, they are wonderful people and I am so lucky to have them. I have two older brothers, one lives in Alaska and flies fighter jets, and the other lives on Long Island and is currently in Med school.
What are your interests outside of school?
As an ELA teacher, it’s stereotypical of me to say I love reading and writing, but I really do love both. In the summers, I spend the whole time waterskiing. I am on a semi-professional waterski team and we perform “shows” every Tuesday night, they are free to the public:) We practice pretty much every evening and even if we’re not practicing, you can find me waterskiing with my family. My goal for this winter is to re-learn how to snow ski, I haven’t done it in years and I want to try again. Usually in the winter you can find me reading, writing, crafting, playing board games, etc. I am always ready to try new things though so my hobbies change/grow often.
I can’t wait to help all students learn and grow, as well as work with families and the communities to ensure a great education for all.
Savanna Caldwell
Berlin High School
School Counselor (Grades 10-12)
What is your new position at BCSD?
I am the new High School Counselor, I work with students grades 10-12 this year.
What is your education background?
The University at Buffalo is where I went for my undergraduate degree, and I graduated from The College of Saint Rose with a Master of Education in School Counseling degree.
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I have been a long-term substitute school counselor at Lansingburgh CSD and Queensbury High School. I’ve also worked as a substitute teacher in Averill Park CSD and worked for 9 years at a before- and after-school program.
What are your interests outside of school?
Outside of school you can catch me attending concerts, musicals and sporting events across the Northeast. I’m also a bit of a nerd who loves movies, tv shows and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Allie Wolfe
Berlin Elementary School
Fourth Grade Teacher
What will your role/position be in the district?
I am the new fourth-grade teacher at BES! I am very excited to be a part of the BES community and look forward to making a positive impact on the students’ learning journey.
What is your education background?
I graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Russell Sage College. Building upon that, in 2025, I earned a master’s degree in teaching from Western Governors.
What is your background like – previous jobs?
My journey into education has been diverse and enriching. I started working in schools in 2019 as an after-school counselor in an inner-city district, where I learned the importance of providing support and guidance to students from various backgrounds. Upon moving to Hoosick Falls in 2021, I became a substitute teacher at HFCSD, where I gained valuable classroom experience and developed my teaching strategies over the course of four school years! Before that, I was a stay-at-home parent, but I also worked intermittently in the food and beverage industry, which taught me about teamwork and customer service.
Tell us about your family?
My family! My favorite moments are spent with my husband and our son, Brooks. He is the light of my life! We are a family that includes a dog, a cat, a bird, and chickens.
What are your interests outside of school?
Beyond my love for teaching, I engage in a variety of activities. Some allow me to relax, recharge, and connect with nature and creativity, while others inspire me to make a difference in the lives of others. I find great fulfillment in my involvement with the rare disease community. I co-lead the Capital Region chapter for Cure SMA, where I have the opportunity to advocate, educate, and collaborate nationally. I also enjoy gardening, hiking, and fishing, activities I wish I could pursue more frequently. Furthermore, I enjoy painting and have recently begun exploring watercolors. Of course, nothing compares to spending quality time with my family and creating lasting memories.
Dr. Emily W. Tergliafera
Berlin Elementary School
K-2 Bright STARS Special Education Teacher
What is your position at BMHS?
Special Education Teacher for BES K-2 Special Class, the Bright STARS Program. STARS is the acronym at BCSD for “Students Taking Action and Responsibility for Success.”
What is your education background?
I graduated from Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton, Massachusetts in 2001. I completed an Associates Degree in Marketing & Management in 2008 at Schenectady County Community College, transferring that to SUNY Albany and completing my Bachelors in Business Administration in 2010. At that point, I decided to become a teacher and completed my Masters in Special Education and Literacy at SUNY Albany, graduating in 2012 with my teaching degree and certifications in Special Ed (B-2, 1-6), Gen Ed (B-2, 1-6), and Literacy (B-6). After teaching for some years, I was invited back to SUNY Albany by one of my education professors to take part in a special education leadership grant for a doctoral degree. I completed my PhD in Educational Psychology and Methodology, concentration Special Education in 2022. My research specialized in students with emotional and behavioral disorders as well as teacher preparation, both special education and general education.
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I have had all manner of jobs in my life, all the way back to picking raspberries for $1 a bucket in elementary school, babysitting in middle school, after school jobs at various retail stores in high school, waitressing and bartending until I went to college, when I worked as a temp for various offices until I finished my business degree. During the time I completed my masters in teaching, I worked as a tutor for various families after school.
My first teaching job out of college was as a special education teacher in Rutland, Vermont for Rutland City Public Schools, where I co-taught sixth grade at Rutland Intermediate School. I worked there for two years and then accepted a job in Bennington, VT where I taught an inclusion class of first and second graders at Bennington Elementary School for two years.
During the time I worked on my PhD, I had various jobs within the Special Education Department at SUNY Albany. I was a TA for graduate level literacy practicum courses for various professors. I taught my own undergraduate courses: Intro to Human Exceptionality and Teaching Students with Emotional and Behavioral Problems. I also was a supervisor and mentor for student teachers and special education interns in the field for many years, observing and evaluating teaching and providing feedback and support to candidates who completed the teacher preparatory programs at SUNY Albany.
I ultimately realized through my experiences in academia that I wanted to be back teaching elementary school. I accepted a job at Lansingburgh City School District in 2022 instead of pursuing a career in higher education. I taught there for three years, co-teaching in third grade and then teaching the SEL Room for grades 3-5 with students who have severe emotional and behavioral challenges. I am now excited to continue my career here in Berlin, so close to where I live!
Tell us about your family?
I am very close with my family, they are a huge part of my life. I grew up in rural Massachusetts with my dad and three older brothers, as the youngest and the only girl. My mom, a textile design artist, moved to Tennessee when I was young. My dad is a contractor and ran heavy construction equipment for much of my childhood. I moved to Petersburg in the summer of 2017. I still live there with my husband Chris, and our three pets: our rescue puggle Lexi and our two Maine Coon cats, Aslaan and Prince Caspian.
What are your interests outside of school?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our pets, whether that is sitting inside playing video games and binge watching our favorite shows, enjoying a nice meal out, or traveling to our favorite vacation spots. I always love to be in nature, sitting outside enjoying a mountain view. I like walking and when I feel ambitious, riding my mountain bike. I am a crafter and love creating things with my Cricut. I like the simple things in life, and have always felt the most at home in the country where there is nature, peace, and a slow pace.