A warm welcome to all our new staff joining the Mountaineer community this school year! Each brings a unique blend of passion and talent to our district.
Please take a moment to welcome: Jodi Hogsberg, Director of Pupil Personnel Services; Isabella Nicholas, 6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher; Jennifer Richards, 3rd Grade Teacher; Elijah Truax-Sutton, 4th and 5th Grade Instrumental Teacher; Emily Turriglio, Pre-K Teacher; and Elaina Heidinger, Middle/High School Counselor (please note that Mr. Shaw will be moving to the Elementary building this school year), and read on to learn more about them in their own words below.
Jodi Hogsberg (pronounced hoos-bear)
Berlin Central School District
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
What will your role/position be in the district?
I’m thrilled to join the Berlin Central School District family as the new Director of Pupil Personnel Services! In short, I’ll be leading and supporting our special education programs, Section 504 plans, and student support services. My main goal is to work side-by-side with our students, families, teachers, and staff to make sure every child gets what they need to truly thrive. I’m a huge believer in creating an environment where every student feels they belong, is held to high expectations, and gets the chance to build real confidence and independence. The first priority I’m most excited about is to just listen, learn, build connections, and get to know the wonderful Berlin community.
What is your educational background?
I have always loved learning! I started at The College of Saint Rose, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Childhood/Special Education and later my first Master’s in Literacy. From there, I earned a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from Canisius College. My education really mirrors the paths I’ve walked as an educator—from special education and literacy instruction to district leadership. I truly consider myself a lifelong learner, constantly looking for new ways to better support our kids, families, and teachers.
What is your professional background?
I’ve been in education for over 20 years now, and every step of the journey has been deeply rewarding. I started out in the classroom as a special education teacher, later moving into literacy curriculum and assessment where I helped teachers and students with evidence-based learning and interventions. For the last seven years, I’ve served as a district-level administrator—including roles as Director of Special Education and Assistant Director of Student Support Services. I’ve had the privilege of supporting programs for kids from preschool all the way to age 22, guiding CSE/CPSE processes, building strong MTSS systems, and supporting our amazing staff. At the end of the day, I believe great schools are built on strong relationships, teamwork, and putting students at the center of every decision we make.
Tell us about your family.
My family is my world. My husband, Klaus, and I are the proud parents of two wonderful sons. Being a parent gives me a special perspective on this work—I know firsthand the deep trust families place in their schools and the high hopes we all have for our kids. My family has been my biggest cheerleading squad throughout my career, and they are so excited for me to start this new chapter at Berlin! Together, we love camping, traveling, laughing, and just being there for each other through all of life’s moments.
What are your interests outside of school?
When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me spending quality time with my family and friends, reading, or working on a fun creative project. A big highlight for us is traveling to Denmark to visit my husband’s family. I’m also a big fan of good coffee, staying organized, and planning fun events or trips that bring people together. Whether I’m mapping out a family vacation or catching up with a friend over a hot cup of coffee, I’m all about creating great memories and connections
Isabella Nicholas
Berlin Middle School
6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher
What will your role/position be in the district?
I am so excited to be joining the district as the 6th Grade ELA Teacher!
What is your education background?
I attended SUNY Oneonta for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) and my master’s degree in Literacy (Birth–Grade 12).
What is your background like – previous jobs?
Before joining the district, I worked as a paraprofessional and a reading intervention teacher. I have always loved working with students and helping them grow as readers, writers, and learners!
Tell us about your family.
I am very close with my family, and they all still live in Niskayuna, where I grew up. Education has always been a big part of my family. Both of my parents worked in schools before retiring. My mom was a school psychologist, and my dad was a school counselor.
What are your interests outside of school?
Outside of school, I love reading, shopping, traveling, and playing video games with my friends! I also love exploring new places. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Finland and Estonia, which are two of my favorite countries I have ever visited!
Jennifer Richards
Berlin Elementary School
Third Grade Teacher
My name is Ms. Richards, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as your child’s 3rd grade teacher this year! I cannot wait to get to know each of your children and embark on this exciting learning journey together.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Education, which have given me a deep understanding of how children learn and grow. My passion for teaching has taken me around the world—I’ve had the privilege of working in Italy, Los Angeles, New York City, and Miami. These diverse experiences have shaped my teaching philosophy and helped me appreciate the unique backgrounds and perspectives that each student brings to our classroom.
Outside of school, I love reading, writing, and playing guitar. I believe that fostering a love of learning extends beyond the classroom, and I’m excited to share my enthusiasm for exploration and creativity with your children.
I am committed to creating a supportive, engaging, and joyful classroom environment where every student feels valued and inspired to do their best. Communication with families is incredibly important to me, and I encourage you to reach out anytime with questions, concerns, or just to share something wonderful about your child.
Thank you for entrusting me with your child’s education. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Warm regards,
Ms. Richards
Elijah Truax-Sutton
Berlin Elementary School
4th & 5th Grade Instrumental Teacher
What will your role/position be in the district?
My position in the school is 4th/5th grade instrumental music, with daily middle/high school band lessons.
What is your education background?
I grew up in Ballston Spa NY, and received my bachelors from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I have been a lifeguard/swim instructor at the YMCA, worked retail, and was in the New York Army National Guard for three years, but this is my first official teaching position!
Tell us about your family.
I am recently married with no children (and one dog). My four other siblings are around the country, with one in California, one in Maine, and two still in New York, and my parents just retired to Maine.
What are your interests outside of school?
My interests outside of school include my family, board games, reading, and playing music.
Emily Turriglio
Berlin Elementary School
Pre-K Teacher
What will your role/position be in the district?
My role with the district will be a Pre-K teacher!
What is your education background?
I graduated high school during Covid from Hoosic Valley. I went on to obtain my associate’s in early childhood through Hudson Valley Community College. I then pursued a bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Rose, where I earned my bachelor’s in Inclusive Early Childhood! I am now working towards my master’s at SUNY Empire, focusing on curriculum and instruction.
What is your background like – previous jobs?
I worked at a daycare while in college and was offered my first teaching job while still student teaching! For the past two years, I have worked at Lansingburgh, where I ran a self-contained K-2nd grade classroom.
Tell us about your family and what your interests are outside of school?
I am one of four siblings, and outside of school, I love to spend time with them, my parents, being outdoors (such as camping and walking), and spending time with my dog.
Elaina Heidinger
Berlin Middle High School
School Counselor
What will your role/position be in the district?
I will be a school counselor at Berlin Middle High School working with students in grades 6-11 for the ’26-’27 school year.
What is your education background?
I just graduated from SUNY New Paltz this spring with my masters in school counseling, and before that I graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2023 with my bachelors in human development and family studies. I’m very excited to start my career at Berlin!
What is your background like – previous jobs?
Before becoming a school counselor, I worked in afterschool programs, summer camps, and other youth enrichment programs.
Tell us about your family and what your interests are outside of school?
As for family, I don’t have any human siblings but I do have a dog sibling! Her name is Faith and she is a lab mix. Outside of work, I love doing anything creative, whether it’s creating art, magnets, or jewelry, or just listening to music. I also enjoy being in nature and going on hikes.