Julian Curtiss School
New Staff Members 2015-2016
Ms. Dana Parsons – Kindergarten
Ms. Parson’s credentials include a BA in Psychology and a Masters of Early Childhood Education. Ms. Parsons joins us
following three years as a successful teacher at Greenwich Catholic School where she taught preschool and 1st grades.
Ms. Parson plans and speaks at Manhattanville College Alumni Group in Purchase New York. She has a published children’s
book, “Can Caterpillar’s Fly? Published by Page Publishing in January 2014. Ms. Parsons grew up in Westchester as an only
child and recently moved to Stamford. She enjoys cooking and spending time with her dog, Honey.
Welcome to Julian Curtiss Ms. Parsons.
Ms. Madeleine Hannah– 1st grade
Ms. Hannah’s credentials include a BA with a concentration in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Childhood Education. Ms.
Hannah has been teaching at the Trevor Day School in Manhattan for the last four years in first and second grades. If that
school sounds familiar that is where Ms. Vanessa Sylvester, fourth grade teacher, taught before joining the Julian Curtiss team.
Ms. Hannah studied in Australia, is familiar with the work of the Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project, and utilizes
strategies planned in Responsive Classrooms. Ms. Hannah was newly married this summer and lives in New York City with her
husband Chris. They will be relocating to Fairfield County this year. Welcome to our team Ms. Hannah!
Ms. Colleen Sexton – 1st grade
Ms. Sexton’s credentials include a BS with a concentration in Education and a MA in Teaching with a concentration in Reading.
Ms. Sexton has worked in New Canaan in fifth grade, second grade and kindergarten, all long -term substitute positions. In
addition she taught third grade in the New Milford School District.
Ms. Sexton has led her classrooms with a Responsive Classroom approach and is experienced in working in a Readers and
Writers Workshop environment. She has designed and implemented units of study in math, science and social studies. Ms.
Sexton grew up in Ridgefield with her three brothers. Additionally, she enjoys coaching lacrosse for the town of Ridgefield.
Ms. Erika Thomas - 2nd grade
Ms. Thomas’s credentials include a BA in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. She joins Julian
Curtiss with 20 years of experience teaching elementary school. She has utilized the Teachers College Reading and Writing
Project Units of Study, completed International Baccalaureate Inquiry training, and has held leadership roles in math, science
and social studies.
Most recently Ms. Thomas taught at Cassingham Elementary School in the Bexley School District in Ohio where she taught
grades 1-3 since 2008. Prior to that she was at Keeth Elementary School in Winter Springs Florida where she taught 1 st and
2nd grades. Erika moves to the New York/Connecticut area to be with her new husband, Matt, and his two boys Jaden and
Jack. Welcome Ms. Thomas!
James Librandi – 5th grade
Mr. Librandi’s credentials include a BS in Psychology and a MS in Elementary Education. Mr. Librandi has worked in the
Greenwich Public Schools since 2008. He spent most of that time at North Mianus School as a Special Education Professional
Assistant in fourth grade. Mr. Librandi completed a first grade maternity leave at Julian Curtiss in the 2014-2015 school year
and he did such a wonderful job we decided to invite him back!
Mr. Librandi is a Greenwich native and a graduate of Greenwich High School. He is engaged to be married to Hamilton Avenue
fifth grade teacher, Tina Mediate. They will have lots to talk about this school year.
Welcome Mr. Librandi!
Meredith Blunt - Special Education
Ms. Blunt has a BA from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, as well as dual certification in Elementary Education and
Special Education. Ms. Blunt comes to us from Western Middle School where she served as a long term substitute last year.
Prior to that, she was the lead Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Ducklings Early Learning Center in Kennett Square, PA and had
student teaching and substitute experience at both the elementary and middle school levels.
Ms. Blunt has experience working collaboratively with her team to serve students with a wide range of diverse needs. She is
also skilled at developing and implementing IEPs, as well as conducting evaluations. We are fortunate to welcome Ms. Blunt to
the JC team this year!