973-884-2030 
Main Office Support Staff
973-884-2030 ext. 222
973-884-2030 ext. 220
973-884-2030 ext. 210
Admissions
Business Office – Accounting
Communications
973-884-2030 ext. 251
973-884-2030 ext. 227
973-884-2030 ext. 228
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
IT Specialist
973-884-2030 ext. 218
973-884-2030 ext. 218
Maintenance
Transportation
Supervisors
Victoria Cardona currently supervises the Transition Program which includes 12 Plus, Work Based Learning and Community Based Instruction. As a special education teacher, Ms. Cardona is focused on providing the right supports and tools needed to help our students succeed inside and outside the classroom.
Mr. Vitaletti has been with The Calais School since 1976. As Assistant Director he leads with compassion and understanding as he works individually and along side of staff and faculty to encourage the personal growth of our students. He is a certified School Social Worker, Teacher of the Handicapped and a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist.
Counseling & Specialized Services
Ms. Amaya started with Calais in 2018 as an Instructional Paraprofessional. After obtaining her Master’s Degree in Counseling she joined the Calais Counseling Team as a Social Worker supporting our middle and upper school students. Her experience at Calais in both instructional and counseling roles gives her a unique understanding of our students and a strong foundation for building meaningful, supportive relationships.
Ms. Armero holds a dual B.S. in Neuroscience and Psychology from Ursinus College and a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The New School. She is a licensed, board-certified behavior analyst with over 20 years of experience in special education ranging from early-intervention through adulthood. Her practice focuses on promoting a regulated nervous system to encourage happy, relaxed, and engaged learning. When she’s not laminating visual cues, Ms. Armero enjoys playing tabletop games and reading too many books.
Ms. Braken holds a BA in Communication Studies and Linguistics from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from William Paterson University. She has extensive experience treating a diverse population of children and young adults and is passionate about connecting with her students in a manner that supports their individual needs.
Danielle Ferrara received her MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University in 2017, where she taught courses and coordinated events throughout a two-year fellowship. She went on to teach a variety of ages across diverse communities, from college classrooms to low-income middle schools, and initiated a poetry program for Memory Care residents. Danielle brings a wealth of experience to her role at The Calais School, where she works to foster connections through community and literacy.
Ms. Geise received her MS in Occupational Therapy from The University of Scranton. She joins us from Innovative Therapeutic Services where she continues to work as a staff OT providing early intervention services. She also completed a Level II Clinical at Somerset Hills Therapeutic Riding Center, where she provided Equine Assisted Therapy to pediatric patients.
Ms. Gregorian received her MA in Education with a concentration in Reading from Gordon College. During her studies, she completed an internship at a dyslexia center that specializes in Orton-Gillingham. Prior to becoming a Reading Specialist, she taught third grade for five years. Ms. Gregorian is passionate about working with students in a small group setting.
Ms. Helfer completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Arizona State University. She goes above and beyond to support our students as they work on achieving goals related to communication and social skills. Ms. Helfer is currently completing her Masters in Communication Disorders from Emerson University.
Ms. Horensky holds her Master’s Degree in School Counseling, complementing her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and K–12 Education. She brings valuable experience from her time as a Counseling Intern in Tewksbury and Somerset and as a Paraprofessional in Tewksbury and Clinton Township. As a School Counselor at The Calais School, where she will be supporting high school students in the Upper CRC program.
Mrs. Liberato has been a member of The Calais School Counseling Team since 2009. She is a Certified School Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She practices privately in the Cedar Grove area.
Mr. Louro holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree from New York University and a B.A. in Psychology from St. John’s University. Mr. Louro previously co-facilitated the PEER Program at NYU Langone Child Study Center. In addition, he worked with individuals with developmental disabilities at East End Disability Associates and Family Residences and Essential Enterprises.
Ms. McGuire is a proud graduate of The Calais School! Bella, her Golden Retriever, has been a therapy dog since 2017. Ms. McGuire and Bella work together to facilitate animal assisted therapy sessions with our students.
Mrs. Perri received her BA in Early Childhood Education from Montclair State University and later continued her studies at Teachers College, Columbia University and received her MA in Reading along with her certification as a Reading Specialist. She has over ten years of classroom experience in grades kindergarten, first and second. Mrs. Perri also has small group experience as a reading interventionist and private tutor. She has a passion for teaching reading and bringing out the best in her students.
Ms. Primiano has been the Guidance Counselor at The Calais School since 2013. Before coming to The Calais School, Ms. Primiano was at Create Charter High School in Jersey City, where she worked closely with the administration to develop school programs.
Mrs. Shevchik holds her master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. She is also certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals as a Certified Child Life Specialist. She has formerly worked at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital as a Certified Child Life Specialist in a leadership role for over 22 years.
Ms. Territo is a Behavior Specialist, Psychology teacher and a member of our Counseling Team. She earned a BA in Psychology from Caldwell University with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and Teacher of Psychology Certification. Angela received her MA-certification for Teacher of Student with Disabilities through the NJDOE/ Rutgers University program.
Mrs. Suwan received her BA in Recreation Therapy and a Masters in Science in School Counseling from Walden University. She has 15 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings including public and private schools, hospitals, and recreation centers.
A counselor at The Calais School since 1997, Ms. Vitaletti is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified School Counselor and has a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She teaches yoga classes at Calais and in the community. She is also the co-advisor for the senior class and organizes community projects.
Faculty Directory (A-Z by last name)
Mr. Aquino is professionally affiliated with the New Jersey Music Educators Association, National Guild Piano Teachers Association and the National Association for Music Education. Outside of Calais, Mr. Aquino runs Aquino Piano Music Studio, where he offers private instrumental lessons to students of all ages.
Ms. Barry is a dedicated teacher passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She has experience creating engaging, supportive classroom environments that meet the diverse needs of her students. Ms. Barry is committed to fostering a love of learning and helping each child reach their full potential.
Ms. Bellott has a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and a Teacher of Science degree from William Paterson University, where she minored in Chemistry. She and her husband have owned the floral shop Flowers by Rene in Lake Hiawatha for 30 years.
Mrs. DelliSanti is a graduate of Montclair State University and holds Elementary Education certifications as well as a Teacher of English certification for grades 9 through 12. She holds her Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification along with a Masters degree in Special Education.
Ms. Ervey has been working with high school aged children for 16 years. Fourteen of those years have been spent working as a Transition Coordinator. Ms. Ervey has a passion for helping students lead happy and productive lives. She helps Calais students gain the experience, knowledge and tools needed to successfully pursue post secondary options.
Mr. Fritzky is a dedicated educator and graduate of Seton Hall University. He holds certifications as a Teacher of Elementary School (K–6) and as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities, reflecting his commitment to supporting diverse learners in the classroom. He is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment where every student can grow and thrive.
Ms. Genovese, a dedicated Teacher of Students with Disabilities, has been inspiring and educating students since 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and K-6 Elementary Education from William Paterson University, followed by a master’s in Special Education from Caldwell University in 2015. In 2016, she further enhanced her expertise by earning her Registered Behavior Technician certification.
Mr. Kells is a ten-time Emmy Award-winning director, producer, and writer of television shows, series, and documentaries which include: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, The Rachael Ray Show, Food Network’s “Unwrapped” and “The Everyday.” He also enjoys spending time with his family, photography and perfecting the perfect Bacon, Egg, & Cheese sandwich.
With close to 20 years in education, Mrs. Mallimo-Orna found her true calling after becoming a special education teacher at The Calais School. Mrs. Orna started at Calais as a paraprofessional but transitioned to Visual Arts Teacher. Her passion for art comes through in all the colorful, creative and unexpected art projects she supports her students in completing.
Mrs. Mata teaches high school Spanish at the Calais School. She graduated Cum Laude from Kean University with a BA in Spanish and received her Masters in Spanish Language and Culture from the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain.
Ms. Perillo possesses a Teacher of the Handicapped Certification, Elementary School Teacher K-5, and a Teacher of Psychology Certification. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from New Jersey City University.
Mr. Pignatello brings to The Calais School a wide range of experience in both education and educational administration. His background includes serving as a Principal, Supervisor, Teacher of Students with Disabilities, and School Social Worker. In addition, he is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, adding valuable expertise in supporting the social and emotional needs of students.
Ms. Salaam is a Culinary professional with a BA in Education. She graduated at the top of her class in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts and has traveled the world to complete various Culinary and Pastry courses for advancement and pleasure. She has worked at The Cloister, Sea Island, Georgia, The Ritz Carlton, Tyson’s Corner, Virginia and more.
Mr. Schlieper recently graduated with a degree in Health & Exercise Science from Montclair State University. A life-long athlete and Eagle Scout, he ensures our students stay active, engaged and safe during P.E. Mr. Schlieper keeps class fun and interesting with lots of exciting physical activities and good music. His students love his upbeat attitude.
Ms. Shah graduated from Montclair State University, with a degree in Education. She has an undergraduate degree in Science from University of Mumbai, India. Ms. Shah also has a post Graduate Degree in Guidance and Counseling. In her 12 years of teaching she has worked with students from lower elementary to high school level.
Ms. Wakai is a Special Education Teacher with teaching experience in California and Connecticut. Upon relocating back to New Jersey she joined Calais to teach grades 5th-6th. Ms. Wakai encourages her students by building up their confidence through positive reinforcement and an engaging classroom atmosphere.
Ms. Zapata holds a degree in Early Childhood Education as well as her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis on Autism. She has worked with children of early childhood and elementary school age in clinical and educational settings. Ms. Zapata strives to inspire her students to become life-long learners and provides a supportive and nurturing classroom environment.