Our Leadership

Kevin Mara, Dean of Culture
קווין מארה, רכז תרבות

Kevin Mara is entering his second year as the Dean of Culture at HLA2. He has more that 18 years of experience in education, including 10 years in leadership positions across three networks. Kevin is committed to helping create a school environment where students, staff, and families feel a sense of empowerment. He has three kids of his own under 6 and as a K-4 Dean, understands how important early education is for our students especially during these extraordinary times.

Contact Kevin: kmara@hla2.org

Sarit Delouya, Academic Dean of Hebrew
שרית דלויה, רכזת לימודי העברית

Sarit Delouya is the founding Academic Dean of Hebrew at HLA2. She has more than 15 years’ experience working as a Hebrew teacher and has a strong background in Hebrew curriculum and instruction with the proficiency approach for second language acquisition. Sarit earned her B.Ed at Oranim- The Academic College of Education in Kiryat Tiv’on, Israel.

Lizzie Shander, Special Education Coordinator
ליזי שנדר, מתאמת חינוך מיוחד

Lizzie Shander is excited to join HLA2 as the Special Education Coordinator, where she will coach and manage the Student Support Team. She has experience working as an ICT co-teacher, an interventionist, and Director of Learning Supports. Lizzie has a Masters in General and Literacy Education from Bank Street College of Education and is working on her credential as a school building leader. Lizzie is committed to creating learning environments where all students including those with learning differences and those learning English as a Second Language can thrive.

Valencia Chapman, Academic Dean
ואלנסיה צ׳פמן, רכזת פדגוגית

Valencia Chapman is thrilled to begin her 2nd year as Academic Dean of Instruction at HLA2. She has over 13 years’ experience as an educator. She oversees curriculum implementation and teacher development. Valencia also coaches and supports Kindergarten, First and Second grade teachers. Before coming to HLA2, Valencia served as a teacher, Intervention Specialist, Dean of Instruction and Assistant Principal in various schools. She is excited to continue working with the students and teachers this year. Valencia believes that all children can be successful when given the right resources. This belief drives her work to ensure students and teachers receive the necessary support to be successful. Valencia graduated from Lehman College with a B.A in Mass Communications. Realizing that her calling was education, she enrolled in St. John’s University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Education and an Advanced Certificate in School Building Leadership. When she is not at school, Valencia enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and testing out new recipes.

Alyssa Pigott – Academic Dean Grades 3-5
אליסה פיגוט – רכזת אקדמית לכיתות ג׳-ה׳

Hello! My name is Alyssa Pigott. I am a born and raised Long Islander! I am so excited to begin my 5th year at HLA2. I have taught 1st and 3rd Grade ICT here at HLA2. What motivates me each day is the passion, collaboration, and love that the HLA2 team & family gives to our students and community each and every day! I started teaching straight out of St. Joseph’s College where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Child Study (B-6 gen/sped). I then continued my education at St. John’s University where I received my Master’s degree in TESOL. In my spare time you can catch me on a beach, shopping or reading a good book with a coffee. I am so excited and grateful to be part of the Leadership Team this year and look forward to continued collaboration and communication!