Hicksville Public Schools welcomed three new administrators, Dr. Catherine Carella-Dean, ELA, Reading and Library Supervisor, Dr. Teresa McGrath, Interim Science, Social Studies, Home and Careers Supervisor and Christopher Uccellini, Principal at Lee Avenue Elementary School for the 2024-25 school year. The three each bring unique experiences to their roles that will support the academic, social and emotional needs of the Hicksville students.
Dr. Carella-Dean was until recently the Director of Secondary Humanities for the Patchogue-Medford School District for the last four years as well as Director of PPS and Central Registration for close to a year. For more than 23 years, she held various positions in the Middle Country School District including ELA Chairperson/teacher, English teacher and assistant principal. Dr. Carella-Dean holds a Bachelor of Arts from State University of New York at Cortland, a Master of Arts from Stony Brook University, a MSED from The College of St. Rose and a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement from Concordia University.
Dr. McGrath brings over 25 years experience as a science leader to her new role. Most recently, she was the District Coordinator of Science and Technology Education for Manhasset Schools for four years. She also held administrative roles in the Roosevelt Union Free School District as well as lead position for the Science Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science Marine Biology and Master of Education Elementary Education from LIU-Southampton College and a Doctor of Education from St. John’s University.
Mr. Uccellini has been committed to working with students since earning his Bachelor of Arts in 2004 from The Post University in Connecticut. He holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Dowling College and a second Master of Science in Education Leadership from Stony Brook University. Prior to his new role at Lee Avenue, Mr. Uccellini spent the last five years as the Principal of the Middle High School for grades 6 -12, and James P. Murphy Staten Island Preparatory School for Preschool – 12, AHRC NYC. He was a Principal at Hewlett Elementary School in the Hewlett-Woodmere Public School District for three years as well as an Assistant Principal of Stratford Avenue in the Garden City Public Schools for two years. Also, Principal Uccellini taught third grade for close to seven years between the Eastport and Copiague School Districts.
The district extends congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful school year ahead to Dr. Carella-Dean, Dr. McGrath and Principal Uccellini.
Hicksville Public Schools welcomed new administrators (L-R) ELA, Reading and Library Supervisor Dr. Catherine Carella-Dean, Interim Science, Social Studies, Home and Careers Supervisor Dr. Teresa McGrath, and Lee Avenue Principal Christopher Uccellini for the 2024-25 school year.