WCDS Welcomes 18 New Faculty and Staff

August 19th 2024

Westchester is pleased to welcome the following new faculty and staff members for the 2024-25 school year:

Dr. Diana Parente joined WCDS as head of Upper School. She has been an educator for more than two decades with an array of roles in teaching and leadership. She has taught history in a variety of disciplines, served as an athletic director for 13 years, and has coached girls’ soccer at the middle school and varsity levels. Parente is also a consultant researcher and writer contributing to scholarly publications for the Women’s Sports Foundation. Her major contributions include serving as scholar reviewer for the “50 Years of Title IX: We Are Not Done Yet” report and contributing writer for the study “Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact of Girls’ Mental Health.” Parente has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Syracuse University, a Master of Arts in social studies education 6-12 and a Master of Arts in school building leadership, both from New York University, and a Doctor of Education in K-12 Urban Education Leadership from the University of Southern California. Her son, Colton, is in third grade at WCDS.

Dr. Diana Parente joined WCDS as head of Upper School. She has been an educator for more than two decades with an array of roles in teaching and leadership. She has taught history in a variety of disciplines, served as an athletic director for 13 years, and has coached girls’ soccer at the middle school and varsity levels. Parente is also a consultant researcher and writer contributing to scholarly publications for the Women’s Sports Foundation. Her major contributions include serving as scholar reviewer for the “50 Years of Title IX: We Are Not Done Yet” report and contributing writer for the study “Thriving Through Sport: The Transformative Impact of Girls’ Mental Health.” Parente has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Syracuse University, a Master of Arts in social studies education 6-12 and a Master of Arts in school building leadership, both from New York University, and a Doctor of Education in K-12 Urban Education Leadership from the University of Southern California. Her son, Colton, is in third grade at WCDS.

Mr. Billy McArthur joined WCDS as the director of food services. He comes to WCDS with a wealth of experience in the food industry, including more than 20 years in restaurants and catering in New York and New Jersey. He is the former chef at The Pingry School in New Jersey and head chef at Camp Mah-kee-nac in Massachusetts. Considering his role to be like “sending a Vegetable Superhero into a snack showdown,” he is dedicated to teaching children about real food that provides the nutrition they need.

Mr. Billy McArthur joined WCDS as the director of food services. He comes to WCDS with a wealth of experience in the food industry, including more than 20 years in restaurants and catering in New York and New Jersey. He is the former chef at The Pingry School in New Jersey and head chef at Camp Mah-kee-nac in Massachusetts. Considering his role to be like “sending a Vegetable Superhero into a snack showdown,” he is dedicated to teaching children about real food that provides the nutrition they need.

Mr. Donnie Sellers joined WCDS as a facilities manager. He is a 2014 graduate of Westchester and joined the athletics staff as an assistant coach for the Varsity Baseball team last year. Sellers was previously inducted into the Westchester Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020.

Mr. Jaegar Nance joined WCDS as a facilities manager. Previously, he served as assistant facility manager at Summerfield Athletic Park and for the High Point Rockers. He has a bachelor’s degree in sport management with a minor in marketing and a master’s degree in communication business leadership from High Point University.

Mrs. Na-Twan Allen joined WCDS as the Lower School counselor. She has worked in outpatient therapist roles, including her own practice, Transforming Senses PLLC at Congdon Yards. She also worked in social services, including two years with the AmeriCorps partnership to end homelessness. Allen has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling from Wake Forest University. She is a licensed therapist and a certified Positive Discipline educator. Her son, Denver, is in kindergarten at WCDS and she has two future Wildcats.

Mrs. Na-Twan Allen joined WCDS as the Lower School counselor. She has worked in outpatient therapist roles, including her own practice, Transforming Senses PLLC at Congdon Yards. She also worked in social services, including two years with the AmeriCorps partnership to end homelessness. Allen has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling from Wake Forest University. She is a licensed therapist and a certified Positive Discipline educator. Her son, Denver, is in kindergarten at WCDS and she has two future Wildcats.

Dr. Megan B. Rives joined WCDS as an academic support teacher in the Lower School. She is entering her 24^th year in education having previously served as a teacher, assistant principal, district level supervisor, instructional coach, Piedmont Triad regional coach and Piedmont Triad dyslexia delegate. She is a certified Reading Research to Classroom Practice (RRtCP), Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), and Dyslexia trainer. She will complete Wilson Reading certification this fall. She is an adjunct professor in reading instruction at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Rives has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, along with an Education Specialist and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wingate University. She has three children at WCDS: Carrigan in kindergarten, Holden in fourth grade, and Camden in fifth grade.

Dr. Megan B. Rives joined WCDS as an academic support teacher in the Lower School. She is entering her 24^th year in education having previously served as a teacher, assistant principal, district level supervisor, instructional coach, Piedmont Triad regional coach and Piedmont Triad dyslexia delegate. She is a certified Reading Research to Classroom Practice (RRtCP), Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), and Dyslexia trainer. She will complete Wilson Reading certification this fall. She is an adjunct professor in reading instruction at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Rives has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina Charlotte, along with an Education Specialist and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wingate University. She has three children at WCDS: Carrigan in kindergarten, Holden in fourth grade, and Camden in fifth grade.

Mrs. Hannah Ocegueda joined WCDS as a second grade teacher. Entering her sixth year of teaching, she previously taught kindergarten in public and charter schools. She has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Appalachian State University.

Mrs. Melissa Woodward joined WCDS as a fifth grade teacher. She has been an educator since 2007, working in many capacities including AIG specialist and classroom teacher. She has a passion for gifted and talented education, especially for students who have multiple exceptionalities, and has presented on twice exceptional education at several conferences. She is also a Past Presiding Governor of the Colorado Academy of Educators for the Gifted, Talented, and Creative. She has a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and literacy and a Master of Arts in special education with a focus on gifted and talented students from the University of Northern Colorado. Two of her five children attend WCDS: Ari in first grade and Robby in fifth grade.

Mrs. Melissa Woodward joined WCDS as a fifth grade teacher. She has been an educator since 2007, working in many capacities including AIG specialist and classroom teacher. She has a passion for gifted and talented education, especially for students who have multiple exceptionalities, and has presented on twice exceptional education at several conferences. She is also a Past Presiding Governor of the Colorado Academy of Educators for the Gifted, Talented, and Creative. She has a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and literacy and a Master of Arts in special education with a focus on gifted and talented students from the University of Northern Colorado. Two of her five children attend WCDS: Ari in first grade and Robby in fifth grade.

Ms. Camille Oakley joined WCDS as a Lower School assistant in pre-K. She previously served as a substitute teacher at WCDS. She has a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a STEM concentration from North Carolina State University.

Mr. Andy McGeagh joined WCDS as the early childhood music teacher. He teaches pre-K through second grade classes. He has taught music in early childhood programs and public schools for several years. His experience includes working for Education Through Music, a nonprofit in New York City. After earning a First Steps in Music certification in infant, toddler and early childhood music from Hofstra University, he was selected to launch ETM’s first early childhood music program at Riverdale Temple Nursery School in the North Bronx. After teaching for three years in Greensboro, he opened his own private music education business, through which he serves several childcare facilities, hosts family classes and provides private lessons for beginning musicians. McGeagh has a Bachelor of Arts in music education and a Master in Music Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Mr. Andy McGeagh joined WCDS as the early childhood music teacher. He teaches pre-K through second grade classes. He has taught music in early childhood programs and public schools for several years. His experience includes working for Education Through Music, a nonprofit in New York City. After earning a First Steps in Music certification in infant, toddler and early childhood music from Hofstra University, he was selected to launch ETM’s first early childhood music program at Riverdale Temple Nursery School in the North Bronx. After teaching for three years in Greensboro, he opened his own private music education business, through which he serves several childcare facilities, hosts family classes and provides private lessons for beginning musicians. McGeagh has a Bachelor of Arts in music education and a Master in Music Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Ms. Amy Schenck joined WCDS as a Middle School English teacher. She teaches sixth and seventh grade literature classes. She comes to WCDS with eight years of experience teaching English, social studies, special education and career explorations in public schools. Her interests include reading, photography, eSports, makerspaces, broadcasting and coding.

Mr. Brandon Schlosser joined WCDS as a physical education teacher. He teaches Lower School and Middle School PE classes and serves as a Middle School advisor. He is also a coach and assistant coach for several athletic teams. He comes to Westchester with experience as an exceptional children’s teacher and elementary PE teacher for schools in Randolph and Alamance counties. He has a Bachelor of Science in physical education and health teaching education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Mr. Brandon Schlosser joined WCDS as a physical education teacher. He teaches Lower School and Middle School PE classes and serves as a Middle School advisor. He is also a coach and assistant coach for several athletic teams. He comes to Westchester with experience as an exceptional children’s teacher and elementary PE teacher for schools in Randolph and Alamance counties. He has a Bachelor of Science in physical education and health teaching education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Mr. Dale Dilworth joined WCDS as an Upper School English teacher. He teaches Advanced English 10, English 11 Honors and AP English Language and Composition. Dilworth has been teaching for 36 years, most recently at the American School Foundation in Mexico City. He also taught at The Chinquapin School, The American School of Tampico, The American School Foundation of Guadalajara, St. Agnes (Chicago) and St. Paul (Chicago). Dilworth has a Bachelor of Arts from Knox College and a Master of Education from Framingham State University. He enjoys biking, swimming and reading.

Mr. Dale Dilworth joined WCDS as an Upper School English teacher. He teaches Advanced English 10, English 11 Honors and AP English Language and Composition. Dilworth has been teaching for 36 years, most recently at the American School Foundation in Mexico City. He also taught at The Chinquapin School, The American School of Tampico, The American School Foundation of Guadalajara, St. Agnes (Chicago) and St. Paul (Chicago). Dilworth has a Bachelor of Arts from Knox College and a Master of Education from Framingham State University. He enjoys biking, swimming and reading.

Mrs. Martha Dilworth joined WCDS as an Upper School Spanish teacher. She has taught Spanish as a second language and pre-AP Spanish for middle and high school students for eight years. She also taught and assisted in pre-K and first grade classrooms for 21 years. She has a Master of Education from Framingham State University.

Ms. Marie Kaufman joined WCDS as an Upper School English teacher. She teaches English 10 Honors, World Literature and AP English Literature and Composition. She has more than 15 years of experience teaching at the middle school, high school, and college levels and in a variety of settings, including a nonprofit literary and creative writing center and a homeschool enrichment program. Most recently, she was an English instructor and the teacher librarian at Skyline High School in Longmont, Colorado. She is also a writer of fiction and a lover of books, art and nature. Kaufman has a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida Atlantic University.

Ms. Marie Kaufman joined WCDS as an Upper School English teacher. She teaches English 10 Honors, World Literature and AP English Literature and Composition. She has more than 15 years of experience teaching at the middle school, high school, and college levels and in a variety of settings, including a nonprofit literary and creative writing center and a homeschool enrichment program. Most recently, she was an English instructor and the teacher librarian at Skyline High School in Longmont, Colorado. She is also a writer of fiction and a lover of books, art and nature. Kaufman has a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida Atlantic University.

Ms. Selma Middleton joined WCDS as a receptionist and office assistant. She previously worked as an information technology professional with project management, customer service and academic administrative support experience. A native of Dominica in the West Indies, she has a Master of Science in health information technology from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from Saint Leo University. She looks forward to greeting school families and visitors with enthusiasm, integrity and respect.

Ms. Selma Middleton joined WCDS as a receptionist and office assistant. She previously worked as an information technology professional with project management, customer service and academic administrative support experience. A native of Dominica in the West Indies, she has a Master of Science in health information technology from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from Saint Leo University. She looks forward to greeting school families and visitors with enthusiasm, integrity and respect.

Mr. Braden Jarosz joined WCDS as a piano instructor. He will be teaching private music lessons through the WCDS School of Music. He is a tenor and pianist from the Capitol Region of New York. Throughout his career, he has participated in NYSSMA Area All-State, All-State and ACDA All-Eastern, as well as Albany Pro Musica’s apprenticeship program and various school theatre and community theatre programs. He initially studied vocal performance and music theory at the Crane School of Music in the vocal studio of Dr. Lonel Woods before completing his undergraduate studies in vocal performance at Liberty University. He also enjoyed teaching at Allegro Music School. Currently, he is studying with Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink at Salem College in the Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique and Pedagogy program.

Mr. Braden Jarosz joined WCDS as a piano instructor. He will be teaching private music lessons through the WCDS School of Music. He is a tenor and pianist from the Capitol Region of New York. Throughout his career, he has participated in NYSSMA Area All-State, All-State and ACDA All-Eastern, as well as Albany Pro Musica’s apprenticeship program and various school theatre and community theatre programs. He initially studied vocal performance and music theory at the Crane School of Music in the vocal studio of Dr. Lonel Woods before completing his undergraduate studies in vocal performance at Liberty University. He also enjoyed teaching at Allegro Music School. Currently, he is studying with Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink at Salem College in the Injury Preventive Keyboard Technique and Pedagogy program.

Ms. Megan Spencer joined WCDS as a food services staff member. She has previous experience working in restaurants and is excited to continue her work in the school setting.