Leadership & Faculty

Nicole Cavaliere, MEd, is a highly experienced and passionate educator specializing in elementary and special education, with a strong commitment to supporting twice-exceptional (2e) learners. She holds a BA in Art and Design Education from Pratt Institute and an MEd in Elementary Education from Hunter College. With over a decade of experience in both public and private educational settings, Nicole has cultivated a deep understanding of differentiated instruction, inclusive teaching practices, and curriculum innovation.

Nicole joined Quad Prep in 2016 and has held a variety of leadership roles, including Head Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, Director of Talent Development, and her current role as Lower School Academic Co-Head. In each of these positions, Nicole played a key role in shaping academic programming and mentoring fellow educators, helping to establish a dynamic and responsive learning environment that nurtures both academic and emotional growth. Her leadership is marked by a collaborative spirit, data-informed decision-making, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every student. She is particularly passionate about professional development, fostering teacher growth, and ensuring that all children have access to meaningful, strengths-based education.

Nicole continues to stay actively engaged in the latest research and trends in special education, giftedness, and neurodiversity to support her work at Quad Prep and the special education community.

Bari Schwartz, PsyD (she/her) is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist with a career dedicated to supporting twice-exceptional (2e) students and their families. Bari joined Quad Prep in 2016 as a Pre-Doctoral Intern, and served the roles of Post-Doctoral Fellow, Psychologist, Chief Psychologist, and Associate Clinical Director, before stepping into her current role as Lower School Clinical Co-Head. With a deep commitment to strengths-based, neuroaffirming, and relational work, Bari oversees the integration of clinical and academic programming to meet the unique needs of students who are both gifted and experience social-emotional or behavioral challenges.

Bari is passionate about adapting evidence-based practices in ways that honor each student’s profile, helping them build resilience, develop self-regulation, and achieve meaningful academic and personal growth. She partners closely with faculty, clinicians, and families to create individualized supports that empower students and strengthen the school-home connection.

Bari’s passion for this work is rooted in the transformation she’s seen firsthand—students learning to thrive as their full selves, and parents feeling more supported, informed, and connected. Her approach is grounded in the belief that when students are understood, they can truly flourish.

Gabrielle (Gabi) has nearly two decades of experience in education, with a strong background in both early childhood and elementary teaching. She holds Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Special Education and Curriculum and Instruction, academic foundations that deeply informed her teaching practice. Her expertise supports a commitment to honoring individual student differences and implementing developmentally responsive, research-based instructional strategies. 

Since joining the Quad Prep team in 2022, Gabi has centered children’s developmental and academic needs while supporting teachers, guiding curriculum work, and fostering strong partnerships with families.

A lifelong learner, Gabi actively pursues professional growth through ongoing development, teacher leadership opportunities, and meaningful collaboration with colleagues. She is deeply committed to creating equitable and inclusive learning environments and continues to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion work both professionally and personally. Outside of school, Gabi enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children, often exploring the many parks of Brooklyn. She also loves cooking, weaving, and enjoying all New York City has to offer.

Summer earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Fordham University and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Montclair State University, where she specialized in working with children and adolescents. Her professional journey began during her senior year at Fordham as an intern at The Quad Preparatory School, where she has since grown into a leadership role after serving in a variety of capacities. Following her Master’s, Summer pursued additional training through Montclair’s three-year School Psychologist Program to further her expertise in comprehensive student support.

In her current role, Summer has spearheaded the development of a Social curriculum aligned with CASEL standards, providing students with intentional, scaffolded instruction in social-emotional learning. She is particularly passionate about embedding SEL into daily routines and ensuring skill generalization across settings. Summer has played a key role in behavior intervention planning and the professional development of staff around proactive strategies. Committed to the intersection of evidence-based practices and individualized care, Summer brings both warmth and data-driven insight to her work supporting students’ emotional regulation, peer connection, and academic engagement.

Brendan Buckley was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, in a log cabin that his parents built. He left Alaska in 2000 to attend college at Harvard University, which he graduated from with a degree in Government. After a year of working in politics in Alaska, he shifted to education, and graduated from Boston University with a Master’s Degree in Secondary Social Studies Education. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors’ University.

After completing his degree at BU, Brendan moved to Brooklyn, where he worked for the public schools, as a private tutor, and as the History and English teacher for the boys in the cast of the Broadway production of Billy Elliot. For twelve years, he had the joy of being a member of the faculty and academic leadership team at York Prep, where he served as a History Teacher, Department Chair, Dean of Curriculum, and Director of Assessment. 

In his non-working time, Brendan can mostly be found wrangling his two children through the playgrounds, pools, and museums of Brooklyn. Brendan enjoys sampling the cuisine of Brooklyn with his wife, exploring his neighborhood on his bike, and swimming with the Coney Island/Brighton Beach Open Water Swim Club.

After beginning her career treating elementary students in a NYC charter school, Athena joined Quad Prep in the summer of 2019 as a speech-language pathologist and social-cognitive therapist. She later served as Lower School Associate Clinical Director for two years, where she supported the clinical development of students in grades K–5 and helped expand key initiatives, including the school's executive functioning program, staff supervision and didactics, and the Lower School-to-Upper School transition. In 2024, Athena stepped into the role of Chief Executive Functioning Specialist and Admissions Liaison. She led the development of a comprehensive executive functioning scope and sequence across both campuses, creating curricula, classes, and trainings for the school's staff and parents. In her new role as Interim Upper School Co-Head, Clinical, Athena is excited to continue supporting Upper School students as they pursue their passions and share their remarkable gifts with themselves and the wider community.

Athena earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Franklin & Marshall College and her Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University. In pursuit of ongoing professional growth, she has completed the Certificate in Meeting the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Children program and many professional courses in Language, Learning, and Executive Functioning.

Outside of work, Athena enjoys Broadway shows, cheering for the Yankees, and traveling with her husband and son.

A veteran educator who has taught at every grade level from preschool through high school, Alicia is an experienced instructional designer and dedicated educational leader, supporting the growth and development of all learners in the school community. Ever a problem-solver, Alicia joined Quad Prep in August of 2020 and has been stalworth to Quad Prep's "not if but how" mantra. She enjoys leading and inspiring young people not only to do their best, but to be their best everyday.

Alicia earned a BA in Biopsychology from Barnard College/Columbia University and an MA in Environmental Conservation Education from New York University. She also earned an MST degree in Adolescent Biology and Special Education from Fordham University. A life-long learner, Alicia is working on two certificate programs: the Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University and the Gifted and Talented Education Certificate from the University of Connecticut at Storrs.

Kirstin Been Spielman has been an educator, school leader, coach, and counselor; has held leadership roles in New York City independent schools, public schools, and summer camps for over three decades; and has extensive clinical experience treating clients at The Center for Educational and Psychological Services operated by Teachers College, Columbia University. 

Kirstin’s expertise in navigating the academic and social challenges of school provides her with a unique perspective on a student’s daily life. She works collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and parents to create actionable strategies and initiatives that ensure student success at school, at home, and in their social and emotional functioning.

Kirstin holds a BA from Connecticut College and an EDM in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University Teachers College.

Alberto joined Quad Prep in 2014, and he developed its first curriculum for foreign languages. Alberto is also a member of the World Leadership Council, which provides a regular forum for world language educators and administrators to discuss and share their questions, concerns, and suggestions with the New York State Education Department.

In Italy, he received a BA in Liberal Arts and an MA in History of Italian Theater and Events Management. Before moving to the United States, Alberto worked as a producer for his theater company, which staged Italian literature masterpieces for middle and high schools. When he moved to NYC, his love for sharing his culture and language combined with his interest in pedagogy pushed him to earn his second MA in Adolescent Education at Hunter College, where he received the Teaching Award in Romance Languages and the Distinction in Graduate Studies Award. Currently, Alberto is furthering his education in the Educational Leadership program at SUNY Fredonia, driven by his desire to have a broader impact on students' educational experiences. 

Before arriving at Quad Prep, Alberto worked with several private language schools where he taught both adults and teenagers. He firmly believes that learning a language must incorporate group interaction that sparks the interest of the students while instilling love and respect for other cultures and nationalities, and consequently creating a sense of community.

Since joining the team in 2018, Lisa, in addition to her current role as Director of College Counseling and Cloverleaf Transitions, has filled several other roles including Director of Talent Development and Upper School Coordinator for Community Partnerships. Lisa brings over 25 years of educational consulting and college counseling experience to Quad Prep. As a member of Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), her background and focus has been dedicated to supporting students from non-traditional educational backgrounds as they transition to higher education. Helping to provide access to underrepresented students is at the heart of the work she has done for decades and has been instrumental in our mission to help students embark on their chosen futures. Lisa's varied background in arts and education has included work as an NYC public school teacher, humanities tutor, educational consultant, college advisor, fiction writer, literary editor, talent agent, and film casting director.

Dr. Melissa Palatucci is one of the original members of the Quad Prep team. She began as Quad Prep's founding psychologist in 2014 and built the Training Program for graduate level interns, externs, and postdoctoral fellows in counseling fields. She has served as Director of Clinical Training and Education throughout her tenure at Quad Prep and has served as a supervisor for many of Quad Prep's counselors and trainees. Melissa has contributed to many aspects of Quad Prep over the years, including the 2e Certificate Program and Cloverleaf Transitions Program. In addition to her oversight of the training program, Melissa is serving as the lead clinical supervisor for the Upper School counseling team for the 2025-26 school year. Melissa holds a BA in psychology and sociology from Duke University and a PsyD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in New York State. 

Samantha (Sam) Semlitz is a native New Yorker with a deep passion for teaching and learning. She has a strong commitment to professional development and excels in envisioning and implementing educational strategies and advancements. 

Sam holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education and a Certificate in Developmental Disabilities from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She received her Masters in Childhood Special Education from Fordham University and is double certified in elementary and special education. Sam has continued to enhance her skills with extensive trainings in the Science of Reading, math and writing intervention. In addition she is Wilson certified and is a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist from the Center for Effective Reading.

Sam’s education led her to diverse professional settings: a baby research lab, behavior modification programs, preschools, charter, public, and private schools. She joined the Quad Prep team eight years ago as its founding Reading Specialist and played a key role in the founding of the Learning Support Department. Before stepping into her current role, Sam served as Quad Prep’s Lower School Chief Learning Specialist and ELA Curriculum Coordinator.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Sam feeds her creative side through visual art, travel, and theater. She is the author of a children’s picture book titled "Through Coda's Eyes” and an adult coloring book called "Color Me Geometrix."

Rachel Vannucci is a seasoned educator and school leader with over two decades of experience in progressive and inclusive education. Since joining Quad Prep in 2023 as the Director of Community Affairs and Exmissions, she has bridged internal support with external advocacy, guiding families through the exmissions process while deepening connections between the school community and broader educational communities.

Rachel’s career began as an elementary school teacher, where she developed the foundation for her student-centered, relationship-driven approach to learning. Prior to joining Quad Prep, she spent sixteen years at The Parkside School, where she served as the Director of Admissions and Special Projects. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s admissions practices, advancing mission-aligned initiatives, and fostering a supportive, student-centered community.

Rachel is known for her thoughtful communication, dedication to inclusion, and deep expertise in supporting students with learning differences and twice-exceptional profiles. With a blend of classroom experience, admissions leadership, and community engagement, Rachel brings a unique and holistic perspective to every educational environment she serves.

Dr. Anna Christodoulou has held a passion and interest for supporting neurodiverse individuals since long before joining the Quad Prep team. Dr. Christodoulou completed her doctoral studies in Professional Educational, Child, and Adolescent Psychology at the University of London where her thesis focused on supporting children’s social and emotional skills at school. She has worked in multiple school settings internationally, serving a diverse population of children as a school psychologist. As Dr. Christodoulou became increasingly passionate about serving children with social and emotional difficulties, she decided to fully devote her career to advocating for twice-exceptional children, and has served our families as the Director of Admissions for the majority of Quad Prep’s existence. Supported by her extensive expertise in the field of psychology and widespread personal connections, Anna compassionately guides every family from application to enrollment each year. She is Greek by background, enjoys anything associated with the sea and sun, and is a proud mother of three girls.

Elmer has more than twenty-five years of accounting, finance, and operations experience from his career in the financial services industry. At his previous firms, including Merrill Lynch, HSBC, and most recently, Jefferies, Elmer served as a financial operations manager and departmental COO and CFO. He has managed both accounting and operations teams, overseen budget creation, and implemented cost controls and process efficiency improvements. He holds an MBA in Accounting and Financial Management from Pace University and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York. Elmer is a proud husband and father of two grown sons.

Dr. Jessica Smith brings a breadth of experience from universities to independent schools. Administratively, she served as the Director of Development for eight years at Mustard Seed School in Hoboken, NJ. During her tenure, she worked with donors at all levels, created a strategy that doubled annual giving, and helped to lead a successful capital campaign for $3 million. Prior to that, she was the Director of Preparatory & Continuing Studies at the Moores School of Music at the University of Houston where she was also a member of the voice faculty. Originally trained as an opera singer, Jessica’s career includes several years teaching music in universities, public schools, and independent schools. She holds a BM from Ithaca College, an MM from University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a DMA from University of Houston.

An expert in the fields of strategic planning, operations, human resources, and finance, Carol brings more than thirty-five years of passionate nonprofit and volunteer work to Quad Prep, all rooted in a deep personal commitment to inclusion, justice, and equitable opportunity. She began her career in the oil and gas futures industry before transitioning to nonprofit work, where she has held leadership positions including Senior Vice President and acting COO of The Century Foundation, Chief Operating Officer at the American Montessori Society, and interim Chief Operating Officer at DataKind. She has also served on the boards and committees of philanthropic and educational organizations, including roles as Treasurer and governance lead. Carol holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College's Executive MPA program and a Bachelor of Science from the City University of New York Baccalaureate Program.

As one of the original members of the Quad Prep team, Emily brings extensive clinical expertise and institutional knowledge to her role. Since joining Quad Prep at the beginning of the school’s first full year, she has been directly involved in the development of the integrated social-emotional curriculum. She supervises candidates in the 2e Certificate program and co-chaired Quad Prep's inaugural accreditation process through NYSAIS. Emily has held various speech-language pathologist and clinical director roles at Quad Prep, and now leads Quad Prep's efforts in monitoring student progress, as well as the training and professional development programs for faculty and staff. Emily received her Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from New York University, holds certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and New York State licensure in speech-language pathology, and obtained New York State Teacher Certification in Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD). She completed the Clinical Training Program through Social Thinking® in 2019, and has participated in ongoing additional training with members of the Social Thinking® Training and Speakers Collaborative. Emily is also an Adjunct Clinical Educator in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Hunter College.