South Colonie recognized its 2026 tenure recipients during a reception on Sept. 15, celebrating the teachers, administrators and staff members who reached this important milestone.

The reception brought together this year’s recipients, colleagues and district leaders to recognize their work and commitment to South Colonie students and schools.

“Earning tenure is an important milestone and reflects the work and commitment these educators have shown over the past several years,” said Christopher Robilotti, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Safe Schools. “It was great to have the opportunity to recognize this year’s recipients and celebrate the important role they play in our schools.”

Congratulations to the 2026 tenure recipients:

Administrators

• Melissa Judge
• William Luke

Teachers and Staff

• Melanie Lautenschlager, ELA
• John Dolny, Health
• Shaina Degroult-Elias, World Language
• Amanda Harris, Art
• Frank Pizzo, Elementary
• Elizabeth Breslin, Elementary/STEAM
• Alexis Szesnat, Elementary
• Annah DiBernardo, Reading
• Jennifer D’Arcy, Special Education
• John Angerame, Elementary
• Kristen Dinkels (Gresis), Elementary/STEAM
• Stephanie Cook, Counselor
• Mackenzie Wilson, Counselor
• Heather (Daigneault) Hess, Special Education
• Katelyn Cary, Physical Education
• Colleen Lynn, Technology
• Michael Bellizzi, Elementary
• Racquel Cunningham, Elementary
• Stephen Walsh, Special Education
• Penelope (Falcon) Addorisio, World Language
• Cassidy Medved, Social Studies
• Susan Stone, Business
• Marinna Fink-Flagg, Special Education
• Rachel Freedman, Home and Careers
• Ericka Silverman, Elementary
• Maureen King, Library
• Greg Davis, Social Studies
• Kristin (Komazenski) Wheeler, Elementary
• Jessica LaPoint, Elementary
• Jennifer Carroll, Elementary
• Bridget (Buttermark) McQuade, Elementary
• Erin (Ferraro) Cimino, Elementary
• Renee (Parisi) Cascone, Elementary
• Marjorie Croote, Reading
• Sarah Kaiser, Reading
• Marissa Ray, ENL
• Danielle Welch, Special Education
• Kayla Pariseau, Social Work
• Natalia Dungan, Library
• Jamie Stutzman, Elementary
• Tanya Soroko, Occupational Therapy
• Reed Pagano, Occupational Therapy
• Heather Orkwis, Teaching Assistant
• Heather Mikkelsen, Teaching Assistant
• Patrick Richards, Teaching Assistant
• Ellen Harker, Teaching Assistant
• Elizabeth Gaines, Teaching Assistant
• Catherine Heeran, Teaching Assistant

We are proud to recognize this year’s tenure recipients and thank them for the work they do each day for our students and school community.