Joyous Leader

04/02/2026

Still the gift, just wiser ✨🎁✨
In the lesson, find the blessing - always win ♾️

Thank you ♥️♥️♥️
for makeup
for earrings and accessories
for hosting 🎊

03/14/2026

Hey Joyous! Some moments just hit the heart differently. 🥹
My baby girl just released her new single “Loving Sour” - Arielle 🎶🔥 Watching her step into her gift is everything.
Go stream it and show her some love. Proud mama moment. 💫

12/19/2025

🖤

10/07/2025

Offline, but never off point 🖤

11/10/2024

Hey Joyous!
It’s pure joy to be lifted by the best, inspired to rise, and empowered to serve others with my own light! My heart is full of gratitude for my incredible mentor ♥️

09/07/2024

I’m so excited to begin my 22nd September in education with a new role, serving the community as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Administration in the Elmont Union Free School District.

The district is excited to announce the start of the 2024-2025 school year with a dynamic new leadership team, committed to our mission of cultivating scholars and global citizens. Joining our new Superintendent of Schools Mr. Marlon C. Small are four esteemed administrators who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our district.

The district welcomes Robert Cavaliere, former Assistant Principal of Gotham Avenue School, as the Interim Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Cavaliere began his career in the district as a teacher at Clara H. Carlson School in 2007. In 2020, he advanced to the role of Assistant Principal at Gotham Avenue, where he achieved numerous accomplishments. These include coordinating all extracurricular clubs and tutorials; leading the creation and implementation of Elmont UFSD's first STEAM lab; and implementing the use of the Balanced Literacy approach, including Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading Library, Interactive and Shared Read-Alouds, and Reading and Writing Mini Lessons. Additionally, he facilitated the integration of the math small group instruction workshop model for grades 3-6.

The district also welcomes Johane Ligondé as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Administration. Ms. Ligondé brings over two decades of educational experience, having begun her career as a secondary English teacher. She was a founding member of FDNY High School in Brooklyn, New York where she served as lead English teacher and instructional coach. She went on to lead a pre-K-6 international school in Anguilla as principal and later served as Curriculum Director of ELA, Reading, and Social Studies in the Lawrence School District. As an adjunct instructor at Teachers College, Columbia University, she trained aspiring school leaders. Under her leadership, Shaw Avenue School in Valley Stream received the National Blue-Ribbon Award. Most recently, she spent 11 years as principal of John W. Dodd Middle School in Freeport, where the school received numerous accolades and awards.

Pamela Stamidis, the new Principal of Stewart Manor School, brings 30 years of distinguished experience across public and private education sectors. As the former Assistant Principal at Gotham Avenue School, Ms. Stamidis joined Elmont UFSD in 2018 and made significant contributions to enhancing parent engagement. She has supported critical areas such as data driven instruction. Ms. Stamidis’ leadership is marked by her ability to foster collegial discussions and implement strategic plans to improve student outcomes, all while maintaining a strong focus on teacher development, student, parent engagement and support.

Gotham Avenue School welcomes Sonia Rodrigo as the new Assistant Principal. Ms. Rodrigo served as an Assistant Principal in the Amityville Union Free School District for the past seven years. She was instrumental in collaborating with teachers to develop engaging curricula and fostering a culturally responsive learning environment. Ms. Rodrigo also played a crucial role in implementing Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Plans and coordinating staff development. Prior to that, she worked with the New York City Department of Education for 17 years in multiple roles, including as an elementary teacher, staff developer and assistant principal. Ms. Rodrigo is a dedicated and experienced educational leader with a passion for student success.

02/25/2024

Still me … ❤️

08/28/2022

Happy Sunday! The whole world is in your hands. What will you choose for yourself today? Remember that "not choosing" is also a choice?
Don't blame others for your choices. Own them. Honor them. Learn from them.

08/24/2022

I am that I am.

And...

That's it.

06/13/2022

There's no greater love.

05/25/2022

I cried today.
I cried for the loss of innocent lives at Robb Elementary School.
I cried for the trauma ALL of our students, teachers, administrators, and staff are forced to endure with these heinous acts of violence.

I stand in solidarity and mourn with the Uvalde community. We pray for the peace and comfort of the families and community of Uvalde.

Please pay attention to your children and how this is impacting them. There is always an impact on all of us, especially our young ones.

Our hearts are broken, and we cannot remain inactive about yet another horrific, surreal tragedy.

We must take action.
Our children deserve to be alive.
Our families deserve to be alive.
Our educators deserve to be alive
Our staff deserve to be alive.
We deserve to be alive.

05/13/2022

I enjoyed a good night sleep last night... Did you?