Jennie Serra joined the High Road School of Wallingford Campus team in 2017. Ms. Serra worked as a teacher assistant in the Primary/Middle school before taking over her own classroom as a certified Special Education teacher in the High School. In the summer of 2019, she was provided with the opportunity to open an in-district classroom in Hamden as the Program Coordinator/Special Education teacher. In 2020, Ms. Serra stepped into a new role as Operations Manager for the Hamden In-District program as it expanded to 3 classrooms. Ms. Serra earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Fordham University, before realizing her passion for teaching while tutoring students during her senior year of college. Ms. Serra completed the Comprehensive Special Education program at Southern Connecticut State University and went on to obtain her master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities. Ms. Serra also received her Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University in May 2022, subsequently earning her 092 Connecticut Intermediate Administrator Certification. She is excited to enter her seventh school year with SESI Schools as the Education Director of the Hamden In-District Program.
Mike Wolf has been a Special Education teacher with High Road School since 2018. Mr. Wolf was a member of the High Road School of Wallingford – Primary/Middle School team during his first two years. Before the 2020 school year, Mr. Wolf was thrilled to join the Hamden In-District program as the 7-8 classroom teacher. Mr. Wolf earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Syracuse University and completed the Comprehensive Special Education program at Southern Connecticut State University, In 2021, Mr. Wolf earned his master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities. He also dedicates his time as a football and basketball coach. He recently joined the Wilbur Cross High School football staff as an assistant coach. When he is not in teaching or coaching, Mr. Wolf enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, watching movies, spending time outdoors.
Shannon Searles joined Hamden’s In-District program in 2020 as a certified special education teacher. Ms. Searles earned her K-12 Special Education bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020 and most recently completed Southern’s Special Education Master’s of Science program with a concentration in Emotional and Behavior Disorders in 2023. Ms. Searles loves her animals, especially her dog Stella! When she is not at work, she enjoys trying new restaurants, going to the beach, reading books and spending time with her family and friends! Ms. Searles hopes that the 2023-2024 school year is filled with fun, laughter and growth in academic and behavioral areas for all students!
John Lasko joined the High Road School of Wallingford campus in 2019 as a Teacher Assistant. Throughout his time there he took on many roles across both the primary and high school campuses including 1:1 Paraprofessional, Teaching Assistant and substitute teacher before joining the in-district program at Dunbar Elementary School in Hamden, CT. Mr. Lasko began his journey in Hamden as a Teacher Assistant and served as a long term substitute in the 4th-6th grade classroom during the 2020-2021 school year following the school closure due to COVID-19. Mr. Lasko received his BA from Southern Connecticut State University in Physical Education. He is excited to return to the upper elementary classroom this fall as a DSAP Special Education teacher as he completes his Comprehensive Special Education program at Southern. He plans to maintain a passion for facilitating well-rounded educational experiences for all students by utilizing his experience with core subjects and physical education.
Sierra Gonzalez joined Hamden’s In-District program in 2021 as the 7th-8th grade School Social Worker. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2016 and a Master of Social Work Degree from Quinnipiac University in 2022. In addition to advocating for her students and helping create the most inclusive educational environment possible, Sierra enjoys spending time with friends and family, yoga, and reading. She is excited for the new school year and for the 7th and 8th grade classroom’s transition to Hamden Middle School!
Steven Parravano is beginning his first year as the school social worker for the Hamden In-District program at Dunbar Hill Elementary School. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2020 and a master’s degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University in 2023. He looks forward to creating a fun and safe environment for all of the students. Outside of his professional career, Steven enjoys spending time with his friends and family. He loves watching football and playing basketball. Outside of school, Steven can be found in a gym or on the golf course.
