*These responses were the answers of the teachers on a questionnaire

Jay Peck

Hometown? Vista NY.

College + Major? NYIT, BS Architecture, MS Energy Management

Hobbies? Skiing, travel and watching local automobile racing.

What made you want to become a teacher? I have always liked working with others and I also believe education is of extreme importance. As a teacher, I am able to cover these two areas and hopefully make the Earth a better place for all of us.

How do you like DHS so far? Great school, Hardworking students, and Excellent peers to work with.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Concentrate and do not let others make you feel rushed, pay attention to the task at hand, and learn it well.

Matthew Hare

Hometown? Shelton, CT

College + Major? Undergraduate: Western New England University; Sport Management  Graduate: University of Bridgeport; Masters of Secondary Education in Business

Hobbies? Golf, Spending time with Friends and Family

What made you want to become a teacher? I have a passion for helping young people achieve their goals

How do you like DHS so far? DHS is a tremendous community

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Being your true and authentic self no matter what the circumstances are

Kenneth Stamm

Hometown? Cincinnati Ohio

College + Major? Mt. Saint Joseph University major in physical education and then went Pre-med

Hobbies? Coaching football, Golf, Hiking, Build Star Wars Legos, Shooting

What made you want to become a teacher? Teaching was not my first choice in college.  I discovered it after I realized that I did not enjoy the physical therapy field after doing some field observations.  I kind of just picked teaching as a major change and loved it after doing my first practicum experience.  From there the rest is history.  Also, I really love coaching football and teaching is the perfect field to allow me to do that.

How do you like DHS so far? So far DHS has been great.  There is obviously some angst moving so far away from home.  The people have been very supportive so far and I look forward to getting to know the people here and the Connecticut area in general. 

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? One piece of advice I would give myself is easy.  Go into the military out of high school and not directly to college.  Take some time, see the world and when you are done have the military pay for your education.

Ermonela Xhafi

Hometown? Watertown CT

College + Major? Northern Arizona University Masters in Bilingual ESL

Hobbies? Reading and cooking.

What made you want to become a teacher? My mom was a teacher.

How do you like DHS so far? I love DHS, It is an amazing school, Students are very respectful and the staff is friendly. 

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Patience and persistence ultimately pay off. 

Jenna Houlahan

Hometown? I am from Yorktown Heights, New York

College + Major? I went to Western Connecticut State University and graduated with a double major in mathematics and education, as well as a minor in psychology.

Hobbies? I played softball in college as well as my whole life, but I also enjoy gymnastics and basketball. I am a huge Yankees fan and watch every game. I also enjoy reading and sitting outside with my dogs with a cup of coffee.

What made you want to become a teacher? I always wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to be a positive impact on someone’s life and specifically chose math because it is infamous for being an unpopular subject in school.

How do you like DHS so far? I love DHS so far! I love the diversity and the size of the school, my high school could fit inside DHS 7 different times.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? I would tell my younger self to not care so much what others think. Do what makes you happy, and always put your happiness first instead of the opinion of others.

Karen Burford-Isaac

Hometown? San Anselmo, California

College + Major? San Jose State University, BS, Advertising, WCSU Masters in Counselor Education

Hobbies? Cooking and watching soccer

What made you want to become a teacher? I became a School Counselor after years in Corporate and small business life. I really enjoy helping students plan for the future.

How do you like DHS so far? DHS is one of the most welcoming, friendliest schools I have ever experienced. Go, Hatters!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Don’t be afraid to change direction. If you are doing something that does not feel quite right, change it.

Lateah Beal

Hometown? Yonkers, NY

College + Major? University at Albany (Sociology) + Lehman College (Secondary English Education)

Hobbies? Listening to music, reading, traveling, crafting

What made you want to become a teacher? It sounds pretty cliche, but I truly love being the bridge for students to learn. I’ve seen the effects of poor education, educational gaps, and poverty. I became a teacher to dispel the trajectory of those things. I also know that representation is important, so it’s always been abundantly clear that students need to see teachers of color. So I wear that weight on my back every single time I step foot into a classroom.

How do you like DHS so far? I’m loving it so far. It is incredibly different from what I’ve grown accustomed to, but the students have been wonderful and I’ve been surrounded by some really supportive people.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? I’d tell my younger self that it is ok to feel. Allow yourself to process moments and take what you can from them. I’d remind myself that I have always been enough and will always be enough. The world is cruel and full of people who have expectations of you as the little black girl who will eventually become the black woman. I’d remind myself that other people’s opinions of me do not matter. What is important is the desire to learn, grow, break barriers and continue to believe in humanity.

Natalie Decatur

Hometown? I was raised in Yonkers, NY.  I have been living in CT for the past 16 years.  Living in Sandy Hook, CT since 2012.

College + Major? Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY.  Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.  Minor: Religious Studies

Hobbies? Spending quality time with my daughters and my husband. Youth Cheer Coach.

What made you want to become a teacher? Teaching is a second career for me.  Ever since I was a young child I knew that I wanted to teach.  Coaching these past couple of years reaffirmed that I like working with children and enjoy helping them achieve their goals.

How do you like DHS so far? I am loving DHS!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Do not do tomorrow what you can do today.

Amy Rojek

Hometown? Whippany, NJ

College + Major? Undergrad – Montclair State University, Major: Humanities

Masters – Long Island University – Brooklyn, Major: MsED in Special Education

Hobbies? Art (painting), Cooking/Baking, Running, Traveling

What made you want to become a teacher? I have wanted to become a teacher since as early as 5 years old. I always loved challenging myself and believe that in order to be an educator, you need to love learning first. I truly enjoy working with people to become the best versions of themselves, both mentally and emotionally. 

How do you like DHS so far? Becoming a teacher at DHS has been such an incredible change for me. In teaching in NYC for 5 years, DHS has provided me with an incredible amount of support and kindness from day 1. Both staff and students are so impressively welcoming, and it makes me proud to call myself a Hatter.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? I would give my younger self the advice of never giving up and persisting through times that feel tough. To truly test yourself and teach yourself discipline, because failure is just as important as success when it comes to growth as a human. 

Margaret Normandin

Hometown? I grew up in my hometown of Stratford, CT. 

College + Major? As an undergraduate student, I attended Southern Connecticut State University for Art Education & as a graduate student, I attended Sacred Heart University for Media Literacy & Digital Culture. 

Hobbies? I love to spend time with my friends & family in my free time, as well as hiking, listening to music, & of course, creating art & visiting museums. 

What made you want to become a teacher? This is my ninth year teaching, but my first year teaching at DHS. Ever since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher because of my passion for art & helping people. Also, I loved my art teacher & art classes in high school, so my goal is to offer that type of experience to all of my students. 

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? One piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to always practice mindfulness! 

Sarah Dubrow

Hometown? Philadelphia, PA

College + Major? Undergrad Penn State – Speech Pathology, Grad School University of Pittsburgh – Speech Pathology

Hobbies? Swimming, Crafting, Road Trips 

What made you want to become a teacher? As a kid, I always used to set up “classrooms” for my younger sister and help her with school work. Ever since I have loved “teaching” others and wanted to help empower all students to succeed. 

How do you like DHS so far? I love DHS so far! The students and staff have a way of making a very large school feel small.

Piece of advice for your younger self? “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard Baruch 

Christina MacKinnon

Hometown? Bristol, CT 

College + Major? The University of Vermont + B.A. in Latin and Religion; Rhode Island College + M.Ed in Secondary English Education 

Hobbies? Traveling, playing video games, reading, collecting vinyl records, seeing live music, taking my dog to the dog park 

How do I like DHS so far? I am really happy to be back in my home state and DHS is a wonderful community. While I am still getting the hang of everything, I am enjoying the English 1 and 2 curricula and getting to know all my students and colleagues. Everyone is very helpful and polite which is making the transition easier!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things; you never know what you may find an interest in! 

Jeffery Stevenson

Hometown? Shelton, CT

College + Major? Before I went to college I served in the U.S. Navy as an Information System Technician (IT) for 5 years. Southern Connecticut State University, Bachelors Physical Education K-12

Hobbies?  Snowboarding, hiking, going to concerts, yoga

What made you want to become a teacher? I have always enjoyed helping people and being very active. As a PE/Health teacher, I get to do both, help people be more active and healthier. 

How do I like DHS so far? I love it, such a diverse population. I did not realize just how big and how many students are in DHS before I started here.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?  Trust your gut, have friends who push you to grow, and never listen to someone when they tell you that you cannot do something. 

Amanda McAndrew

Hometown? Monroe, CT

College + Major?  University of Connecticut, Storrs: History & Education

Hobbies?  Traveling, hiking, running 

What made you want to become a teacher? I always knew I needed an active job, I had done high school jobs sitting at desks, answering phones- that clearly was not for me.  I also enjoyed learning, specifically history, and working with people, especially kids.  I made the decision to go into education at the end of my high school career and stuck with it- I am glad I did- I’m never bored, I’ve met a ton of great kids, and there are always new challenges.  

How do I like DHS so far? I love it!  The students have been great and I’m glad to be part of such a supportive, collaborative team.  

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?   Don’t stop learning Spanish- I wish I continued learning another language. Also, you can’t control everything, so focus on the things that are in your control (this helped out during the pandemic!) 

Angela Smith

Hometown? Hammond, Louisiana

College + Major? Southeastern Louisiana University BA English Education with secondary teaching area Family and Consumer Science and worked on my MEd in School Counseling

Hobbies? Cooking, traveling, spending time with my friends and family, and spoiling my grandchildren

What made you want to become a teacher? I was a youth minister and majoring in nursing. I realized my passion was working with teenagers. It has been the greatest and most fulfilling thing I have ever done. I wanted to give teens a place to feel welcome and safe while they learn academically and in life and I love that I get to do that.

How do you like DHS so far? It is amazing but so huge! I have been in smaller schools for the last 15 years of teaching so this is still a shock, but a great one!!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Don’t give up. No matter what life throws at you, who tells you that you can’t, or even when the odds are stacked against you. Show them how strong you are and when you don’t feel strong enough remember you are a survivor and an overcomer.

Michael Douglas

Hometown? I grew up in Patterson, NY. It is right over the NY border and I spent my childhood traveling through Danbury. My first 3 jobs were actually in the Danbury Mall!

College + Major? I earned my Bachelor’s at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA studying Biology. Then I went to Mercy College to earn my Masters in Secondary Science Education. I went back to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to earn my School Building Leadership Certificate.

Hobbies?  I train at Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts in Stamford, CT doing kickboxing and jiu-jitsu. I am currently testing for my high blue belt and getting ready for a  martial arts tournament in December! I am a diehard Patriots fan and have my basement decorated in Patriots memorabilia.

What made you want to become a teacher? I knew that I wanted to be a teacher since I was in High School. I really enjoy being able to present material to students and helping them realize that they can become more than what they are today. It is always about helping people realize the only direction to go in is forwards..always forwards. My hope is that students recognize that they have a responsibility to share their gifts and talents with the world.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? It is never going to be easy for you, but just keep moving forwards. Get back up each time and realize that everything that happens in life is temporary and will not be here forever. Embrace the pains in your life because that is where your personal growth comes from. Don’t stay comfortable in any situation because you will not grow to your potential. And always be kind because it takes no effort to be kind.

Zachary Salvia

Hometown? Brewster NY

College + Major? SUNY Oneonta, Physics and Adolescence Education

Hobbies? Spending time with friends and family

What made you want to become a teacher? The intrinsic rewards of the profession. Everything from seeing something click in a student’s mind to making a bad day better. 

How do you like DHS so far? Love it, everyone is very kind and welcoming.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Life’s path is not always straight. There will be bumps and turns, and sometimes you might feel lost. Ask for directions, but don’t be afraid to find a new route.

Karina Genao

Hometown? I was born and raised in Danbury but moved to Bethel my freshman year in HS

College + Major? Westconn- B.A. History &   City College of New York- MA.Ed- Students with disabilities

Hobbies? Hiking and just started yoga

What made you want to become a teacher? I had amazing professors at Westconn and they inspired me.

How do you like DHS so far? It feels like home, my favorite part is building relationships with my seniors this year. They are the most respectful students and I enjoy every minute in the classroom.

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? “No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” – Anonymous 

Jenna Turner

Hometown? Ansonia, CT

College + Major? I went to Keene State College for undergrad where I got a bachelors in Social Sciences and the University of Bridgeport for my Masters in Secondary Education. 

Hobbies? I enjoy watching history-based movies and tv shows, reading, and traveling! 

What made you want to become a teacher? I decided to go back to school and get my teaching certification because I love history and my philosophy in life is to “do what you love and love what you do”

How do you like DHS so far? I LOVE my experience with Danbury High School so far- I enjoy the diverse student population and the community. 

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? I would tell my younger self that everything works out the way it is supposed to be. Enjoy the journey. 

Sarah Linton

Hometown? Vernon, Connecticut

College + Major? The University of Connecticut. Bachelor’s degree in Science Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction

Hobbies? I love to cross-stitch, knit, and read! I have also done marching band for eight years and I plan on continuing this activity with a band in New York City!

What made you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher to help students appreciate science and realize that it influences the entire world around them.

How do you like DHS so far? I like it! DHS is about three times bigger than the high school I went to which has been quite the adjustment! I love seeing all of the student involvement in various clubs and activities and I hope the rest of the year goes well for everyone!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Something I would tell my younger self is don’t be afraid to try new things and look for support wherever you can.

Brian Solt

Hometown? Sandy Hook

College + Major? University of Vermont – BA in Business Management Information Systems

Hobbies? Hobbies include anything outdoors, avid recreational diver having logged dives around the globe.  Also, volunteer as a public safety SAR Diver, am a former Assistant Chief of and current President of Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue.  Also involved in Amateur Radio (KA1OMR).  But my favorite hobby is just spending time with my wife and daughter

What made you want to become a teacher? After a 24 year career in corporate, IT performing various technical and business roles for companies such as IBM, HP, and Unilever and having taught at various points during that career… I decided I wanted to do something meaningful, and more fulfilling personally.  I hope to make a significant difference in the lives of the students I teach here at DHS.

How do you like DHS so far? I worked with the superb Tech Ed Department of DHS during my student teaching and knew right then that it would be a great place to work.  Luckily, the planets aligned and I was offered a position on the staff.  Great kids, and phenomenal staff!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? If I were to offer my younger self some advice it would be to always be present at the moment, let go of the trivial stuff, and make sure you find something you love to do and make that your career.  I would have been here much sooner!

Francesca Pugilese

Hometown? I’ve lived in Brookfield since I was 6.

College + Major? WCSU- Bachelors in Secondary Education-Spanish, Master’s in SPED

Hobbies? Traveling, fitness

What made you want to become a teacher? Having immigrant parents and seeing them struggle to speak English.

How do you like DHS so far? I love it!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? Never give up-it gets easier.

Nikole Travis

Hometown? I don’t really have a hometown as I have lived all over Connecticut at various points in my life.

College + Major? I attended both CCSU and WCSU for my undergraduate degree in Secondary Education Mathematics and Purdue University for my Graduate Degree in Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction.

Hobbies? I really enjoy traveling to new countries to experience the different cultures and see the native wildlife.

What made you want to become a teacher? I was inspired to become a teacher by the many amazing teachers I had while in school. They always believed in me, supported me through any obstacles I faced, and helped me become who I am today. I want to do the same thing for my students!

How do you like DHS so far? I formerly taught at Westside and am really enjoying the transition from middle to high school! I completed my undergrad teaching here at DHS and know many of the staff members, so it has been really nice reconnecting and working with them again! I also love that even though this school is so big, we still manage to make it feel like a close community!

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” – Harold S. Kushner

Nicolette Nesi

Hometown? Pelham, New York

College + Major? I went to Marist College for grad school and as an undergraduate majored in art history and minored in English literature

Hobbies? I love to read and write

What made you want to become a teacher? To be honest, for me art history was a boring career path and I wanted to make an impact with students so I became a teacher

How do you like DHS so far? I love it here and it is so big. I got nervous in the beginning and got lost, but my students are great as well as my fellow faculty

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self? You don’t always have to have a plan because it will most likely change.