Meet the Administration.
Christy Hawkins, LMSWProgram Director
Master of Social Work, Marywood University Bachelor of Science in Applied Science, Binghamton University SIFI Certified, Adelphi University Certified Safe Conversations Coach Certified Imago Couples Therapist Certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner |
Jason Baron, M. EdAssistant Program Director
Master of Special Education/General Education, Dowling College Bachelor of Science, Mass Communications, Dowling College Jason has over 15 years experience working with children, young adults, and adults. He received his Master's Degree in Special Education from Dowling College and BA in Communications from the University of Hartford. Jason's commitment to bringing high quality, meaningful experiences to participants of Blue Umbrella Experience is top priority. When he is not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his two boys, where you can find them anywhere-from a concert to the great outdoors! |
Meet Our Instructors!
Erin Vlasak
Erin has almost 20 years experience working in higher education. She has a Master's Degree in College Student Development from Long Island University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from St. Joseph's College with a minor in Spanish. Erin is passionate about her work with students and looks forward to her time with them at Karaoke Cave (a social gathering filled with music, dancing and laughter all while fostering social connections). As long as we are together, we will have the time of our lives! Erin lives in Manorville with her husband, 2 sons and many adopted, rescued cats! 
Gina Frisina
Gina has over 20 years experience educating young adults. She received a Master's degree in Special education and a BS degree in Elementary education from Dowling College. 
Bill Russell
Starting in the city of Buffalo public schools, Bill has over 20 years’ experience teaching a variety of diverse populations in many classroom environments. He received his Master's Degree in Language Education from the State University of New York and a BA in French and International Studies from Niagara University. He has post graduate work in the fields of language acquisition and cognitive science. Most recently, he has focused on workplace communication and internships, logging hundreds of hours alongside students in local hospitality, restaurant and retail environments. In his free time he is a writer, and is the author of the award-winning middle grades fantasy novel, Chermpf. 
Amy Colvin
Amy has over a decade of experience working as a counselor for adults and students. In addition, she has an extensive background working with a widely diverse population as an Attorney for Children in Family Court. She received a Juris Doctorate from Hofstra Law School, a Master of Science in Education from the New York Institute of Technology specializing in counseling and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia majoring in English. Amy was a legal research and writing assistant for Dr. Carolyn Stone, President of the American School Counselor Association who authored School Counseling Principles: Ethics and Law. Amy has enjoyed teaching students social skills and coping mechanisms in a variety of ways through one to one counseling, communication skills classes, improvisational classes, cooking classes, and a wide variety of evening social activities. Her area of interest is learning how to trigger the brain chemicals that generate happiness in individuals with disabilities. 
Helene Schorr
Helene has over 20 years experience teaching and counseling individuals in a variety of environments. She received her masters degree in school counseling from LIU's CW Post and her bachelors degree in psychology from SUNY Binghamton. Two of Helene's greatest passions include hiking and working/volunteering with animals. As an extension of those passions, she likes to share those experiences with her students as often as possible. When Helene is not working, hiking, or volunteering at her local cat shelter, she loves to spend time with her daughter, husband, 4 cats and I dog. Helene is very excited to be part of the Blue Umbrella Experience! 
James Regan
James Regan, LMSW, graduated from Stony Brook University with a Masters in Social Work. He is a certified trainer through the Office of Mental Health Partnering for Safety Curriculum, as well as the founder of Lodestar Children's Services. |
Michelle Ranaldo
Michelle Ranaldo brings over 30+ years of education experience to Blue Umbrella and is very excited about being part of the team. Michelle has a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology. Michelle's philosophy is that we continue to learn and grow not only in our abilities, but in our minds and hearts and compassion for others. When Michelle is not in the classroom she can be found exploring new trails, recipes, travel or learning new apps and tricks with computers. 
Christine Alter
Christine is a dedicated social worker with almost 30 years of diverse clinical, teaching and administrative experience. She has demonstrated success as a mental health professional specializing in both individual and group work. Christine is passionate about inspiring others to become their best self and to live their best life. Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New York. She also holds a New York State Educational Certificate as a School Social Worker. Christine has been an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University and has published several articles to contribute to the field of social work. Ms. Alter earned a Masters of Social Work from Columbia University and Bachelor of Science with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Union College. 
Becca Lory Hector
Becca Lory Hector, CAS, BCCS is an active autism advocate, consultant, speaker, and author. With a focus on autistic quality of life, her work includes public speaking engagements; autism/neurodiversity consulting; a monthly newsletter, “Monthly Musings”; and a weekly YouTube news show, “Neurodiversity Newsstand." An animal lover with a special affinity for cats, Becca spends most of her free time with her many animals, her husband Antonio Hector, and their Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Sir Walter Underfoot. 
Jennifer Maiale (King)
Jen is a Licensed Master Social Worker who received her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work with a Minor in Child and Family Studies at Adelphi University. She has over 10 years working in the field in a variety of areas, from foster care to educational settings. In the last few years, she’s gained some experience in the teaching and job coaching fields, and really enjoys working with people of all ages. Jen also really enjoys working with computers/technology and going on all sorts of fun adventures. 
Andrew Hall
With Black Belts in Wushu, Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo, Andrew's passion for bringing Martial Arts to all ages and all abilities is evident in his thirty years of dedication to teaching others. As an instructor that truly loves what he does, nothing makes Andrew happier than to see an increase in confidence and a sense of belonging within his students as they improve their skills, safety awareness and mindfulness. 
David Macaluso
Since graduating from Manhattan School of Music, David has performed Off-Broadway and around the world in roles ranging from Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus to Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Rocky Horror. He simultaneously performed the roles of Sir Joe & Buttercup in Pinafore! (a seven-person production based on W.S. Gilbert's children's book The Story of the H.M.S. Pinafore) at the Vortex Theater. This production was honored with a Drama Desk Award nomination. Variety declared, "It's Macaluso who makes this saucy ship a beauty." David co-created, produced and performed in The House of Murgatroyd, based on G&S' Ruddygore, which premiered to great success at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Harrogate, England. David has also directed, choreographed and produced many productions with Opera NJ, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, Saratoga Opera student productions and The Copland School of Music, Queens College. He most recently toured the US with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan players as Ko-Ko in the Mikado. |
