Staff Directory

Dr. Marissa J. White

Administrator

Dr. Marissa White is a native of New Haven, Connecticut. Participating in a Grow-Your-Own Program to recruit and retain teachers of color, Dr. White received a full scholarship to Southern Connecticut State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Dr. White attended Sacred Heart University for her Master of Art in Teaching (MAT), while interning in New Haven Public Schools. Dr. White taught as an elementary teacher in the New Haven and ACES school districts for 10 years. She earned her 092 certificate in administration and supervision from Sacred Heart University and was the first candidate to receive a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University in February 2022. Dr. White has been an administrator in Hartford Public Schools for the past four years and has an enthusiasm for a positive culture and climate in school buildings where everyone feels valued and heard. Creating a community where the love of learning can thrive is her passion.

Emily Walters

Executive Assistant

walte001@hartfordschools.org

Emily Walters joins the Renzulli team as the Executive Assistant in December of 2024. Emily has been with Hartford Public Schools since 2019. She started in the Welcome Center at Central Office and worked there through the COVID-19 pandemic assisting hundreds of families with a multitude of needs. She's worked at one other Hartford school and is excited to expand her career with the Renzulli team. When she's not at work, she's taking her three children to all of their sports practices and events.

Nicole Asamoah, LMSW

Social Worker

nicole.asamoah@hartfordschools.org

Ms. Asamoah is Renzulli’s school social worker! Although this is Ms. Asamoah’s first year at Renzulli, this is her second year in Hartford Public Schools. Ms. Asamoah graduated from University of Connecticut School of Social Work with her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Individuals, Groups and Families. Ms. Asamoah is passionate about representation for young students of color to see themselves in higher positions and to foster a space of connection and belonging with students and families.

Romario Erskine

Behavior Technician

erskr001@hartfordschools.org

Romario Erskine, Behavior Technician, was born in Montego Bay Jamaica and migrated to the United States in 1995. He went on to attend and Graduated from Windsor High School class of 2002. He earned his Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice at American International College in 2006 where he planned on following in his family's legacy of public service which was entrenched in his life's goals at an early age. Romario has been a dedicated educator with Hartford Public Schools for the past 15 years, he's served in many capacities holding several titles throughout his career. He's served the Hartford Public Schools community as a former School Safety Officer, Special Education Para-Educator, Attendance Case Manager and Behavior Technician for the past 5 years. Romario is currently serving two different school communities within the Hartford Public School District where his dedication to the growth and wellbeing of all students shines through on a daily basis.

Doreen Clapis

Family and Community Engagement Support Service Provider

clapd001@hartfordschools.org

Doreen Clapis, was born and raised in Hartford. She received her Associates Degree in Communications from Manchester Community College. She has many years experience helping families to achieve their goals. She is very involved in her community while she advocates for others. She has been working in this capacity since 1999.

Antonio Ruiz

Middle School Mathematics

ruizt001@hartfordschools.org

Mr. Ruiz teaches middle school math at Renzulli. He holds a Bachelors degree in math and Spanish from the University of Connecticut, and Masters from Edinburgh University in Scotland. He has taught 10 years in Japan along with 12 years at Hartford Public Schools, and also teaches at Central Connecticut State University. He is Renzulli Academy's Teacher of the Tear for the 2020-2021 school year. The Math Department at Renzulli Academy is aligned to the Common Core Mathematics Standards but puts emphasis on conceptual understanding to achieve mathematical proficiency and application.

Sarah Cheney

Middle School ELA

bsarah.cheney@hartfordschools.org

Mrs. Cheney teaches middle school English/Language Arts at Renzulli. She grew up in Hartford and is a proud Owl graduate of Hartford High School. She has been teaching at Renzulli Academy since 2013. Mrs. Cheney graduated from UCONN with an English major and earned her Masters in Teaching from CCSU. She attends Confratute, the gifted education conference founded and run by Joseph Renzulli and Sally Reis at UCONN, every summer. Mrs. Cheney loves teaching the SEM-R, running the annual Renzulli Spelling Bee and the school library, coordinating enrichment opportunities for our students through The Bushnell Theater and Hartford Performs and leading the middle school faculty team.

Darrell Cookman

Middle School Enrichment

cookd001@hartfordschools.org

Darrell Cookman is currently serving as the Enrichment teacher at Renzulli Academy. Previously, he has taught middle school as well as high school English, led a Montessori middle school program, and co-directed an alternative learning program for high school age students. He has his undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona where he was born. While earning a graduate degree from the University of Connecticut, he worked as a sports information intern with the UConn women's basketball team. He loves theater and has played numerous roles. Darrell, his wife, Starrlett, and their two children live in Collinsville.

Caitlin Kopf

Middle School Social Studies

Caitlin.kopf@hartfordschools.org
Caitlin Kopf teaches Middle School Social Studies and is excited to be a part of the Renzulli community. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Latin American and Caribbean Studies at Hofstra University before earning a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and Curriculum and Instruction from UConn’s TCPCG program. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, National Honors Society, and Phi Alpha Theta, History Honors Society.

Robert Kadrle

Middle School Science

robert.kadrle@hartfordschools.org

“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
― Carl Sagan

I have always wanted to know how everything around me worked. I would take it apart, put it back together, find out what makes it tick, all the way down to the atoms that make up everything. My Science teachers always supported that endeavor and that is my vision for a Science classroom. At Renzulli I want to stimulate and support that curiosity, letting the students take things apart until they get down to their fundamental particles.

Alex Lewson

Elementary Social Studies and Literacy

Alexander.Lewson@hartfordschools.org

Mr. Lewson teaches 4th and 5th grade literacy and social studies and is excited to join the Renzulli staff. He was born and raised in Connecticut, graduating UConn with a degree in History and Political Science and getting his Masters in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. Before working at Renzulli, he taught for 5 years in New York City.

Alyssa Casson

Elementary Math and Science

Alyssa.Casson@hartfordschools.org

Alyssa Casson is a recent graduate from Uconn NEAG School of Education. Before coming to Renzulli, Alyssa taught third grade at Southington Public Schools. Alyssa is passionate about volunteer work with the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Before becoming an educator, she ran a Cooking Zone program during the summer and on the weekends at a summer camp for kids with life-threatening illnesses. Alyssa loves to cook, read, and listen to music.

Jeremy Osterling

Music Director

OSTEJ001@hartfordschools.org

Saxophonist, Composer/Arranger and Educator, has been performing for 22 years and teaching for 16 years. Jeremy attended Cromwell High School and the Greater Hartford Academy for the Arts (GHAA). Pursuing Music Education, Jeremy attended Western Connecticut State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Jeremy received his Master of Arts in Education specializing in Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory. Jeremy received an Educator of the Year award from JC Music in 2016 and Apple Teacher certification in 2016. Jeremy is licensed in the State of Connecticut and is currently the Music Director at Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy.

Steven Gould

Physical Education

Gouls001@hartfordschools.org

After teaching 5th grade for 10 years in Hartford, Stephen Gould is excited to join the Renzulli Academy team as the Physical Education teacher. Stephen attended Central Connecticut State University, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, and a master's degree in Special Education. Outside of school, Stephen loves to spend time with his wife and two (soon to be three) children. Additionally, he likes to stay active by playing hockey, softball and riding his bike.

Jennifer Louis

Art

Jennifer Louis brings extensive teaching experience from a variety of settings to the art room, ranging from preschool to high school. Heading into her third year at Renzulli, she continues to enjoy creating a space where students can pursue their own art interests based on the TAB philosophy (Teaching for Artistic Behavior). She holds a BS in Education, an MS in Early Childhood Education, an AS in Visual Fine Arts and is dual certified to teach elementary and art education. Outside of school, Jennifer pursues personal artistic endeavors, with a passion for watercolors, pen and ink, and surface pattern design. She loves spending time with her family and her dog, Penny.

Ashley LaParre

Enrichment Specialist

Hi, my name is Ashley LaParre and I am thrilled to be back at The Renzulli Academy! As a UConn alum for my Bachelor's, Master's and three summer program, I first started teaching at Renzulli in the school's second year of existence. It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of and a witness to how the Academy changes the lives of every student and staff member in such a positive way. I look forward to using my knowledge, passion, and experience in my new role as an enrichment specialist. My love for Renzulli runs deep and I am grateful to be back to share that love with you all!

Dr. Joseph S. Renzulli Gifted and Talented Academy