Board

 

Gail Kieser (Chairperson): Received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at New York University, Master of Liberal Studies at Stony Brook University, and her post masters certificate for School District Administration at Long Island University, CW Post College. Retired  from the Connetquot School District on Long Island in her 30+ year career she taught elementary school, was the NY State Grant funded Teacher Center Director for 7 years, the Director of Adult and Continuing Education for 11 years and the Alternative High School Administrator for 4 years. She has been involved in not-for- profit theatre on Long Island for over 15 years serving as Chair of another Board for 13 of those years.

 

Dana De Persio (Treasurer):  Received her Bachelor of Science in Special and Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s College.  She is currently a New York State certified special education teacher at Murphy Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District.  She has been involved in various community theatre productions throughout Long Island for the past ten years.  In addition, Dana is an accomplished flutist and has been an active member of a contemporary music ensemble at her church for the past twelve years.   

 

Melody Marino (Corresponding Secretary): Is a Registered Nurse in the Sachem Central School District, where she has been responsible for the daily medical care of students in grades K-through 12.  Prior to her tenure with Sachem, she was a charge nurse responsible for the medical care of patients at a local community hospital.  Melody received her Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from Bronx Community College and has been a New York State registered nurse since 1973.  She has been involved behind the scenes in various Long Island community theatre productions.     

 

Kathleen Taveira (Member) is currently an Artist Consultant and Rep, with Art Gallery experience. Her responsibilities include but are not limited to arranging art shows, sales and marketing.  She has made a career in Banking for sixteen years, Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager for Fleet Bank and Long Island Savings Bank.   She is also involved with Fundraising and volunteer for Junior Achievement, YMCA, Harvest House, St. Mary's, AIDS Walk, Guerwin Foundation and Huntington Family Service League.
 
Andrea Bertolino (Member) received her undergraduate degree from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania in elementary education and sociology.  She received her masters from Hofstra University and has 60 credits beyond her masters.  Also, she began teaching in 1983 and has been teaching for the past 20 years in the South Huntington School District.
 
Anna Lopinto (Member) has been a court reporter for the last 28 years, the last 20 of which have been as an official court reporter with Supreme Court in Riverhead. She is responsible for making a verbatim record of all trial proceedings and have also mentored fledgling reporters over the years.   She is a graduate of Suffolk School of Stenotype and also have a bachelor of arts in English from Dowling College.  She is also an avid writer and occasionally attends writing classes. 

 

Perri Fitterman (Legal Counsel)

 

STAFF

 

Robert De Persio, Jr. (Artistic Director and Founder):  Received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Hofstra University and his Masters of Arts in Theatre, Music and Education from Stony Brook University.  He is entering his tenth year teaching Chorus and Theatre Arts at Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School in the Three Village Central School District.  He has been performing, directing, and teaching across Long Island for almost 20 years.  Also, he was founding member of the 108B Musical Theatre Company at Hofstra University.

 

Carl Hottinger (Resident Musical Director)
 
 
Alyse Arpino (Resident Chreographer)
 
 
Marla Gorman (Resident Costumer)

 

 

Founding Members: 
 
Marie Archambault
 
Michael Ardolino