2020/21 Amazing People Bios
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section Amazing Person Award is Theresa Uhelsky
Theresa earned both her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Health Education at East Stroudsburg University. She is the district wide adapted physical education teacher at Minisink Valley Central School. Theresa has introduced a number of exciting initiatives including technology using Chromebooks, snow showing, bicycling and snow tubing into the adapted physical education program. She also developed interdisciplinary lessons and units for both the general physical education and adapted physical education programs. As an active member in her school she created and presented several health and wellness professional development programs for her colleagues. Theresa has also been the head coach for the Hudson Valley Select Elite Development Program, premiere travel soccer team since 2014 and she started the school intramural sports program. She is incredibly devoted to her students, always advocating for them to receive the adapted physical education services they need. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure that the Adapted PE Section recognizes Theresa Uhelsky as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award is Daniel Armstrong
Daniel received his bachelor's in Labor Studies from Queens College, his master's degree in Sports Management from Brooklyn College, and a doctorate in Physical Therapy from the CUNY Graduate Center. Daniel is an Assistant Professor at Queensborough Community College, where he has taught several courses, including Intercollegiate Swimming. He is an EMT for the Corona Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps, a Lifeguard Instructor for students at Roosevelt High school in the Bronx, and a CPR instructor for many local groups. Daniel is an active member of the Aquatics Section and has been a co-presenter at the NYS AHPERD annual conference. He has been honored with The Beatrice Konheim Scholarship in the Life Sciences for Excellence in Physical Therapy and the National Junior College Athletic Association Swimming and Diving Region 3 North-East District George Stietz Most Improved Swim Team. Daniel has published work in the Irish Journal of Paramedicine and the UCONN Library. It is with great pleasure the Aquatics Section recognizes Daniel Armstrong as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Coaches Section Amazing Person Award is Stephen Shoults
Stephen received his Bachelors and Masters of Science from St. Lawrence University. He is currently teaching Physical Education at West Genesee Central School District at Camillus Middle School. He is the modified boys lacrosse and football head coach and the assistant wrestling coach for West Genesee Central School District. Over the years Stephen has been the head coach for JV boys football, varsity football, JV girls volleyball, and varsity girls indoor track. Outside of school he has provided community service as a youth coach for lacrosse, basketball and soccer in Camillus. He has been a guest speaker since 2016 at Onondaga Community College, Intro to Physical Education, Sport and Kinesiology. Stephen has received the NYS Senate Teachers of Excellence Award in 2015, and the Section III Men’s Lacrosse Coach of the Year in 1999. As a NYS AHPERD member Stephen was both a presented and a presider at the annual conference. He also represented the Elementary Physical Education Section in the Central Zone.President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Coaches Section recognizes Stephen Shoults as their Amazing Person.
The 2020-21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Council of Administrator Section Amazing Person Award is Drew Walker
Drew is a graduate of SUNY Cortland and is recently retired as the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics at Hampton Bays Union Free School District. He was an integral part of the development of Hampton Bays physical education program. Drew’s priority was to ensure each student experienced highly effective instruction and understood the connection between physical activity and lifelong health and wellness. He is an active member of the Suffolk Zone, serving as past president and treasurer, chairperson for the Student Leadership Awards ceremonies, and we lead organizer of two Suffolk Zone conferences. He has been a long-time supportive member of the Council of Administrators. Drew has served as the American Cancer Relay for Life Chairperson and the Special Olympics Regional Games Co-Chair. Drew was the recipient of the NYS AHPERD Council of Administrators Director of the Year Award, the Suffolk Zone Director of the Year and was the Section XI Chapter Director of the Year recipient. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Council of Administrators recognizes Drew Walker as their Amazing Person.
The 2020-21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Dance Section Amazing Person Award is Karen Bonanno
Karen received her Bachelor of Science degree in movement and sports studies from Springfield College and a master's in physical education from Boston University. Karen has taught physical education for the past fourteen years. She currently teaches health and physical education at Woodland Middle School in the East Meadow Union Free School District, where she coaches middle school and high school volleyball. Karen has successfully combined her love of physical education and dance throughout her career in the K-12 public school setting. She studied tap, jazz, ballet, and pointe and has experience with different cultural dances, including Polish dancing, Irish Step dancing, Swing, and Latin dances. Karen's greatest passion is dance, and she loves encouraging her students to experience first-hand the positive, physical, and mental benefits of dance. In service to NYS AHPERD, Karen has shared her expertise in incorporating dance as part of a comprehensive physical education curriculum and teaching dance to physical education teachers who consider themselves "non-dancers." It is with great pleasure the Dance Section recognizes Karen Bonanno as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Elementary Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is James Hambel
Jim is a graduate of Adelphi University. He is a Pre-K ~ 5 grade physical education teacher at PS 457 Sheridan Academy for Young Leaders. He has presented at NYS AHPERD conferences at the state and Zone level and has presented multiple workshops for Connected PE. He has created content and collaborated with others through Twitter for NYS AHPERD, SHAPE America, NY City Department of Education, and globally. He has several publications including, “Teach On: Navigating a New World of Distance Learning in Health and Physical Education” for Momentum Magazine. Jim also started the Wednesday Wellness Series which a free collection of workouts. He has coached track and field, basketball and bowling, along with running parent engagement bowling and other physical activity events at school. Jim is in the US Bowling Hall of Fame for 300 Game and 800 Series, has won the Wellness Council Award at PS 457 and has completed both the United Airlines and Brooklyn Half Marathon. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Elementary School Physical Education Section recognizes James Hambel as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Equity, Diversity & Inclusiveness (EDI) Section Amazing Person Award is Christine Drago
Christine received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Iona College, a master's in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy and a Health Certificate from Manhattanville, and an Advanced Certification in Educational Administration from the College of Saint Rose. She is a physical education teacher at PS 20 in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where she has been since 2012. Christine is committed to her students and strives to impact their lives by mentoring and supporting their growth. As a member of the EDI section, she advocates for LGBTQ youth and offers her voice to encourage, support, and educate fellow health and physical educators on the importance of embracing and respecting the LGBTQ community's rights. Accolades and recognitions to her credit include Big Apple Teacher Finalist 2018-2019, Excellence in School Wellness Platinum 2019, Excellence in School Wellness Gold 2018, and The Kathleen Grimm NYC Wellness Council of the Year Award in 2017. It is with great pleasure the EDI Section recognizes Christine Drago as their Amazing Person.
The 2020-21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Future Professionals Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Christine Hopple
Dr. Hopple received her master’s degree from Virginia Tech and earned her doctorate from The University of Maryland-College Park, and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education at The College at Brockport. She is a Task Force Member for the Rochester Area Youth Sports & Recreation Leadership Team, a Reviewer for Journal of Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance, Research Quarterly, Strategies, and the Journal of Teaching Physical Education. Dr. Hopple is an active member of the Central Western Zone. She is a leader for Student Presentations at the annual state and zone conferences. Dr. Hopple has a long list of publications, including her text for students pursuing a degree in Physical Education, titled Elementary Physical Education Teaching and Assessment. It is with great pleasure that the Future Professional’s Section recognizes Dr. Christine Hopple as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Health Education Section Amazing Person Award is Jennifer Mead
Jen received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in health education from Teachers College at Columbia University. She is currently working at Saratoga Springs City School District. She previously worked at Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District as the School Wellness Action Team club advisor, a member of the School Health Team, and the Wellness Committee Chair at Lake Avenue Elementary School. As chair, she planned and hosted the annual Ninja Night, Taste and Try Wellness Fair, and Mindfulness Maze that featured over twenty local businesses and organizations. She has participated in National SPEAK Out Day, worked on health advocacy resources, and advanced the agenda for her School Wellness Action Team. Jen is an active member of NYS AHPERD, serving as the president of the Health Section. She was the recipient of the Capital Zone Health Teacher of the Year Award and Capital Zone Health Amazing Person Award. It is with great pleasure that the Health Education Section recognizes Jen Meade as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Higher Education Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Matthew Madden
Dr. Madden received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a Master of Science degree in Physical Education Teacher Education from California State University. He received his Ph.D. in Sport Pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado, and is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Physical Education at SUNY Cortland. He takes pride in identifying himself as a father, friend, teacher, and coach in service. He has authored several academic publications and presented at the local, state, national and international levels. He is a member of SHAPE America, American Education Research Association, International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education, and the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education. He is a member of the NYS AHPERD Executive Council, serving as the President of the Central South Zone. He is a recipient of the Rozanne Brooks Excellence in Teaching Award and the Excellence in Research and Scholarship Award at SUNY Cortland. It is with great pleasure that the Higher Education Section recognizes Dr. Matthew Madden as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD High School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Christine Piscopo
Christine received her bachelors in Sport Management from SUNY Cortland, and her masters in Multidisciplinary Studies from SUNY Buffalo. She has been working at Buffalo Public Schools, Riverside Academy as their Physical Education, Health Teacher, Athletic Liaison and coach since 1999. As Athletic Liaison she has assisted new coaches learning responsibilities such as, game management for district events. Christine mentors’ new teachers assisting with unit planning, lesson planning for Health and Physical Education, and is the assistant supervisor to bring updates instruction to other teachers. She has been a NYS AHPERD member since 2005, and a member of SHAPE America since 2016. Christine has also been the Fitnessgram Champion for the past 10 years, chosen to collaborate with Buffalo Public Schools and the Buffalo Bills. She attends a yearly summit at the Dallas Cowboys facility to bring current information on Fitnessgram, NFL Play 60 and NFL Flag programs back to the district. As a part of the NFL Play 60 program Christine turn-keys information with 36 schools who take part in the program. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the High School Physical Education Section recognizes Christine Piscopo as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Shelly Connors
Shelly received her bachelors and masters from SUNY Cortland, as well as a Masters of Education from Plymouth State. Shelly has been the Physical Education teachers at Auburn Enlarged City School District since 2001. Shelly has been the Summer Tennis Camp Director for the Auburn Community Tennis program since 2003 and part of the Selective Classification/APP Administration for Auburn Enlarged City School District since 2006. As a member of NYS AHPERD she has been a member of the Board of Directors, a Teacher of the Year committee member, Bernard E. Hughes committee member, the Central North Zone President, Recreation/Adventure Section President, and Secondary Section President among many others. Shelly has received the Central Northern Zone Dance Teacher of the Year award, SHAPE Eastern District High School Teacher of the Year, NYS AHPERD Teacher of the Year, Central North Zone’s Cheri Stevens Service Award and was Central North Zone’s Amazing Person in 2016. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Middle School Physical Education Section recognizes Shelly Connors as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Recreation/Adventure Education Section Amazing Person Award is Adam Dwyer
Adam received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a master’s in adapted physical education from The College at Brockport. Adam is a physical education teacher at Alfred Almond Central School District, where he coaches modified wrestling and varsity track and field. Adam has been instrumental in bringing recreational programs to his students. He has integrated sledding, hiking, and kayaking into his curriculum. As co-leader of the adventure club, Adam provides students unique opportunities to explore the Allegany and Finger Lakes Region by hiking the various trails in the parks, mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing at the lakes, camping, and skiing. He encourages his students to stay active and is always challenging them to get outside and play. He leads by example and is an Adirondack 46er! Adam is an active member of the Central Western Zone, presenting at our annual state conference. It is with great pleasure that the Recreation/Adventure Section recognizes Adam Dwyer as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Retirees Section Amazing Person Award is Wendy O'Connor
Wendy received her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Springfield College. She completed her graduate work at Russel Sage and SUNY Albany. Wendy spent her 30-year teaching career in the Capital District teaching Physical Education at both the Scotia Glenville Central School and Niskayuna Central School. Wendy has been a very active member of the Capital Zone for many years serving a number of years as recording secretary. She has been a presenter and P.E. Profile turnkey trainer for NYS AHPERD and the Capital Zone. Wendy has been on multiple Zone committees, including the Elementary/Middle School Leadership awards’ committee, conference committee, and the Teacher of the Year and Professional of the Year awards committee. At the state level she is a member of the conference registration team and annual co-initiator of the Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles or the National Turtle Association ~ New York chapter. President Seymour it is with great pleasure the Retirees Section recognizes Wendy O’Connor as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Technology Section Amazing Person Award is Amanda Stallone
Amanda received her Bachelor’s of Science degree from Dowling College and her Master’s in Education from Stony Brook. She teaches at Cayuga Elementary School in the Sachem Central School District. In service to NYS AHPERD she has presented at both State and Zone level conferences and serves as the New York City Zone Middle School Advisor. During this past year she has expanded her technological skills and shared them with others using her creativity and thinking outside of the box. She used Google classroom to post weekly themes and daily challenges, Flip grid to allow students to share their work, and created an iMovie trailer for her virtual field day. Amanda also utilized all the Google suite has to offer for classroom projects and assessments. She is using her social media skills to help Suffolk Zone with their Twitter page and helping to promote NYS AHPERD events and updates. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Technology Section recognizes Amanda Stallone as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Capital Zone Amazing Person Award is Elyse Loughlin
Elyse received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a master's in Health Education from SUNY Cortland. Elyse teaches elementary physical education at Delaware Community School in the Albany City School District. She serves on various committees, including the district's wellness, attendance and technology committees. Elyse worked with the American Heart Association since 2010 when she brought Jump Rope for Heart to her school and continues to partner with the American Heart Association participating in the Kid's Heart Challenge. She is an OPEN National Trainer, and works with Hip Hop Public Health to create their early childhood education resource and the American Heart Association to create the OPEN Ninja Warrior module. Elyse is committed to using Physical Education as a venue for social justice work regarding race, wellness, education, and poverty. Elyse is an active member of the Capital Zone, serving as the editor of their newsletter. She has presented at the Zone, State, and National conferences. It is with great pleasure the Capital Zone recognizes Elyse Loughlin as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award is Kathleen Young
Kathleen earned her Bachelors of Science degree at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, and her masters from Brooklyn College. She teaches high school physical education at Newburg Free Academy. In service to New York State AHPERD, Kathy has been the Aquatics Chairperson for the Catskill Zone, is currently the Catskill Zone President and she has presented at NYS AHPERD conferences. She is a member of the NYS United Teachers Subject Area Committee, is on the NYS Education Department Standards Review Team and their Content Advisory Panel. In 2013 she became a National Board-Certified Physical Education Teacher for early adolescence and young adulthood. Kathy is one of only 21 national board certified physical education teachers in the state. She received the Friends in Education award from Newburgh Enlarged City School District and in 2016 was NYS AHPERD’s Aquatics Amazing Person of the Year. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Catskill Zone recognizes Kathleen Young as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone Amazing Person Award is Alissa DeBie
Alissa has taught physical education and dance for 13 years in the Syracuse City School District and also coaches the varsity girls’ volleyball team. Over her professional career Alissa has maintained her lifeguard certification and completed the High Ropes Certification Course. She is active with the FUSE fellowship in her district, which is a group of teachers who focus to improve personalized learning and student connections. Alissa has presented at Central North Zone mini-conferences and annually attends the NYS AHPERD conference. She joined the Central North Zone in 2011 as the Dance Section Vice President and was the recipient of the Central North Zone 2015 Dance Teacher of the Year award. In 2016 Alissa was the recipient of the Dance Section Amazing person. In November, she will be serving as the president of the Dance Section and therefore a member of the Executive Council. It is with great pleasure the Central North Zone recognizes Alissa DeBie as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Amazing Person Award is Linda Burghardt
Linda received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from SUNY Cortland. She is recently retired from teaching Physical Education at Whitney Point Central School. Linda coached all levels of field hockey, modified lacrosse, basketball, and junior varsity softball. Her biggest accomplishment as a coach and mentor was founding and running the Whitney Point Youth Club Field Hockey Program. As an active member of NYS AHPERD’s Central South Zone, she has been on the mini conference committee as a presenter and a conference planner for eleven years and has been a volunteer for the Healthy Active Student Award Celebrations since 2012. Linda was inducted into the Section IV Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020. In 2014 she was the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Physical Education Teacher of the Year, she received the AFLAC Assistant Coach of the Year Award, and National Field Hockey Coaches Association Junior Field Hockey Award. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Central South Zone recognizes Linda Burghardt as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Dr. Joseph Winnick
Dr. Winnick earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College and his master's degree and a doctorate in education from Temple University. While teaching at The College at Brockport, Dr. Winnick received the Distinguished Service Professor's honor in 1997. He founded the first master's program for Adapted Physical Education in the United States and has received over 4.6 million dollars in funding to prepare professionals in Adapted Physical Education. He was the first president for the Research Section, now known as the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section, and was instrumental in founding the Adapted Physical Education Section. Dr. Winnick was honored with the Julian U. Stein Lifetime Achievement Award and the Professional Recognition Award by the Adapted Physical Activity Council of AAHPERD. Dr. Winnick was a professor at Brockport for over 48 years, educating thousands of young professionals in Adapted Physical Education. It is with great pleasure the Central Western Zone posthumously recognizes Dr. Joseph Winnick as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award is Dorothy Niemira
Dorothy received her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Adapted Physical Education from SUNY Brockport. She received her master's degree in Health Education from Adelphi University. Dorothy is an adapted physical education teacher at P255 in Queens. She utilizes a universal design for learning approach that gives all students an equal opportunity to succeed. She is a JV Volleyball coach at Garden City High School and, since 2012, is a Camp Abilities Sports Specialist, a sports camp for athletes with visual impairments. She enjoys being Finley at the Nassau Zone Events, especially the elementary awards ceremony. She was a recipient of the 2018 Nassau Zone mini-grant, creating a sensory integrated functional training program for her students with Autism. Dorothy is an active member of the Nassau Zone, serving as the Adapted Physical Education Chair of the Nassau Zone Executive Board. Dorothy has presented at the local and state level conferences. It is with great pleasure the Nassau Zone recognizes Dorothy Niemira as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD New York City Zone Amazing Person Award is Dr. Victor Ramsey
Dr. Ramsey received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from York College and a Master of Science in Education from Manhattan College. He received his Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Teaching Physical Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University. He is the Educational Administrator at the NYC Department of Education, Office of School Wellness Programs, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at York College, and a physical education teacher on Saturdays at Manhattan Bridges High school. He currently serves as faculty advisor for the Physical Education and Movement Science Majors Club. He has authored several publications and has presented at the local, state, and national levels. He is the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness Section president and has served as a past president of the NYC Zone and Leisure Adventure Section. As EDI Section President Victor organized the first town hall and helped to write the association EDI policy and the Black Lives Matter statement. He is the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Manhattan College and was the Society of Health and Physical Educators Graduate Research Award Finalist. It is with great pleasure the NYC Zone recognizes Dr. Victor Ramsey as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Northern Zone Amazing Person Award is Becky Byrns
Becky received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and a master's degree in health education from SUNY Cortland. Becky is a middle school physical education teacher at Norwood-Norfolk Central School, where she has served on the District Improvement Group for the past eight years. For the past two years, Becky has mentored new physical education teachers in her district. She is the assistant coach for modified and varsity cross-country, varsity softball, varsity girls basketball, and JV basketball. Becky coached at "Beyond the Game Academy" with National High School Hall of Fame Member Missy West and Colleen Healy, recipient of the “Trailblazer of Courage Award” from the Women’s Sports Museum, and was the division director and coach at SUNY Potsdam Basketball camp. She is an active member of the Northern zone, regularly attends meetings, helped plan several zone mini-conferences, and has assisted with presentations. It is with great pleasure the Northern Zone recognizes Becky Byrns as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award is Christopher Keenan
Chris received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Le Moyne College and his master's degree from Hofstra University. Chris is an Elementary Physical Education Teacher at Arthur S. May School in the Arlington Central School District and has held this position since 2003. Christopher coordinates afterschool intramurals and the Walking Club and organizes the Afterschool Circus Arts Program. He is an active member of the Arlington District Wellness Committee and has participated in the district's annual Helping Others Pursue Education basketball game. He is an active member of the Southeastern Zone and participates in many events such as Care to Share professional development evenings and the Student Leadership Awards. Chris has presented at several Southeastern Zone and NYS AHPERD conferences and the 2017 National convention. Chris was the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year from the Taconic Region PTA in 2013, and the Southeastern Zone in 2016. It is with great pleasure that the Southeastern Zone recognizes Christopher Keenan as their 2020 Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award is Matthew "Dezy" DiStefano
In February of 2019 Matt was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney cancer, a deadly disease for which there is no cure and no hope of remission. His family and colleagues were devastated and heartbroken. During his darkest times where his character was tested, Matt has a choice of how to respond during this incredible adversity. In those moments is when he showed everyone what it means to be courageous and selfless, he chose to fight and lead. Matt was a teacher and coach for 19 years in the Sachem community. He was the Sachem North Boys Varsity volleyball coach in 2004 and assistant coach in later years until 2019, also a member of the Suffolk County Boys Volleyball Coaches Association and American Volleyball Association. During his trying times he decided to create the Dezy String Foundation, spreading the message of “Strong Mind Strong Body” helping to motivate and inspire others. His foundation provides opportunities for those fighting cancer to obtain support for a positive mental well-being. As his colleagues have written, “He taught is that to give is far more important than to receive. He taught us that real wealth comes from building relationships. He taught us that true courage is continuing to fight when we can’t be certain of the outcome. He taught us that real strength comes from lifting others up.” President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Suffolk Zone recognizes Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano as their Amazing Person.
The 2020/21 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Western Zone Amazing Person Award iis Mai Nguyen
Mai received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Canisius College. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Studies from SUNY Buffalo. She is the Director of Social, Emotional and Wellness Supports for the Buffalo Public Schools where she advocates for the importance between health, wellness, and academic achievement. She has a diverse perspective in her position, having worked as an educator in public, private and charter schools, from kindergarten to twelfth grade, suburban, rural and urban settings. Mai’s is a creative thinker which leads her to outside of the box programming. She is an active member of the Western Zone serving as the Zone Conference Coordinator where she works on all matters related to the conference in addition to helping coordinate presentations at monthly meetings and presenting, Mia is a real asset to the Western Zone. President Seymour, it is with great pleasure the Western Zone recognizes Mai Nguyen as their Amazing Person.