2012 Amazing People Bios
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section Amazing Person Award is Justin Haegele.
Justin received both his bachelor of education degree in physical education and his master of science degree in physical education with a concentration in adapted physical education and pedagogy from The College at Brockport. He was an adapted physical education teacher at PS 255 in Queens before beginning the PhD program in adapted physical education at Ohio State University this fall. For the past three years, Justin has been the co-director of Camp Abilities Alaska, a sports camp for children with visual impairments. To date, he has presented 38 workshops at national AAHPERD and state AHPERD Conferences as well as the New York City Zone Conference and local professional development days. He was a member of the New York City Zone restructuring committee, he co-authored a textbook chapter and has published two journal articles. He is a Member at Large on the Adapted Physical Activity Council Board and holds the position of Action Editor for Palaestra, a quarterly publication dealing with adapted physical activity for individuals with disabilities. He is a member of the United States Association of Blind Athletes, Youth Sport Development Committee and he is on the Advisory Board of PECentral.org representing the adapted physical education section. He was honored by the Adapted Physical Activity Council as an Outstanding Masters Degree Student and he will be receiving the Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award at the Jay B. Nash dinner tomorrow evening. It is with great pleasure that the Adapted Physical Education Section recognizes Justin Haegele as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award is Srecko Mavrek.
Srecko received his master of education degree in physical education from the University of Pecs, Hungary, a graduate certificate in football: testing, training and coaching from the University of Salzburg, Austria, a graduate certificate in sports medicine from the University of Auvergne, France and a graduate diploma in content language and integrated learning from City College in New York. He is presently working toward his doctorate in exercise science. Srecko came to the United States in 2005 after holding teaching and research positions in Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Austria and Italy. He is a physical education and swimming teacher at East Fordham College and Career Preparatory High School in The Bronx. He is an American Red Cross water safety instructor, a Cooperative, Healthy, Active, Motivated, Positive Students (C.H.A.M.P.S) swimming coach and Special Olympics NY soccer coach. In service to NYS AHPERD, Srecko is the York City Zone president-elect, past president of the Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Section and past New York City Zone representative to the Aquatics and Recreation/Adventure Education Sections. Srecko has been honored with the Council for Aquatic Professionals National Service Award and the Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Section Amazing Person Award and he will be receiving the Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award at the Jay B. Nash dinner tomorrow evening. It is with great pleasure that the Aquatics Section recognizes Srecko Mavrek as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Coaches Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Casciani.
Jerry received a bachelor of science degree in physical education, health and psychology from Springfield College, a master of education degree from Pennsylvania State University in physical education and psychology and a doctorate in motor development from West Virginia University. He is currently an Associate Professor and Chair Emeritus at SUNY Cortland where he has worked for the past forty-two years. During his tenure at SUNY Cortland, he served as Chair of the Physical Education Department, Interim Dean, and he was the Assistant Coach for lacrosse, wrestling, and football for many years. While coaching lacrosse for seven seasons, his team was undefeated in SUNY Conference play each year and they competed in six NCAA Division III National Championship Tournaments. He has presented at local, state and national level conferences, including organizing and presenting the first annual "Jerry C's Coaching Colloquium" at the 2011 NYS AHPERD Conference. He was the final author of the bachelor of science in sport management major curriculum that was accepted by SUNY, he authored the masters degree graduate coaching pedagogy concentration and the SUNY Cortland e-learning New York State coaching certification program. Jerry was a contributor to Youth Sports New York, SUNY Youth Sports Institute and the first statewide training network for non-school youth coaches and parents. He was honored as the SUNY Conference Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1986. It is with great pleasure that the Coaches Section recognizes Dr. Jerome Casciani as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Council of Administrators Section Amazing Person Award is Loyd Mott.
Lloyd received a bachelor of science degree in health and physical education from SUNY Cortland, a master of science degree in physical education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and his Administrative Certification from the University of Albany. After working for thirty-one years as a Director of Physical Education and Athletics in the Queensbury School District, he was the Assistant Director at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for eleven years and then Lloyd served as a consultant to the NYS AHPERD Council of Administrators Section for several years. He is a past president of the NYS AHPERD Council of Administrators Section and of New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Section II. He also served as the chair of the New York State Athletic Administrators Association Resolutions Committee. Lloyd authored several articles for periodicals on sportsmanship, hazing prevention, injury prevention, concussion management and equipment safety. He has presented at numerous conferences for health, physical education and athletics. He was the key presenter on hazing prevention in 2004 and the key presenter on concussion management in high school sports in 2008 at the National Federation of State High School Association Conferences. Lloyd was honored with the COA Director of the Year Award, and the Ann Mackey Award from the Council of Administrators Section, he also received the New York State Athletic Administrators Association Apple Award for significant professional contributions. It is with great pleasure that the Council of Administrators Section recognizes Lloyd Mott as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Dance Section Amazing Person Award is Leslie Pieters.
Leslie earned her bachelor of science degree from Hofstra University, her master of science degree from Queens College and her Certificate of Advanced Study from the College of St. Rose. She has been a health and physical education teacher for fourteen years, currently teaching in the Roosevelt Union Free School District. Leslie served as the Interim Athletic Director last spring and has chaired the Middle School Wellness Committee for the past two years. She implemented and developed the girls soccer program and has coached both soccer and track and field. She is the Nassau BOCES, Section VIII modified volleyball coordinator. Leslie is active in the Nassau Zone and is a member of the High School Physical Education Awards Ceremony Committee. She has presented dance programs at both Nassau and New York City Zone Conferences and numerous NYS AHPERD Conferences. She has published dance articles in local newspapers as well as the Nassau Zone Newsletter. Leslie has also had an article on National Standards for Physical Education published in Strategies. She has been the facilitator of several successful grant applications. She received $50,000 from NuHealth, to combat obesity in Roosevelt Middle School students, implementing "Let's Move, Roosevelt" initiative. She also received $50,000 from North Shore Land Alliance for Outdoor Activities held in the Theodore Roosevelt Preserve. Leslie is the founder of Afrobics, featuring Reggaerobics, Socarobics and Salsaarobics and the "One-Minute Workout. It is with great pleasure that the Dance Section recognizes Leslie Pieters as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Tara Nelsen.
Tara graduated from St. John's University with a bachelor of science in athletic administration where she played Division I basketball and softball. She earned her masters degree in physical education from Adelphi University and a certificate of advanced studies in school district administration from Long Island University C.W. Post. Tara is currently teaching physical education for Lawrence Public Schools. She is a dedicated teacher and role model for her students. She establishes a "can do" attitude allowing as much time as each student needs to master a skill without feeling pressured. She initiated and participates with her students in various school and community events throughout the year including the Turkey Trot, Gingerbread Fun Run, Let's Move In Schools Campaign, Fitness Friday Celebrations, and Spring Physical Education Showcases. Her students are yearly participants at the Nassau Zone Physical Education Mall Show to celebrate National Physical Education Week. Additionally, her students travel to Adelphi University to work with professors and undergraduates in their Physical Education Program. Tara has been an active member of the Nassau Zone and currently serves as Zone President. She has been instrumental in helping plan Zone Conferences and has provided physical educators with innovative professional development experiences. She has presented at the NYS AHPERD, NJ AHPERD, EDA and numerous Zone Conferences. Tara has been honored with the Nassau Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award and the Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award. It is with great pleasure that the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section recognizes Tara Nelsen as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Future Professionals Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Joseph Winnick.
Dr. Winnick received his bachelor of science degree from Ithaca College, and his masters degree and doctorate in education from Temple University. At Brockport, he earned SUNY's highest academic rank, Distinguished Service Professor in 1997. He developed the first masters program in the United States in Adapted Physical Education, has received $4.6 million dollars in external funding to support professional preparation and research activities. Dr. Winnick was a founding member of the National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities, serving as president in 1979. He was the first president of the NYS AHPERD Research Section known today as the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section and was active in establishing the Adapted Physical Education Section. He wrote and edited a textbook entitled "Adapted Physical Education and Sport". Dr. Winnick helped create the only validated health related fitness test for children with disabilities. He was a consultant to the US Department of Education in the area of Adapted Physical Education for more than 30 years and has worked on several projects for the New York State Education Department. He was awarded the Julian U. Stein Lifetime Achievement Award and the Professional Recognition Award by the Adapted Physical Activity Council of AAHPERD. Dr. Winnick is retiring next month at the end of his 48th year at the College at Brockport. His retirement will leave an immeasurable void in the life of the department, the college, NYS AHPERD and AAHPERD but his influence has been and will be felt by generations of physical educators. It is with great pleasure that the Future Professionals Section recognizes Dr. Joseph Winnick as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Health Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Donna Videto.
Donna received both her bachelor of science and master of science degrees in health education from Southern Connecticut University and a doctor of philosophy in health education from Pennsylvania State University. She is a Professor of Health at SUNY Cortland and co-investigator for the School Health Systems Change Project, a SUNY Cortland and NYS Education Department partnership. Donna is an American Association for Health Education Executive Committee member and Board of Directors member. She serves on the national task force discussing a potential merger of AAHE and the Society for Public Health Education, two national professional associations. She is a reviewer for the electronic Health Education Teaching Techniques Journal through AAHE and is a member of the AAHE Board of Associate Editors for their journals. Donna has more than twenty publications to her credit including, A Health Education Teacher Resource Handbook: A Practical Guide for K-12 Health Education. Donna has been honored with the SUNY Cortland Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Outreach Award, an AAHE Presidential Citation, SUNY Cortland Excellence in Teaching Award, the NYS Federation of Professional Health Educators Dedicated Service Award and the Eastern District Association Health Education Merit Award to name a few. It is with great pleasure that the Health Section recognizes Dr. Donna Videto as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Elaine Gregory.
Elaine received her bachelors degree in physical education from Cedarville College in Ohio, her masters degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and a doctorate in teaching and curriculum from Syracuse University. She is an Associate Professor and Director of Physical Education at Roberts Wesleyan College where she developed the Physical Education Program, graduating their first class this past May. She serves as a student teacher supervisor and academic advisor. Prior to joining Roberts Wesleyan College, Elaine was an Assistant Professor and Physical Education Program Coordinator at Syracuse University for nineteen years. She was an academic advisor, faculty advisor to the majors club, and she was the Director of the summer youth sports and fitness camp. Elaine is also a past president of Phi Epsilon Kappa Alumni Chapter. In service to NYS AHPERD, Elaine served as chair of the Jay B. Nash Awards Committee, she is the Central Western Zone Treasurer and has been the Zone Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section representative. She was the EDA Council for Conventions Representative for six years and has served as a delegate at EDA and AAHPERD Conventions. Elaine has also presented at district, state and Zone Conferences. She has been honored as the Central North Zone Professional of the Year and has been nominated for the Donald Mohnkern Academic Advisement Award. It is with great pleasure that the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section recognizes Dr. Elaine Gregory as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Recreation/Adventure Education Section Amazing Person Award is Monica Wolfe.
Monica earned her bachelors degree in physical education, masters degree in health education and a certificate of advanced study in administration from SUNY Cortland as well as a masters degree in adventure education from Plymouth State. Monica is the Athletic Director as well as middle school and high school physical education teacher in the Cooperstown Central School District. Previously, she taught elementary physical education in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District for 15 years. She is the summer Outdoor Adventure Director at Camp Wayne in Pennsylvania where her program includes; archery, high/low challenge course, rock wall, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, camping, mountain biking as well as day and overnight trips. At VVS she introduced her students to Black River Outdoor Education Programs where they learned mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. She implemented before and after school programs to keep students moving including intramurals and a jump rope team. Her jump rope team has performed at state and local conferences. She is the current Central North Zone President and in that capacity, she initiated a 1 mile Family Fun Walk & Run, Hit the Trails Days and Slip Sliding Away Day. Monica is a member of the Let's Move in Schools Campaign Ad Hoc Committee and is a member of the Bernard E. Hughes Award Committee. She is a member of the Zone Awards Committee and is the Zone Mini Conference Planner. It is with great pleasure that the Recreation/Adventure Education Section recognizes Monica Wolfe as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Retirees Section Amazing Person Award is Wendy Cooper.
Wendy earned her bachelors degree in health and physical education from Kent State University, and completed her graduate studies at SUNY Cortland and The College at Brockport. For thirty years, Wendy taught physical education in the Fulton and Greece public school districts. During that time she developed the PE Rules of the Road program; a curriculum-based program designed to teach children how to move safely through a gymnasium using traffic metaphors. This program was the catalyst for the development of the Healthy Highway program which she founded and currently serves as President. Wendy has been the recipient of a number of accolades and awards. In 2004 she was a finalist for the New York State Teacher of the Year and the Dole 5 A Day Teacher of the Year award. During her career she was recognized with several staff appreciation as well as district achievement awards. A recognized expert in her field, Wendy has presented to a number of professional audiences nationally and in New York State. Since retiring in 2007, she has been focused on getting the Healthy Highway program in schools across the country. In March 2012, Healthy Highway received national recognition and was featured as a "How Cool Is That" organization on Rachael Ray's Yum-O website and newsletter. Throughout her career, Wendy's goal has always been to help children and families understand that it can be fun to make healthy choices. It is with great pleasure that the Retirees Section recognizes Wendy Cooper as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Shelly Connors.
Shelly earned both her bachelors degree and masters degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and she is currently attending Plymouth State University working toward a second masters degree in adventure learning. Shelly has been a physical education teacher in the Auburn Enlarged City School District for the past twelve years. She was the Project Director for Auburn's Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant, she has been the ski club advisor, youth triathlon and late night volleyball organizer. Shelly has been the women's varsity tennis coach for the past twelve years and has coached lacrosse, basketball and soccer. She has participated in numerous triathlons and has run several marathons, including the Boston Marathon. She also ran the Memphis Marathon, to raise funds for St. Jude's Hospital in honor of one of her students. In service to NYS AHPERD, Shelly is Chair of the Bernard E. Hughes Award Committee. She has presented at numerous state and Zone Conferences and she has applied to present at the upcoming AAHPERD Conference. She is the Secondary Section Representative for the Central North Zone and is the Secondary Section President elect. She is the ultimate optimist, always ready and willing to help. Shelly was honored as the Central North Zone Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 2011. It is with great pleasure that the Secondary Physical Education Section recognizes Shelly Connors as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Capital Zone Amazing Person Award is Marc Vachon.
Marc received his bachelor of science in physical education from St. Bonaventure University and his masters in teacher education from The College of Saint Rose. He is presently a Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant manager, aquatics director and physical education teacher for Mohonasen Central Schools. He is co-chair of the district wellness committee, girls varsity swimming and diving coach and the community continuing education program director for aquatics at Mohonasen. Marc is also a coach with the Coach-Ed program, a charity established to help patients with Cystic Fibrosis to live beyond the limitations of the disease and realize their athletic and active lifestyle goals. Marc has been a committed member of NYS AHPERD since college when he participated in leadership seminars and activities with the Future Professionals Section. He is a past president of the Capital Zone and presently serves as the Secondary Leadership Awards Chair, continuing to coordinate the program he spearheaded during his presidency, honoring high school seniors from over 35 districts. Marc is a member of the Teacher of the Year Awards Committee and his band Chalk Dust Torture has played at our Annual Conference social. Marc was honored with the NYS AHPERD Departmental Major of the Year Award while a student at St. Bonaventure University. It is with great pleasure that the Capital Zone recognizes Marc Vachon as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award is Kelly Striefler.
Kelly received her bachelors degree in physical education from Kean College and her masters degree in physical education and sport pedagogy from Manhattanville College. She is currently a substitute teacher in the Minisink Valley Central School District and a golf instructor at TGA Premier Golf and Tennis of Westchester. For the past three summers, she also worked as a Co-Program Specialist at Braeside Camp of Orange County, coordinating athletics and aquatics programs for campers ages 6 to 12. Previously, Kelly was a physical education and health education teacher at McQuade Children's Services for eight years. Kelly is an American Red Cross Community Outreach/Special Events Coordinator, a Certified Lifeguard and Lifeguard Instructor and a First Aid/CPR/AED Community Class Instructor. She has been a volunteer group leader for Camp Abilities and has volunteered for the Beautiful People Adaptive Sports League. In service to the Catskill Zone, Kelly is a dedicated member of the Election Day Conference Planning Committee with responsibility for coordinating registration. She is the Catskill Zone Newsletter Editor and the Zone photographer, taking pictures at Zone meetings and Conference and the NYS AHPERD Conference each year. Kelly is always willing to help out behind the scenes doing whatever needs to be done to support the Zone. She was honored with the McQuade Children's Services Above and Beyond Award. It is with great pleasure that the Catskill Zone recognizes Kelly Striefler as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone Amazing Person Award is Wendi Haynes-Eklund.
Wendi received both her bachelors degree and her masters degree in education from SUNY Cortland. She has been teaching health and physical education in the New Hartford Central School District for the past 15 years. She began teaching at the junior high level and has taught elementary physical education for the past 5 years. Wendi started and coached the first girls lacrosse team at New Hartford and coached various other sports including track and field, basketball and bowling at the modified, JV and varsity levels. She has taught Community Education Aquatics classes for the past 7 years including water aerobics and water games. She teaches swim lessons and is a lifeguard throughout the year. She served on the New Hartford Central School District physical education curriculum revision committee. In service to the Central North Zone and NYS AHPERD, Wendi has served as the Aquatics representative and she has presented at both Central North Zone and NYS AHPERD Conferences and she recently became a Physical Best Specialist. She has volunteered in her community for the YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Proctor Kids Day, the Stanley Health Fair and the Sherrill Family Fun Run. Wendi has been honored as the Central North Zone Aquatics Teacher of the Year. It is with great pleasure that the Central North Zone recognizes Wendi Haynes-Eklund as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Amazing Person Award is Eric Laine, II.
Eric received both his bachelors of education degree in physical education and his masters of education degree in physical education with a concentration in adapted physical education from SUNY Cortland. He is presently an Assistant Professor in the Natural Resource Recreation and Sports Department at SUNY Delhi. Prior to accepting the position at SUNY Delhi, he was a physical education teacher and aquatics director in the Susquehanna Valley Central School District for five years. He is also an instructor at SUNY Cortland's Outdoor Education Center teaching outdoor recreation curriculum to physical education majors. Eric coordinated an elementary after school swim program for four years and taught Pre K to second grade swim lessons. He is an instructor, training students, community members and school personnel in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid. For years Eric has been a dedicated Central South Zone member. He can always be counted on to attend Zone meetings and participate in Zone activities. He has been the Zone treasurer for the past five years, he serves on numerous committees including assisting with Zone mini Conference planning. He has presented a number of times at NYS AHPERD Conferences. It is with great pleasure that the Central South Zone recognizes Eric Laine, II as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Michelle Craig.
Michelle earned her bachelors degree in education from SUNY Cortland and her masters degree in education from the College of New Jersey, formerly Trenton State College. She is an elementary physical education teacher at Plank Road North Elementary School in the Webster Central School District. Michelle has been actively involved in her school community. She started the elementary swim program, coordinated the school council for three years, served as a Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator for seven years and coordinated both the 5th grade talent show and field days for ten years. In service to her community, Michelle served as the medic coordinator and board member of the Irondequoit Vikings football. Michelle is actively involved in the Central Western Zone. She has served as the Zone Awards Chair for the past ten years, coordinating the awards program at the Zone Conference and ensuring nominations are submitted at the Zone and state level. She has also been the Zone Social Director for the past eleven years. In this capacity, Michelle coordinates meals for the monthly Zone meetings and the Zone Conference. She also helps to keep others on task, making sure everything that needs to be done, is taken care of. It is with great pleasure that the Central Western Zone recognizes Michelle Craig as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award is Lauren Friszell.
Lauren earned her bachelors degree in health and physical education from the University of Bridgeport and her master of arts degree from Adelphi University. She is a substitute teacher in the Farmingdale, Roslyn and South Huntington School Districts, working primarily in Howitt Middle School in Farmingdale. She works to develop differentiated instruction based on the individual needs of her students and stays involved in the latest educational practices. Lauren has coached lacrosse and softball and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the Parkinsons Unity Walk and the Candlelight Vigil for the Homeless. She is a dedicated and passionate educator who ensures that a safe environment is provided for all students. She is an active member of the Nassau Zone, serving as Editor for the Zone's Conference Journal, and as the photographer for Nassau Zone's special events. Her insight into the internal operation of a professional organization was recognized immediately and she has established herself as a reliable member of the Nassau Zone Board. She is spearheading the development of health awards for students as a new Zone project. Lauren represents the type of young person that is sure to become one of the pillars of our Zone. She readily adopted the vision of the Zone and gained instant recognition from her peers. Lauren received the Nassau Zone Service Award in 2011. It is with great pleasure that the Nassau Zone recognizes Lauren Friszell as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Northern Zone Amazing Person Award is Amber Wilcox.
Amber received both her bachelor of science in sports and leisure studies and her masters in educational administration from St. Lawrence University. She has been a physical education teacher in the Gouverneur Central School District for the past twelve years, serving as the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for nine years. Amber served as the District Wellness Committee Chair for seven years and is presently the District Continuing Education Director and Girls Basketball Chairperson. Amber is a supervisor for the district fitness centers after school program open to students and staff and she has coached various levels of girls basketball, volleyball, and swimming and boys soccer and swimming. She organizes and runs an annual track meet for all adapted physical education students and volunteers for numerous committees. She is a Certified Personal Fitness Instructor through Cooper Institute, Physical Best Instructor and a Certified Lifeguard. She was the NYS Athletic Administrators' Association publication chair for five years and is active in NYS AHPERD. She is the current Northern Zone President and the Chapter 10 Council of Administrators Representative and she has served as the Council of Administrators Representative to New York State Council of Educational Organizations. It is with great pleasure that the Northern Zone recognizes Amber Wilcox as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award is Jean Mazzilli.
Jean earned her bachelor of science degree in physical education from Hofstra University and her master of liberal arts degree from Stonybrook College. She has been a physical education teacher for twenty-four years, teaching at Pound Ridge Elementary School in the Bedford Central School District for the past eleven years. Jean has proven herself to be a dedicated teacher who attends to every detail necessary to create a meaningful learning experience for her students. She is an innovative teacher, always integrating interdisciplinary concepts in her lessons and individualizing her lessons for her students. She is a member of the school Compact Committee, a character education committee and she works hard to keep herself on the cutting edge of her profession and shares her knowledge with her co-workers. Jean attends workshops and conferences regularly and she utilizes the internet to continue learning. In service to the Southeastern Zone, Jean has served as Zone Secretary for the past three years, she was a Jump Rope for Heart Committee co-chairperson for three years and she presently serves as Elementary Awards co-chairperson. Jean is also on the committee to bring back Secondary Awards to the Zone. Jean has been a reliable volunteer, willing to help wherever the need is, she is a true asset to our Zone. It is with great pleasure that the Southeastern Zone recognizes Jean Mazzilli as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award is Lynn Hefele.
Lynn earned both her bachelor of science degree in physical education and her master of science degree in biomechanics from Springfield College. She has been a physical education teacher in the Huntington Union Free School District for twenty-three years. During her career, she coached seventeen seasons of volleyball including both boys and girls at all levels as well as track and field, cross country and cheerleading. Lynn is an active member of the Suffolk Zone, serving as Vice President of the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section. She has presented at the NYS AHPERD Conference and the Connecticut AHPERD Conference, as well as Zone and Section Conferences across the state. She was a Special Olympic Village Coordinator for the 2011-2012 spring games and has served as a Jump Rope for Heart facilitator. Lynn is the founder and president of Literature Enhanced Physical Education, which promotes using literature to motivate and educate children using their imaginations. She has authored several publications for use with her program. She developed and implemented the Huntington Special Education Parent Teacher Association Bicycle Camp which taught students with disabilities to ride two wheeled bicycles independently. Lynn has been honored with the Special Education Parent Teacher Association Distinguished Service Award and the NYS Lottery and Channel 55 Teacher of the Week recognition. It is with great pleasure that the Suffolk Zone recognizes Lynn Hefele as their 2012 Amazing Person.
The 2012 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Sara Lester.
Sara earned her bachelors degree in recreation and leisure studies education from SUNY Cortland. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Sara has been the Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services at Gateway-Longview, Inc. for the past fourteen years. She is an American Red Cross Instructor of First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Water Safety. Sara has attended thirty-four conferences and is a member of eight different professional associations. She is an active member of NYS AHPERD, serving as the Recreation/Adventure Education Section President and on the NYS AHPERD Statewide Event Planning Committee. She serves on the Western Zone Board and on the Zone Conference Planning Committee. Through Sara's leadership, the Western Zone collaborated with the Niagara Frontier Recreation and Parks Society to host a joint conference at Canisius College in 2011. She has served on the New York State Recreation and Parks Society Professional Development Board for eight years and has been an Executive Board member of the Niagara Frontier Recreation and Parks Society for eleven years. It is with great pleasure that the Western Zone recognizes Sara Lester as their 2012 Amazing Person.