2015 Amazing People Bios
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section Amazing Person Award is Tracy Sharlow.
Kelly has been an elementary physical education teacher in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District for the past 17 years. With her passion for teaching about living a healthy lifestyle, Kelly helped create a Ken-Ton Elementary Nutrition and Wellness curriculum, is chairperson of the school's Wellness Committee, and has been the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart coordinator for 17 years. Kelly revised the elementary physical education progress reports based on the Curriculum and assessment Guidance Document for physical education, she serves as a member on the Positive Behavior Intervention System Committee, and the Shared Decision-Making team. Kelly is chair of the School Spirit Committee, Field Day Committee, and head of the safety patrol. She also organized a Ken-Ton pedometer challenge, and PiYo and yoga classes to promote staff wellness. For the past seven years, she has been a volunteer volleyball coach for both the Cheeta and Niagara Frontier Volleyball Clubs. In 2005, Kelly was honored to be named Kenmore West Coach of the Year. It is with great pleasure that the Western Zone recognizes Kelly Strong as their 2017 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award is James Cutrone.
Jimmy received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from John Hopkins University and his Master's Degree in Public Health & Health Education from Emory University School of Medicine. He is working towards his Doctorate in Health Education at A. T. Still University. He has been an instructor in the Health, Physical Education and Dance Department at Queensborough Community College for the past five years. Jimmy is a four time winner of New York City Triathlon, seven time winner of New York City Lifeguard Ironman and four time NCAA National Swimming Championship qualifier, a two time National NCAA Champion and a National NCAA Division Record Holder. In addition, he was the primary coach for twenty-nine NCAA All-American Swimmers, and was an assistant coach for seventy-four NCAA All-American Swimmers. He has served on the Title IV Committee and the NCAA Championship Swim Committee. He is an active member of the Aquatic Section and has presents at NYS APHERD Conferences. His passion and knowledge in this field is contagious and inspirational. Jimmy has been honored with the Collegiate Water Polo Association Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Coach of the Year, Coaching Staff of the Year, by the University Athletic Association and he received the Certificate of Excellence seven times from the American Swim Coaches Association, for swimmer's outstanding performance at the NCAA Swimming Nationals. It is with great pleasure the Aquatic Section recognizes Jimmy Cutrone as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Coaches Section Amazing Person Award is Monica Tooley.
Monica received both her Bachelor's Degree and her Master's Degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College. She has been a physical education teacher at Little Falls High School for the past 25 years. She served as the Athletic Director for 8 years and is the president of the Little Falls Teachers Association. Through the years, Monica coached track and field, volleyball, and JV Field hockey. She has been the Varsity Field Hockey coach for 23 years with a record of 296 wins, 122 losses 29 ties. She initiated a Youth Field Hockey program through the Little Falls YMCA to grow the sport among young girls. She was a League and Section III chair for track and field and served on the state committee. She was the Section III Field Hockey Assistant Chair for 10 years and currently serves as chairperson. She also serves on the Section III Executive Committee as the Girls Physical Education Representative and on the athletic council, classification committee and constitution and bylaws committee. In service to NYS AHPERD, Monica is a member of the Election Results Committee and has presided at our annual conference. Monica was honored with the Cheri Stevens Award by the Central North Zone. It is with great pleasure that the Coaches Section recognizes Monica Tooley as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Dance Section Amazing Person Award is Cindi Parise.
Cindi received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre from Point Park College, a Bachelor of Science degree in behavioral studies and her Master of Science degree in physical education and sport pedagogy from Manhattanville College. She currently teaches dance, dance choreography and physical education in the Middletown Union Free School District. She also coaches the Middletown high school dance and color guard teams. Cindi is an adjunct professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy at Manhattanville College. She has presented at the Manhattanville Mid-March Conference and has served as Manhattanvilles representative at the Suffolk Zone, Nassau Zone and NYS AHPERD conferences. She has been a dance choreographer and performer at the Tennessee Repertory Theatre. She taught ballet, tap, and jazz at Jody's School of Performing Arts and Vanderbilt University, Tennessee. Cindi worked as a singer, dancer, and actress at "Opryland, USA" as well as a dance choreographer at Marist College. She is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreography, and the Actors' Equity Association. Cindi was a nominee for the prestigious Helen Hayes Award for Choreography. It is with great pleasure that the Dance Section recognizes Cindi Parise as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Ken Wojehowski.
Ken received his Bachelor of Education Degree in Physical Education from Southern Connecticut State University and his Master of Science Degree from Long Island University. Ken has been teaching at Sloatsburg Elementary School in the Ramapo Central School District for eighteen years. He is the Elementary Physical Education Coordinator and a district Mentor Teacher. He is an active member of NYS AHPERD and the Catskill Zone. At the Zone level he has served as Zone president, secretary, treasurer, newsletter editor, co-conference coordinator and a Get Moving NY event volunteer. In service to NYS AHPERD, Ken is the chair of the Teacher of the Year Award Committee, a member of the Advocacy Committee and has presented at numerous state conferences. His work, "The ultimate PE challenge, Teaching Tips Combining Physical Education with Physical Geography," was published in SHAPE America's Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Ken has been honored with the NYS AHPERD Elementary Teacher of the Year Award, Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award, Rockland County Clerk Distinguished Service Award, Rockland County Executive Award of Excellence, The New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit and the Ramapo Central School District's Distinguished Publisher Award. It is with great pleasure the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section recognizes Ken Wojehowski as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Future Professionals Section Amazing Person Award is Ken Demas.
Ken received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Long Island University and his Master of Science Degree from the College of New Rochelle. He taught physical education in the Mamaroneck Union Free School District for thirty-three years. Ken has long been an active member of NYS AHPERD serving as Association President, Southeastern Zone President and Retirees Section President. He is currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors. He served as conference director for our state conference at Kutscher's and has presented numerous times at state and zone conferences. He and his wife Claire, another NYS AHPERD member, have volunteered at our conference registration desk for several years. Ken has been the recipient of the NYS AHPERD Middle School Teacher of the Year Award, Eastern District Association NASPE TOY, and the NYS AHPERD Distinguished Service Award. He was also honored as the Westchester County Baseball Coach, Coach of the Year. Ken has played an active role in the Future Professionals Section. He has provided guidance to the Section leadership and assisted in the creation and organization of the Future Professionals Section Leadership Conference. Ken's mentorship continues to be an invaluable asset to the Future Professionals Section. His ability and desire to share his knowledge makes him as approachable as he is admired. It is with great pleasure the Future Professionals Section recognizes Ken Demas as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Health Section Amazing Person Award is Ryan Fisk.
Ryan received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, his Master of Science Degree in School Health Education and his Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Hofstra University. Ryan is currently an assistant professor at Manhattan College. He worked on a State Education Department committee to develop an HIV Guidance document and has published articles on media literacy and technology for health and physical education teachers, online at examiner.com. Ryan is active in the Nassau Zone serving as secretary, newsletter editor and webmaster. He is a member of the Zone Get Moving NY Committee and the Nassau Zone Conference Planning Committee. Ryan has presented various workshops on technology at local, zone, state and regional conferences and he presented a parent workshop for the Adolescent Health Task Force and an online safety seminar. He is the current President-elect for the Health Section and assists NYS AHPERD with the management of our social media presence on both Twitter and Facebook, posting articles related to our profession, and professional development opportunities. It is with great pleasure that the Health Section recognizes Ryan Fisk as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award is Melissa Pierce.
Melissa received her Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Cortland and her Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse. She began her career at Monroe Community College and is now in her third year as an Adventure Education instructor at the College at Brockport. Melissa has been an active NYS AHPERD member since her undergraduate years at Cortland when she won a membership recruitment contest, earning her a lifetime membership. She is the current president of the Recreation/Adventure Education Section and is the student representative advisor and presider coordinator for the Central Western Zone conference. She has presented at numerous NYS AHPERD conferences with her students from Brockport and is the president-elect for the Central Western Zone. She has been honored with the SUNY Cortland Major of the Year Award and the NYS AHPERD Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award. It is with great pleasure that the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section recognizes Melissa Pierce as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Recreation/Adventure Education Section Amazing Person Award is RaLuca Gruin.
RaLuca received her Bachelor's Degrees in physical education, German language and special education from Pedagogic Academy in Graz, Austria, an International Certificate in Science of Education from University "Il Bo" in Padova, Italy and a Master's Degree in the science of sports and recreation management from Lehman College. She is a swimming instructor at Kappa International High School in New York City. RaLuca has been instrumental in bringing recreation programs to her students. She initiated programs including indoor floor skiing, indoor hockey, and an annual Winter Games Fest, She integrated ice skating in her physical education curriculum, using Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rinks as her "classroom". She developed an after school recreation swim program at the middle school and high school level serving over 300 students each year. In service to NYS AHPERD she has presented at state and zone conferences including sessions on orienteering, water map adventure, and "Hi-Polka- Hop" dance. She is an active member of the Recreation/Adventure Education Section, the Aquatics Section and New York City Zone. RaLuca is currently serving as the Aquatics Section President. She has been honored with the Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award. It is with great pleasure the Recreation/Adventure Education Section recognizes RaLuca Gruin as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Retirees Section Amazing Person Award is Helen Robinson.
Helen tragically passed away in June 2014 from injuries sustained in an accident. She received both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the State University of New York at Cortland. She shared her gifts of teaching, mentoring, inspiring, and coaching in the Whitesboro and Vernon-Verona-Sherrill school districts, and concluded her career in the Utica City School District. There is nothing she loved more than to accompany students on their journey of discovery and growth. She was active in NYS AHPERD and the Central North Zone. She annually presented at both NYS AHPERD and Zone conferences and was a Jump Rope For Heart coordinator. Her enthusiasm for teaching the importance of lifelong fitness, health, nutrition and love of play to children was fierce and relentless. As a result of Helen's hard work and persistence, the Utica School District received a $436,000 Carol M. White Grant. And the Thomas Jefferson Magnet School's physical education program was chosen by the NYS Department of Health as a model, demonstrating key positive relationships between the physical education teacher, nurse, and principal. During retirement, Helen served as a student teacher advisor for SUNY Cortland and Syracuse University. She always introduced her student teachers to the value of membership in NYS AHPERD. It is with great pleasure that the Retiree Section honors Helen Robinson as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Chris Wert.
Chris received both his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and his Master of Science Degree in Health Education from SUNY Cortland. He taught elementary physical education for eleven years and is currently teaching high school in the Corning-Painted Post School District. Chris is a mentor for student teachers from both SUNY Cortland and Canisius College. In service to NYS AHPERD, Chris is a past president of the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section. He is finishing his second term as the Executive Council secretary and will begin a term on the NYS AHPERD Board of Directors on Saturday. Chris is also a member of the Bylaws & Operating Codes committee. He has presented at numerous NYS AHPERD and zone conferences where his passion for teaching physical education shines. He served as the Elementary/Middle School Section representative for the Central South Zone and has written articles for zone and section newsletters. At the district level, he is the former Council for Services representative to the Eastern District Association. He served as a member of the NYS Education Department committee that developed a guidance document to help districts struggling to meet state physical education regulations. Chris has been honored as the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person. It is with great pleasure that the Secondary Physical Education Section recognizes Chris Wert as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Capital Zone Amazing Person Award is Jessica Hull.
Jessica received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from The State University of New York at Albany and her Master of Science Degree in school health education from Sage Graduate School. She has been a health teacher in the Shenendehowa Central School District for the past nine years. Jessica is an active member of the Capital Zone, serving as the Zone Health Section Representative for the past 6 years. She has been a member of the Zone Conference Committee for the past 4 years and was a member of the Health Section Summer Mini-Conference Committee. Her knowledge of content and curriculum has provided key insight during conference planning and advocacy initiatives. Jessica has presented at both Zone and state Conferences. She has also contributed to the Zone newsletter on a regular basis. She has taken an active role in the Dignity for all Students Act training at her school and has participated in the district's mentoring program. She has actively integrated health education technology into her classroom. Her passion for health education and its importance to her students' and her community is evident. It is with great pleasure the Capital Zone recognizes Jessica Hull as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award is Laura Pietropaolo.
Laura graduated from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor's Degree in Health Education and received her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Long Island University-CW Post. She has been teaching health at Monroe-Woodbury High School for 31 years. She is the districts secondary health education coordinator, and is the advisor for the high school's peer education, Students Teaching AIDS Reduction Strategies program and serves as the Wellness Club Advisor. Laura serves as the co-chair for the District Wide Health and Wellness Advisory Committee and serves as co-chair for the Healthy Schools Committee. Laura is an American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and Learn to Save a Life Instructor. She served on the New York State Teacher Certification Exam Committee and helped write frameworks and set standards for the new Health Education Teacher Certification Exams. She worked as a State Education Department Consultant for the HIV/AIDS Curriculum project, and is a member of the Monroe-Woodbury Teachers' Association. Laura has been a member of NYS AHPERD since 1982. She has presented at numerous conferences and currently serves as the Catskill Zone Health Education Representative. Laura was honored with the Monroe Woodbury Teacher of the Year Award. It is with great pleasure the Catskill Zone recognizes Laura Pietropaolo as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone Amazing Person Award is Diane Penella.
Diane received her Bachelor of Science Degree in physical education from St. Lawrence University and her Master's Degree in education from SUNY Cortland. She has been a physical education teacher at Staley Upper Elementary School in the Rome City School District for the past twenty-five years. Throughout her career, Diane has coordinated after school clubs providing an extension of physical education class activities, promoting lifelong physical activity and health & wellness. These school clubs include track & field, jump rope, dance and sport stacking. This past spring, Diane took 33 students to participate in the 2015 National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament and watched as one of her students qualified for the National tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. She collaborated with colleagues to update the 5th and 6th grade physical education curriculum and worked on a curriculum committee to develop activities incorporating ELA and math into the K-6 physical education program. She serves on the Staley School Improvement Team and is a member of the Rome City School District Health & Safety Committee. Diane is an active member of the Central North Zone and has served as a member of the Zone conference committee and has presented at both Central North Zone and state conferences. Diane has been honored with the Central North Zone MVP for hosting Jump Rope for heart and Hoops for Heart events. She was the recipient of the Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year award at the Zone and state levels. It is with great pleasure the Central North Zone recognizes Diane Penella as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Amazing Person Award is Greg Woolever.
Greg received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education from The College at Brockport and his Master's Degree in Health Education and Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland. He has been an elementary physical education teacher at Owego Elementary School for the past twenty years. Greg has coached basketball, cross country and track & field. He volunteers his time to support building quality physical education and physical activity programs in his community. He has held local clinics for volunteer coaches of youth soccer and basketball teams teaching them how to effectively manage and run practices for maximum learning and enjoyment. He also assists in the organization of local running events and has organized study groups for K-12 teachers in his district to evaluate student obesity rates and develop a plan to reduce them at the district level. Greg is a dedicated member of both NYS AHPERD and SHAPE America. When asked about one thing he is excited about related to his teaching, Greg responded that it is his basketball unit that focuses on basketball as a lifetime activity. He developed this unit using an interdisciplinary approach and includes activities such as "cardiac basketball," where students learn about the cardiovascular system and muscle identification. He also devised monthly fitness calendars for classroom teachers to use with their students so they can increase the amount of physical activity they participate in throughout the day. It is with great pleasure the Central South Zone recognizes Greg Woolever as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Alissa Ingerick.
Alissa earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from the State University of New York at Cortland and her Master of Science Degree in Physical Education from The College at Brockport. She has taught physical education at Brooks Hill Elementary school in the Fairport School District for the past 11 years. Alissa has coached basketball, soccer and lacrosse and is enthusiastically involved in school activities including, coordinating the morning and after school run club, the fun club, the gym games club and the study club. She has served on the districts shared decision making team, and the friendship circle committee. Alissa wants her students to have the skills to participate physically and cognitively in physical activity as well as demonstrate sportsmanship. She worked diligently to improve progress reports, she served on the PE steering committee, and the Brooks Hill Technology and Vision Team. Alissa has written and received several grants supporting her students and she has coordinated an American Heart Association event for the past 9 years. Alissa is an active member of NYS AHPERD and has served the Central Western Zone as publications editor, secretary and President. Alissa's supervisors have commented that she is a born teacher. She has a passion for teaching and a passion for her students. It is with great pleasure the Central Western Zone recognizes Alissa Ingerick as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award is Vera Trenchfield.
Vera received her Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University. Her Master's Degree in sports management from Brooklyn College and her administrative certification from Queens College. She has been an elementary physical education teacher in Roslyn for the past 18 years. Vera is an enthusiastic elementary physical educator, who has made significant contributions to the quality and creativity of the Roslyn physical education program. She has shared her expertise by collaborating with her peers, presenting at Eastern District, NYS AHPERD, Nassau and New York City Zone Conferences. Vera's skills in rhythmic dance and fitness uniquely support interdisciplinary learning, infuse literacy into physical education and promotes classroom teachers' support of her discipline. She has published several of her creative games and methods in the "Great Activities" PE magazine. Her work with assessments at the elementary level reflects best practice,that in turn support the goals of the NYS Learning Standards. She has coached cross-country, winter and spring track and is a summer recreation leader. She also serves as an American Red Cross, CPR and AED Instructor. Most importantly, Vera is a positive, giving and outstanding teacher, who creates rich, positive and joyful activities for her young students. She is a powerful role model, a respected and cherished colleague, and a dedicated advocate for the profession she loves. Vera has been honored with the Nassau Zone Elementary School Teacher of the Year Award. It is with great pleasure that the Nassau Zone recognizes Vera Trenchfield as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD New York City Zone Amazing Person Award is Dr. Jane Katz.
Dr. Katz received her Bachelor of Science Degree in health and physical education from City College of New York, her Master of Arts in organization and administration of higher education from New York University, a Master of Education from Columbia University Teachers College and her Doctorate in gerontology from Columbia University Teachers College. She is in her 51st year of teaching, the last 26 at John Jay College of Criminal Justice teaching New York City police and firefighter's fitness and swimming. Dr. Katz was a member of the 1964 US synchronized swimming performance team. She helped pioneer the acceptance of synchronized swimming as an Olympic event. Her achievements as a Masters competitive, long-distance, synchronized and fin swimmer have earned her All-American and World Masters Championships. Dr. Katz helped create the Kids Aquatic Re-Entry Program in cooperation with the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice to help troubled youth learn life's lessons poolside. She is an active member of the NYC Zone serving as a presenter annually for aquatic programs throughout the city. She has been recognized for her work as an educator, aquatics innovator and author many times over. She received the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award. It is with great pleasure the NYC Zone recognizes Dr. Jane Katz as their 2015 Amazing Person.
The 2015 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Northern Zone Amazing Person Award is Shayne Sudol.
Shayne received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport and his Master's Degree in Education from SUNY Potsdam. He recently became certified in health education. Shayne has been the elementary physical education teacher at Madrid-Waddington Central School for the past 8 years and is a member of the districts Health and Wellness Committee. He is a Cooper Fitness Specialist and has worked as a fitness center supervisor. Through the years, he has coached boys track, soccer, basketball and football at various levels. He is an Elks hoop shoot coordinator, a basketball camp counselor, a Jump Rope for Heart coordinator and a ski club supervisor. Shayne has worked with children as an athletic director for an Elks camp, a YMCA day camp counselor, a special needs camp director, and as an assistant for the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged. Shayne is an active member of the Northern Zone participating in the Get Moving New York campaign and presenting at Zone mini conferences. Shayne has been a member of the Syracuse Chargers Rugby Club which has been a championship team at the state level, the north east division and a National runner-up team. It is with great pleasure the Northern Zone recognizes Shayne Sudol as their 2015 Amazing Person.