2016 Amazing People Bios
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section Amazing Person Award is Hiroyuki (Yuki) Yamada.
Yuki has worked for the New York City Department of Education in District 75 for the past 23 years, serving as the Director of School Wellness Programs for Special Education for the past 11 years. He has played an integral role in developing and providing citywide programs for students with disabilities. His work covers schools and programs located at more than 375 sites, within the five boroughs and Syosset, servicing more than 25,000 students; including 56 school organizations, home/hospital instruction and vision and hearing services. He has increased student involvement in Special Olympics programs and has established 28 community partnerships with the District including, The Get Ready To Learn Program, Yoga Therapy in the Classroom, Adaptive Girls Rowing, Swim4Life and the Wheelchair Sports Federation. Since 2014, Yuki has also developed an ongoing collaboration between the Mayor's Office of New York and District 75 schools to provide opportunities for students to participate in after school programs not readily accessible for students with special needs. Yuki is a leader in the field of Adapted Physical Education, his passion and hard work has truly made a difference for the teachers he mentors and the students they serve. It is with great pleasure that the Adapted Physical Education and Sport Section recognizes Yuki Yamada as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award is Kathleen Purdy.
Kathleen is a national board certified physical education and aquatics teacher at Newburgh Free Academy. She proposed, developed and coordinated the aquatics programs for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. This program offers classes that teach water safety, swimming strokes and techniques, safety skills and aquatic games revolving around a fitness theme. She teaches adapted physical education in a swimming environment to autistic students and provides CPR training for physical education staff. She offers American Red Cross lifeguard training and her students participate in an outreach program working with 5th grade classes focusing on basic water safety, swimming, water skills and games. Kathleen was a member of the health, physical education and family and consumer sciences subject area committee for NYSUT and is a Mentor Trainer Program Facilitator for the Newburgh Teacher Center. She was honored at St. Francis College as the Hall of Fame Athlete in Swimming. It is with great pleasure that the Aquatic Section recognizes Kathleen Purdy as its 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Coaches Section Amazing Person Award is Gary Bynon.
Gary has been a physical education teacher and coach in the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District for the past 28 years. During his career, Gary has coached volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball. Coaching volleyball for all of his 28 years teaching, he has an overall record of 642 - 61 with 6 New York State Championships including 3 of the last 5 years. From Oct. 1990 through Oct. 2016 he was celebrating a 390 game winning streak in league play. He has coached two Gatorade State Players of the Year and many Division 1, 2 and 3 players. Gary is the owner and director of both the Lakeside Volleyball Club and the Spike Mountain Volleyball Camp held at Castleton State College in Vermont. He is the coordinator of the Suburban Council Girls Volleyball and Junior Diggers Volleyball. Gary is the current president of the New York Volleyball Coaches Association. He has been honored as the Section Two Coach of the Year twice, the Saratoga County Coach of the Year three times and the Female Sports Coach of the Year once. It is with great pleasure that the Coaches Section recognizes Gary Bynon as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Council of Administrators Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. James Wright.
Jim has been the Supervisor of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation for the South Huntington Union Free School District for the past 15 years. He is a current member of the NYS AHPERD Board of Directors and has served as the president of both the Suffolk Zone and Suffolk Zone Council of Administrators. He has presented at NYS AHPERD conferences, COA conferences, Suffolk Zone conferences and NYS Athletic Administrators Association conferences. He is one of the creators of the Physical Education and Health Professional Certification Coursework training program. He is the current past president of the New York State Athletic Administrators Association. Jim has been a coordinator and coach for the Long Island Special Olympics for the past six years. He is a physical education consultant specializing in Danielson and NYSUT applications for physical education teachers and administrators and a NYS Coaching Certification Instructor, NYS Educational Framework for Athletics Instructor and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Leadership Training Instructor. Jim is the Vice President of the South Huntington Administrators Association. It is with great pleasure that the Council of Administrators recognizes Dr. James Wright as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Dance Section Amazing Person Award is Brandon Herwick.
Brandon is a physical education teacher at A.W. Becker Elementary School in the Capital Zone and previously worked as a physical education teacher at the Brooklyn Dreams Charter School in Brooklyn. Brandon co-authored the K-2 Dance curriculum for OPENPhysEd.org. He is a National Trainer for the Online Physical Education Network and a Zumba Instructor. Brandon loves to dance and teaches, folk, hip-hop, ballroom, social, and Latin-inspired dances. In service to NYS AHPERD, Brandon is a past president of the Coaches Section, an active member of the Dance Section and the Dance Section president elect. He was actively involved in creating the 2013 Advocacy Video. He has presented at more than twelve conferences including, SHAPE America, Eastern District and NYS AHPERD. It is with great pleasure the Dance Section recognizes Brandon Herwick as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Thomas Micucci.
Tom is a physical education teacher at Bedford Road School in the Pleasantville Union Free School District. He has been an active member of NYS AHPERD taking on roles within the Southeastern Zone including, presenting at conferences and serving as an executive board member. Tom has been a Jump Rope for Heart coordinator for twenty years. He has developed and implemented a Healthy Heart Week at Bedford Road, including a healthy heart obstacle course and has coordinated and implemented a family fitness night where children and parents come together to participate in fitness activities. He has also implemented an early morning BOKS fitness program, sponsored by Reebok, which runs 2 times per week, all year, for all grades. Tom is very active within his community serving as the coordinator of Kids Fun Runs and he serves as a board member for the Summer Swim Team and the Elementary Bike/Run. Tom was honored with the PTA, Our Strength in your Service Award. It is with great pleasure the Elementary Middle School Physical Education Section recognize Thomas Micucci as their Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Future Professionals Section Amazing Person Award is Melissa Pierce.
Melissa currently teaches a variety of courses including adventure education at the College at Brockport. She has been an active member of NYS AHPERD since she was an undergraduate student when she served as President of the PE Majors Club. She has served as President of the Recreation / Adventure Section and is the current President of the Central Western Zone. She has also served the Central Western Zone as their Conference Presider Coordinator and Student Representative Advisor. Melissa serves as the advisor of the Physical Education Majors Club at the College at Brockport and is a skill coach for Brockport's annual Camp Abilities. Her endless commitment to shaping quality future educators is extremely valuable and has made an impact on all of her students. Her ability to spark passion in the lives of others and her dedicated guidance towards her students' success is exceptional and exemplifies the meaning of leadership. Melissa has been honored with the Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award and the Higher Education / Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award. It is with great pleasure the Future Professionals Section recognizes Melissa Pierce as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Health Education Section Amazing Person Award is Colleen Corsi.
Colleen has been the NYS AHPERD Executive Director for the past eighteen years. Prior to leading NYS AHPERD, Colleen was the Associate in Physical Education and Athletics for the New York State Education Department. In her role as Executive Director, she provides leadership and vision to NYS AHPERD's governing body and its membership in areas of professional development, program improvement, membership recruitment, and expansion of member services to ensure the financial health of the Association. She is a past president of the Eastern District Society of Association Management, the National Society of Association Management and the New York State Council of Educational Associations. She also represents NYS AHPERD in the Little Falls Rotary Club and has served as club president. Colleen has been a tremendous ally to health educators across New York State. She recently established the Health Education Action Committee. The committee was formed to strategize and plan initiatives to further quality health education programs and resources. With Colleen's guidance and support the Health Education Section is planning a downstate Health Education Section Conference for the spring. Colleen presented the Gerry D'Agostino Memorial Lecture at The College at Brockport and the Eastern District Memorial Lecture and she was honored to present "What Will Your Legacy Be?" at the first Puerto Rico AHPERD Convention. It is with great pleasure that the Health Education Section recognizes Colleen Corsi as their Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Mara Manson.
Mara is an Associate Professor in Physical Education at Adelphi University. She is a past president of NYS AHPERD, a former member of the NYS AHPERD Board of Directors, and a former NYS AHPERD Assistant Director. Mara has also served as President of the Nassau Zone, and the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section. She has been a member of the Distinguished Service, Professional of the Year and Lifetime Service Award Committee, the Jay B. Nash Award Committee, and the Bernard E. Hughes Award Committee. Mara was a conference program planner for the Higher Education Section and an Assistant Conference Director for the 2007 NYS AHPERD Conference. She served on the Eastern District Association Social Justice Committee, the Bylaws Committee and was the assistant to the Eastern District Association Conference Director in 2010. She has numerous publications to her credit, and has presented at local, state, regional, national and international conferences. Mara has been honored with the NYS AHPERD Distinguished Service Award, as the Nassau Zone Amazing Person, The Young Scholar Award from the International Association of Physical Education and Higher Education, she presented the Gerry D'Agostino Memorial Lecture at The College at Brockport and the Ron Feingold Lecture Series at our NYS AHPERD conference. It is with great pleasure that the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section recognize Dr. Mara Manson as their Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Retirees Section Amazing Person Award is Robert "Bob" Zifchock.
Bob has taught physical education, health education, driver's education and coached several sports along with being an athletic administrator. He retired from the Nyack School District in 2009. In service to NYS AHPERD, Bob has served as the Association Treasurer for the past 10 years, he is a Past-President of the Council of Administrator's Section and past editor of the COA publication Administrative Times. He has made numerous presentations at the local and state levels and has been an active member of both the Nassau and Catskill Zones. Bob has served the Section VIII Athletic Council as chair of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. He has served New York State Public High School Athletic Association as a member of the Selection/Classification and Sport Participation Committee. He has testified before the New York State Senate and Assembly's hearings on obesity. Bob has received recognition and awards highlighted by three NYS Assembly Legislative Resolutions, USA Wrestling Man of the Year Award, COA Special Service Award, Nassau Director of the Year Award and has been inducted in both the New York State Wrestling Coaches and National Wrestling Coaches Halls of Fame. It is with great pleasure that the Retirees Section recognizes Bob Zifchock as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Barb Newton.
Bob has taught physical education, health education, driver's education and coached several sports along with being an athletic administrator. He retired from the Nyack School District in 2009. In service to NYS AHPERD, Bob has served as the Association Treasurer for the past 10 years, he is a Past-President of the Council of Administrator's Section and past editor of the COA publication Administrative Times. He has made numerous presentations at the local and state levels and has been an active member of both the Nassau and Catskill Zones. Bob has served the Section VIII Athletic Council as chair of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. He has served New York State Public High School Athletic Association as a member of the Selection/Classification and Sport Participation Committee. He has testified before the New York State Senate and Assembly's hearings on obesity. Bob has received recognition and awards highlighted by three NYS Assembly Legislative Resolutions, USA Wrestling Man of the Year Award, COA Special Service Award, Nassau Director of the Year Award and has been inducted in both the New York State Wrestling Coaches and National Wrestling Coaches Halls of Fame. It is with great pleasure that the Retirees Section recognizes Bob Zifchock as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Capital Zone Amazing Person Award is Ryan Patrie.
Ryan has been a physical education teacher at Wildwood School for the past nine years. Wildwood School provides a comprehensive educational program for students with autism spectrum disorders, neurological impairments, and complex learning disabilities. He is the Director of Aquatics for Wildwoods' summer extension program and an adjunct professor at Russell Sage College. Ryan has created running, dance, and walking clubs to help keep his students physically active outside of physical education. He also serves on several committees throughout the school to advocate fitness and healthy eating. He is a cooperating teacher for student teachers and a basketball coach for Special Olympics. Ryan's colleagues describe him as a passionate professional who is patient, kind, innovative, organized, considerate, selfless, and humble. He has a calming effect on students and makes learning happen for his special population of children. In service to NYS AHPERD, Ryan has taken on an active leadership role in the Capital Zone serving as the Adapted Physical Education representative and Co-Chair for the annual Capital Zone Conference. Ryan has been honored with the Values in Action Award for Creativity and he was recognized by Channel 10 News with the Capital Heroes Award. It is with great pleasure that the Capital Zone recognizes Ryan Patrie as their 2016 Amazing Person!
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award is Leo Sladewski.
Leo has been an elementary school physical education teacher at Plattekill Elementary School in the Wallkill Central School District for the past 22 years. He has volunteered with his school's PTA since 1994and volunteered as the Wallkill School District summer track club head coach. He has been a three season coach all 22 years, coaching indoor track, cross country, spring track, football and soccer. Leo has been an active member of the Catskill Zone serving as the Coaches Section Representative for the past four years. He attends monthly meetings and provides valuable input and feedback. Leo has served on the Get Moving NY Committee and the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Leadership Awards Committee. He has also been a Jump Rope for Heart event Coordinator. In his community, he has served as a group leader for the Boy Scouts of America, has been the Town of Mamakating Day Camp Director for the past 19 years and a longtime volunteer at the Knights of Columbus Annual Foul Shooting Contest. It is with great pleasure the Catskill Zone recognizes Leo Sladewski as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone Amazing Person Award is Shelly Connors.
Shelly has been a physical education teacher in the Auburn Enlarged City School District for the past fifteen years and is currently working toward national board certification. She was the Project Director for Auburn's Carol M. White Grant, she has been the ski club advisor, youth triathlon and late night volleyball organizer. Shelly has coached varsity tennis, lacrosse and modified basketball. She has participated in numerous triathlons and has run several marathons, including the Boston Marathon. In service to NYS AHPERD, Shelly is the Central North Zone President, past president of the Secondary Physical Education Section and president-elect of the Recreation/Adventure Education Section. She served as chair of the Bernard E. Hughes Award Committee and has presented at numerous state and Zone Conferences. Shelly was honored as the Central North Zone Physical Education Teacher of the Year and the Secondary Physical Education Section Amazing Person. It is with great pleasure that the Central North Zone recognizes Shelly Connors as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Amazing Person Award is Teresa McKinney.
Teresa has been a physical education teacher in the Union-Endicott School District for the past twenty years, teaching at the George F. Johnson Elementary School for the past 14 years. This summer, Teresa and a colleague rewrote the 3rd - 5th grade physical education curriculum to align it with the national physical education standards. Teresa will do whatever it takes to bring new ideas to her program. In 2015, she received a $1,000 grant from her district for pedometers and software which she used with grades 3-5, incorporating technology into her physical education classes and walking club. Teresa has coached girls' soccer, basketball, lacrosse and has been the Assistant Women's Soccer and Softball Coach for Elmira College. She was the Summer Youth Outreach Camp Director for the Endicott Boys and Girls Club and coordinated walking clubs, 5K community runs and district wide elementary track meets. Teresa has been honored by being inducted into the Section IV Hall of Fame and the Seton Catholic Central Hall of Fame. It is with great pleasure the Central South Zone recognizes Teresa McKinney as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Jonathan MacKerchar.
Jon has been a physical education and health education teacher at Penn Yan Academy for the past ten years, and currently serves as the department chairperson. Jon is the varsity boys' soccer coach at Penn Yan and the assistant coach for the men's soccer team at Keuka College. He is the school district wellness coordinator, and advisor for both the Varsity Club and Ski Club. Jon is a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and he is a CrossFit Level 1 instructor and a CrossFit Kids instructor. In service to the Central Western Zone, Jon is a Past President of the Zone and he has served as the Coaches Section Representative for the past 10 years. During his presidency, he was instrumental in helping the Zone increase membership to almost 600 which, at the time, was the highest Zone membership across the state. He launched the first Central Western Zone Get Moving NY Event and has been a valuable resource for the Zone presidents who followed him. It is with great pleasure the Central Western Zone recognizes Jon MacKerchar as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award is Peter Cody.
Peter is an elementary physical education teacher at the Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School in Jamaica Queens. He has been awarded a Fellowship through Wellness in the Schools, and is pursing his master's degree in sports management, with a focus on Youth Sport Development, at Adelphi University. He is an active member of the Nassau Zone and currently serves as the Nassau Zone secretary, member of the Membership Recruitment Committee, photographer for the Outstanding High School Physical Education Students Awards Dinner, Elementary Middle School Physical Education Awards Ceremony, and the Nassau Zone Professional Awards Reception. Peter has presented at the SHAPE America, NYS AHPERD, and Nassau Zone Conferences. He has been honored with the NYS AHPERD Departmental Major of the Year Award, the NASPE Outstanding Major of the Year Award, the SHAPE AMERICA Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship Award, the Eastern District Robert M. Pate Scholarship Award, the Helen Sedelmeyer Award in physical education from Adelphi University and the Outstanding Club President of the Year Award for his work with the physical education majors club. It is with great pleasure the Nassau Zone recognizes Peter Cody as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Northern Zone Amazing Person Award is Lori Brewer.
Lori served as the Athletic Director in the Edward-Knox Central School District for ten years and is currently a K-12 physical education teacher. Her program includes both a traditional physical education program and an elective program at the high school level. The elective program includes a lifetime fitness unit and an advanced fitness unit for juniors and seniors. Lori is also on the Central Committee of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and a long standing member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. She has exceled in leading her school in wellness and healthy lifestyle awareness and has been the chairperson of the District Wellness Committee. Lori is active in the Northern Zone and has served as the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart Zone representative for over 20 years. She is a member of the Zone Physical Education Student Leadership Awards Committee and the Zone Conference Planning Committee. Lori was honored with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year Award and as the Section X Softball Coach of the Year. It is with great pleasure the Northern Zone recognizes Lori Brewer as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD New York City Zone Amazing Person Award is Amy Monsegur-Colon.
Amy earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in physical education from Manhattan College and two Masters Degrees from Lehman College one in Parks & Recreation and the other in School Building Leadership. She has taught elementary physical education for the past eight years in the Bronx. This September she began teaching at the Bronx International High School where her students are immigrants from all over the world. Amy is fluent in Spanish which helps her assist her many the English language learners. Amy created her own physical education curriculum at the elementary level, teaching a variety of lessons including sports, educational gymnastics, badminton and fitness circuit training with muscle recognition. She also taught Latin and hip hop dances which the students performed school wide. She is looking forward to her new challenge providing quality physical education and dance to her secondary students. Amy is a competitive gymnastics coach and a professional member of USA Gymnastics. She is an active member of the NYC Zone, serving on the Zone Executive Board. She has been honored with the Physical Education Leadership Award for facilitating Professional Learning Communities within the NYC Department of Education. It is with great pleasure that the NYC Zone recognizes Amy Monsegur-Colon as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award is Laura Owen.
Laura has been a physical education teacher at White Plains High School for the past 15 years. She is a regional trainer for Bigger, Faster, Stronger, has earned a Certificate in Nutrition from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and certification in Adventure Basics from High Five Adventure. Laura is passionate about our profession and works tirelessly finding unique ways to diversify the physical education program for all of her students. She is a staunch advocate and has met with legislators, administrators, and directors to advance the cause of quality physical education. She is an active member of the Southeastern Zone, serving as the Zone President, Secretary, Co-Conference Director for the Election Day Conference. She has served as Secondary Section Representative, and as a member of the Get Moving NY Committee. At the state level, Laura serves as chairperson of the Teacher of the Year Awards Committee. Laura has been honored with the NYS AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award. It is with great pleasure the Southeastern Zone recognizes Laura Owen as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award is Finola Schmidt.
Finola has been a physical education teacher in The Bay Shore School District for twenty-three years. Her dedicated and progressive teaching style has inspired thousands of students. She has started exciting units such as bicycle riding, golf, rollerblading and skateboarding. She has worked tirelessly to keep units such as dance, gymnastics and circus art alive in our district. She believes that by providing a variety of diverse and exciting units, children will eventually find something they love and discover joy through movement. Finola has sat on, chaired, and started many wellness initiatives on both a school building and district level. Some of these initiatives include, serving as the district's Wellness Coordinator, our school's Wellness Committee Chairperson, and a member of our Bay Shore Wellness Alliance. She has been an integral part of several grants including, the PEP Grant, General Mills Grant, Healthy Kids Award Grant, and several Suffolk Zone Mini Grants. She has served as a cooperating teacher is part of the district's mentor program helping to mold young professionals. She has been a major influence in projects ranging from playground design, to walking paths, to curriculum. Beyond her teaching day, she created and runs many after school clubs including, after school sports, walking club, circus club, and fitness fun-attics to name a few. She is a dedicated teacher who is passionate, hardworking and always inspiring to others. It is with great pleasure the Suffolk Zone recognizes Finola Schmidt as their 2016 Amazing Person.
The 2016 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Heather Ratka.
Heather has been a physical education teacher and curriculum learning specialist for physical education and health education at Herbert Hoover Elementary School in the Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District for the past 19 years. Heather was actively involved in the Carol M. White Physical Education Grant received by her district and served as the Grant Project Director. She is a member of the District Wellness Committee, the Concussion Management Team, Canisius College Student/Teacher Partnership Council and a modified representative for Niagara Frontier League. She is an active member of the Western Zone and is the current president-elect. Heather's mother was a physical educator in the very same school district. It is obvious that Heather has followed in her mother's footsteps as a wonderful role model for young children, pursuing a lifelong journey of excellence as a teacher. Heather has been honored with the Touchdown for Teachers Award from the Buffalo Bills and M&T Bank. It is with great pleasure the Western Zone recognizes Heather Ratka as their 2016 Amazing Person.