2022 Amazing People Bios
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section Amazing Person Award is Allison Teachout
Allison obtained both her bachelors in physical education and her masters in health education from SUNY Cortland. She is currently working in the Auburn School District teaching health, physical education and adapted physical education. Allison coaches diving, basketball, and softball. She is a certified water safety instructor, a lifeguard and a lifeguard instructor. Allison was nominated for the Bessie L. Park Senior Award and she was this year’s Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year for Central North Zone in 2022. It is with great pleasure the Adapted Physical Education Section recognizes Allison Teachout as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award is Helene Schmid
Helene received her Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from Montclair State University and her Master’s in Education from Brooklyn College. Helene has been a lecturer for physical education at SUNY Cortland since 2015. She has been the Physical Education Majors Club Advisor, Female Force Club Advisor, and Aquatics Coordinator. In service to NYS AHPERD Helene has presented for the Central South Zone, and at the State conference. She has authored numerous publications, is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, a Personal Trainer, Functional Strength Specialist, Youth Exercise Specialist, Certified PLYOGA Trainer, and Yoga teacher. She has also obtained a multitude of American Red Cross certifications. Helene has received the Excellence in Advising Award, has been a SHAPE Eastern District Member Spotlight, and a NYS AHPERD Member of the Month! It is with great pleasure the Aquatics Section recognizes Helene Roth Schmid as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Coaches Section Amazing Person Award is Matt Murphy
Matt received a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from SUNY Geneseo, a bachelor’s in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport, a master’s for Health Education from SUNY Cortland, and his Certificate of Advanced Study from Le Moyne College. Matt is a physical education teacher and curriculum coordinator in the Fayetteville- Manlius Central School District. He is also working as the head coach for girls’ varsity soccer team at Jamesville-DeWitt. In service to NYS AHPERD Matt has presented multiple years at the state conference, he was on the advisory committee and a principal writer of the first edition of the Curriculum and Assessment Guidance Document. He is a member of the New York State Education Departments Content Advisory Panel for Physical Education and has worked with the Brain Injury Association of New York State on their concussion initiative, ‘Returning to P.E.’ It is with great pleasure the Coaches Section recognizes Matt Murphy as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Council of Administrator Section Amazing Person Award is Ron Whitcomb
Ron studied at East Carolina University, and Edinboro University, in Pennsylvania. He is retired from his position as Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics at Victor Central Schools. In service to NYS AHPERD Ron was association President in 2004, the Council of Administrators President, and Central Western Zone President. Ron also served as an association consultant working on physical education and athletic program reviews. He is the recipient of the Award of Distinction for a School Leader, the Professional of the Year award, The Ellis H. Champlin Award for Outstanding Contributions in the fields of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and the Central Western Zone’s Amazing Person Award. Under the supervision of Ron, the NYS Amateur Sportswriters Association awarded Victor Central Schools Athletic Program the #1 High School Athletic Program in NYS. He also received National Recognition by SHAPE America for Excellence in Physical Education. It is with great pleasure the Council of Administrators recognizes Ron Whitcomb as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Dance Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Christie Gonzalez-Toro
Christie received her bachelors and master’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico and her PhD. from Springfield College. Christie is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Manhattan College. She is also the faculty moderator of the Phi Epsilon Kappa Fraternity and Honor Society. In service to NYS AHPERD she is a member of the Jay B. Nash Awards committee. Christie volunteers with the Manhattan College Games sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology, and has worked with Camp Abilities in both Puerto Rico and Connecticut. Christie has been teaching the value of dance in the physical education curriculum to future professionals for the past seven years. She enjoys sharing different teaching strategies to develop and implement innovative, safe, and inclusive dance lessons in the physical education curriculum. It is with great pleasure the Dance Section recognizes Dr. Christie Gonzalez-Toro as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Elementary Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Kimberly Ferrie
Kim received her Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from Ithaca College and earned her master’s degree at the University of Albany. She is currently a physical education teacher at Pashley Elementary School, in the Burnt hills-Ballston Lake School District. Kim is the Pashley Elementary Wellness Committee Chair, and serves on the Pride Character Education Committee. In her service to NYS AHPERD she has presented at both state and Zone conferences, and served as the Public Relations Chair for the Capital Zone for 5 years. Kim is a two-time winner of the NYS AHPERD Get Moving contest. She has hosted many student teachers, and has organized and led student teacher seminars. Kim has been active with GOPHER, being included in their webinars and professional blog posts. It is with great pleasure the Elementary Physical Education Section recognizes Kimberly Ferrie as their 2022 Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Equity, Diversity & Inclusiveness (EDI) Section Amazing Person Award is Casey Langendorfer
Casey received her Bachelors in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, and her master’s in Adapted Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin. Currently, she teaches health education at Eagle Hill Middle School in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District. In service to NYS AHPERD, Casey has served on the Central North Zone Executive Board representing both health education and EDI. She also shares her extensive knowledge related to the LGBTQ community by presenting at NYS AHPERD and Zone conferences. She is the Alphabet Soup plus Safe Space Enrichment Club co-sponsor, she advocated for inclusive language in the student handbook and for gender inclusive bathrooms and she co-designed and implemented an inclusive puberty unit for all 5th grade students. Casey was the 2022 Central North Zone Health Education Teacher of the Year, and the recipient of the National Adapted Physical Activity Council Program Recognition Award. It is with great pleasure the Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness Section recognizes Casey Langendorfer as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Future Professionals Section Amazing Person Award is Donn Tobin
Donn received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and his Masters of Science in School Administration and Supervision from Mercy College. Donn teaches physical education at Lakeview Elementary School, in the Mahopac School District. In service to NYS AHPERD Donn has been on numerous committees including but not limited to, the Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award, Elementary Teacher of the Year Awards Revision, and the COVID 19 health and physical education guidance document committee. He has been the Executive Council Secretary and the Southeastern Zone Elementary and Middle School Physical Education Section President. He is currently on the Board of Directors, on the Joy of Effort Award Committee, Southeastern Zone President- Elect, and Southeastern Zone Future Professionals Chairperson. Donn has an impressive library of publications he has written, along with a plethora of presentations at the national, state and zone levels. It is with great pleasure that the Future Professionals Section recognizes Donn Tobin as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Health Education Section Amazing Person Award is Drew Miller
Drew received his Bachelors of Science is health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University and his Masters in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University, Pennsylvania. He is the health and sexuality educator at Bard High School Early College Manhattan. In service to NYS AHPERD Drew has been a conference presenter, and moderator for the New York City Zone as well as the annual conference. He is also a member of the New York City Zone Executive Board. Drew is a Dove Self-Esteem Project Cadre Trainer for New York State, he is on the SHAPE America Sexuality Education Position Statement Task Force, an AMAZE Teacher Ambassador, and a Health Education Teacher Reviewer for the New York City Health Education Scope and Sequence for grades 9-12. It is with great pleasure the Health Education Section recognizes Drew Miller as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Higher Education Section Amazing Person Award is Colleen Corsi
Colleen has been the NYS AHPERD Executive Director for the past 24 years. Prior to leading NYS AHPERD, She was the Associate in Physical Education and Athletics at the State Education Department. In her role as Executive Director, she provides vision and leadership in areas of professional development, membership recruitment, and expansion of member services to ensure the financial health of the Association. She is a past president of the Eastern District and national Society of Association Management, and the NYS Council of Educational Associations. Colleen continues to be a tremendous ally to health educators by spearheading advocacy initiatives to have the health education associates’ position filled at the state education department. Colleen was invited to present the Gerry D'Agostino Memorial Lecture at SUNY Brockport, the Eastern District Memorial Lecture and she presented “What Will Your Legacy Be?” at the first Puerto Rico AHPERD Convention. It is with great admiration the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section recognizes Colleen Corsi as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Middle/High School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Amanda DePaolo
Amanda obtained her Bachelors of Science from SUNY Cortland in physical education and her Masters of Science in special education from Grand Canyon University. For the past 11 years, she has taught middle school physical education in the Little Falls School District. Along with teaching, Amanda coaches modified field hockey and varsity softball. She is responsible for organizing all school field trips to the Black River Outdoor Education Center in both the winter and spring for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, kayaking and biking. Amanda has also started a class level trip to teach students how to downhill ski and snowboard. She has assisted with the community youth field hockey league and is the National Junior Honor Society advisor. It is with great pleasure the Middle /High School Physical Education Section recognizes Amanda DePaolo as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Recreation/Adventure Education Section Amazing Person Award is Natalie DiMeglio
Natalie obtained her bachelor’s from SUNY Cortland, and her master’s from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. She is a visiting Assistant Professor, in the Department of Physical Education at Cortland, the Women’s Rugby Coach and Women’s Assistant Hockey coach. In the past, Natalie was an Adventure Program graduate Assistant at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, and a Physical Education Specialist for Camp ANCHOR, which stands for, Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation. ANCHOR is a comprehensive, year-round recreational program that serves children and adults with special needs. She also was a coach at Camp Abilities in Brockport. Natalie has received Red Recognition from Cortland and Coaching Staff of the Year for the 2021-2022 season. It is with great pleasure the Recreation and Adventure Education Section recognizes Natalie DiMeglio as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Retirees Section Amazing Person Award is Frank Bartok
Frank received his Bachelors of Science at SUNY Brockport, and his masters from Bridgeport University. He is a retired physical education teacher, having worked for Ossining Union Free School District. He was also a coach for varsity tennis, boys and girls’ gymnastics, and JV and varsity soccer. Frank was paramount in developing the foundation for the Ossining School District physical education program. In service to NYS AHPERD Frank is the Southeastern Zone Treasurer, and the Elementary & Middle School Coordinator. He has been a member of the registration team at the annual conference for many years. Frank has received a number of awards including: the Elementary Physical Education Amazing Person award, the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year award, the Southeastern Zone Amazing Person, and the Ossining Teacher of the Year award. It is with great pleasure the Retiree Section recognizes Frank Bartok as their 2022 Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Technology Section Amazing Person Award is Meghan Vlad
Meghan received her Bachelor’s in physical education from Coastal Carolina University, and her Master’s in Health Education from Lehman College. She teaches health education at Eastchester Middle School and is an adjunct lecturer at Lehman College. Meghan has created and facilitated technology-based workshops for New York State health educators and Westchester School Districts. She helped rewrite and pilot the New York City K-5 Health Education Scope and Sequence, and was a part of the Westchester County Sexual Ethics Curriculum Development Committee. Meghan coaches in multiple districts and is a state official for cheerleading. In service to NYS AHPERD and our members she has been a presenter at Southeastern Zone conferences. It is with great pleasure the Technology Section recognizes Meghan Vlad as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Capital Zone Amazing Person Award is Colleen McHeard
Colleen received her Bachelors in Physical Education from Houghton College and her Masters in Special Education from SUNY Albany. She teaches physical education in the Greater Amsterdam School District. Colleen is very active within NYS AHPERD serving as co-chair for the Sandra G. Morley Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Leadership Awards, she is the Capital Zone section representative for the Aquatics and Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness Sections and she has presented at the Capital Zone and NYS AHPERD Conferences. Colleen has coached basketball, tennis, volleyball, soccer, track and softball at all levels. Thirteen years ago, she created a free swim lesson program offered by the City of Amsterdam Recreation department, serving PreK to 6th grade children. Next summer this program will be expanding to add adaptive swim lessons. It is with great pleasure the Capital Zone recognizes Colleen McHeard as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award is Nicole Hartmann
Nicole received her bachelors in physical education at SUNY Cortland, and her Masters in Health & Physical Education from East Stroudsburg University. She is currently teaching kindergarten through 6th grade physical education at Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School in the Port Jervis Central School District. Nicole is very active within her school, she coordinated the school’s Zero Hour PE Program, Action Based Learning Kinesthetic Lab, and created the school’s sensory hallways. She also established a nutrition program bringing in a registered dietician from their local grocery store for kids to try healthy foods. Nicole has been featured in On Board: NYS School Board Statewide publication, and featured in the Interactive Health Technologies Spirit System newsletter, “PE Students Demonstrate Ninja Fitness Skills During New Challenge”. Nicole was the winner for the 4th Annual NYS AHPERD Health and PE Get Moving NY Week.It is with great pleasure that the Catskill Zone recognizes Nicole Hartmann as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone Amazing Person Award is Steve Yarnell
Steve received his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in education from Elmira College and his School Administrator Certification from SUNY Cortland. He is currently an Adjunct Professor for the School of Education, Department of Leadership & Excellence at Syracuse University. He has been a coach for over fifty years, coaching numerous sports including basketball, soccer, football, and baseball. He has coached all levels from youth sports to the collegiate level. Steve has coached at Yale University, Cornell University and Elmira College. He has also served as a Commissioner for Jim Boeheim’s Basketball Camps. In service to NYS AHPERD Steve is currently the Coaches Section President, the Central North Zones coaches and retiree’s representative. He is the proud recipient of the NYS AHPERD Joy of Effort Award. It is with great pleasure the Central North Zone recognizes Steve Yarnell as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Amazing Person Award is Jonathan Philby
Jonathan received his Bachelors in Physical Education and two Masters degrees one in Health education and another in Special Education. He teaches adapted physical education at The School at Springbrook, in Oneonta. In service to NYS AHPERD, Jonathan is currently the Adapted Physical Education representative for the Central South Zone and he is on the Zone Conference Committee. Jonathan coached the New York soccer team at the 2018 Special Olympics USA games in Seattle, Washington. He is the co-coordinator, clinician, and coach for his local Special Olympics in soccer, basketball, cross country, and soon the motor activity training program. Jonathan has assisted in the development of a new nature trail on campus for more advanced hikers, and he coached middle school and high school soccer, basketball, baseball and golf. It is with great pleasure the Central South Zone recognizes Jonathan Philby as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Gina Potenza
Gina received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from SUNY Brockport. She is a physical education teacher and the aquatics director in the Victor Central School District. She has served on the Victor Central School Interview Committee, the Capital Project Committee. She is currently on the school safety committee and is the Aquatic Leaders Club advisor. Gina is an active NYS AHPERD member. She is a past president of the Central Western Zone, And serves as the Zones Aquatics section and Technology section representative. She is currently serving as the NYS AHPERD Executive Council Secretary. Gina was instrumental in developing the NYS AHPERD 2020 Geocache Challenge. She has presented at both NYS AHPERD and zone conferences. She is an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor trainer and she has had an article, Teaching Self-Defense to Middle School Students in Physical Education, published in th Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. It is with great pleasure that the Central Western Zone recognizes Gina Potenza as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award is Lindsay Guaman
Lindsay received her Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from Queens College and her master’s in Health Education from SUNY Brockport. Currently, she is teaching physical education at Joseph F. Quinn Intermediate School 77 in Queens. In service to NYS AHPERD, Lindsay has served the Nassau Zone as Secretary and as a member of the Newsletter Committee. Lindsay is active in her school district and is a leader on the Wellness Council, the Intramural Club, she is a Social Emotional Learning Day organizer, Field Day organizer, student & staff annual football and basketball tournament organizer, and the Saturday Enrichment & Learning Time program chairperson. It is with great pleasure the Nassau Zone recognizes Lindsay Guaman as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD New York City Zone Amazing Person Award is Marysol De la Cruz
Marysol is smart, dedicated and passionate about all students, but especially those in New York City schools. In her role as a physical education instructional coach, she works diligently to ensure teachers have everything they need to create a positive environment for student learning. She is the first person to jump in to support a colleague or to work on a project. Marysol was the primary writer of the New York City elementary Physical Education Scope and Sequence and is also part of the team that wrote the state’s new physical education learning standards. She is constantly creating new resources and facilitating professional learning opportunities for teachers of general and adapted physical education. Most of all Marysol is humble, selfless, generous and kind. She is the heart and soul of our NYC team. There is no one more deserving to be recognized as the NYC Zone Amazing person. It is our honor to present the New York City Zone’s 2022 Amazing Person Marysol Del La Cruz.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Northern Zone Amazing Person Award is Mark Wilson
Mark received both his bachelors and master’s degrees at SUNY Brockport. He earned his Certificate of Advanced Study from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Mark is currently working at St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES as the Director of Section ten athletics. He previously held the position of Director of Physical Education & Athletics and Dean of Students at Potsdam Central School District. Where he reinstated the 4th grade “Learn to Swim” program utilizing local college pools. He was the District Health and Wellness Committee Chairperson and he coached various levels of baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. He served as the Section ten Athletic Council President from 2016-2022. In service to NYS AHPERD Mark was the Northern Zone Council of Administrators Representative for six years. He was the recipient of the Chapter ten NYS Athletic Administrators Association Award. It is with great pleasure the Northern Zone recognizes Mark Wilson as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award is Kevin Yarnell
Kevin earned his B.S. from SUNY Cortland and his masters at Emporia State University, Kansas. He is currently a physical education teacher at Chancellor Livingston Elementary School, in the Rhinebeck School District. Kevin is the Southeastern Zone Social Media Director, a board representative, the elementary and middle school awards committee planner, and the Zone Meeting of the Minds Symposium planner. He has authored articles in SHAPE America and NYS AHPERD newsletters, is a guest speaker for OPEN’s Podcast, and a physical activity specialist for GOPHER Sports Remote PE Video Series. Kevin has written and received eleven grants totaling $66,500 for his school’s physical education program. He has received a number of awards including: the American Heart Association Dutchess County Heroes of Heart Hall of Fame Award, the SHAPE America Jump Rope for Heart National Award, and the Jump Rope for Heart Hudson Valley of NY Top Donations Increase Award. It is with great pleasure the Southeastern Zone recognizes Kevin Yarnell as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award is Justin Hertz
Justin attended the University of Florida and received a degree in Exercise & Sports Science with a specialization in Physical Education. He taught middle school for 23 years and is currently the athletic coordinator at Ronkonkoma Middle School. Over the years he has coached middle school, JV and varsity girls’ volleyball and girl’s JV and varsity tennis. Justin is a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association and has won many New York State Girls Volleyball Championships and Long Island Girls Volleyball Championships. He has been awarded the Section 11 Coach of the Year, League 2 Volleyball Coach of the Year, Suffolk County Volleyball Coach of the Year, Newsday Coach of the Year and the American Volleyball Coach of the Year. Justin volunteers in his local community coaching CYO volleyball and basketball, and youth soccer. He has coordinated multiple fundraisers for Dig Pink, ALS and for families affected by cancer. It is with great pleasure the Suffolk Zone recognizes Justin Hertz as their Amazing Person.
The 2022 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Brandi Pettit
Brandi received her bachelors from Canisius College and her masters from the University of Wisconsin. She is currently a middle school health educator and coach in the Pioneer Central School District. In service to the NYS AHPERD Western Zone, Brandi has been the Secondary Physical Education representative and is currently the Health Education representative. She has presented at the Western Zone Mini Conference on Project Skills Based Health Education. She also presented at the Health Educators Virtual Forum through Erie 1 BOCES during COVID on inclusive technologies in the remote classroom. She had the opportunity to present her master’s thesis “Using Polar GoFit technology to increase children’s moderate to vigorous physical activity time in physical education.” at the SHAPE America Convention. She was the recipient of the Western Zone Health Education Teacher of the Year award in 2021. It is with great pleasure the Western Zone recognizes Brandi Pettit as their Amazing Person.