Sara J. Castner, School Director
Ms. Castner grew up south of Rochester and currently lives in Rochester. Ms. Castner taught pre-school through 12th grades in a variety of settings for 15 years prior to coming to DCS. Ms. Castner came to Discovery as an Intervention Specialist and Special Education Consultant Teacher in Discovery’s second year then moved into the role of Primary Dean and then Assistant Director. Ms. Castner is excited and proud to be in the role of School Director.
Ms. Castner is a child centered leader that prioritizes high expectations for all. She will push to provide academic experiences for our students that are rigorous, relevant, and help them build relationships while making real-world connections. As the School Director, it is important to Ms. Castner that everyone who steps through the doors-teachers, students and parents-are excited to be a part of our DCS family! This attitude enables everyone to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun, and nurturing environment. Ms. Castner is passionate about the success of all DCS students.
Ms. Castner holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from St. John Fisher College; a master’s degree in Advanced Special Education K-12 from Grand Canyon University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from SUNY Brockport College.
Kara Snyder, School Assistant Director
Mrs. Snyder has lived in Rochester since returning from the Peace Corps in 2011. Mrs. Snyder was in the United States Peace Corps (Cambodia), where she taught English and worked with Cambodian midwives. Mrs. Snyder has taught at Discovery since it opened in year one! She taught third and sixth grade and is now proud to be the Assistant School Director.
Mrs. Snyder believes that all children hold the power of learning inside them, and the goal of schools is to provide opportunities for each child to shine. She is passionate about equitable and caring schools that support all staff, children and families. Mrs. Snyder strives to foster rigorous learning environments, strong instructional practices and a healthy and loving school community.
Mrs. Snyder holds an undergraduate degree in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland, a Master’s degree in Literacy from SUNY Albany, and an Advanced Graduate Certification in Leadership from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She is also a certified mindfulness coach, Birth Doula and an herbalist.
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Staff Directory
*click staff member’s name to contact them
Instructional Leadership Team
Matt Bradstreet – Data Coordinator
Kaleigh Jacobson – Student Services Coordinator
Ciomarda Diaz – ELA Curriculum Coordinator
Justin Schultz – Math Curriculum Coordinator
Brittni Cortina – Instructional Coach
Social Emotional Learning Team
Fredrick Dicks – Dean of Students
Rita Nilsson – Social Worker
Adrienne Davis – Community Specialist/Family Association Coordinator
Elizabeth Hughes – Behavior Specialist
Justin Nilsson – Primary Project
Jennae Hall – SEL Educator
Samantha Bonanno – Wellness Coordinator/SEL Team Leader
Rickey Gause – Family Support Specialist
Building Operations
Anne Culver – Finance/HR Manager
Alesia Tellez – Administrative Assistant
Katina Sault – Attendance Coordinator
Katiria Velez – Food Service
Gilberto Diaz – Food Service
Kevin Cousin – Facilities/Food Service Manager/Physical Education
Kindergarten Team
First Grade Team
Second Grade Team
Third Grade Team
Fourth Grade Team
Fifth Grade Team
Sixth Grade Team
Sam Rubacka – Class Advisor
Encores Team
Alyssa Marchand – Visual Arts
Caesar Romero – Visual Arts
Mark Sinicropi – Performing Arts
Logan Smith – Instrumental and Voice Coach
Julie Bruce – Physical Education
Matt Anthony – Physical Education Apprentice Teacher
Academic Support Team
Alison Deacon – Intervention Team Leader
Jeff Perrigo – Intervention Teacher
Courtney Spaulding – Intervention Teacher
Khadigeh Albaram – ENL Teacher
John Coley – Building Substitute
Tito Davis – Building Substitute
