Meet the New 2025 Staff of Ross & Sonderling

Hello, Brentwood. My name is Justin Alexander and I’m a Ross school counselor. I’ve worked in private education for the past five years running pre-college programs at Georgetown University, University of San Diego and UCLA. I completed my bachelor of arts at SUNY Geneseo and attended St. Bonaventure University for my MSED in school counseling. Aside from my profession, I enjoy reading, exercising, pickleball, billiards, video games, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
I was a BHS Ross Graduate, class of 2014, a member of the Green Machine, wind ensemble, and varsity track team. It’s important to me that students understand the life they are capable of cultivating for themselves; all it takes is one person and I look forward to doing that for a community that has done so much for me. It’s an honor to be back in this district, serving as a counselor, and I look forward to working with all of you.
Hello, Brentwood! I am Stephanie Argueta, speech-language pathologist in Sonderling. I am a proud Brentwood alumna. After graduating from Brentwood, I attended Suffolk Community College. I then transferred to Long Island University where I received my bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders as well as my master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Now, I am back home, ready to give back to the community that gave me so much and to help students find their paths to success.
¡Hola, Brentwood! Soy Stephanie Argueta, patóloga del habla y lenguaje en Sonderling. Soy una orgullosa exalumna de Brentwood. Después de graduarme de Brentwood, me gradué del Suffolk Community College. Luego me transferí a la Universidad de Long Island, donde obtuve mi licenciatura en Ciencias y Trastornos de la Comunicación, así como mi maestría en Patología del Habla y Lenguaje. Ahora estoy de regreso en casa, lista para retribuir a la comunidad que me dio tanto y ayudar a los estudiantes a encontrar su camino hacia el éxito.
I spent nearly a decade in Brooklyn dedicated to education, beginning my career as an ENL teacher before transitioning to teaching ELA and eventually serving as an assistant principal focused on instructional supervision. Throughout my time there, I took on several leadership roles that allowed me to connect with students in meaningful ways. I served as media director, coordinator of student activities, boys varsity bowling coach, and dance team coach, and I also co-founded Women Who Lead, a young women’s empowerment group designed to build confidence and leadership among students. These experiences deepened my passion for fostering both academic and personal growth in young people.
Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my family, cooking new recipes, dancing, and exploring all that Long Island has to offer. Whether I’m in the classroom, on the dance floor, or in the kitchen, I find joy in creating connections, celebrating culture, and helping others reach their potential.
Hello, Brentwood! My name is Estefany Carmona-Buckley, school counselor at Sonderling. I’m truly looking forward to supporting our students and working closely with our Brentwood community.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, and later went on to receive a master’s in school counseling from LIU, as well as a master’s in mental health counseling from the University at Buffalo. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked with the NYC Department of Education, developing programs focused on work-based learning and postsecondary readiness. Most recently, I worked as a high school counselor in Brooklyn for four years.
When I’m not at work, you can usually find me spending quality time with my family. I’m so happy to be here and can’t wait to connect with you all!
Hello, Brentwood! My name is Miguel-Angel Castillo and I am a new science teacher here at the Sonderling Center. I am very excited to share my excitement for science with the next generation of students. I am first generation myself, all my family is Ecuadorian through and through. I have lived in different parts of New York; originally born in Queens, I eventually moved out here to Long Island and finished high school out here.
I got my Master of Arts in Teaching Biology from Stony Brook University and my bachelor’s in environmental science at SUNY Oneonta. Outside of the education, I regularly watch basketball and soccer. I live and breathe Barcelona FC, Visca Barça! My family is a huge part of my life even outside my immediate family. My cousins are essentially my siblings, and my aunts and uncles are like my parents, too.
My name is Kristy Delaney, and I teach math in the Sonderling building. I’m a proud Brentwood alumna, and it is truly amazing and exciting to now be working in the district that’s helped shaped me into the person I am today!
A little bit about myself: I started as a permanent substitute teacher at Brentwood where I worked at both middle and high school levels. I graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, where I completed the Adolescent Education Program. From there, I went on to receive a master’s degree in TESOL.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, and staying active – whether that’s going to the gym, running, or taking walks. I enjoy cooking but only if it’s something quick to make (I make really good crunch wraps)! One highlight of this summer was spending time on the boat with my family, where we drove to the sandbar and went clamming. I’m really looking forward to working with the students and faculty here at Brentwood High School, and I’m excited for a great year ahead!

Hello, my name is Michelle Hoffman, and I’m very excited to be joining the Sonderling building as a new physical education teacher! I’m looking forward to continuing my teaching career here in Brentwood and being part of such a welcoming school community. Physical Education has always been a passion of mine, and I truly enjoy helping students find ways to stay active and healthy. Outside of teaching, I love playing and coaching soccer, and I currently coach at South Middle School. I’m excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to get to know everyone.
I’m excited to join the district as the new Coordinator of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Student Workforce Development. I bring extensive experience in business education and program development, most recently serving at Comsewogue High School, where I launched a state-approved CTE pathway and built a strong work-based learning program. I partnered with local businesses and colleges to provide students with internships, mentorships, and certification opportunities.
Earlier in my career, I taught at Hauppauge and Elmont Memorial High Schools, where I focused on helping students develop real-world business skills and connect with their communities. I hold degrees from Stony Brook University and Dowling College, along with an advanced certificate in educational leadership from SUNY Fredonia. I’m certified in school leadership, business and marketing education, and work-based learning coordination.
Passionate about preparing students for meaningful careers, I look forward to building on the district’s momentum and expanding opportunities for all learners.
Bonjour! My name is Ms. Lagos and I teach French 1 and 2. I am very elated to be teaching at Brentwood High School. I am Ecuadorian and Honduran and grew up in Bay Shore. I graduated from Binghamton University in 2019 with a bachelor’s in French linguistics.
Before teaching in Brentwood, I was a special education teacher for the past six years at a high school in Forest Hills, Queens. I also have my teaching certification in bilingual education and have worked with ENL students. I take pride in understanding and speaking more than one language and constantly reinforce the importance of learning languages to students.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, a hobby that was ignited when I studied abroad in Lyon, France, in 2018. I am a big soccer fan (Chelsea FC) and often travel to watch games in different countries. My overall favorite activity is spending time with my 5-year-old corgi, Koda.
I am honored to join the Brentwood High School community and bring with me 22 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, dean, and assistant principal. I’m originally from Queens and attended Hunter College, NYU, and the College of St. Rose. Throughout my career, I have remained deeply committed to fostering student growth and building strong, inclusive school cultures. My leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, integrity, and high expectations. I believe in empowering both students and staff by cultivating trust, promoting accountability, and encouraging continuous learning.
On a personal note, I am a proud husband and father of three, actively involved in my children’s lives—attending all their games and coaching whenever possible. As a lifelong Knicks and Mets fan, I bring passion, perseverance, and a team-first mindset to everything I do. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Brentwood High School.
Hello! My name is Brittany McDermott. Some of you may recognize me from Sonderling, where I’ve had the pleasure of teaching UGS for the past three years. It’s been an honor to be part of such a warm and supportive community, and I’m truly excited I am able to continue to be a part of it for years to come!
A bit about me: I’m a proud mom to two amazing kids, a devoted dog mom to a funny puggle and a spirited Boston terrier, and a gecko mom as well! I’m passionate about animals and love volunteering with local rescues. In my free time, I enjoy bike riding, traveling, and baking.
In addition to teaching, this is my second year serving as an advisor for the Tree Lighting Club; a role I absolutely love! It has been wonderful connecting with students and helping to bring some extra joy and school spirit to our community during the holiday season.
I earned my BA from St. Joseph’s University and my MA from Long Island University. I’m looking forward to another fantastic year ahead!
Hello, Brentwood! My name is Fabrizio Milito and I am a new Chemistry teacher in the Ross Center of the high school. Ever since meeting some amazing kids while student teaching in Brentwood two years ago, it has been my goal to come back and be a teacher here. I have my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Stony Brook University and received my master’s of education from City College of New York. I was teaching chemistry at William E. Grady in Brooklyn before coming here.
Prior to my teaching career, I have been an actor, skateshop owner, and construction worker. I have a deep love of both playing and watching soccer, and I’m a huge fan of A.C. Milan and the Italian national team. I also love skating, specifically downhill longboarding, as well as archery, working out, and other physical activities. My other interests include an avid love of horror, listening to music, movies, playing Magic: the Gathering, anime, and videogames. I am very excited to grow as an educator and meet everyone.
Hi! I am Ashley Naval and I am excited to be starting my time here at Brentwood High School in the Sonderling building. This is my third year teaching, and my first year here at BHS. I have an associate degree in human services from SUNY Alfred State, a bachelor’s degree in family consumer sciences from CUNY Queens College and I am going for my master’s now in CTE education from SUNY Oswego.
I love to cook and read in my spare time. I also enjoy watching movies, and my favorite is “Lord of the Rings.” I am obsessed with frogs, and my favorite colors are green and purple. I have two guinea pigs named Kettle and Chocolate Chip Pancake (but we call him Pancake for short).
Hello, Brentwood! My name is Isabelle Petagna, and this year is my first year teaching English in Brentwood High School’s Sonderling Center. Although I have only been teaching here a short time, I am already in awe of the closeness of this community, the enthusiasm of the faculty members, and the kindness of the students. I can see very clearly why Brentwood is such a wonderful place to work, learn, and grow.
Before becoming an English teacher, I studied English Adolescence Education at St. Joseph’s University, where I received my bachelor’s degree. Although I went on to graduate from Stony Brook University with my Master of Arts in English, I would not say that my education stopped there; every day is a learning opportunity in my eyes. I hope to never stop being a student, and I hope to ingrain that same desire for lifelong learning within my own students.
In my free time, I love to go for long walks outside, listen to music (I’m an unapologetic Taylor Swift enthusiast), and–very on brand here, folks–read! Fantasy is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres. This community has welcomed me with open arms, and I am so grateful. I look forward to an amazing year!
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Master of Arts in Art Education from Adelphi University. I worked in fashion design and production in Manhattan for seven years, and this is my fourth year teaching. I am Korean and American. I speak four languages and have lived in four different countries. I love traveling and being in nature. My favorite type of art is realism and surrealism, and my favorite media are pastel pencils, color pencils, and acrylic paint.
Hello, I am Mr. Walsh and I am excited to be in my first year at Brentwood High School. I am entering my tenth year of teaching and I spent my first nine years of teaching at Flushing High School in Queens. I am looking forward to becoming part of the Brentwood community. Outside of school, I spend my time going on hikes with my wife and my dog, Cookie, as well as going to concerts, playing video games and eating whatever my wife bakes.
Hello, Brentwood, I am honored to be a part of your community and the physical education department. I have over a decade of experience as a physical education and health education teacher. I played four years of football and earned a bachelor’s degree at SUNY Cortland, earned a master’s degree from Hofstra University and an advanced certificate from CUNY Lehman. I strive to motivate my students to find and participate in activities they can enjoy for a lifetime. I believe everyone should pursue their passion and my job is to help provide them with an opportunity to find theirs. My current favorite activities are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, archery, fishing, competition barbecue and weightlifting.
Hello! My name is Joy, and I’m so excited to be part of this wonderful community. I completed my student teaching in Brentwood, where I discovered my passion for connecting science to students’ everyday lives. I graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and adolescent education. Currently, I’m pursuing my master’s in TESOL to better support English language learners in the classroom. Outside of teaching, I love running and staying active, as well as spending time with my friends and family. I believe in creating a positive, engaging classroom where all students feel valued and inspired to learn. I’m looking forward to growing as an educator and making a difference this year!
Hi everyone! My name is Morgan Zane, and I am so excited to be joining Ross this year as an English teacher. I graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in adolescence English education, and I am currently working toward my master’s degree in TESOL through SUNY Cortland. What I love most about teaching is guiding students to think critically about how literature reflects the world around us and the lessons it can teach. I look forward to creating a classroom that feels welcoming and engaging, while still challenging students to grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Outside of school, I enjoy doing yoga, going to the beach, and spending time with my family, friends and my two dogs. I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter at Brentwood High School and can’t wait to build strong connections with my students, the staff and the community!