631.588.2757
Our Savior New American School, 140 Mark Tree Road, Centereach, NY 11720
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FACULTY & STAFF

The faculty and staff of OSNAS are committed to offering an excellent educational experience to every student. All members are committed followers of Jesus Christ who has instructed us to “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these (Mark 10:14).” For this reason, the faculty views children as God views them, as people worthy of unconditional love, inestimable value, and our utmost respect. In stark contrast to the limitations placed on public school faculty, the teachers at OSNAS are more than happy to pray with their students and offer them biblical counsel in all their ups and downs. Parents have our word that their child will be brought up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). What a child needs more than anything, OSNAS faculty is ready, willing and able to provide.

ADMINISTRATION

Wil Stelzer

princiPal
Wil.stelzer@osnas.org

My name is Wil Stelzer. I have been part of the school since its inception in 1992. I began as a middle school student and graduated in 2001. I went on to earn my BA in Foreign Languages at Concordia University Chicago before coming back to teach Theology, Spanish and ESL at OSNAS. I also enjoyed serving as the JV basketball coach and assisting my dad on the varsity team. After two years of teaching, I went on to receive my MA and PhD in Biblical Studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. In 2013, I got married to my wife Maria and moved across the country to Portland to teach at a small Christian university. From there, I took a call to serve as high school theology teacher and basketball coach at Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas. After a five year stint, I was called to serve as the Assistant Principal at OSNAS in 2019. A year later, I took on the responsibility of Principal. I love being a part of the ministry here at OSNAS with its family atmosphere and Christ-centered focus. My hobbies include biking, basketball, learning languages, studying God’s Word and hanging out with my beautiful wife Maria and children, Leah, Louis, Lonnie and Logan.

Click HERE to see Wil’s skills with the basketball.

Josette Leon

DEAN of Faculty and Social Studies
josette.leon@osnas.org

My name is Josette Leon. I teach 7th and 8th grade American History, 11th Grade Advanced Placement United States History, 11th Grade United States History, 12th Grade American Government, and Comparative Worldviews. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from St. Joseph’s College and Master of Arts degree in History from American Public University System. I am certified by the State of New York to teach Social Studies grades 7-12. I am a member of the Long Island Council for Social Studies. I will never forget the phone call from Principal Reade to serve as the 8th Grade Social Studies teacher at Our Savior New American School (OSNAS). It was one of the most pivotal moments of my life. Over the past twelve years I have been called by the Lord to serve in His school in many capacities, whether it be teaching Social Studies or English as a Second Language, being the lead moderator of the Student Government for ten years, acting as the lead PM bus monitor, or serving on the Curriculum Committee that contributed to OSNAS being accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation. Wearing so many hats has led me to where I am today. This year, in addition to teaching Social Studies, I have been called to serve again in the new role as an administrator. I will serve as Dean of Faculty where I will act as liaison between teachers and school administration to help achieve the overall vision of OSNAS. I am looking forward to this new opportunity to serve the Lord and OSNAS.

Paul Licausi

Dean of students
paul.licausi@osnas.org

My name is Paul Licausi and I feel privileged to say that this is my seventh year at OSNAS. During the start of the Fall 2020 school year, a new chapter in my life opened as I began serving the school as Dean of Students. In past years, I have taught ELA courses, ESL to the International students and Public Speaking and Senior Thesis to the 12th grade class at OSNAS. I look forward to every day as an opportunity to both teach my students as well as learn from them. The fact that OSNAS hosts students from so many different countries, learning about American culture while sharing some of their own and studying God’s Word, paired with the positivity flowing throughout the school are just some of the things that bring joy to my work. In addition to my OSNAS family, I share my life with my lovely wife Jessica, our son Theodore (who loves attending Our Savior’s Preschool), and Penelope, the newest addition to our family. I have received a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in Global Studies from Binghamton University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from SUNY Old Westbury.

FACULTY

Jackie Arns

3-4 Grade
jacquelin.arns@osnas.org

My name is Jackie Arns. My first year I taught 5th grade. I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a dual degree in General and Special education and a Master's degree in Special Education, along with just receiving my ESL/ TESOL certification January 2020. It has been an honor to serve as Teacher mentor for Student Government and coordinator of the Parent-Teacher S.H.I.P program at OSNAS for the second consecutive year. Outside the classroom, my family is priority. Together we enjoy serving in both our church and community. I serve as chairperson in both Missions and Outreach Committee, Sunday School Superintendent and Praise Team. I favor relaxation in baking, cooking and music entertainment- piano playing and attending broadway plays.

Bruce Bennett

History and Bible
bruce.bennett@osnas.org

Bruce Bennett was married to his wife Lynda in 1992 and God has blessed them with 3 children. Bruce has been in bi-vocational (high school/junior high teacher of law, history, and government) ministry since 1987. Bruce retired in June of ’21 after 31 years of public school teaching where he taught everything from college level to 7th grade classes in Social Studies. Among other accomplishments, Bruce was selected by two major political parties to run for the state legislature and as a teacher he led the Future Problem Solving Club to a National championship and was promoted to the role as lead teacher as well. He holds a 3yr. Biblical Studies Diploma from Christ for the Nations, a BA from Dowling College, an MA from SUNY @ Stony Brook and a Certificate from Princeton Theological Seminary. Bruce is the founder of the Word of Truth Church (an evangelical church located in Medford, NY) and the LI Family Coalition as well.

Lisa Geraci

Social Studies
lisa.geraci@osnas.org

My name is Lisa Geraci and I am a High School History and Bible teacher at OSNAS. I teach 9th and 10th grade Global History and Geography, 11th and 12th grade Girls Bible as well as AP US Government and Politics. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, a M.Div. in Theology and a Masters of Science in Secondary Education and am a permanently certified New York State Social Studies Teacher. I love teaching and I love my students; they become like family to me. My passion is singing and worshiping Jesus, playing my violin, hiking and being out in nature. I am a mom of three grown children and a grandma of one!

Marie Grupp

Choir
marie.grupp@osnas.org

My name is Marie Grupp and I have been a music teacher at OSNAS for the past seven years. I currently teach general music and choir for Pre-K through 5th grade as well as 6-9th grade choir. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from C.W. Post College where I performed in the band and orchestra as a French Hornist. I am also a private piano teacher. Before going back into teaching, I had a career in banking as a commercial loan officer which I had left in favor of raising my 3 children. Ten years ago I went back into musical education field in the Longwood School District and then became a part of the OSNAS family after. I love the enthusiasm and respect of the students of OSNAS which makes my job very joyful!

Melissa Hin

Art
melissa.hin@osnas.org

My name is Melissa Hin. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology Human Services from Plattsburgh State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art/Art History from Stony Brook University. I have been an Art instructor for many years. I have worked with students K-12 at Our Savior since Fall 2019. It has been my pleasure introducing students to new ideas, materials, methods and approaches in making works of art and design. The value of creative works is found in their reflection of God’s truth. Value, meaning, and order find their source in God. As a professional artist my work has been exhibited at various galleries and private collections in the United States and the United Kingdom which include New York, London, Paris, Venice, and Torino Italy. I established MDH Creative Enterprises, a working studio where artists of various ages and of all skill levels receive instruction, fine-tuning their techniques. I do believe that “Since all humans are made in God’s image, everyone is capable of creativity, imagination, design, and the appreciation of beauty”.

Alicia Indence

alicia.indence@osnas.org

My name is Alicia Indence. I have a BA in Child’s Studies from St. Joseph’s College and my Master’s Degree in Literacy Education from SUNY Oneonta. I am certified in New York; Brith-6th grades in General and Special education. I played basketball in college and was a volunteer assistant varsity coach at Centereach High School. I am also a basketball coach and trainer to many different age levels at a basketball ministry run through Our Savior. Being a part of the OSNAS community has been a blessing in my life. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking my two dogs to the beach, attending sporting events, and baking delicious desserts.

Paige Jelinek

Athletic Director and Middle School Bible
paige.jelinek@osnas.org

My Name is Paige Jelinek and I am the Athletic Director as well as the middle school Bible and elementary gym teacher here at OSNAS. I received my bachelor's degree from SUNY Old Westbury where I studied Public Health. In addition to my teaching and administrative duties, I am also a basketball coach and trainer to many different age levels. My number one passion is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission by connecting with the youth through athletics and physical education.

Duncan Kasibante

Bible Teacher
duncan.kasibante@osnas.org

My name is Duncan Kasibante and I am a high school Bible instructor. I graduated from Our Savior New American School as an international student from Uganda. I went on to obtain a bachelor's degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College. In addition to teaching Bible, I help with the student prayer ministry, coordinate student-driven Christian missionary work and coach the soccer team. I have also enjoyed showing students the wonders and orderliness of God's creation by serving as the STEM coordinator. The biggest thrill in my job is being able to serve and give back to my school for all the many ways it has blessed me. I find joy working with all students, being a christian role model, imparting Christian values and educating the future generation for Christ. I have been a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church since 2012 and look forward to what God has in store for this school.

Ray Knehnetsky

MUSIC DIRECTOR
RAYMOND.KNEHNETSKY@OSNAS.ORG

I began my music career studying at the Wilmington (Delaware) Music School and the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston. I moved to Paris, France in the early 1970’s where I was writing, arranging, performing, and recording. During the 70’s and 80’s, I worked for such artists as Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Tina Turner, George Chakiris, Lionel Hampton, Herbie Hancock, Tom Scott, Barbara Eden, Bridget Bardot and many others. I have also worked on feature films and TV including: King of the Mountain, Joysticks, Winds of Change, Hong Kong 97, Miami Vice, and MacGyver. I collaborated with Keith Carradine to write the title song for the film Out of the Cold. For the past 25 years, I have been working with Frankie Avalon as his music director and conductor, performing throughout the United States. Throughout this time, I studied for my Masters in Theology and Director of Parish Music at Concordia University in Irvine, California. I then came to Our Savior to serve as the worship director and serve in the school as the choir teacher. In June of 2016 I was asked to have some members of the OSNAS high school choir perform at Carnegie Hall for the Reformation tribute “500 Voices for 500 Years.

Andrea Negron

4th Grade
Andrea.negron@osnas.org

My name is Andrea Negron. I recently graduated from St. Joseph’s College with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Study which led to my certification in both general and special education from pre-K through sixth grade. I am hoping to pursue a Master’s degree which will lead to a bilingual certificate extension. I teach fourth grade. I love my students and my goal is to maintain a family atmosphere in my classroom, where all can feel welcome and loved. I am recently married and have no children of my own, but I very quickly adopt my students as my own. I attend Victory Church of God in Patchogue and for many years was part of the worship team there. One of my greatest passions is singing and praising God. I enjoy music, spending time with my family, and exploring the outdoors!

Robin Reade

Math
ROBIN.READE@OSNAS.ORG

My name is Robin Reade and I teach Math and Logic at OSNAS. I received my Bachelors Degree in Accounting with a Mathematics concentration from Messiah College in Grantham, PA. In addition to teaching at OSNAS, I am also the full time church secretary at Our Savior Lutheran Church, where I have been a member since childhood. When I am not working, I volunteer in a basketball ministry run through Our Savior. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, studying God’s Word, traveling, the beach, attending sporting events, and going to the movies. My favorite part of OSNAS is sharing the love of Jesus in this family atmosphere.

John Rossi

Math
john.rossi@osnas.org

My name is John Rossi and I teach 7th grade Pre-Algebra, 9th and 10th grade Geometry, and senior level AP Calculus. I have a bachelors and masters degree in mathematics from Stony Brook University. I have been teaching math at OSNAS since 2017 and it is an honor and privilege to teach in this warm and open school environment that exemplifies Christ and all his teaching. Outside of school I am a volunteer firefighter and an active civil servant working to better my community.

Rose Tomasi

English
Rose.Tomasi@osnas.org

My name is Rose Tomasi. I have been married 33 years to my wonderful husband Paul, and I have two children, who are both educators on Long Island. I hold a New York State Professional Teacher Certification in English Language Arts 7-12 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English with Secondary Education Concentration from St. Joseph’s College and a Master of Arts Degree in English from Stony Brook University. I served as an English teacher at Our Savior New American School (OSNAS) for five years - from 2009 -2013 and taught all English grade levels - 7-12. In 2013, I was called to teach summer school in an underserved South Bronx community, and ultimately stayed there to teach. Even though I taught in the Bronx, I always valued the incredible experience and relationships I formed with the students and colleagues at OSNAS. I still remained in communication with my colleagues, and former students, who went on to college and some who have their own families. This school has always seemed like home to me; and when Dr. Stelzer reached out to me to return to a teaching position at OSNAS, I was happy to be called back to rejoin the OSNAS family, teach these wonderful students, and to serve the Lord.

Jessica Walters

Spanish
Jessica.Walters@osnas.org

Mrs. Walters loves teaching and loves reading. She also loves learning new languages. She has worked in both private and public schools and she is excited to be teaching at Our Savior.

Karla Welty

Physical Education / HEALTH
KARLA.WELTY@OSNAS.ORG

Karla Welty has served as the head coach of the Girls Varsity Basketball Team at Our Savior New American School for ten years. She was awarded the Private Schools Athletic Association Girls Varsity Basketball Coach of the Year recognition in 2019. Her duties at Our Savior New American School include teaching Physical Education Classes, Middle School and High School Health Education Classes and Honors Anatomy and Physiology Class. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Arkansas with a specialization in Exercise Science Strength and Conditioning/Athletic Training. Coach Welty’s experience includes serving as a student trainer with the Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball Team and a Master Fitness Trainer Instructor for the United States Army. She has earned an Exercise Leader’s certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and an Advanced Personal Trainer’s certification from the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas, Texas. She is married to Tim Welty. Together they have raised two sons and served as host parents to seven international students.

Robert Welty

Computer teacher, Website and Social Media Manager, IT Coordinator
robert.welty@osnas.org

My name is Robert Welty. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from Biola University. I began working in the school’s Guidance Office as an assistant to the head of guidance and also as a boy’s bible teacher. I have since taught 7th-11th grade boys bible and currently the computer and technology teacher for K-12th grades. I have loved being a part of the maturing and spiritual growth process for so many young men. It has also been a blessing to help diversify the student body by bringing in international students from many different parts of the world and allowing them to experience the Word of God, many of them for the first time. I played Baseball in college and enjoy all types of sports.

Angela Westerhaus

1st Grade
angela.westerhaus@osnas.org

My name is Mrs. Angela Westerhaus. I began my career in 1987 in Sachem School District teaching fifth grade. Once I got married and had children, I discovered how important it is to bring God into everything a child learns, and God directed me to teach in Our Savior New American School. During my first 13 years at OSNAS I taught third grade before switching to second grade. I have a BA in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. When I am not working at OSNAS, I can be found volunteering at St Margaret’s of Scotland Church as a Minister of Hope, a Eucharistic Minister, as a Minister of the Gospel and as a Christian Counselor for teens and young adults. I also organize music programs for both St. Margaret’s and Our Savior Vacation Bible Schools. I am married for 28 years and have three grown children. In my personal life I enjoy directing plays, choral singing, painting, hiking, outdoor activities, bible studies and spending time with my family.

Britany Williams

Science Enrichment
Britany.Williams@osnas.org

My name is Britany Williams and I am a science teacher at OSNAS. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from SUNY Oneonta. Additionally, I have my Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health from SUNY Downstate. I’ve had the opportunity to work with youth of all ages on various platforms, but I’m especially excited to help children connect how God is the reason that science is possible. I’ve spent a lot of my life playing basketball and love traveling. God’s greatest blessings to me are my husband Kevin and our two beautiful children.

STAFF

Jennifer Leon

Front Desk Receptionist
Jennifer.leon@osnas.org

My name is Jennifer Leon. As you enter the building, I will be the first person to welcome you to Our Savior New American School. I am the receptionist at the information desk. My goal is to make sure that as you walk through the doors of OSNAS, I can help to assist you in a friendly and welcoming manner. I have been part of the OSNAS family for 10 years. In addition to being the receptionist, over the years I have been an assistant pre-k teacher and morning bus monitor. I have a degree in office technology and I am also a certified teacher’s aide. Outside of my OSNAS responsibilities, I have a secondary job as a library clerk and enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Karrie Poplaski

School Nurse - provided by middle country
Karrie.Poplaski@osnas.org

My name is Karrie Poplaski and I started at Our Savior during the middle of the COVID–19 pandemic. I am the mother of 3, married for over 20 years. I spent most of my work career in customer service but felt called to go back to school for nursing so I could help others. I graduated from the Suffolk Community College nursing program in December of 2018 as a Registered Nurse. I feel truly blessed to be here at Our Savior and it has been my pleasure to serve the school and our students, watching over them and keeping them safe.

Rosana Reade

Administrative Assistant
ROSANA.READE@OSNAS.ORG

I've been associated with OSNAS since 1995. I started out as a volunteer, became an assistant 1st grade teacher, and then taught 2nd and 4th grades for a few years. I moved to the role of Elementary Spanish teacher before taking off two years to stay home with my youngest two children, Daniel and Katerina. I returned in 2009, became the administrative assistant and have been in that role ever since. Three of my children graduated from OSNAS and one is graduating in 2022. Of my children that graduated from OSNAS, one is using the skills he learned here and the talents that God has given him to serve as an executive pastor working in the creative worship department of a large church, the other was inspired to become a teacher and is currently teaching in NYC.

Stephanie Seaton

Guidance Counselor
sTEPHANIE.SEATON@OSNAS.ORG

My name is Stephanie Seaton and I am the Guidance Counselor here at OSNAS. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology at Concordia University Chicago. I have been involved with Our Savior Church and School since 2014. Throughout my time here at Our Savior, I have been a part of the teaching staff, the Boys Basketball Varsity Coaching Staff and volunteered in different areas. In my role of Guidance Counselor, I oversee admissions and enrollment for the entire K-12. I also help educate and assist the students on how to create/reach their post-high school plans. My goal is to build a relationship with each student to help them reach their potential of mind, body, and spirit. Being a part of the OSNAS community has been a blessing to my life. Outside of OSNAS I like spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, and trying out new things!

Joseph Schneider

Director of Development and Finances
JOSEPH.SCHNEIDER@OSNAS.ORG

My name is Joseph Schneider and I have been employed by OSNAS since March 2011 but have part of the OSNAS / OSLC family since 1993. My current responsibilities are Director of Development, Financial Administrator, and IT Administrator. I report directly to the OSNAS School Board and confer regularly with the Principal, Assistant Principal and International Administrator. As director of Development I oversee grant proposals, website updates, and internal and external advertising. As the Finance Administrator, I oversee the Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables as well as supplying all financial statements to the school board as requested. As IT Administrator, I am responsible for maintaining our internal and external network, wifi connectivity, security cameras and controlled access, and daily backup of all data both onsite and offsite. I am the proud father of four children and 6 grandchildren. I have learned the joy of servanthood as a member of the church and school and use many of my God-given talents to bless others including the lake house I built upstate in South Fallsburg. God has been so good!

WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY

"What I appreciate from OSNAS is how the teachers and the curriculum always put God first. The teachers have a very positive influence on the students because they themselves love God and put God first. The classes are small so my kids get more attention from the teachers."

"Each day my son is eager to share the events of his school day when he is picked up. This never happened at his former school."

"I am advised of everything that is happening when it is happening. This includes grades and any behavioral issues."

"The devotion of the staff for serving the students as well as the parents is immeasurable. The staff sacrifices their personal time and finances to help instill seeds of love and compassion into the kids while educating them in a safe environment."

We are truly blessed and grateful for OSNAS and the instruction you are giving to the students. Throughout this time, we have seen a huge difference between the teaching my son is receiving in your school vs the teaching my daughter is receiving in public school.

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