PIP adds new staff

PIP has recently welcomed four new staff members, three peer intervenors – Beth Richards, Danielle Skarulis and LaWanda Riddick – and a counseling support services liaison, Marilyn Zagha.

Beth was an elementary-level teacher before becoming an industrial technology specialist in various districts in the city. In her most recent position with the Department of Education, she supported teachers in integrating technology into their instruction.

Danielle comes to PIP from York Early College Academy, where she served as a special education teacher, an inquiry team member and a UFT chapter leader. A former mentor, Danielle has also taught junior high and elementary school.

LaWanda has extensive experience in the fields of science and math. Also a former mentor, LaWanda’s last position was as a science teacher, articulation coordinator and data specialist at Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School in Brooklyn.

Marilyn has extensive experience as a licensed clinical social worker for both the city Department of Education and in the private sector. In the private sector, her work focused on domestic violence and preventive services for families in crisis. Just prior to joining PIP, she was working for the DOE at the regional Committee on Special Education in District 7, in the impartial hearing unit.