EL Summit 2016
Left to right standing: Kiria Cruz, Christina DaSilva-Novotny, Evelyn Alicea, Miguel Seclen, Mayra Medina, Luz Butler, Pamela Hazall, Sara Marr, Shirley Ricart, and Merengilda Matteo. Ana Sousa-Martins, Left to right sitting: Diane Distefano, Leslie Perez, Jessica Baldizon, Esther Werneck de Almeida, and Nancy Frederick
Left to right standing: Kiria Cruz, Christina DaSilva-Novotny, Evelyn Alicea, Miguel Seclen, Mayra Medina, Luz Butler, Pamela Hazall, Sara Marr, Shirley Ricart, and Merengilda Matteo. Ana Sousa-Martins, Left to right sitting: Diane Distefano, Leslie Perez, Jessica Baldizon, Esther Werneck de Almeida, and Nancy Frederick
Left to right standing: Kiria Cruz, Christina DaSilva-Novotny, Evelyn Alicea, Miguel Seclen, Mayra Medina, Luz Butler, Pamela Hazall, Sara Marr, Shirley Ricart, and Merengilda Matteo. Ana Sousa-Martins, Left to right sitting: Diane Distefano, Leslie Perez, Jessica Baldizon, Esther Werneck de Almeida, and Nancy Frederick
Evelyn F. Alicea
Evelyn F. Alicea is currently a Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher at Multicultural Magnet School in Bridgeport. She has been working to facilitate language acquisition for English Learners for the last twenty years. She holds a BA from Fairfield University, M.A.T. From Sacred Heart University, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in TESOL from Fairfield University and is currently pursuing her Intermediate Administrative Certification at Sacred Heart University. She has received the Teacher of the Year Award and was the recipient of an Inter-District Grant that provided the opportunity for urban and suburban students to collaborate and share each other’s culture and customs for two years.
Kiria Cruz
Kiria Cruz is a certified ESL teacher who currently teaches at the wonderful Bilingual Department at Harding High School. She is a tech saavy and loves to integrate technology in the classroom. Cruz started her teaching career in 2007 in Puerto Rico as an ESL teacher and has offered workshops in technology integration in PR and CT. She has a Bachelor's Degree and 25 graduate credits in TESOL from the University of Puerto Rico and is currently enrolled as a graduate student at Saint Joseph University to complete a Master's Degree in Educational Technology. It is her goal to be a great contribution to her school, to the Bilingual Department and to the community in Bridgeport, CT.
Cristina DaSilva-Novotny
Cristina DaSilva-Novotny, who originated from Lisbon, Portugal, is currently an English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher at Blackham Elementary School. She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, a Minor in Art, and a cross endorsement in Bilingual Middle School History. Cristina earned a master’s degree in Bilingual/Bicultural TESOL Education from Fairfield University. Cristina has taught art K-8, Early Childhood K-2, TESOL K-12 and self-contained Bilingual Portuguese 7-8. As both an EL and a 20 year veteran of the Bridgeport School System, Cristina has always focused on advocating for all second language learners by participating on curriculum committees, School Governance Council, SRBI, data teams both at school and district levels, and as a Teacher Liaison for the Blackham PAC (Parent Advisory Council). Cristina is also a teacher mentor and a reader for the Connecticut Teacher Education and Mentoring Program. ​
Jessica Baldizon
Jessica Baldizon is an English to speakers of other languages teacher at Cesar A. Batalla School. She completed her TESOL coursework at Fairfield University and is a partner in the Batalla/Fairfield University Partnership Task force. Jessica currently works with 3rd-6th grade English Learners on content area studies by infusing lessons with instructional and learning strategies that promote language development.
Miguel Seclen
Miguel Seclen is an educator and a mentor at W. Harding H.S. for 16 years. He also works in the Upward Bound program at Fairfield University.
Meregilda Mateo
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Meregilda Matteo is a 3rd grade bilingual teacher at Luis Munoz Marin in Bridgeport, CT who came from Dominican Republic 20 years ago. She is a great contribution to EL Summit Committee and to our community.
