Superintendent's Corner

The NRESC proudly congratulates Lauren Elia, our Educational Specialist of the Year, for her dedication, creativity, and impact across our programs. Lauren’s commitment to helping students grow mirrors the perseverance and spirit shown by Elana Meyers Taylor, who made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics by winning gold in the women’s monobob event at age 41 — becoming the oldest American woman to secure an individual Winter Olympic gold medal and extending her decorated career with a remarkable performance.

Just as Elana’s journey reflects years of determination culminating in Olympic triumph, Lauren’s work elevates learning and inspires those around her every day. Whether in a bobsled hurtling down the track or guiding students toward success, excellence is always worth celebrating.

✨ Congratulations, Lauren — you embody the Olympic spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and achievement!

The NRESC was honored to recognize our Teacher of the Year, Tracy Tobiassen of the Phoenix Center in Wanaque — a true gold‑medal‑caliber educator whose dedication inspires students every day!

Just as Alysa Liu captured imaginations across the nation by winning gold for the United States in figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics — the first American woman to do so in 24 years — Tracy brings excellence, passion, and artistry to everything she does in education.

Both on the ice and in our classrooms, it’s that commitment to excellence and the pursuit of one’s personal best that defines champions.

✨ Congratulations, Tracy — you make Team NRESC proud!

As we honor Debbie Terwilliger from the Phoenix Center in Wanaque on her well-deserved retirement, we’re reminded of the spirit of dedication and lasting impact that defines both great educators and elite athletes.

At the recently concluded 2026 Winter Olympics, Jordan Stolz captivated the world by winning gold in the men’s 500 m speed skating event — blazing to victory with an Olympic-record performance that showcased years of relentless training and passion for his sport.

Just like Jordan’s journey to the top of the podium, Debbie’s career has been marked by perseverance, heart, and countless moments where she helped others reach their own personal bests. Whether guiding students through challenges or creating opportunities for growth, Debbie has been a true gold-medal educator in the lives she’s touched.

✨ Congratulations on your retirement, Debbie — may your next chapter be as rewarding as the legacy you leave behind!

On March 19, Second Home will host an exciting Parent/Vendor Night — and it promises to feel like a championship performance in the making. When families, staff, and community partners come together, something special happens.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, both the United States men's national ice hockey team and the United States women's national ice hockey team showcased the power of teamwork, resilience, and unity on the world stage. Their success was built on communication, trust, and every player understanding their role.

That same spirit will be on full display at Second Home. Parents, vendors, and staff will work in sync, strengthening partnerships and reinforcing the support system around our students. When everyone moves together as one team, incredible things happen.

We look forward to seeing our community come together on March 19 for what is sure to be a true team victory! 🏆

On March 28, Second Home, in partnership with PACOPAD, will host a special evening of fun and music for our adults with special needs community — a night designed to celebrate connection, inclusion, and pure joy.

At the 2026 Winter Olympics, the world watched as athletes from across the globe gathered not only to compete, but to celebrate unity through sport. Events like the Olympic Opening Ceremony remind us that the Games are about more than medals — they are about belonging, shared experiences, and the power of community.

That same spirit will fill Second Home on March 28. Through music, laughter, and time together, we will create an atmosphere where everyone shines, friendships grow, and memories are made.

We look forward to an evening that hits all the right notes and reminds us that when community comes together, everyone stands on the podium. 🎵🏟️

The NRESC Education Foundation’s annual Golf Outing is coming up on May 11, and we can’t wait to hit the greens with our amazing supporters!

Let’s be honest — golf is definitely not a winter sport. The closest thing the Olympics has seen is maybe curling, where you slide stones across ice with precision… but we promise, swinging a club in a snowstorm just isn’t the same. Keep golf in the sunshine, where birdies (and maybe a few eagles) belong!

Join us for a day of fun, friendship, and friendly competition — all for a great cause. Summer, sunshine, and golf: the perfect triple crown! 🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♀️

Students at Phoenix explored the remarkable story of Ruby Bridges, one of the first Black children to integrate a previously all-white public elementary school in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. At just six years old, she showed extraordinary courage, facing fear and adversity with unwavering determination.

Her bravery echoes the spirit of Olympic champions like Debi Thomas, the first Black American woman to win a medal in figure skating at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Just as Ruby faced barriers in her classroom, Debi overcame challenges on the ice, showing the world that courage, perseverance, and excellence know no limits.

By studying Ruby Bridges’ story, our students are inspired to embody that same resilience and determination — proving that the values of courage, perseverance, and trailblazing achievement shine both in history and on the world stage. ✨

At Second Home, Mr. Zambelli worked with a client on a project celebrating Rosa Parks, a courageous leader who refused to give up her seat, sparking a movement that changed history. Through her quiet yet powerful act of bravery, Rosa Parks showed that standing firm for what is right can move an entire nation.

Her courage on the “front lines” of civil rights mirrors the determination of Jesse Owens, who triumphed at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, shattering barriers and prejudice on the world stage with every stride. Just as Owens ran toward victory despite immense challenges, Parks advanced equality and justice through steadfast resolve.

Fun fact: Dr. Vancheri had the honor of meeting Rosa Parks as a child, and the legacy continues locally with Rosa Parks High School in Paterson, New Jersey, dedicated to her lasting impact.

Through projects like these, our students experience firsthand the power of courage, perseverance, and the belief that one person’s stand can inspire generations — both in history and in every “race” we face today. 🏅

This Black History Month, we proudly celebrate Ms. Ayanna Thorne, a shining example of leadership, dedication, and trailblazing spirit at NRESC. With almost a decade of service, Ayanna has made an extraordinary impact — from her time as Principal of Hope Academy to her role as Director of Alternative & Non-Traditional Programs since 2021.

Ayanna oversees our childcare department, where she led the expansion into the Ramapo Avenue Learning Center, and previously helped grow alternative education offerings through the Ascend Academy Twilight Program in Passaic. She is also guiding the growth of the Global Campus and affectionately serves as Pearl’s handler, our NRESC therapy dog with visits planned in three local school districts.

Her trailblazing work echoes the courage and perseverance of Olympic champions like Simone Biles, whose record-breaking achievements inspire generations of athletes to push boundaries and redefine excellence. Like Biles, Ayanna demonstrates that vision, determination, and heart create lasting impact — breaking barriers, building programs, and shaping futures.

This Black History Month, we honor Ayanna not only for her leadership, but for embodying the values of resilience, innovation, and inspiration that define both the Olympic spirit and the pursuit of excellence in education. 🏆

This season’s NRESC Bounce Out The Stigma program is off and running! For six weeks, children with special needs are developing skills, building confidence, and having a blast — all thanks to the dedication of Mike and his amazing team.

Just like Olympic basketball teams rely on teamwork, strategy, and perseverance to reach the podium, our participants are learning that practice, courage, and collaboration lead to personal victories both on and off the court.

A huge thank you to the Little Falls Recreation Department for generously allowing us to use their facility — your support helps make this program a winning experience for every child.

Here’s to another season of growth, fun, and breaking barriers, one bounce at a time! 🏅

The NRESC continues to offer Community Inclusion Bowling, giving adults with special needs a chance to have fun, build friendships, and celebrate every strike and spare!

Just like Olympic athletes rely on focus, teamwork, and determination to reach the podium, our participants show that every roll counts and every effort is worth celebrating. Each frame is a chance to shine, connect, and experience the joy of achievement — a true victory for the whole community.

A big thank you to all who make these events possible, and to everyone who joins us in creating inclusive, memorable experiences. More outings are on the way — keep following NRESC social media for updates and details! 🏅🎳

Our Central Office staff came together for a fun-filled Super Bowl Luncheon, celebrating camaraderie, collaboration, and team spirit. A special thanks to Marta and Jennifer from Human Resources for planning such a fantastic event — the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was full of laughter and connection!

Even Dr. Vancheri joined the fun, providing Super Bowl trivia questions as only a walking encyclopedia of football knowledge can. Just as Olympic teams rely on every member to train, strategize, and support one another, our staff exemplifies the power of teamwork in everything we do.

From shared stories to friendly competition, the luncheon reminded us that great teamwork extends beyond projects and meetings. When everyone contributes and lifts each other up, we all score big.

Here’s to the people who make Team NRESC a true winning team every day! 🏅

At the Phoenix Center in Wanaque, students are encouraged every day to rise above challenges, build confidence, and unlock their potential through personalized educational and therapeutic programs. With a full‑spectrum approach that includes academic instruction, physical activity, and community‑based experiences, Phoenix Center learners train much like Olympic athletes — practicing skills, facing challenges, and celebrating growth with every milestone.

Just as Olympians push themselves to peak performance — whether on the ice, track, or field — Phoenix Center students build strength in academics, social interaction, physical play, and community participation. Their journey reflects the Olympic spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience: every step is progress, and every success, big or small, is a podium moment. 🏆

At Second Home in Totowa, adults with special needs engage in meaningful day habilitation experiences that enhance quality of life and foster community connection. Offering therapeutic support, skill‑building activities, and a welcoming environment, Second Home participants embody the same spirit of teamwork and determination seen in elite competition.

Like a relay team passing the baton with trust and precision, the Second Home community supports one another in personal growth and shared achievement. Every social activity, skill session, and shared laugh is a reminder that inclusion — much like Olympic competition — brings out the best in all of us. Together, we celebrate effort, embrace progress, and applaud every individual’s journey toward greater fulfillment. 🥳

On Groundhog Day, Ms. Heather Powley led students at the Phoenix Center through engaging activities that combined fun, learning, and a little seasonal tradition. Just as Olympic athletes study conditions, practice skills, and prepare for every challenge, Ms. Powley’s students explored predictions, patterns, and observations — sharpening critical thinking and teamwork along the way.

Through hands-on activities and collaborative exercises, every student had a chance to shine, celebrate progress, and learn in a supportive, encouraging environment. Like training for the Olympics, each step — big or small — built confidence, focus, and joy in learning.

Groundhog Day at the Phoenix Center was more than a tradition — it was a chance for every student to experience their own personal podium moment! 🏆

At School #16 in Clifton, Ms. Hemel Bavalia, our dedicated occupational therapist, works with students every day to build strength, coordination, and confidence — turning challenges into triumphs, one session at a time.

Just like Olympic athletes train tirelessly to master every movement and reach peak performance, Ms. Bavalia helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Through individualized exercises, adaptive strategies, and encouragement, each student experiences their own personal victories — whether it’s improving fine motor skills, mastering daily routines, or gaining independence.

Her sessions reflect the Olympic spirit: perseverance, focus, and celebrating progress at every stage. At School #16, every skill gained is a step closer to the podium of achievement, and every student is a champion in their own right. 🏆

In our Woodland Park After Care program, students are channeling their inner Olympians through painting and creative expression. Just as Olympic athletes train to perfect every movement, painting helps students strengthen their fine motor skills, coordination, and focus — all while unlocking their imagination.

Every brushstroke builds creativity, patience, and confidence. Like preparing for competition, students practice control, precision, and perseverance — discovering that growth happens one small movement at a time.

In Woodland Park, the canvas becomes the arena, and every young artist earns their own podium moment through creativity and effort. 🏆✨

Valentine’s Day at the Ramapo Avenue Learning Center was a celebration of kindness, friendship, and teamwork — values that shine just as brightly as they do at the Olympic Games.

Just as athletes from around the world come together in the spirit of unity and sportsmanship, our students shared cards, smiles, and thoughtful moments that strengthened their classroom community. Through creative activities and acts of kindness, they practiced cooperation, communication, and compassion — skills that are just as important as any medal.

At Ramapo Avenue, love, inclusion, and friendship take center stage. Because whether in the Olympics or in our classrooms, the greatest victories are the ones we share. 🏆✨

@DrV_NRESC

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