Harbor Leadership

Amy Brandon, Principal

Amy Brandon graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Brandon started working at Harbor School in 2014 as a paraprofessional. She went on to obtain a dual Master’s in Special Education and Childhood Education. After earning her teaching certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education, Ms. Brandon accepted a teaching position at the Gateway School in November 2014. Ms. Brandon rounded out her educational career with a certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC). She continued her journey at the Harbor School, in July 2020 as the Supervisor of Instruction mentoring our teachers and supporting the needs of our students and families. In July 2022, she became co-principal and in January 2023 became the full-time principal. Ms. Brandon brings exceptional experience and knowledge to this position.

Dawn Cicco- Supervisor of Instruction

Mrs. Dawn Cicco graduated from Monmouth University in 1999 with a dual degree in Special Education and Elementary Education with a focus on reading instruction. After 16 years of teaching both advanced students and special education students at a private school, she began working in public school. There, she worked as in-class support for fifth grade as well as resource room teacher for students who needed intensive support in math. Additionally, in the role of Teacher Leader, she prepared and presented workshops for staff to support their professional development. After obtaining a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Mrs. Cicco sought to further her career in a role as an administrator. To that end, she began as Supervisor of Instruction at Harbor School in April, 2023. She looks forward to continuing to work closely with faculty and families to tailor an appropriate, engaging program for our students.

Barbara Getz, Administrative Assistant

Barbara Getz has been a valued member of RKS Associates for over 30 years, with the past 25 years dedicated to serving as the Administrative Assistant at Harbor School. Her extensive experience and deep knowledge of the school community make her an essential part of the daily operations.

Barbara’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from managing office tasks to supporting students, staff, and families. Her familiarity with the school’s routines, along with her commitment and professionalism, contribute to the smooth and welcoming environment at Harbor.

Barbara shares that her favorite part of working at a special education school is greeting students and families each day—and witnessing the joy they feel being part of such a supportive and caring community.

Angela Sopko – Teacher

Angela Sopko is a dedicated educator with a passion for supporting students of all abilities on their educational journey. She graduated from Monmouth University in 2016 with a degree in Elementary Education, a Special Education endorsement, and a dual major in History. She began her career with the RKS family in 2016, where she has taught high school students in the Work-Based Learning program. Now, she has transitioned to teaching middle school, while continuing to expose students to the skills they need for future independence and success.
In addition to her classroom work, Angela speaks each year to Brookdale Community College students, introducing them to the unique needs and strengths of her school’s population. She has also presented at the ASAH convention, sharing her experience and strategies with fellow educators in the field of special education.

Angela is known for her compassionate teaching style, creativity, and commitment to fostering a positive and supportive classroom environment. Her strong background in both elementary and special education allows her to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into her teaching.
Outside of school, Angela enjoys reading, traveling, and especially spending time with her husband and their beautiful new baby. These personal joys enrich her life and inspire the care and dedication she brings to her students each day.

Robert Kaylor – Teacher

Robert Kaylor is a dedicated special education teacher who is K–6 certified and holds a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) certification. He graduated from Kean University and has always been passionate about helping students learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Mr. Kaylor believes that every child can succeed when provided with the right support, encouragement, and individualized instruction. He finds the greatest joy in watching his students gain confidence, develop new skills, and become successful learners both inside and outside the classroom. As an educator in a special education setting, he is committed to creating a positive, supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Samantha Rubino – Teacher

My name is Samantha Rubino, and I am the elementary school teacher at Harbor School. I am a dedicated special education teacher with eight years of teaching experience. I earned my bachelor’s degree and hold certifications in both elementary education, kindergarten through sixth grade, and special education. I have also earned a master’s degree from Montclair State University in Educational Leadership. I am passionate about creating a supportive, structured, and engaging classroom environment where every student can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Erica Frank – Teacher

Hello, my name is Erica Frank. I am a dedicated and compassionate special education teacher with a strong passion for helping children with special needs to reach their fullest potential. I earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Hartford and then earned a dual Master's Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from the New Jersey City University. I am committed to creating a welcoming environment where all students feel included and capable of success. I look forward to fostering a positive environment for our students in the classroom. Outside of working here at the Harbor School, I enjoy spending time with my husband, young teen daughter, and tween son.

Nadine Palagonia- Work-Base Learning Coordinator

Ms. Palagonia began her journey in 2019 at the Harbor School. She teaches high school age students and is also Harbor School's WBL coordinator.  She holds four certifications: Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Elementary Education grades K-5, Language Arts Literacy grades 5-8, & Social Studies grades 5-8. She enjoys working with all the students and seeing the beautiful smile on their faces when they accomplish goals, they work so hard to achieve.  Please reach out to her at nadinep@harborschool.com with any questions or concerns.

Lauren Maher, MOT, OTR/L, Related Services Supervisor

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Health Science in 2019 and Master of Occupational Therapy in 2021, both from Quinnipiac University. She began her career as an occupational therapist working with older adults in home care, as well as in subacute rehabilitation
and long-term care settings.

Lauren later transitioned to pediatrics, gaining experience in an outpatient clinic and eventually joining Harbor School in 2023 as a school-based occupational therapist. She is passionate about using a multi-sensory approach to support students in developing skills across all areas. By working collaboratively with the related services team and classroom staff, Lauren helps create an environment where students can build on their strengths and confidently navigate challenges. She is excited to continue supporting students and their families in a larger role at Harbor!

Sarah McNulty – Speech-Language Pathologist

Sarah McNulty is a neurodiversity-affirming Speech-Language Pathologist with 18 years of experience supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families. Her approach to therapy is rooted in student-led practices, with a strong emphasis on building positive, trusting relationships. Sarah honors and values all forms of communication, recognizing that every individual communicates in their own unique and meaningful way.
Her goal is to empower students to express their wants, needs, and ideas as independently as possible—using any and all modes of communication. She believes that play, engagement, and connection are at the heart of learning and are key to developing a strong sense of communicative competence.

Sarah’s sessions are guided by cooperation, exploration, and fun. She sees herself not only as a teacher, but also as a lifelong learner—believing that her students have just as much to teach her as she has to offer them. At the core of her practice is a deep respect for the intrinsic value of every person she works with. Sarah is committed to creating spaces of belonging, acceptance, and understanding where all students feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Amanda Diamond, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist

Amanda Diamond has been a dedicated speech-language pathologist at Harbor School since 2012. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to helping students thrive through individualized communication support. Before joining Harbor, Amanda worked at the Gateway School, where she developed her skills in working with diverse learners.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. Amanda also holds an Autism Specialist certification, reflecting her continued dedication to professional growth and specialized student support.

Amanda is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive environment where each student’s unique communication style is embraced and empowered.

Maria Sherwin - Speech-Language Pathologist

Maria originally worked as a special education teacher for the NYC Board of Education. She has been working as a speech-language pathologist since 1998, and joined the staff at Harbor School in July 2006. She has a love for children with special needs and desires to make a difference in the lives of her students. Maria believes that every child is unique and special, and loves to see her students grow, learn, and display their unique personalities and abilities. In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her family, walking, reading, growing in her faith, and hanging out with her cats and dog. 🙂

Kendy Ker - Speech-Language Pathologist

Kendy Ker joined Harbor School in the summer of 2020.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Richard Stockton College and a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Seton Hall University.  Kendy is the recipient of the Marni Reisberg Award for her dedication to growth and development within the field of medical speech-language pathology.  She has over 20 years of experience working in hospitals, special education schools, early intervention, and private practice. She has extensive experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders, including approximately 18 months of 1:1 tutoring with a DIR/Floortime faculty member in 2007-2008.  She has PROMPT training.  She is skilled in feeding therapy.  Kendy utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy for each child and believes in integrating the family into the rehabilitative process as well as working in a transdisciplinary model with fellow professionals.  She is a member of both the NJ Speech and Hearing Association and the American Speech Language Hearing Association.  Kendy is thrilled to be working with the students at Harbor School. 

Mrs. Karin DeMarco – Occupational Therapist

Mrs. Karin DeMarco is a dedicated Occupational Therapist who has been serving the students of Harbor School with compassion and expertise for the majority of her professional career. She earned her degree in Occupational Therapy from Kean College in 1986 and holds additional certification as an Autism Specialist.

With a neurodiversity-affirming approach at the heart of her practice, Mrs. DeMarco is committed to supporting students with a wide range of special needs and behavioral challenges. She provides high-quality, student-centered therapy that focuses on building independence, functional skills, and confidence in every learner.

Mrs. DeMarco works closely with both the Harbor educational staff and therapy team to deliver comprehensive and integrated OT services throughout the school. Her support includes classroom-based OT groups, small group pull-out sessions, individualized therapy, and ongoing consultation with teachers to ensure consistent and effective strategies across settings.

Through her collaborative spirit and deep commitment to student success, Mrs. DeMarco plays a vital role in fostering growth, engagement, and inclusion at Harbor School.

Kerry Orsini Braga – Occupational Therapist

Kerry Orsini Braga is an occupational therapist with over 13 years of experience working in a variety of settings with individuals across the lifespan. She earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in 2012 and is dedicated to supporting students in developing the skills they need to succeed at school and beyond. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her two young children.

Kristen DaCosta – Physical Therapist

Kristen DaCosta is a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in pediatric and developmental care. For the past 16 years, she has brought her expertise and collaborative spirit to
Harbor School, where she focuses on improving balance, gross motor skills, and functional mobility within the school environment.

Kristen holds a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University, a Master’s in Physical Therapy with a focus on developmental disabilities from NYU, and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan. She is also certified in Kinesio Taping and serves as a continuing education instructor for Summit Education, sharing her knowledge with fellow therapists across the country.

In addition to her work at Harbor School, Kristen is an early intervention therapist, supporting children and families during critical developmental windows. Her therapeutic philosophy is deeply rooted in collaboration—working closely with teachers, families, and other professionals to create meaningful and functional progress for each child.

Alison Licata – Physical Therapist

Alison Licata graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in 1999. She has been working in pediatrics for a wide range of ages, from infants to 21 years old, at various settings throughout her entire 25-year career, including public and private schools, Early Intervention, and outpatient clinics. Alison considers herself to be a sensory-based PT with a strong background in Sensory Motor.

Jenn Bogin – Adapted Physical Education and Health Teacher

Jenn earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Montclair State University, along with K–12 certifications in both Physical Education and Health. She began her teaching career in 2007 and has worked with students across all grade levels. In addition to her teaching background, Jenn spent 10 years coaching lacrosse and 12 years as a summer camp director—experiences that shaped her creative, student-centered approach to physical education while also strengthening her leadership, organizational, and program-planning skills.

Since joining the Harbor School in 2016, Jenn has made it her mission to create a positive and engaging environment where every student feels excited to move, play, and learn. She uses non-traditional games and inclusive activities to help students build confidence, develop lifelong fitness skills, and discover the joy of staying active. Jenn also proudly coaches the Special Olympics Bocce Ball team, further reflecting her commitment to building self-esteem, promoting teamwork, and personal growth of her students.

Her ongoing goal is to create a supportive and dynamic environment where students of all abilities can thrive, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love of movement. She values collaboration and is always open to cross-curricular initiatives that support student wellness and foster community engagement.

Cara Ahmed, MSW, Social Worker

Over the past six months, Cara has been collaborating with RKS Associates. Initially, she assumed the role of paraprofessional at our sister school, Alpha, in January 2025. Prior to this, Cara accumulated 23 years of experience working with children and families as a social worker and case manager. She obtained her master's degree in social work from Monmouth University in 2001. Cara has been employed at Harbor since the end of June 2025, providing individual and group counseling services. She enjoys collaborating with students and families to provide comprehensive support, foster a safe environment, and assist them in achieving their goals.

Amanda Latham, MT-BC, Music Therapist

Amanda Latham received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University in 2012 with a concentration in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology. She earned her Music Therapy Board Certification in December 2012. Amanda began her career at Harbor School in 2009 as a paraprofessional and transitioned into her current role as Music Therapist in 2014.

Passionate about using music as part of a holistic approach, Amanda helps students achieve cognitive, communication, and social goals while fostering self-expression. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cheering on her children at their soccer and baseball games, and spending time with her golden retriever, Luna.

Allison Bornemann- Art Teacher

Ms. Allison Bornemann is the Fine Arts teacher at Harbor School and believes that every child deserves the chance to express themselves freely, creatively, and confidently. With a strong foundation in both fine arts and special education, Allison brings vibrant energy, empathy, and adaptability into each teaching space—creating an environment that celebrates individuality and artistic exploration.
Rooted in a process-based artistic approach, Allison focuses on the joy and growth that comes through the creation process. At the same time, Allison finds imaginative ways to guide students toward visually engaging and meaningful projects they can feel proud of—balancing creativity with personal achievement.

Whether it’s through vibrant colors, tactile materials, or moments of quiet discovery, Allison sees art as a powerful language—one that can bridge gaps, build confidence, and light up the hearts of students who think and learn differently. Her infectious passion for the arts and dynamic teaching style help students build confidence, find their voice, and take pride in every step of their creative journey.