Amanda DeSimone
Elementary Teacher, SPES

Amanda DeSimone earned her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education, Grades 1-6, from SUNY Oneonta and is continuing her education there while pursuing a Master of Science in Education in Literacy Education. Before joining North Rockland, she spent about three years as a substitute teacher in the Suffern Central School District. In March 2026, she joined Stony Point Elementary School as a building substitute, where she worked with students across grade levels and completed a leave replacement in the library.

Now, she’s beginning a new chapter as a first-grade teacher and is looking forward to building relationships with her students and creating a positive, welcoming classroom community. She’s excited to learn and grow alongside her students throughout the year and can’t wait to see all that her first graders accomplish!

Edwin Santana Quezada
Special Education Teacher, SPES

A North Rockland graduate from the Class of 2018, Edwin Santana Quezada earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Exercise Science from SUNY Cortland before earning a Master of Professional Studies degree in Childhood and Special Education, Grades 1-6, from Manhattanville University. His connection to Stony Point Elementary School began long before becoming a full-time teacher, having worked in the building as a monitor, teacher’s aide, teaching assistant and substitute teacher.

Now, he’s returning to SPES as a full-time educator with a goal of creating a classroom that feels like a second home for her students. He’s looking forward to building a welcoming and supportive environment where every student feels safe, valued and excited to learn each day.