Celebrating National Principals Month

Kelley Herrmann
North Rockland High School Extension

In her twelfth year at North Rockland, Kelley Herrmann believes that a school flourishes when its entire community works together and puts students first. Students are teachers, too and one lesson this principal has learned is that one cup of coffee in the morning is enough!

Christopher Frank
Neary Educational Center

Christopher Frank joined North Rockland in August 2021 as Assistant Director of Special Services, later serving as Director of Special Programs and Grants before becoming Principal of Neary Educational Center in March 2025. With just over five years in the district and about a year and a half as principal, he believes, "...every student has the ability to grow, but not every student follows the same path to get there. Our job as educators is to understand where students are and provide them with the support they need to succeed. At Neary, progress looks different for every student, but every milestone matters." Mr. Frank's students have reinforced the importance of celebrating every milestone, reminding them that sometimes the smallest steps forward are the biggest victories.

Lynn Rochford-Ayala
Willow Grove Elementary School

Lynn Rochford-Ayala has been part of the Willow Grove community since joining North Rockland in the 2013-14 school year as Assistant Principal, stepping into the role of principal in the 2024-25 school year. Mrs. Ayala believes all students can and want to learn, and that finding the right tools helps every child succeed. She also views school as a family where everyone has an important role and learning goes both ways. In fact, students have taught her how to play chess and properly shoot a basketball, though she admits she still needs plenty of practice!

Rebecca Mizrahi
Stony Point Elementary School

After beginning her teaching career in the Bronx, Principal Rebecca Mizrahi joined North Rockland in 1998 as a teacher at Willow Grove Middle School. In June 2020, Ms. Mizrahi became Principal of Stony Point Elementary School and is now in her seventh year leading the school community. She said, “I truly believe that children and adults do their best learning when they feel safe, loved, valued, and connected. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. My goal has always been to create a school where students, staff, and families feel like they belong and genuinely want to come together to learn and grow. When people feel happy, supported, and cared for, amazing things can happen!” Students have taught her not to take herself too seriously, reminding her to laugh, find joy in the little things and never underestimate the power of making someone smile.

Angelica Terry
West Haverstraw Elementary School

With 23 years in North Rockland and three years as Principal of West Haverstraw Elementary School, Angelica Terry believes every student can learn and is committed to creating a school community where all students feel supported, valued and encouraged to grow. One memorable lesson came when she was singing and dancing during the morning announcements, unaware the broadcast had gone live! A student later reassured her, saying, “It’s okay, Ms. Terry. Even though you are not a good singer, you still were having fun!” The moment reminded her that it’s important to be yourself, let loose and have fun along the way.

Amy Prudente
Thiells Elementary School

In her seventh school year at Thiells Elementary School, Principal Amy Prudente stepped into the role during the 2025-26 school year after serving as assistant principal for five years. Mrs. Prudente believes every child has the potential to succeed and that creating a safe, supportive environment where students can ask questions, take risks and learn from mistakes is essential to helping them grow. Her students have also shared a simple but important lesson: there’s always a reason to smile!

Natalie Santopietro
Fieldstone Middle School

With 26 years in North Rockland, Principal Natalie Santopietro is now in her fifth year leading a school. Mrs. Santopietro said, “I have tremendous respect for the role of a classroom teacher, and never wanted to lose sight of what it means to be a classroom teacher. A mentor once shared with me that as a principal, I still am very much a teacher. It's just that now my classroom has gotten larger.” One memorable lesson came early in her teaching career, when a student pointed out that the class could tell when their teacher had “woken up on the wrong side of the bed.” The experience reinforced the importance of being mindful of tone, body language and actions because they can shape a student's entire day.

Lauren DaPonte
North Rockland High School

A North Rockland High School graduate, Lauren DaPonte has deep roots in the community, with 21 years in the district and five years serving as principal of North Rockland High School. Leading a school in the community that helped shape her is especially meaningful and she is guided by the belief that students thrive when they feel connected, supported and challenged. Mrs. DaPonte strives to ensure every student knows someone believes in them and will help them succeed, even when things get difficult. Students have taught her, “...that being willing to listen is sometimes more important than having the answer. You can learn a lot when you give them the chance to share their perspective.”

Francisco Ovalles
Haverstraw Elementary School

With 22 years in North Rockland and four years as Principal of Haverstraw Elementary School, Francisco Ovalles believes that when students feel loved, learning will follow. Creating a welcoming environment where students feel cared for and supported is central to their approach to leadership. Students have also shared a few lessons with him along the way, including a strategy for solving a Rubik’s Cube!

Edward Coffey
Farley Elementary School

Since joining North Rockland in 2001, Edward Coffey has served the district as a Social Studies teacher at Willow Grove and Fieldstone Middle School, where he later became assistant principal for four years. In 2023, Mr. Coffey moved to Farley Elementary School as principal. His leadership is grounded in trust, with an emphasis on building strong connections and supporting staff so they can bring their best to students each day. Something a student has taught him is to be more empathetic. “We don't always know a student's situation, or what they have gone through. It’s important to get to know our students so we can understand the whole student, not just what he or she has done at the moment. Being more empathetic helps build trust and a safe environment for all,” says Principal Ed Coffey.