13 New Faculty Members Join the WE Family
13 new faculty members have joined the West Essex family as the 2024-25 school year begins. Get to know these new educators by reading a bit more about them below!
Elena Ameres
Elena Ameres joins the district as a High School chemistry teacher. She’ll be working with sophomores, juniors, and seniors, bringing 16 years of teaching experience with her. Prior to becoming a teacher, Ms. Ameres worked with chemistry head on in the Benjamin Moore Paint lab. She is excited to bring her love of chemistry to her new students.
Alexandra Ayres
Alexandra (Alex) Ayres joins the WE team as a School Social Worker and Anti-Bullying Specialist. She has been in her field for 4 years, but this is her first time working in a school district. She looks forward to watching her students excel, and can’t wait to attend some WE sporting events.
Jaclyn Carroll
Jacyln Carroll, a West Essex alum, is thrilled to return to her alma mater as she embarks on her 11th year teaching. She will be working with 7th and 8th grade math students at the Middle School. She is eager to be a part of the school that helped shape her educational career.
Maria Cifelli
Maria Cifelli joins West Essex Middle School as the new School Nurse. She has 17 years of nursing experience, and is looking forward to getting more comfortable in her new role.
Grace Cooper
Grace Cooper is excited to join West Essex Middle School as a 7th grade Social Studies teacher. This is her first year teaching, and she is looking forward to seeing her students grow as people and develop a love for Social Studies.
Erin Hughes
Erin Hughes comes to West Essex with 20 years of teaching experience. After working predominantly with High School students over the last 2 decades, she kicks off her 21st year of teaching at West Essex teaching 7th grade science and special education. She is excited to begin her new middle school adventure, and work with awesome co-teachers and students.
Dorota Martinez
Dorota Martinez joins WEMS as the new Student Assistance Coordinator and 504 Plan Coordinator. She brings 11 years of experience with her to this new position: 7 years teaching High School Mathematics, and 6 years as a Student Assistance Coordinator. She is focused on creating a positive and inclusive environment that fosters academic and personal growth for all students, and is looking forward to working with a fresh team of educators and staff.
Leo Mormile
Leo Mormile joins West Essex as a leave-replacement orchestra teacher in the High School and Middle School. While he is new to this role, he is no stranger to West Essex, serving as an instructor with the WEHS Marching Knights. This is his first year of teaching, and he is excited to get to know his students and guide them in their development as musicians and people.
Gabriella Riley
Gabriella Riley comes to West Essex with 7 years of teaching experience, and is excited to begin her 8th by teaching 8th grade science in the Middle School. Prior to arriving at West Essex, she taught at Winston Churchill Elementary School in Fairfield. She is looking forward to the many fun and hands-on labs in her class.
Viviana Rojas
Viviana Rojas will be teaching Spanish at the High School as she begins her 17th year in education. Specifically, she will be teaching Spanish at all levels, from Spanish I to Spanish IV. Ms. Rojas is excited to join the WE family and be a part of a community that values language immersion. She wants to foster a deeper appreciation for the Spanish language and culture in her students.
Crystal Yoon
Crystal Yoon joins West Essex Middle School as the new Concert Band instructor. In addition to her work with the band, she will also be teaching Music Cycles. While this role is new for her, she is no stranger to West Essex. Currently, Ms. Yoon serves as the Assistant Band Director / Percussion Coordinator of the West Essex High School Marching Band. She is looking forward to meeting her students and making some amazing music and memories with them!
Erica Zarra
Erica Zarra joins West Essex High School as she begins her 17th year in education. She will be working with juniors this year as an English teacher. She is most excited about collaborating with the staff and students, particularly teaching some amazing American literary works.