Member of the Month

NYS TESOL is pleased to announce that Leigh Kamola is our Member of the Month for August 2025!

Leigh has always had a deep passion for learning about languages and cultures. Before becoming an ENL teacher in the Gates Chili School District, she taught high school Italian and Spanish for over 15 years. When her school's ENL program began to grow rapidly, her principal recognized that, in addition to her Italian and Spanish certifications, Leigh also held a TESOL certification. He encouraged her to transition to the ENL department. Though it was a difficult decision, it’s one she has never regretted. Since then, Leigh has served as the teacher leader of her high school’s ENL department, helping guide its continued growth through collaboration with general education teachers, school counselors, and administrators—all with a steadfast focus on supporting student success.

As an ENL teacher, Leigh strives to learn about each student's heritage and culture. She treats her students with the same care and respect she gives her own son: with high expectations, a guiding hand, and a good sense of humor.

Leigh is a passionate advocate for her students, while also empowering them to advocate for themselves. She consistently goes above and beyond, whether by introducing students to future career paths or supporting a student facing challenges after a trip to his home country. This year, she played a key role in promoting the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI) at her school, resulting in two students excelling in the program and attending the culminating event in Albany.

Leigh was also instrumental in launching her high school’s Seal of Biliteracy program seven years ago. She actively encourages students to pursue the Seal in their home languages and finds joy in witnessing the pride that accomplishment brings to both students and their families.

NYS TESOL is proud to honor Leigh Kamola as our August 2025 Member of the Month. Her dedication, leadership, and heart have left a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and school community.

Congratulations, Leigh!

Anlun Wang is a Ph.D. candidate in Language Education at the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester. Her work lies at the intersection of second language acquisition, technology-assisted language learning, and digital literacy, exploring how multilingual learners engage with creative writing, identity construction, and participatory fan cultures in English online spaces. She has published several articles and presented at national conferences.

With a strong commitment to language education and learner agency, Anlun Wang has served as a k-12 ESL instructor, academic writing tutor, and curriculum assistant across multiple institutions. She has experience teaching students in both academic and community-based contexts, with a special focus on fostering critical literacy, multilingual identity development, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She is passionate about creating inclusive, collaborative learning environments that validate learners’ linguistic and cultural resources. 

Outside of teaching and research, Anlun Wang is actively involved in professional organizations including NYS TESOL, where she seeks to connect with fellow educators and researchers dedicated to expanding understanding of global Englishes, linguistic equity, and learner voice. She is also an advocate for bridging the gap between formal language instruction and informal, interest-driven literacies, particularly in the realms of fanfiction, online translation, and youth digital writing practices.

When asked about her inspiration, she wrote, "My journey to becoming an ESL teacher was inspired by my deep interest in multilingual communication and the lived experience of language learners." Anlun grew up as an ESL learner and continued navigating academic spaces in a second language. She wrote, "I became aware of the emotional, cultural, and intellectual challenges that come with learning English. This empathy shaped both my research and teaching philosophy, grounding me in a learner-centered, inclusive approach that values students' diverse linguistic and cultural identities. Teaching ESL became a way for me to support students as they develop not just academic skills, but also confidence and voice in a new language."   

NYS TESOL has played a vital role in her professional development. She wrote,
“Through its conferences, publications, and member community, I’ve found a space to engage with current issues in the field, connect with like-minded educators and scholars, and present my own research in a supportive environment. NYS TESOL has helped me stay grounded in practice while also thinking critically and expansively about the evolving role of English language teaching in today’s global, digital world. It has been both a source of inspiration and a professional home.” We are thrilled to have fulfilled this role!

NYS TESOL is thrilled to celebrate Anlun Wang as the July 2025 NYS TESOL Member of the Month! 

After 32 years of dedicated service as an elementary teacher in Brentwood UFSD, Mrs. Giroux will be retiring this June—leaving behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues.

For the past ten years, Dr. Christine Seebach has had the privilege of being her co-teacher, and in that time, she has witnessed firsthand the magic she brings to the classroom each day! Whether she's leading lessons, supporting ENL students and their families, or organizing after-school events, Mrs. Giroux brings unmatched energy, heart, and humor to everything she does.

She has not only served as a trusted union delegate, but also as a true partner in creating an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. Her advocacy for English Language Learners/Multilingual Learners is deeply embedded in her daily practice, and her belief in every child’s potential is what has made her a beloved figure in the Brentwood community.

Her organizational skills, quick problem-solving, and ability to make everyone around her feel seen and valued are just part of what makes her so special. Her boundless kindness and classic sense of humor have left a lasting impression on over 800 students, many of whom still return to Oak Park Elementary School to visit her and share the moments she made them feel like the most important person in the room.

Mrs. Giroux is more than deserving of this recognition—not only for her decades of dedicated service, but for the countless lives she’s touched along the way. Dr. Christine Seebach wrote in her nomination, “Let’s send her off into retirement with the love and recognition she so richly deserves.”

NYS TESOL is thrilled to celebrate Deana Giroux as the June 2025 NYS TESOL Member of the Month! 
 

Dr. Allison Teicher-Fahrbach is an educational leader, researcher, and author with extensive expertise in trauma-informed education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has spent years implementing trauma-responsive practices in various urban school settings, supporting students affected by complex trauma, and leading different professional development workshops on creating safe, healing-centered learning environments. Her trauma-informed approach in different schools is grounded in neuroscience, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning. She has designed various classroom lessons and school-wide systems that promote resilience, regulation, social-emotional, and academic success for all learners. Her work empowers educators to recognize the impact of adverse childhood experiences and shift school culture to prioritize student well-being.

In addition to her work in trauma-informed education, Dr. Teicher-Fahrbach has published multiple self-help and poetry books and has been featured in local, national, and international poetry anthologies. She is well-versed in curriculum design and multiple forms of writing, having developed and taught a wide range of classes and workshops at the high school, college, and adult education levels. She frequently presents at local, national, and international conferences, sharing insights on trauma-responsive instruction, equity in multilingual education, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. In the ENL classroom, she has created inclusive, language-rich environments that support language acquisition through storytelling, project-based learning, and social-emotional development. While her research centers on trauma, mental health, and multilingual learners, she is equally passionate about writing and fostering creative opportunities for future storytellers.

When asked about her inspiration to become an ESL educator, she wrote, “it stems from being one of the many teachers within my family. Over decades, various members of my family have inspired and encouraged students to develop a sincere appreciation for learning, reading, writing, and literacy. I desire to create inclusive spaces where multilingual learners feel seen, valued, and empowered. I have witnessed how various challenges that ENL students face are compounded by the effects of trauma. I yearn to create meaningful academic, social, emotional, and professional opportunities for multilingual learners.”

When asked about how NYS TESOL helped her in her journey, she wrote, “NYS TESOL is a community of professionals who consistently work toward the same goal: supporting our youth and building bridges between language, identity, and access. The organization has played a vital role in my professional growth by providing a platform to learn from and collaborate with others across the state and beyond. Through its resources and collaborative networks, I have gained valuable insights into current research, instructional strategies, and policy advocacy. NYS TESOL has empowered me to be a stronger voice for multilingual learners and to help lead shifts grounded in equity, empathy, and excellence.” We appreciate your kind words!

NYS TESOL is thrilled to celebrate Dr. Allison Teicher-Fahrbach as the May 2025 NYS TESOL Member of the Month!
 

Ariana Rosario is the English as a New Language Coordinator for the North Syracuse Central School District, where she brings over ten years of experience supporting multilingual learners. Throughout her career, Ariana has served in various instructional and leadership roles that center on empowering English Language Learners academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Ariana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a concentration in Childhood Inclusive Education from SUNY Brockport. She went on to earn a Master of Science in TESOL from Syracuse University and recently completed her Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Le Moyne College. With aspirations of becoming a school administrator, Ariana is committed to fostering inclusive environments that prioritize equity and cultural responsiveness.

She has facilitated numerous professional development workshops focused on best practices for working with ELLs, and has participated in key district and state-level committees, including NYSESLAT review teams, Building Planning Teams, and professional learning communities. Ariana also completed a research study examining the overidentification of ELLs as students with disabilities. She is deeply passionate about creating systems of support that are culturally and linguistically appropriate for all students.

A passionate educator and advocate, Ariana believes in the power of building strong relationships with students and families to help all learners thrive. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Lucia. She loves to travel, hike, explore new cultures, and sample as many new foods as possible.

When asked about her passion for teaching English Language Learners,  she said she is “deeply rooted in my personal experiences with my own family. I was inspired to become an ENL teacher after witnessing the challenges my family members faced while learning English and the discrimination they sometimes encountered because of it. From a young age, I became their advocate, which helped me understand the power of language and the value of being bilingual.”

When asked how NYS TESOL has played a vital role in your teaching journey, she said it “helped me find my voice as an educator, advocate and administrator. It has also allowed me to build meaningful connections with passionate educators across the state who share a commitment to supporting multilingual learners."

NYS TESOL is thrilled to celebrate Ariana Rosario as the March 2025 NYS TESOL Member of the Month!
 

Nicole Duncan has been teaching English as a New Language (ENL) for the past 16 years in the Greece Central School District.  Every year reminds her why she loves this work so much.  Watching students grow into confident, curious learners - and seeing families feel empowered and included in their children's education - continues to inspire her every day.

Before becoming a teacher, she worked in marketing and advertising, both locally and in New York City.  That background gave her a strong foundation in communication, creativity, and collaboration - all of which she now brings into the classroom.  Whether it's designing engaging lessons or connecting with students and families from diverse backgrounds, she strives to make learning both meaningful and joyful.  

One of the most rewarding parts of her role has been serving on the district's ENL Intake Committee.  Together, they have worked hard to ensure that every new student feels welcomed and supported from day one.  In 2024, the committee has the exciting opportunity to present their intake process at the NY TESOL conference - a proud moment that reminded her how powerful collaboration can be.

She cares deeply about equity and believes that every student deserves access to a rigorous, inclusive curriculum - regardless of their language background.  Her classroom is a place where students are encouraged to take risks, express themselves, and feel truly seen.  Just as importantly, she wants families to feel they're part of the learning process - valued, informed, and heard.

Upon hearing she won this honor, she wrote, "Being recognized as NY TESOL's Member of the Month is an incredible honor.  I'm so grateful to be part of a community that shares my passion for multilingual leaners and continues to push for excellence and equity in education."

We are thrilled to honor Nicole Duncan as NYS TESOL's February 2025 Member of the Month!