Meet Your ABC Class Team
Christine Hawkins, LMSW
Executive Director
Master of Social Work, Marywood University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science, Binghamton University
SIFI Certified, Adelphi University
Certified Safe Conversations Coach
Certified Imago Couples Therapist
Certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Practitioner
It really does come down to the saying, “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” Christy considers herself beyond fortunate to live that by working with children, young adults and their families for over twenty years within several supportive and educational settings. Christy’s dedication to youth has led her to teach English and Math to street children in Kenya and Tanzania to teaching English and Psychology and leading the Environmental Club in a therapeutic high school in upstate New York. Christy then went on for her Masters in Social Work….just like her pre-K teacher, Mrs. Eagen had predicted. Christy’s masters thesis focused on the Human-animal Bond and Biophilia. For the last 13 years, Christy counseled and taught classes such as Social Psychology, Communications, Environmental Studies and Mindfulness at a college program on Long Island. Christy is happiest any time she can help people appreciate their surroundings, work towards their goals and connect well with others. Christy could not be more grateful for the evolution of the nonprofit, Blue Umbrella Experience so that this incredible team of instructors and students could come together for Above and Beyond Community Classes, Inc.
Jason Baron, M. Ed
Assistant Director
Master of Special Education/General Education, Dowling College
Bachelor of Science, Mass Communications, University of Hartford
As a Master in Education, Jason has over 15 years of experience working with children, young adults, and adults. He has taught Literature, English, Health and Executive Functioning at the college level. Jason’s diverse educational background ranges from Music Appreciation to Writing to Media Communications which has allowed him to provide support for students attending college classes including public speaking, advertising, TV and Visual production and many more. Jason’s extensive knowledge and understanding of music genres, his love of writing music and playing instruments and all things Disney makes for a perfect fit for Above & Beyond Community Classes. Jason’s commitment to bringing high-quality, meaningful experiences to participants of ABCC is a top priority. When he is not working, Jason enjoys spending time with his two boys, where you can find them anywhere- from a concert to just about any kind of outdoor recreation.
Andrew Hall
With Black Belts in Wushu, Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo, Andrew's passion for bringing Martial Arts, mindfulness and self-defense to all ages and all abilities are evident in his thirty years of dedication to teaching others. As an instructor that truly loves what he does, nothing makes Andrew happier than to see an increase in confidence and a sense of belonging within his students as they improve their skills, safety awareness, and mindfulness. Along with exercising and learning, every student in Andrew’s interactive classes experience his encouragement and his belief in the unlimited depth of their potential.
Erin Vlasak
Erin has almost 20 years of experience working in education and can honestly say she has loved every minute of it. Erin has a Masters Degree in College Student Development from LIU and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Spanish from St. Joseph’s College. Over the years, Erin has had the opportunity to teach college courses in Psychology, Communications, Fitness and Wellness, including Cooking and Nutrition and even helped implement a collaborative fitness program with NYIT students and the Health Sciences Department. Teaching interactive classes where each student feels engaged and connected was behind Erin jumping right into designing and teaching a variety of classes for ABCC. Erin is passionate about her work with students and looks forward to her time with others….as she says, “as long as we are together, we have the time of our lives!” Erin’s personal interest, experience and knowledge in world travel (over 20 plus international cruises), cultures and culinary is shared with her sons Jake and Sean and her husband Anthony. Erin and Jake are excited to bring their shared love of Baking as a class to ABCC. If you can not find Erin, chances are good she is finding the best coupon deals possible, is at Dave and Busters or is actively rescuing an animal in need.
Bill Russell
Starting in the city of Buffalo public schools, Bill has over 20 years’ experience teaching a variety of diverse populations in many classroom environments. He received his Master's Degree in Language Education from the State University of New York and a BA in French and International Studies from Niagara University. He has post graduate work in the fields of language acquisition and cognitive science and the study of history. Most recently, he has focused on workplace communication and internships, logging hundreds of hours job coaching alongside diverse student populations in hospitality, restaurant and retail environments. His job coaching experience is in major chains such as Hilton, Carabba’s Italian Grill, and Residence Inn by Marriott. He is currently also an adjunct instructor teaching employment strategies in a college setting. In his free time he is a writer and is the author of the award-winning middle grades fantasy novel, Chermpf.
Helene Schorr
Helene has over 20 years of experience teaching and counseling individuals in a variety of environments. She received her Master's degree in School Counseling from LIU's CW Post and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Binghamton. During her time teaching at a Long Island college, Helene was able to teach courses such as Sociology, Psychology and Communications. Two of Helene's greatest passions include hiking and working/volunteering in a variety of settings that particularly support youth and animals. As an extension of those passions, she likes to share those experiences with her students as often as possible by offering classes that teach and empower students to get to know and be involved in their communities. When Helene is not working, hiking, or volunteering at her local cat shelter, she loves to spend time with her daughter, husband, 4 cats, and 1 dog. Helene is very excited to be part of our team!
Jennifer Maiale (King)
Jen is a Licensed Master Social Worker who received her Bachelors's and Masters's in Social Work with a Minor in Child and Family Studies at Adelphi University. She has over 10 years of working in the field in a variety of areas, from foster care to educational settings. In the last few years, she’s gained experience teaching Intro to Computers, Web Design and Social Media Applications in a higher education setting. Jen also really enjoyed supervising and supporting students that were interning as she is passionate about helping people find their best path.
Amy Colvin
Amy has over a decade of experience working as a counselor for adults and students. In addition, she has an extensive background working with a widely diverse population as an Attorney for Children in Family Court. She received a Juris Doctorate from Hofstra Law School, a Master of Science in Education from the New York Institute of Technology specializing in counseling, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia majoring in English. Amy was a legal research and writing assistant for Dr. Carolyn Stone, President of the American School Counselor Association who authored School Counseling Principles: Ethics and Law. Amy has enjoyed teaching students social skills and coping mechanisms in a variety of ways through one to one counseling, communication skills classes, improvisational classes, cooking classes, and a wide variety of evening social activities. Her area of interest is learning how to trigger the brain chemicals that generate happiness in individuals with disabilities.
Amy Colvin
Amy has over a decade of experience dedicated to student development as a student counselor and instructor in higher education. Amy has a Juris Doctorate from Hofstra Law School, a Masters of Science in Education from NYIT and a Bachelors of Art in English from the University of Virginia. Amy’s teaching and counseling at two Long Island colleges, has been led by evidenced-based research on self-advocacy, skill-based learning and the brain-gut connection. Amy has taught courses such as Intro to Communication and Social Psychology, co-led improvisational classes, instructed cooking classes and implemented a wide variety of social activities within these college settings. In addition, Amy has served a wide population as an Attorney for Children in Family Court. As such, Amy is an entrepreneur who has owned her own business for over thirty years. She is proficient in budgeting, customer service, invoicing, marketing, networking and she loves sharing her successful tips and tricks with others. Amy’s background in advocacy, research and legal writing allowed her a role in assisting Dr. Carolyn Stone, President of the American School Counselor Association who authored School Counseling Principles: Ethics and Law. Amy’s particular area of current research and interest is in learning how to mindfully trigger the brain chemicals that generate happiness. Amy is also an avid explorer of the outdoors and little known parts of the world.
David Macaluso
Since graduating from Manhattan School of Music, David has performed
Off-Broadway and around the world in roles ranging from Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus to Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Rocky Horror. He simultaneously performed the roles of Sir Joe & Buttercup in Pinafore! (a seven-person production based on W.S. Gilbert's children's book The Story of the H.M.S. Pinafore) at the Vortex Theater. This production was honored with a Drama Desk Award nomination. Variety declared, "It's Macaluso who makes this saucy ship a beauty." David co-created, produced, and performed in The House of Murgatroyd, based on G&S' Ruddygore, which premiered to great success at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Harrogate, England. David has also directed, choreographed, and produced many productions with Opera NJ, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, Saratoga Opera student productions, and The Copland School of Music, Queens College. He most recently toured the US with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan players as Ko-Ko in The Mikado.
Michelle Ranaldo
Michelle Ranaldo brings over 30+ years of education experience to Above and Beyond Community Classes and is very excited about being part of the team. Michelle has a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology. During her years of teaching at the college level, Michelle designed and implemented a variety of classes that would increase student’s knowledge of all the latest technology and computer-related programs and skills. Michelle's philosophy is that we continue to learn and grow not only in our abilities but in our minds and hearts and compassion for others. When Michelle is not in the classroom she can be found exploring new trails, recipes, travel, or learning new apps and tricks with computers.
Becca Hector
Becca Lory Hector, CAS, BCCS is an active autism advocate, consultant, speaker, and author. With a focus on an autistic quality of life, her work includes public speaking engagements; autism/neurodiversity consulting; a monthly newsletter, “Monthly Musings”; and a weekly YouTube news show, “Neurodiversity Newsstand." An animal lover with a special affinity for cats, Becca spends most of her free time with her many animals, her husband Antonio Hector, and their Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Sir Walter Underfoot.
Gina Frisina
Although Gina started her career in a bank she felt that the field of educating young adults was where her heart belonged. Following her heart, Gina achieved a Masters Degree in Special Education/General Education from Dowling College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Dowling. As the former Director of Independent Living at a college program, Gina has spent over 20 years providing skill-based learning to her students. In her role at the college, Gina was able to teach courses in personal finance, culinary, nutrition and community living. Gina’s commitment for student’s successful experience with ABC Classes is evidenced by her passion to think outside of the box for educating and encouraging others. Gina has designed and implemented a new class at ABCC called “Life Hacks” which comes from her love of saving money, being creative and using resourceful DIY techniques. Gina loves to read and encourages others to do so. Gina also loves spending time with her husband, their two daughters and their big, loveable dog Teddy.
Meaghan Maguire
Passionate about Yoga’s mental, physical, and spiritual benefits, Meaghan wanted to share her love of Yoga with others. Meaghan attained her certification through the Always~at~Aum Yoga School led by Robin Appel Maida. She is certified in Vinyasa Flow and Kids Yoga. Meaghan is 200-RYT with the Yoga Alliance. She is also a Reiki practitioner, levels I and II. Having a career in the veterinary field, and working with alternative methods of treatment, such as acupressure, acupuncture and herbal medicine, she is able to use principles of Yoga to further assist the animals in their healing process. A firm believer in the healing arts, she emphasizes the healing power of breath, proper alignment, and positive intentions throughout her classes. Meaghan creates an uplifting, welcoming, and peaceful atmosphere to inspire, generate insight, and reflect. We are very glad to have Meaghan on board with us!
James Regan
As someone that has dedicated his career to supporting, counseling, and teaching children, young adults, and adults as they work towards reaching their goals, James was excited to jump on board with ABC Classes. James received his Masters in Social Work from Stonybrook University and his Bachelor's in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English from Seton Hall University. James is an avid sports fan and sports history enthusiast. In his career working with youth, he has extensive experience with teaching and coaching sports to children and teens in various community-based settings. James' most fortunate sports fan moments have been his opportunity to attend the 2008 Super Bowl where the undefeated New England Patriots met their match and the 1996 World Series Game 6 in which the Yankees won their first championship in 18 years. He is most passionate about the Olympics, basketball, baseball, and football and quite knowledgeable about the Political Economy of Sports, the Lebron vs. Jordan debate, and the 1919 Black Sox scandal. James also has deep roots in English and loves to write and help others find their writing voice and style.
Marisa Marmo
Meet Marisa, Yoga Teacher and Personal Trainer! Marisa is so excited to be a part of Blue Umbrella Experience! Marisa lives in Mineola, Long Island, NY. Her favorite yoga poses are Downward Dog and Plank. She believes adding yoga, meditation and mindfulness to your daily routine can make you feel calm and relaxed. Changing the way you think and look at life. It has helped her with her concentration and daily activities. Keeping health in mind, setting you up for a healthy life and mindset! Marisa has worked in schools and as a Job coach for many years and has brought her knowledge to teaching into her yoga classes! Marisa is a certified personal trainer and a certified yoga teacher. Marisa’s personal webpage is www.nyfit4all.com.