Gardner-Dickinson is excited to welcome its newest staff members for the 2021-22 academic year! In addition to School Psychologist Mrs. Mueller and Music Teacher Mrs. van Maastricht, we are excited to welcome John Lantz as our new 6th grade teacher, Haley Quinn as our new 5th grade teacher, Sara Friday as our new 3rd grade teacher, Erica Cawthon as our new 7th and 8th grade CTE and ELA AIS teacher, and Jeff Muller as our new PE teacher!
John Lantz
I’m delighted to be joining the Gardner-Dickinson school and community! I will be joining the 6th grade team teaching ELA and Science. I grew up in the area and graduated from Averill Park High School, so I am familiar with the Wynantskill area. I look forward to giving back to the community that I know so well. After graduating from Sage Graduate School in ’19 I spent two years teaching special education in Queensbury, NY. I’ll be teaching 6th grade as well as coaching the Boys Modified Soccer team, something I’ve always wanted to do. I am eager to bring my blend of academic knowledge and humor to the classroom to give my students the best school year yet! Parents are always free to contact me by email at jlantz@wynantskillufsd.org.
Haley Quinn
Hi, everyone! My name is Haley Quinn, and I am the newest addition to the 5th grade team! I am the third classroom teacher of the grade. I am beyond excited to start my teaching career at such an incredible school. Over the past year, I have been a substitute at Gardner-Dickinson as well as a student teacher in both 3rd and 4th grades.
I attended K-12 schooling in Averill Park. In June 2017, I graduated from Averill Park High School and attended Russell Sage College. In May 2021, I graduated from Russell Sage College with my Childhood Education Degree. During my last month of undergraduate studies, I became a NYS Certified Teacher, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Literacy Education at Russell Sage.
The past year at Gardner-Dickinson was an amazing experience. I am proud that I was able to be a part of GD Strong, and I am sure that we will continue to strive for another 180 days in person! Thank you to the staff, administration, and community who have made me feel extremely welcomed. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at hquinn@wynantskillufsd.org.
Sara Friday
My name is Sara Friday, and I will be teaching 3rd grade this year. I am so excited to join the GD family! I will be teaching Social Studies and Science to all three sections of 3rd grade. I have been a substitute teacher here for the last two years, and I’m looking forward to having my own classroom! I have a degree in both Elementary and Special Education and have been a Special Education teacher in the past. I’m also a mom of two boys, one of which will be starting Kindergarten here this year.
If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to me at sfriday@wynantskillufsd.org. If you have any information that would be helpful to know about your child, feel free to send that too. I hope they are as excited as I am to start the 2021-22 school year together!
Erica Cawthon
Jeff Muller
Jeff Muller will be the district’s new PE teacher who will also be working with North Greenbush Central School District. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Sage and is currently finishing his master’s in Health and Wellness from Sage.