MEET OUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
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John Siracuse
Principal
Principal Siracuse began his teaching career in 2004 as a teacher at then P.S.176X, now P.S.596X ( P.S. 176X was divided into 2 schools due to it's large size). Having always had a strong passion for students with autism and special needs, Mr. Siracuse applied to the NYC Teaching Fellows program after graduating Fordham University. Mr. Siracuse completed a masters in special education through the NYC Teaching Fellows at Mercy College and a second masters in school leadership at the College of Saint Rose. Having worked as a teacher, a unit coordinator ( the year we opened our 498x site) and as an assistant principal, Mr. Siracuse absolutely loves the 596x school community and has a real interest in creative programming and involving our families throughout the elementary experience. John loves his dog, Napa and his family!
Timothy Currie
Assistant Principal
498 Unit
Assistant Principal Tim Currie has been with 596X since its founding in 2018. A school administrator since 2012, Tim has almost two decades of experience as a special educator- as a teacher, unit coordinator, and assistant principal with 176X. Guiding him through his professional journey has been a steadfast commitment to serving the needs of students with autism and their families.
He currently supports our 498 site in the Morris Park section of the Bronx. When he is not in school, Tim enjoys spending time with his family¸ cooking, going to concerts, and hiking.
Rebecca Miles
Assistant Principal
178 Unit
Rebecca Miles has been an Assistant Principal with P596X since November of 2021. Originally from Preston, CT, she received a B.S. in Interior Design from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts. After a long stint working for Blue Man Group as a Production Assistant, she made her way to NYC. In 2010, she started her teaching career in District 75 via the NYC Teaching Fellows. Prior to joining the P596X community, she worked for almost 12 years at 721X. There, she taught students in a 6:1:1 ratio, and later became the school's Instructional Coach. Ms. Miles holds an M.S.Ed. in Special Education, and an M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration. Over her career, Ms. Miles has successfully implemented structured learning environments, helped to provide each student with an appropriate method of communication, and skillfully worked in curriculum development. These things remain an important part of her role as an administrator. Outside of P596X, Ms. Miles is an avid cook and can be found with her husband traveling to different areas within her beloved New England.
Rafael Montoya
Assistant Principal
153 Unit
Rafael Montoya received his B.A. in English Literature from Southeastern Louisiana University. While in college, he tutored students classified with Autism Spectrum Disorder, beginning his journey working with students with special needs. He then went on to serve as an Inclusion paraprofessional and substitute teacher while living in North Carolina. In 2009, he moved to NYC and began teaching as a New York City Teaching Fellow at 721X and completed his Masters in Special Education at Pace University. While at 721X, he served as a 6:1:1 teacher, worksite teacher, and an 8:1:1 teacher before becoming the Dean of Students. These experiences are what pushed him to complete his Masters Degree in School Building Leadership at Teachers College. After serving as the Dean, he took on the role of Unit Coordinator. He is now thrilled to be an Assistant Principal of 596X. Throughout his educational career, Rafael has played a role in developing positive behavior systems, enhancing multi-tiered systems of support and intervention, implementing curriculums, facilitating restorative practices, and recruiting and mentoring new teachers to better his organizational community. He is passionate about students with special needs and considers it a privilege to serve as an educator in District 75. During his off-time Rafael enjoys spending time with his family and playing music.
Alyssa Rigg
Assistant Principal
178 Unit
Alyssa Rigg began as a paraprofessional in a 12:1:4 class in California the summer after she graduated high school. She continued in this role throughout her undergraduate studies. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a BA in American Studies and a minor in History. After graduation she moved to NYC. She quickly applied and was accepted into the NYC Teaching Fellows and began her teaching career as a D75 self contained 12:1:1 teacher at P369K. She earned her Masters from Pace University and continued in this role until she became the Unit Coordinator of P369K’s K-8 Autism site. She served in this role for 2 years before an instructional coaching position was created for her at the same school. While in this role she joined the NYC Department of Education’s Teacher Leadership Program (TLP) and intensified her studies around adult development while building collaborative inquiry teams throughout her school. She went back to earn a second masters in Organizational Leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University. She then spent 8 years as an assistant principal of 277Q where she worked to bring Verbal Behavior and Essentials for Living programs to 6:1:1 classrooms. Alyssa lives in Connecticut with her family where she is an avid beach goer and theatre/movie enthusiast!