Katina Price
President
Katina Price currently serves as the District Coordinator of World Languages at Sewanhaka Central School District. Her teaching journey commenced in Babylon UFSD and then Hicksville UFSD, where she dedicated herself to the role of a Spanish and FLES teacher. During her decade at Commack High School, she served as teacher of Spanish, dean of students and assumed the responsibilities of the Lead Teacher of Advanced Programs, overseeing the coordination and implementation of the Advanced Placement (AP) Program and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Katina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Spanish Education from Hofstra University, enriching her education through experiences in Costa Rica and Mexico. Her academic pursuits also include a Master’s degree in Spanish Literature from St. Louis University at the Madrid Campus, and she holds an Advanced Certificate in School Building and District Leadership from St. John’s University.
Actively contributing to conferences and workshops with various organizations, Katina focuses on incorporating comprehensible input and fostering proficiency through culturally responsive and engaging lessons. A member of LILT since 2007 and former 2nd Vice President, she is eager to collaborate with the LILT Executive Board as the incoming President, sharing her passion for language acquisition and global perspectives with Long Island language teachers.
TinaMarie Friscia
First Vice President
TinaMarie Friscia currently serves as First Vice President of LILT. She earned both her B.A. in French Language and Literature and MAT in French from Stony Brook University. Tina holds certifications in teaching French and Italian both at the elementary and secondary level. She currently teaches French and Italian in the Three Village School District. Tina previously served as the Secretary of LILT and Co-editor of the NYSAFLT Language Association Journal. Tina is also presently pursuing her Ed.D. from St. John’s University.
Alexandra Browne
Second Vice President
Alexandra Browne is a 6th year Spanish and Dual Language teacher at Bay Shore Middle School in Bay Shore, Long Island. She graduated in 2016 from SUNY Cortland with her Bachelor’s Degree in Adolescent Spanish Education with minors in History and Latin American/Latino Studies. During her time at SUNY Cortland, Alexandra studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain, where she not only continued her studies in the Spanish language, but volunteered at an English school, tutoring adults and helping prepare them for English exams administered through ETS. Alexandra is certified in Spanish (7-12) and has a FLES extension (K-6). Alexandra grew up in Queens, New York, in a bilingual Greek-American household and attended Greek Afternoon School for 8 years. Professionally, she is a current member of LILT and has served as the Student World Language Competition Judge Coordinator from 2019 through 2022. She is also a member of and presenter for NYSAFLT, and is a member of the 2022 Leaders of Tomorrow cohort. During her time at Bay Shore Middle School, Alexandra has participated in various Hispanic Heritage Month projects, curriculum writing seminars and social-emotional activities for students. She looks forward to gaining leadership experience with LILT and hopes to contribute to its growth as an organization on Long Island.
Alexis Porcelli
Secretary
Alexis Porcelli earned her B.A. in Italian Language and Literature with a minor in Spanish Language and Literature from SUNY Binghamton. She received her MAT in Italian from SUNY Stony Brook. Alexis holds certification in teaching Italian, Spanish and ENL at both the secondary and elementary levels. Alexis has taught FLES in addition to Italian and ENL in the Massapequa School District. Alexis is currently a FLES Spanish teacher for grades 3-5 in three elementary buildings. She is passionate about early language learning and hopes to foster more opportunities for professional development and collaboration among FLES teachers on Long Island.
Ann Marie Lombardi
Treasurer
Ann Marie Lombardi graduated from Long Island University, CW Post with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Education, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Ann Marie is certified in Spanish (7-12), Special Education (N-12), Elementary Education (K-6) and FLES. She has been teaching in the Connetquot Central School District at Oakdale - Bohemia Middle School as a 7th grade Spanish teacher for the past 21 years. She is also teaching FLES Spanish in 2 of the district’s elementary buildings this year. Ann Marie has been the Yearbook advisor at OBMS since 2004 and is also the Cheerleading coach. Ann Marie has served as the LILT Treasurer since the Spring of 2017 and looks forward to seeing LILT grow and serve its membership.
Dina Pannone
Member at Large
Dr. Pannone is an accomplished and proven bilingual educator with extensive experience and dedication to school programs, curriculum, teacher development, and teacher growth.
The foundation of her success lies in her passion for the Spanish language and her devotion to shaping the future of students and teachers. Certified to teach K-12 Spanish, she has devoted over twenty years to the Deer Park School District as a teacher and is now the Associate Principal of Guidance and Support Services.
Dr. Pannone was also an adjunct professor at LIU Post where she taught Methods and Materials of Teaching World Languages in Secondary Schools to both graduate and undergraduate students. Her work with World Language Education students at Post inspired her to recreate her teaching methods and to collaborate with other professionals to design innovative student-centered curriculums that meet the changing needs of educators and their students. Dr. Pannone recently completed her doctorate degree at National University and published her dissertation, Identifying the components of a successful teacher professional development program to support the socio-emotional-cultural needs of students.
Emilio Sosa
Historian
Emilio is currently serving on the LILT Executive Board as the Historian. He has also provided various workshops with LILT at several Fall Annual Conferences and the Spring Workshop Series. Emilio graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelors in Spanish Language and Literature and a Masters in Hispanic Languages and Literature. Emilio is World Language Chairperson at Longwood High School. He holds Advanced Placement certifications from the College Board in AP Spanish Language and Culture as well as Spanish Literature and Culture courses. In 2013 Emilio studied abroad at the University of Alcalá de Henares in Spain and in 2010 at the Sorrento Lingue Institute of Language in Sorrento, Italy. Prior to working at Longwood Emilio taught at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School. Emilio looks forward to working with current and prospective LILT members to continue to grow the organization to best serve World Language and ENL teaching professionals.
Ana Aguiar-Mady
Past President
Ana Aguiar-Mady is currently the K-12 Director of World Languages and ENL at North Shore Schools. She has 19 years of experience teaching Spanish from the elementary level through AP level in North Shore Schools, including 5 years as lead teacher. She believes in fostering the development of global citizens through the joy of world language education, focusing on proficiency and intercultural understanding. She is committed to the teaching of world languages and nurturing new teachers as they enter this rewarding profession. As a teacher, she has led student exchange trips abroad, immersing students in the Spanish language and culture. Ana graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Education. She holds teaching certifications in Spanish, Mathematics, TESOL, and Bilingual Education both at the elementary and secondary level.
Ana became part of the LILT Executive Board in 1994, holding all officer positions and the Presidency twice. She was a frequent presenter, co-chaired two Long Island Regional conferences and was the Regional Conference Planning chairperson for 17 years. She has continuously served on the Executive Board since 1994. She has also served on the NYSAFLT Board of Directors, and in leadership roles to plan annual events.
Ana is passionate and devoted to the teaching of World Languages. Immediately after beginning her career, Ana was actively involved in the local and state professional organizations for the teaching of world languages. She has presented numerous workshops at NYSAFLT, LILT, and AATSP. As a member of the NYSED Foreign Language Implementation Committee, Ana has helped to write the NYS Proficiency Exams. She is currently a member of the NYSED World Language Leadership Council, AATSP, AATF, AATI, ACL, ACTFL, NYSAFLT, NYSAWLA, NNELL, LILT, NYS TESOL, and ASCD.
In her free time, Ana enjoys traveling with her family, hiking and dancing.
Dr. Kerri Titone
Past President
Dr. Kerri Titone graduated from St. John’s University with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration, completing a dissertation entitled The DNA of 21st Century Schools: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Teacher and Administrator Qualities that Facilitate Innovation. She was the coordinator for Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at North Shore High School, and is currently the Assistant Principal of Pelham Memorial High School.
Kerri taught Italian and Spanish for 12 years at Northport High School, from elementary to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses in Standard and Higher Level, and led trips abroad to Italy with over 100 students. She has advised student clubs including Student Government and Italian Club, and was a Class Advisor for 11 years. Outside of school, Kerri loves to travel the world and experience its diverse offerings. Each day, she works with teachers and students within and beyond the classroom each day to build a community of young, empowered, scholars. Kerri has served as the LILT Executive Board Secretary for two years, during which LILT established a mission statement and hosted its first Annual Conference online. She served as LILT President for two annual conferences, including when LILT returned to an in person conference following the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerri looks forward to continuing to serve the LILT membership as our Past President.
Nicholas Amster
Newsletter Editor & Webmaster
Nick Amster is currently a World Language Teacher at Russell Sage JHS 190 in Forest Hills, NY as a part of New York City Public Schools where he teaches both Spanish and English as a New Language (ENL); outside of the classroom, he is one of the Co- Advisors for National Junior Honor and a member of the Restorative Justice Committee.
He graduated from Chaminade High School in 2011, and then in 2015 earned his Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Education and a Concentration in Spanish from St. John’s University. It was during his undergraduate experience, specifically in his Literacy & Language Acquisition class with Dr. Marybeth Schaefer, that he fell in love with middle school and supporting English Language Learners. Following his time at St. John’s, Nick has earned his Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University, an Advanced Graduate Certificate in TESOL from Fordham University, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Middle School Education from CUNY Lehman College. He is currently enrolled at St. John’s University, returning for his second master’s degree which is focused on Theology; from his own educational experiences as well as his teaching career he understands the connection between faith, social justice, equity, and education. He is currently certified to teach Spanish 5-12, ENL K-12, and CTE in Education 7-12.
Nick’s educational philosophy is based on the idea that all students can learn language regardless of their experience; it comes down to inspiring them and making language exciting for everyone. To do that, we must meet our students where they are at, and use their experiences to motivate them. He believes in being a continuous learner and plans to eventually work on his doctorate. As an active member of LILT, NYSAFLT, NECTFL, and ACTFL, he works to attend conferences, present, and share his education, experience, and support systems with those he encounters, especially when turn-keying information with his colleagues to support the students in the building. Nick is excited to contribute to LILT and the World Language Community and grateful to President Katina Price for that first encounter of presenting together at edCampWL about Canva and other Educational Technology Tools.
Proud Organizational Member Since 2021
