Our school is welcoming several new staff members this year, each bringing unique experiences and enthusiasm to our community. To help everyone get to know them, I asked a series of questions about who they are, their interests, and their backgrounds. Their answers offer a glimpse into the personalities and passions behind the new faces you’ll be seeing around school, and we’re excited to introduce them to you in this Q&A!
Ryan Matson – Special Education
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
“I was lucky to have a lot of great teachers as a student. I remember in particular my 8th grade
social studies teacher really piqued my interest and made me think this is something I could
potentially want to do. I’ve always loved history and writing essays and papers, so that helped as
well. I also used to spend time coaching different kids’ sports teams when I was in high school,
so I knew that working with younger people was something I was good at. Overall, it was a
combination of things over time that led me to believe this is what I want to do.”
- What made you want to come to Hastings?
“Growing up in northern Westchester, I didn’t know or hear much about Hastings. In recent years I heard a lot of great things about the community from various coworkers and some friends who
previously lived there. When I started looking for a job coming out of grad school it became a
place I was very interested in throughout the process. After my demonstration lesson, I really felt like I could be a good fit in the community.”
- How was your high school experience?
“My high school experience was pretty great. I went to Fox Lane High School in Bedford. New York, around 30 minutes up the road from Hastings. I had a lot of great teachers who pushed me to not get complacent. I wasn’t the most social person, but I had a close group of friends, most of whom I am still close with. I think I did a good job in terms of challenging myself with classes, but not overextending, which is difficult. I knew where I was really strong – social studies – and where I wasn’t – science, and planned accordingly. I also was the manager for the basketball team, and we actually won sectionals by beating White Plains and Mount Vernon at the County Center my freshman year, which was awesome. Like any high schooler, I had my anxieties and challenges, but I look back on it as a mostly positive experience.”
- What are your hobbies/hidden talents?
“If I have any hidden talents, they’re still hidden to me. I guess I would say I’m really good at
memorizing song lyrics, just not the actual singing part. In terms of hobbies, I’m a big sports guy.
I like to watch baseball, football, and basketball. I like to play golf when it’s warm out, although
I’m not as good at it as I should be. Going to the gym or walking my dog would be my typical
activities after work. I’m also a big TV and movie guy, from things like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings to How I Met your Mother reruns. I’m excited for Stranger Things to return in a few weeks.”
- If your classroom had a theme song, what would it be?
“‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac or ‘Non-Stop’ from Hamilton.”
Justin Caraballo – Special Education
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
“I wanted to become a teacher because I love being a member of a positive school community. Going through thirteen years of school, I had countless teachers who made such a positive impact on my life and helped me grow into who I am today. As a teacher, I hope to have the same impact on students, helping them achieve their goals and supporting them in any way possible.”
- What made you want to come to Hastings?
“Simply put, Hastings is my home. I was a student in this community from Kindergarten through 12th grade, and have worked in the district the past three years. Hastings played a huge role in shaping my identity, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to now teach in a community that I have so much care and appreciation for.”
- How was your high school experience?
“My high school experience was overall very positive. As a person who loves sports, playing on high school sports teams is where my fondest memories are. Being a member of a team and playing a sport I loved provided me with some of the best experiences I have had. I also loved being a student in the classroom and interacting with kids I would not usually hang out with outside of school, fostering friendships with people that I would not expect to have had.”
- What are your hobbies/hidden talents?
“Outside of school, I love to work out and play basketball. I actually play in an adult basketball league with my former Hastings teammates.”
- If your classroom had a theme song, what would it be?
“‘Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)’ by Kelly Clarkson. In my classroom, we work through the different obstacles and challenges that we face and come out on top, stronger than ever.”
Emily Quattrocchi – Special Education
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
“I actually went to college to be an FBI agent. Teaching was not my first thought when I was trying to figure out my career, but it was up there. Through my later years in high school and moving up through college, I watched my sister struggle in school with reading and writing. She was evaluated and ultimately had an IEP. This led to me becoming her personal tutor. Every day we would FaceTime and go through her schoolwork. After about a semester of doing this every single day, I decided in the middle of junior year to switch my major from Psychology to English,, doubled up on classes and managed to graduate on time with my class (2020, Go Saints!).”
- What made you want to come to Hastings?
“Coming to Hastings was such an easy decision for me. I worked in the school district I grew up in, and I needed a change. When I came into Hastings High School for my first interview and saw everyone sitting around the table in the conference room, I immediately knew that this was where I needed to be. The staff was incredible, so welcoming and kind to someone they didn’t even know. Being part of this team is truly my dream job, and I am so excited to continue to further my skills and learn from the educators around me.”
- How was your high school experience?
“I really enjoyed my high school experience. I was the kid that was friends with everyone, I didn’t have a specific “group” to hangout with. I played softball for the school as well as travel. I was never late to class, I worked hard and studied while also maintaining a social life and athletics. In high school, I learned time management that still helps me to this day.”
- What are your hobbies/hidden talents?
“A hobby I have is that I love to binge watch true crime shows, documentaries and movies. Another funny and odd hobby I recently discovered in the last few months is going to Footdown. I actually discovered it when I first came to Hastings and I love it. If any of my students are reading this – you know! I am a huge snacker. I also enjoy hanging out with my family, my friends and my fiance. I am getting married this summer, so wedding planning is another hobby I’ve taken on! A hidden talent I have is that I actually am a great cook, I can just randomly throw things together in the kitchen and it turns out fantastic.”
Samantha Schifano – French
- What inspired you to become a teacher?
“I come from a family of teachers, and they inspired me to pursue teaching. I was lucky enough to teach at a school in Rochester, New York, for students who were children of refugees and asylum seekers and it was a transformative experience.”
- What made you want to come to Hastings?
“Being from Buffalo, New York, I want a brand new experience and get out of my comfort zone! Based on conversations with Mr. Clayman and Señor Lopez, I felt very welcomed and inspired to go on an adventure. So I moved across the state to experience life at Hastings.”
- How was your high school experience?
“My high school experience was a diverse one! I was super involved with a ton of clubs and taking as many classes as I could. I was really involved with the musical and chorus.”
- What are your hobbies/hidden talents?
“I have a lot of hobbies outside of school. I am an avid reader, crafter, and roller skater. I embroider a lot! My hidden talent is that I used to sing competitively in high school.”
- If your classroom had a theme song, what would it be?
“The theme song from Friends the TV show. No matter how your day is going or what’s going on you are welcome in my classroom!”
We hope this Q&A helps you feel a little more connected to the newest members of our school community. Be sure to say hello if you see them around!
