At Novella Prep, each of our highly trained, credentialed educators bring years of relevant experience and insight, positioning them as experts in the field that are prepared to implement our Novella enrichment and college preparation programming in support of your student. Our focus on what we have coined as the “Essential Eight” focuses on a student’s life, and time, spent in the second eight hours of the school day (first 8 being school, and final 8 being sleep). We see the Essential Eight as the single largest opportunity for healthy student growth in formal education.
Our programs, expertly crafted by founder Dr. Tony Di Giacomo, position each of our students to achieve their best possible outcomes and leave no opportunities unturned. Uniquely, Novella Prep’s programs offer cohesive and comprehensive support throughout your child’s academic career and along their road to college. While others may offer “à la carte,” sporadic, hourly services from less qualified junior staff members, Novella Prep’s team of formally trained and qualified teachers and admissions experts provides unmatched, holistic guidance for your student and family. On their own, each of Novella’s staff members are capable and competent leaders in the world of education. Together, they form an unmatched constellation of experts, joined in pursuit of our mission to share the knowledge and expertise best able to support your student.
Novella Prep motivates and teaches students how to achieve their academic potential with refined and healthy study habits that lead to improved grades and helps them prepare to be considered for admission into and find success at the best-fitting colleges through proven holistic methods. We deep dive into helping students perform at their academic best by starting from the inside — before investing time and resources into academic or test prep tutoring. Our proven holistic method (Retention, Relationships, and Responsibility) empowers students to be the author of their own plan, incorporating smart tutoring in ways that are far more effective and efficient.
Statement of ethics: We believe that the student is the face of the application and therefore stand behind the mindful decision to never contact colleges on behalf of the student. We make no promises about outcomes and are guides through a complex, decentralized process in service of students and families. As members of NACAC and IACAC, professional organizations providing standards of best practices, we believe that through their hard work and our guidance, the student can earn and enjoy their own success!
We help students create a custom framework for note taking and studying to know what to remember and how to create processes to remember what matters most; to set goals and identify who in their life can help carry out those goals whether they be planning for grades, milestones, measurement, and longer-term decisions like college selection and application. With cohesive advice, a student can better plan the quarter, organize the week, and live the day on their way to college and beyond.
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FOUNDER’S BIOGRAPHY:
F. Tony Di Giacomo, Ph.D.
With 20 years of experience working in admissions, development, teaching, and researching Novella Prep founder and educator Dr. Di Giacomo brings a depth of relevant knowledge to students, families, and education professionals.
Dr. Di Giacomo pursued education-focused degrees, first At Boston University, where he majored in Secondary English Education, mastering the domain of English and was trained in teaching. Following his undergraduate degree, Dr. Di Giacomo obtained a masters degree (M.Ed) in Policy, Planning, & Administration where he learned about the intersection of the classroom with leadership and policymaking. Throughout his undergraduate degree and following his masters degree, Dr. Di Giacomo worked for the Boston University Office of Undergraduate Admissions in a number of key roles, where he gained a unique insight into the operations of the admissions program. Following this experience, Dr. Di Giacomo worked for the University of Virginia supporting their growth initiatives and working directly with students.
An application is not a stand-alone exercise that a senior completes. The application should harvest a series of decisions that goes back many years.
F. Tony Di Giacomo, PH.D.
Founder of Novella Prep
These experiences prepared Dr. Di Giacomo for his Ph.D. in International Education Policy at the University of Maryland, where he studied comparative and international education as a foundation for supporting U.S. and international education reform efforts.
Concurrent with his doctoral degree, he worked for an education consulting company founded by a former U.S. Secretary of Education. Dr. Di Giacomo then worked at the College Board, a non-profit that owns and operates, the PSAT, SAT, and Advanced Placement (AP), where he broadened his network in the higher education community. He met and collaborated with most university and college admissions directors and staff, and gained insights into the ever-evolving admissions field. in addition to presenting at numerous conferences, he is published in peer-reviewed journals. He focused his recent work in the Research Department at the College Board, where he led and managed research on the SAT, PSAT, AP, and other programs.
Dr. Di Giacomo founded Novella Prep to meet the holistic needs of students by applying his education expertise and experience working with students from many different cultures, backgrounds, and learning needs. Dr. Di Giacomo is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC).
Novella Teacher, Study Skills & Enrichment Program Manager
Andrew Benowich
Novella Teacher
Dawn Ruiz
As a High School Language Teacher, Dawn has 20 years of classroom teaching experience in language instruction. Having extensive training and a working background in special education, Dawn has worked as a Special Education Teacher in all subjects and with all levels of instruction. Her social and emotional training has afforded her the opportunity to focus not only on the academic needs of her students but their social and emotional intelligence as well. Working with a diverse group of students has allowed Dawn to develop affective and cognitive empathy skills, connecting with students and families on a professional and personal level.
Novella Teacher
Barbara Rende
Barbara brings passion, patience, and many years of teaching experience to Novella Prep.
Barbara holds a B.S. in Childhood Education and has over fifteen years of teaching experience. In that time she has educated both struggling learners in need of support and remediation, as well as the Gifted and Talented, who sought enrichment and additional ways to achieve success.
Barbara has her M.S.Ed in Educational Technology, an area of expertise that makes her a valuable asset during a time of remote learning. She confidently navigates the virtual world with the ability to encourage her students and provide different learning opportunities for them without always being face to face.
As a lifelong learner herself, Barbara has the experience of a veteran teacher while not having lost the enthusiasm that she had when she stepped into her first classroom.
Novella Teacher, Study Skills & Enrichment Manager
Dr. Erica Jones
Dr. Erica Jones joins Novella Prep with 22 years of combined experience as a K-12 special education teacher, administrator, and professor in higher education. She is passionate about nurturing social emotional development and educating students through a holistic perspective. Her goal as an educator has always been focused on establishing strong foundational relationships with students, sparking their motivation to learn, and cultivating a growth mindset.
Currently at the postsecondary level, Dr. Jones mentors teacher preparation candidates, closely advises students to achieve their highest career goals, and creates a support system to bolster achievements. In addition, she has a sincere enthusiasm and dedication for facilitating teacher professional development. Within the past 10 years, Dr. Jones has presented at over 35 local, national, and international conferences. Topics have included promoting teacher self-care strategies, cultivating students’ social emotional learning (SEL), optimizing student engagement, and embedding effective instructional strategies for all students.
Dr. Jones obtained a dual B.S. degree in Elementary (K-6) and Special Education (PreK-12) from Lock Haven University, a M.S. in Special Education from Bloomsburg University, and a D.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the Pennsylvania State University. She holds administrative certifications in the following areas: Supervision in Special Education and Principal (K-12). Furthermore, Dr. Jones is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor and QPR Gatekeeper.
Novella Teacher
Jennifer Rende
Jennifer has over 24 years of experience as an educator and is currently a STEAM Coordinator and Robotics instructor. She holds an M.S. in early childhood and elementary education with a certificate in gifted education from the College of New Rochelle. She also holds a certificate for applied behavior analysis from Manhattanville College and a Robotics certificate through Carnegie Mellon University.
Jennifer has worked with diverse students in elementary school as well as a middle and high school through many enrichment opportunities. She has worked as a cooperating teacher to college students, facilitated in the development of an engineering-based summer camp, and has passion. She believes that guiding and preparing students to be their best selves should be the ultimate goal of any educator.
Novella Teacher
Jeff Knight
Jeff has been an educator for over 18 years. He has earned an M.S. in childhood and special education from Mount Saint Mary College and has been awarded the Mid Hudson School Study Council award for excellence in teaching.
In his 18 years of teaching, Jeff has worked with and guided a diverse population of students. He has taught students both in the special education and general education settings. Jeff is a counselor for Camp Invention, a summer enrichment program that focuses on building students’ inquiry and problem solving skills through various STEAM related projects. He firmly holds that every child has the potential to go far and believes that helping students discover their individual paths to their own successes is the motivation that should drive teaching.
Novella Teacher
Victoria Arrigo
Victoria has been in Education for 9 years. She received her Master’s degree in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 from Hunter College. She is dual certified to teach General Education and Special Education. Over the years she has taught at both the elementary and middle school levels. In her previous schools some additional roles she held were: Special Education Implementation team Chairperson, IEP Teacher, Journalism and Yearbook clubs supervisor, and Track and Field coach. Over the past couple of years, Victoria also began private tutoring. Areas she’s tutored ranged from core subject areas (literacy and math) to homework help, executive functioning skills, test prep and preparing for high school and college entrance exams. Writing is her favorite subject area to teach and she also enjoys creative writing in her free time. In the summer of 2019 she was lucky enough to attend a Creative Writing program at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom.) Not only did she get to grow more as a writer, but upon returning she had the chance to share her experience and love of writing with her students.
Novella Teacher
Caitlin Galimi
Caitlin holds a B.S. in Early Childhood & Elementary Education, as well as an MSed in Literacy & Special Education, from Iona University. Caitlin joins Novella Prep with over 14 years of teaching experience. During her time in the classroom, Caitlin has worked primarily with students with a wide range of learning disabilities. She has implemented a variety of research based strategies, along with the benefits of technology, to help her students meet grade level standards.
As a SETSS provider for the NYC DOE, Caitlin supported Middle School students in becoming lifelong, independent learners by developing appropriate time management and study skills. Through this role Caitlin became proficient in helping learners develop attainable academic goals, as well as clear plans to achieve these desired goals.
Caitlin is excited to utilize the skills she has developed as an educator with the students of Novella Prep.
Study Skills Teacher
Elizabeth Brunk
Elizabeth holds a Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Arizona. With many years of experience teaching high school special education, her career has focused on preparing secondary students with unique learning needs to successfully transition into their next steps and achieve their post-secondary goals. Elizabeth has worked to this end at the local public school level, the state education department as well as the post-secondary university level. As an educator, she believes in student’s innate ability to achieve their highest potential, given the tools to do so. Elizabeth is passionate about individualizing education to empower students to succeed and employing state-of-the-art teaching techniques and tools in order to enhance student learning and achievement.
Study Skills Teacher
Nafisa Khan
Nafisa Khan is a dedicated educator with a profound commitment to the art of teaching. She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education and is currently pursuing her second Master’s in Childhood Education, aiming to inspire a love for learning and develop students’ analytical thinking skills. With over eight years of experience, Nafisa has excelled as an online instructor, serving learners of various levels. In the last three years, she has focused on working with at-risk academic students in the dynamic educational environment of New York City.
For Nafisa, teaching is not just a profession but a heartfelt calling. Her greatest satisfaction comes from guiding her students to unlock their full potential. Central to her teaching philosophy is the belief that each student possesses a unique learning style and requires tailored inspiration. This belief drives her unwavering dedication to her craft. Nafisa Khan’s ultimate goal is to empower her students to become self-directed and self-motivated, helping them realize their aspirations. Her educational journey reflects her unwavering dedication and passionate commitment to shaping a brighter future through teaching.
Study Skills Teacher
Lori Bonito
Lori holds an M.S. Ed. in Elementary and Special Education from Mount Saint Mary College, and is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Education. With over 20 years of elementary teaching experience, Lori has extensive knowledge of best practices used to motivate, guide, and enrich students’ academic careers. The social and emotional well-being of her students is always paramount, and she firmly believes that in order for her students to make responsible decisions, they must possess certain social-emotional skills. These skills include understanding one’s own feelings, problem-solving, perseverance, and verbal communication.
During Lori’s career, she has worked with diverse populations of students, such as English as a New Language students to students with various learning disabilities. Using a systematic approach, Lori establishes routines and schedules that allow students to become more independent and confident in themselves. Once students recognize their role in achieving success, the routines and schedules become part of their daily habits. These supports, once established, provide students the vision to see that they are capable of achieving their academic goals.
Study Skills Teacher
Laura Burrow
Laura holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Out of School Time Teaching and Learning from Lesley University and earned her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Education from Southwestern University. Over her 12-year educational journey, she’s transitioned from classroom instruction, teaching 5th-8th grade Social Studies and 6th grade Reading and Writing, to roles in curriculum design and instructional coaching.
Starting her career as a National Teaching Fellow with Citizen Schools, Laura has always been an advocate for blending rigorous academic instruction with skills that resonate in real-world contexts. She firmly believes that profound learning is rooted in meaningful relationships.
Laura is excited to apply her experience and passion to work directly with students, ensuring they reach their maximum potential and achieve lasting success.
Study Skills Teacher
Adrianne Burden
My name is Adrianne Burden I grew up in central Texas with both parents being educators in public school and at the collegiate level. I spent 20 years in public education and have transitioned my skills to homeschooling my own children and working with students and their families in various roles as they continue their education.
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work and am certified in EC-12 special education as well as campus and district-level administration. I have taught almost every subject and grade in either the public, private, or homeschool setting and have coached multiple sports. I completed a master’s degree in educational administration from Tarleton State University and spent the last 15 years in administration. In this position I have been afforded the opportunity to learn multiple roles; principal, counselor, testing, and special programs coordinator as well as continuing to teach. I feel that this position has allowed me to become well-rounded in my position as a leader and also as a member of the team. I am passionate about education and am excited about the role I can play in assisting you and your child.
Study Skills Teacher
KC Asiodu
My name is Ekenemchukwu (KC) Dennis Asiodu I am blessed to have completed my BA in Political Science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, while on a full athletic scholarship for the sport of American Football. I went on to play for four years in the National Football League (NFL) playing for the St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Following my stent in the NFL I owned and operated my first business where I trained athletes ranging from college hopefuls to professionals and Olympians. I continued my academic career at California State Fullerton College where I completed a Masters in Social Work (MSW).
Following my MSW I completed my Pupil Personnel Services Credential at the University of California Los Angeles. I also performed duties as a Special Education Teacher for two years serving 9th to 12th grade students classified as mild to moderate specializing in both English and History. More recently my professional pursuits took me to a charter School in the greater Los Angeles where I functioned as the Director of Student Affairs. I am currently obtaining my second Masters in Theological Studies and am practicing Associate level therapist.
Study Skills Teacher
Jillian Madden
Jillian has an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as licensure in Elementary Education, Middle School Humanities and Special Education. In her 18 years of experience she has worked with students in a variety of settings, including general education, special programing and learning centers. Literacy and Executive Function are areas in which she has engaged greatly in through professional development.
She currently focuses her work in the area of academic intervention for middle school students. Her diligent work has created programming that builds executive functioning skills to support educational success. A large part of her philosophy relates to helping students create and build effective strategies to successfully learn and work toward independence.
Study Skills Teacher
Toshea Wright
Toshea Wright is a passionate and accomplished educator with a deep commitment to her students. With six years of experience at the Department of Education, she has made a significant impact on the educational community. Wright holds a Master’s degree in Childhood Education and a dual license in Special Education and General Education for grades 1st to 6th. She is highly respected by her colleagues and is the lead teacher of her school’s English department.
Wright’s dedication to providing a high-quality education to her students is evident in her exceptional work in the classroom. She has been recognized for her outstanding teaching skills and is known for her ability to engage her students and inspire them to learn. Wright also mentors new teachers, helping them develop their skills and become effective educators.
Currently, she is pursuing her certification in School Leadership and working to receive a doctorate in her field. She hopes to use her skills to help shape the future of education.
Novella College Advisor, College Advising Program Manager
Mariel Edwards
Mariel comes to Novella Prep with over fifteen years of experience in higher education and most enjoys her work serving as a college advisor helping students find their best fit education. Mariel began her career at Columbia Business School working to improve the Executive MBA Experience and continued in student affairs with an interest in ensuring the best experience academically and socially for students at The Earth Institute and the University of Washington School of Medicine. Mariel was also Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the University of Oxford. Her move to Princeton University is where she found her passion working with college-bound students as associate dean for undergraduate admission. This role helped to inform her work as a college advisor. She especially enjoys helping students find what they are most passionate about and then setting about to identify universities where they will thrive. Working as a college advisor enables her to put into practice everything she learned while at Princeton and to help students realize their goals.
Mariel holds a bachelor of arts degree from Smith College and a master of arts degree from Columbia University. She is a member of the International Association for College Admissions Counseling.
Novella College Advisor, College Persistence Program Manager
Lorelle Babwah Brennen
Lorelle has served as a college advisor for several years, helping students all over the world to find and attend their best-fit university. She began her career in education while still a student herself, serving as a mentor and then eventually director of a college preparatory program for low-income students in North Carolina. Lorelle has worked in higher education for many years since then, serving as an advisor at the University of North Carolina and as the Assistant Director of Student Services for Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering. Most recently, she spent several years as an American college counselor working with families in the U.K. and on staff at Westminster School and Wellington College.
Lorelle holds both a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a law degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She is a published author in the field and completed a graduate certificate in Counselor Education from North Carolina State University. Lorelle is also a certified mindfulness and meditation instructor, specializing in emerging adults. She is a member of the International Association for College Admissions Counseling and the Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling.
Novella College Advisor
Jennifer Fahy
Novella College Advisor
Meghan Bass
Novella College Advisor
Mike Frechette
Mike holds a B.S. in English Education from Boston University as well as Master of Arts in Humanities/English from the University of Chicago. After graduating from B.U. in 2002, Mike taught high school English in the Massachusetts public school system before pursuing graduate work and then moving into a career in financial aid, enrollment management, and higher education administration. As an enrollment and financial aid professional with 20 years of experience, Mike is passionate about educational access and guiding students and families through the process of finding the college or university where they can be challenged and excel.
From 2007 to 2012, Mike worked at Northwestern University as a Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Financial Aid before assuming the role of Director of Financial Aid at Rush University Medical Center in downtown Chicago. For the past eight years, Mike has served as the Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Financial Services at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. He also teaches in PLU’s First-Year Experience Program, with a focus on college writing. Mike is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the National Association of College Admission Counseling.
Novella College Advisor
Dr. Michelle Jones
Dr. Michelle Jones joins Novella Prep with a decade of combined experience as a Secondary English teacher, College and Career Counseling teacher, administrator, and post-secondary writing specialist. She has worked in Urban education for the past ten years where she facilitated multiple literacy intervention programs. Her goal as an educator has always been to address literacy achievement gaps in the K-12 public school system and ensure students reach their full potential in the areas of reading and writing.
Currently, Dr Jones works as an Academic Dean and writes for an education law firm. Dr. Jones obtained an B.S. degree in English from American International College, an M.A. in teaching English from Western New England University, and an E.d.D with a focus on teaching and learning from American International College. Dr. Jones completed a qualitative study on Secondary English teachers’ perceptions of the gender achievement gap in literacy for her doctoral dissertation. Dr. Jones is very passionate about helping students fulfill their academic goals and aspirations. She is excited to use her experience and knowledge to help students have a successful post-secondary education experience.
Novella College Advisor
Sevi Ball
Sevi is a professional educator with over 10 years experience in college and career readiness focused secondary education. She started her career working with middle school students before transferring to high school and becoming an expert at guiding students in preparing for college. Her mission is to not only help students fulfill their goals of college acceptance, but for them to be prepared for success once they get there and beyond. She is passionate about helping students realize their full potential and find the college that is best fit for them.
Sevi holds a Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a minor in Child Development from Florida State University. She is a member of the Southern Association of College Admissions Counseling and continually seeks professional development opportunities to stay updated on college admissions trends.
Novella College Advisor
Marcelius Braxton
Marcelius is the Director of the Center for Social Change and Belonging at Penn State University. He also holds an affiliate academic appointment as an Associate Teaching Professor of African Studies and Philosophy at Penn State. He has over 15 years of experience working on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) as an educator, advocate, student affairs practitioner, and consultant. He has previously served as the Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Bexley City School District in Bexley, Ohio, Assistant Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Capital University Law School, Director of the African American Cultural Center at Austin Peay State University, and more.
Marcelius is a first-generation college graduate with a B.S. in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics with an African Studies Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Missouri, and a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from the University of North Carolina School of Law. He is currently pursuing a D.Ed. (Doctor of Education) at Penn State University. He has experience teaching courses in Philosophy, Political Science, African Studies, African American Studies, Leadership and Organizational Administration, Diversity Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and the First Year Experience