At Novella Prep, we deliver results. Our expert team of Teachers and Advisors is dedicated to your holistic success, going beyond simply improving grades or getting you into your Early Decision college (as any good advisor should). We provide personalized support in crucial areas, from study skills and executive function coaching to college application guidance, ensuring you thrive throughout your academic career and beyond. Learn how we select our team below and meet the Teachers and Advisors who will make a difference in your student’s academic achievement.
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
Education:
MPS in Secondary English and Special Education, Manhattanville College; BA in English and Theatre, Indiana University – Bloomington.
Education Experience
- 8 years teaching special education, specializing in English and Social Studies
- Resource room support for special education students across all academic subjects, focusing on self-advocacy and executive function skills.
- Mentor teacher for Byram Hills school district, supporting new teachers.
Specialized Skills
- Leading enrichment programs for students, helping them discover passions.
- Heads the professional development of Novella Teachers.
- Supporting middle and high school students with study skills, reading comprehension, and writing development.
Novella Teacher
Dawn Ruiz
Education:
Master’s in Special Education, Molloy College; advanced degree in Educational Leadership, Stony Brook University.
Education Experience
- 20 years of classroom teaching experience as a High School Language Teacher.
- Extensive training and experience as a Special Education Teacher in all subjects and with all instructional levels.
- Currently teaches Spanish and Special Education for the NYC Department of Education.
Specialized Skills
- Social and emotional training, focusing on students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Developed affective and cognitive empathy skills through working with diverse student populations.
- Certified Restorative Practices Coordinator for the NYC Department of Education.
Novella Teacher
Barbara Rende
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education; M.S.Ed. in Educational Technology.
Education Experience
- 15+ years of teaching experience.
- Has educated struggling learners requiring support and remediation.
- Educating the Gifted and Talented, who seek enrichment and additional ways to achieve success.
Specialized Skills
- Expertise in Educational Technology, valuable for remote learning environments.
- Proficient in navigating the virtual world and providing diverse learning opportunities.
Novella Teacher, Study Skills & Enrichment Manager
Dr. Erica Jones
Education + Certifications:
Dual B.S. in Elementary (K-6) and Special Education (PreK-12), Lock Haven University; M.S. in Special Education, Bloomsburg University; D.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Pennsylvania State University; Supervision in Special Education and Principal (K-12) certification.
Education Experience
- 22 years combined experience as a K-12 special education teacher, administrator, and higher education professor.
- Currently mentors teacher preparation candidates and advises students at the postsecondary level.
Specialized Skills
- Nurturing social-emotional development and educating students holistically.
- Building strong student relationships, sparking motivation, and cultivating growth mindsets.
- Facilitates teacher professional development.
- Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor and QPR Gatekeeper.
Presentations/Training
- Presented at 35+ local, national, and international conferences in the past 10 years on topics including teacher self-care, student SEL, student engagement, and effective instructional strategies.
Novella Teacher
Jennifer Rende
Education:
M.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a certificate in Gifted Education, College of New Rochelle; Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, Manhattanville College; Robotics Certificate, Carnegie Mellon University.
Education Experience
- 24+ years of experience as an educator.
- Currently a STEAM Coordinator and Robotics instructor.
- Has worked with diverse students in elementary, middle, and high school settings through enrichment opportunities.
- Worked as a cooperating teacher for college students.
Specialized Experience
- Guiding and preparing students to reach their full potential.
- Facilitated the development of an engineering-based summer camp.
Novella Teacher
Jeff Knight
Education:
M.S. in Childhood and Special Education, Mount Saint Mary College.
Education Experience
- 18+ years as an educator.
- Teaching diverse student populations in both special education and general education settings.
- Mid Hudson School Study Council award for excellence in teaching.
Specialized Skills
- Focus on helping students discover their individual paths to success.
- Experience building students’ inquiry and problem-solving skills.
- Counselor for Camp Invention, a STEAM-focused summer enrichment program.
Novella Teacher
Victoria Arrigo
Education:
Master’s degree in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6, Hunter College.
Education Experience
- 9 years in education.
- Taught at both elementary and middle school levels.
- Dual certified in General Education and Special Education.
- Experience as an IEP (Individualized Education Programs) Teacher.
- Private tutoring in core subjects (literacy and math), homework help, executive functioning skills, test prep, and entrance exam preparation (high school and college).
- Special Education Implementation Team Chairperson.
Specialized Skills
- Passionate about teaching writing.
- Experience with creative writing (attended a program at the University of Cambridge).
Study Skills Teacher
Nafisa Khan
Education:
Master’s degree in Adult Education; currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Childhood Education.
Education Experience:
- 8+ years as an online instructor, working with diverse learners.
- 3 years working with at-risk academic students in New York City schools.
Specialized Skills/Focus:
- Inspiring a love of learning and developing students’ analytical thinking skills.
- Tailoring instruction to individual learning styles.
- Empowering students to become self-directed and self-motivated.
Study Skills Teacher
Lori Bonito
Education:
M.S. Ed. in Elementary and Special Education, Mount Saint Mary College; B.S. in Education, University of Arizona.
Education Experience:
- 20+ years of elementary teaching.
- Working with diverse student populations, including English as a New Language students and students with learning disabilities.
Specialized Skills:
- Focusing on the social and emotional well-being of students, emphasizing skills like self-awareness, problem-solving, perseverance, and communication.
- Use of a systematic approach to establish routines and schedules that promote student independence and confidence.
- Helping students recognize their role in achieving academic success.
Study Skills Teacher
Laura Burrow
Education:
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Out of School Time Teaching and Learning, Lesley University; B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Education, Southwestern University.
Education Experience:
- 12 years in education.
- 5th-8th grade Social Studies and 6th grade Reading and Writing.
- Curriculum design and instructional coaching experience.
- National Teaching Fellow with Citizen Schools.
Specialized Skills:
- Blending rigorous academic instruction with real-world skills.
- Believes profound learning is rooted in meaningful relationships.
- Helping students reach their maximum potential and achieve lasting success.
Study Skills Teacher
Adrianne Burden
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work; EC-12 Special Education Certification; Campus and District-Level Administration Certification; Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Tarleton State University.
Education Experience:
- 20 years in public education.
- Homeschooling children and working with students and families in various educational roles.
- Various subjects and grade levels in public, private, and homeschool settings.
- 15 years in educational administration, serving in multiple roles such as Principal, Counselor, Testing Coordinator, and Special Programs Coordinator.
Specialized Skills:
- Education and assisting students and families holistically.
Study Skills Teacher
KC Asiodu
Education:
Masters in Social Work (MSW), California State Fullerton College; BA in Political Science, University of Nevada Las Vegas (full athletic scholarship – American Football); Pupil Personnel Services Credential, University of California Los Angeles; Currently pursuing a second Masters in Theological Studies.
Education Experience:
- 2 years as a Special Education Teacher (9th-12th grade, mild to moderate classifications), specializing in English and History.
- Director of Student Affairs at a charter school in Los Angeles.
Professional Athlete Background:
- 4 years in the National Football League (NFL) with St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears.
- Owned and operated a business training athletes (college hopefuls to professionals and Olympians).
Specialized Skills:
- Practicing Associate level therapist.
Study Skills Teacher
Jillian Madden
Education:
Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction; Licensure in Elementary Education, Middle School Humanities, and Special Education.
Education Experience:
- 18 years working with students in general education, special programming, and learning centers.
- Currently focuses on academic intervention for middle school students.
Specialized Skills:
- Literacy and Executive Function development (gained through professional development).
- Creating programming that builds executive functioning skills to support educational success.
- Helping students create and build effective learning strategies for independence.
Novella College Advisor, College Advising Program Manager
Mariel Edwards
Education + Affiliations:
BA, Smith College; MA, Columbia University; Member, International Association for College Admissions Counseling.
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- 15+ years in higher education.
- Columbia Business School (improving Executive MBA Experience).
- Student affairs at The Earth Institute and University of Washington School of Medicine.
- Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the University of Oxford.
- Associate Dean for Undergraduate Admission at Princeton University.
- Many years as a college advisor, helping students find their best-fit education.
Specialized Skills
- Helping students discover their passions and identifying universities where they will thrive.
- Leveraging experience from Princeton to help students realize their goals.
Novella College Advisor, College Persistence Program Manager
Lorelle Babwah Brennen
Education + Affiliations:
BA in Psychology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; Law degree, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education, North Carolina State University; Member, International Association for College Admissions Counseling; Member, Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling.
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- Advisor at the University of North Carolina.
- Assistant Director of Student Services, Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering.
- American college counselor in the U.K., working with families and on staff at Westminster School and Wellington College.
- Mentor and Director of a college preparatory program for low-income students in North Carolina.
Specialized Skills
- Helping students find and attend their best-fit university.
- Certified mindfulness and meditation instructor, specializing in emerging adults.
- Published author in the field.
Novella College Advisor
Jennifer Fahy
Education + Affiliations:
B.S. in Psychology, Fordham University; M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy, Hofstra University; Member, New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC).
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- Working in a large university environment, connecting with a diverse student body.
- Led college recruitment in the Hudson Valley and New York City areas.
Specialized Skills
- Guiding students to find a college that fits their educational and personal development needs.
- Helping students navigate high school to build a strong foundation for college and beyond.
Novella College Advisor
Meghan Bass
Education:
Bachelor’s in English Literature and Journalism, New York University (2002); Master’s in Higher Education Management, University of Pennsylvania, School of Education (2005).
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- 20 years in higher education admissions and student career management.
- Served on admissions committees at several colleges and universities, including Fordham University and The Wharton School.
- Spent several years traveling the world meeting candidates and networking with Admissions Deans and Career Directors from top institutions.
Specialized Skills
- Using firsthand knowledge of student counseling.
- Crafting effective, action-oriented student portfolios that highlight personal achievement.
- Developing a profile that forecasts future goals and potential based on current skills and experiences.
- Unique editing style and keen eye for detail.
Novella College Advisor
Mike Frechette
Education + Affiliations:
B.S. in English Education, Boston University (2002); Master of Arts in Humanities/English, University of Chicago; Member, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators; Member, National Association of College Admission Counseling.
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- Teaches in PLU’s First-Year Experience Program, focusing on college writing.
- 20 years in financial aid, enrollment management, and higher education administration.
- Senior Assistant Director for Undergraduate Financial Aid, Northwestern University (2007-2012).
- Director of Financial Aid, Rush University Medical Center.
- Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Financial Services, Pacific Lutheran University (past 8 years).
Specialized Skills
- Passionate about educational access.
- Guiding students and families through the college search and application process.
Novella College Advisor
Dr. Michelle Jones
Education:
B.S. in English, American International College; M.A. in Teaching English, Western New England University; Ed.D. with a focus on Teaching and Learning, American International College.
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- 10 years combined as a Secondary English teacher, College and Career Counseling teacher, administrator, and post-secondary writing specialist.
- Worked in urban education for the past 10 years, facilitating multiple literacy intervention programs.
- Currently an Academic Dean and a writer for an education law firm.
Specialized Skills
- Addressing literacy achievement gaps in K-12 public schools and ensuring students reach their full potential in reading and writing.
- Helping students fulfill their academic goals and aspirations.
- Ensuring students have a successful post-secondary education experience.
- Completed a qualitative study on Secondary English teachers’ perceptions of the gender achievement gap in literacy for her doctoral dissertation.
Novella College Advisor
Sevi Ball
Education + Affiliations:
Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a minor in Child Development, Florida State University; Member, Southern Association of College Admissions Counseling.
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- 10+ years in college and career readiness focused secondary education.
- Working with middle school students, then transitioned to high school, specializing in college preparation.
- Continuously seeks professional development to stay updated on college admissions trends.
Specialized Skills
- Helping students achieve college acceptance and preparing them for success in college and beyond.
- Ensuring students realize their full potential and find the best-fit college.
Novella College Advisor
Marcelius Braxton
Education:
B.S. in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics with an African Studies Certificate, University of Pittsburgh; M.A. in Philosophy, University of Missouri; J.D. (Juris Doctor), University of North Carolina School of Law; Currently pursuing a D.Ed. (Doctor of Education), Penn State University. First-generation college graduate.
Higher Education + Admissions Experience
- Director of the Center for Social Change and Belonging, Penn State University.
- Associate Teaching Professor of African Studies and Philosophy (Affiliate Academic Appointment), Penn State University.
- Assistant Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Capital University Law School.
- Director of the African American Cultural Center, Austin Peay State University.