Lenor Ambrose - PCTI Educator

Since 2010, this PCTI Health Occupation Instructor has been successfully guiding students toward bright futures in the many fields of Health and Medical Sciences.

As a Professional Registered Nurse for over 20 years, her experience as a Medical/ Surgical and Hemodialysis staff member has afforded her the skills and knowledge needed to be an outstanding mentor.

With both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science in Nursing from William Paterson University, as well as certification in Basic Life Support and First Aid Instruction, she is the perfect candidate to help mold the minds of future nurses, EMTs and other medical professionals.

She is also a member of the NJEA, American Nurses Association and National Association of Hispanic Nurses.

Her dedication to PCTVS can clearly been seen in her leadership participation as a four-year HOSA Advisor and an active contributor to the Hispanic Heritage Assembly.

In her community, she has volunteered at William Paterson University’s Future Nurse Camp and Covid-19 Testing Site.

We would like to congratulate Leonor Ambrose on being named PCTI Educator of the Year and look forward to her continued success.

Laura Vacca – PCTI School Counselor

This PCTI School Counselor knows what it takes to guide students through the ups and downs of their high school experience.

In her words, “The student comes first. It’s all about adapting to who my students are in the here and now, and what I can do to help them be successful.”

As a graduate from Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling, she became a member of the Bulldog Family in 2011 as a School Counselor for Special Education, and also counseled for the School of Applied Technology, the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, as well as the School of Cosmetology.

She is a Supervisor for the ACT Test site, Assistant Supervisor for the SAT Test site, a member of the PCTVS Education Foundation Scholarship Committee, National Honor Society Selection Committee, a Senior Awards contributor, as well as co-creator of the E and E Fundraiser which has raised over $5000 for organizations such as Covenant House and Direct Relief.

We would like to congratulate Laura Vacca on being named PCTI Educational Specialist of the Year and applaud you for all of your hard work and dedication.

Julia Bemke – STEM Educator

Although this Mathematics Instructor is relatively new to PCTVS, her determination and grit is the reason why her presence at the STEM Academy has made a positive difference in the lives of our students.

Her first year at PCTVS took place in a hybrid setting and challenged her at every turn.

While she had to figure out a way to balance her new work environment, WebEx classrooms, virtual meetings, and digital platforms, she always kept a positive attitude stating, “Despite the challenges, I still had a job to do. I still had to get my students to know and love math.”

She worked tirelessly to create cohesive lessons, establish goals with her supervisor, and collaborate with her colleagues in developing common assessments.

She later immersed herself in in PCTVS culture by working for the Academic Assistance Program, proctoring standardized tests, as well as coaching the Boys Volleyball team.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree from Ramapo College of NJ and is currently working toward her Master of Mathematics Education with the University of Missouri.

It is our privilege to announce Julia Bemke as the STEM Academy 2021-2022 Educator of the year. Congratulations Julia and thank you for your hard work and dedication to PCTVS.

Kathy Kyles – STEM Ed Specialist

After spending twenty-three years as a Business teacher at PCTVS, it was time make the leap from Educator to Educational Specialist.

With a degree in Business Education from Rider College, she began her career at the Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair where she taught keyboarding, shorthand, office procedures, word processing, and Excel.

Seven years later she came to PCTVS where she was able to expand her repertoire and teach amazing new curricula such as Entrepreneurship, Business Math, Microsoft Office Suite, Interviewing Skills, Stock Investments, as well as Financial Literacy – she also co-created the Online Financial Literacy Course.

In 2016, she received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Marygrove College and decided to hang up her instructor’s hat and become a Student Success Coordinator. She explains, “I find that openly talking to students who end up in my office gets to the root of what is really going on with them. Many times, a simple conversation gets to the real issues.”

It is with great respect and admiration we present twenty-nine-year PCTVS veteran Kathy Kyles as the 2021-2022 Educational Specialist of the Year. Thank you for your continued dedication to our school and students.