Dr. David Balsamo
President
Coordinator of World Languages, Syosset Central School District
Dr. David Balsamo serves as the World Language Coordinator for the Syosset Central School District on Long Island, where he leads a dynamic K-12 department of approximately 50 teachers. Under his leadership, the district has seen significant advancements, including the implementation of integrated performance assessments in middle and high school courses, the introduction of Chinese and Korean as articulated languages from grades 6-12, and the adoption of AAPPL testing for students in grades 8, 10, and 12 across all languages. Dr. Balsamo has also spearheaded the development of a new curriculum aligned with the revised NYS World Language Learning Standards. Currently, the district’s middle school program offers five languages, while the high school boasts an impressive nine language offerings.
A former Spanish teacher, Dr. Balsamo is a distinguished graduate of Hofstra University (BA cum laude), Saint Louis University Madrid Campus (MA in Spanish), and St. John’s University (Ed.D). His doctoral research focused on the pivotal role school administrators play in fostering world language teacher quality.
Dr. Balsamo’s leadership extends beyond his district, having served as Secretary on the executive board of FLACS (2006-2012). He is a frequent presenter at state and local conferences, where he shares his expertise in language teaching methodology, assessment, and curriculum development. Additionally, he is a committed member of the New York State Seal of Biliteracy Task Force.
At his core, Dr. Balsamo is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of world language education. He champions the idea that language teachers do more than enhance communicative skills; they cultivate intercultural understanding and empathy, essential qualities that empower the next generation to bring peace, dignity, and social justice to communities both near and far.
Leonardo Rivera
Vice President
Director, K-12 World Language and ENL, Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District
Leo Rivera is a passionate leader in language education with a rich academic background, holding a BA in Italian, Spanish, and Secondary Education and Youth Service, and an MA in Italian from Queens College. He further enhanced his expertise with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook, SUNY.
Currently, Leo heads a diverse department of 38 teachers across five languages and oversees a growing body of ENL students at Plainview-Old Bethpage. His leadership is characterized by building trust and empathy with all stakeholders, ensuring a supportive and collaborative environment. Committed to the professional growth of his team, Leo provides high-quality professional development workshops throughout the year.
Before his current role, Leo dedicated 13 years to teaching all levels of Italian and Spanish at Baldwin Senior High School. His commitment to the field is further reflected in his active participation in professional organizations such as AATI, AATSP, AATF, CLASS, and ACTFL.
Vincenza Graham
Executive Director
Director of World Languages, English as a New Language, and Library Media Specialist for the Smithtown Central School District
Vincenza Graham currently leads as the Director of World Languages, English as a New Language, and Library Media Specialist for the Smithtown Central School District. She holds a B.A. in Italian from Long Island University/C.W. Post, an M.A. in Spanish Education, and an Advanced Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Queens College. With over fifteen years of experience teaching Italian and Spanish and more than a decade of supervising educators, Ms. Graham is a seasoned leader in language education.
Her contributions to the field extend beyond the classroom. As a former member of the FLACS Executive Board, serving as Assistant to the First Vice President in 2016-17, she played a pivotal role in managing communications with individual districts regarding FLACS membership and the consortium. Ms. Graham’s professional affiliations include memberships in FLACS, LILT, ACTFL, and ASCD, underscoring her commitment to advancing language education at every level.
Dr. Christopher Pipala
Secretary
Chairperson for World Languages & ENL, Great Neck South Middle School
Dr. Christopher Pipala brings over 15 years of expertise in teaching Spanish at both the middle and high school levels, with a unique blend of experience as a former technology staff developer at Great Neck North High School. He currently serves as the technology coordinator for the Great Neck Summer Programs, where his passion for integrating technology into education continues to thrive.
A respected professional in his field, Dr. Pipala is a member of the NYSED World Language Leadership Council and has played a key role as a past co-host of the Long Island Language Teachers conference. His academic credentialsinclude holding a BA in Spanish and Economics from the College of the Holy Cross, a MAT in Spanish from Boston University, an advanced certificate in Educational Leadership from Long Island University, and a Doctorate in Education from St. John’s University.
Dr. Pipala’s doctoral research, titled One-to-One iPad Technology: Perceptions Versus Practice, delves into the critical relationship between teacher beliefs about technology and its transformative potential in classroom instruction. Outside the academic sphere, he extends his leadership and coaching skills to the athletic field, serving as the JV boys and girls tennis coach at Great Neck South High School.
Iris Walsh
Board Liasion
Department Chairperson for World Languages & ENL, Great Neck North Middle School
Iris Walsh has been inspiring students as a language educator since 2008. She holds a Master of Arts in Romance Languages & Literature, with a concentration in French, and a Bachelor of Arts in French Education & Spanish Language & Literature from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Her credentials include certifications in School District Administration, School Building Administration, French (Grades 7-12), Spanish (Grades 7-12), TESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), and FLES Extensions in both French and Spanish.
Ms. Walsh’s experience spans both middle and high school levels, where her passion for teaching shines through. She is dedicated to guiding students toward linguistic excellence while fostering a deep cultural awareness that enriches their global perspective. With a belief that language education is more than just words—it’s a gateway to understanding the world—Ms. Walsh empowers her students to connect with diverse cultures and become truly global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.
Denise Hannaoui
Past Executive Director
Director of TESOL Field Experience and Clinical Practice, Stony Brook University
Denise Hannaoui is a seasoned educator with a rich academic background and over 25 years of experience in the field. She holds a BA in Linguistics and an MA in TESOL from SUNY Stony Brook, along with an MS in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology.
Denise began her career as an ESL teacher in Lawrence Public Schools, where her passion for education quickly expanded beyond the classroom. With a growing interest in “the bigger picture,” she transitioned into administration, bringing over 10 years of leadership as the Director of English as a Second/New Language and World Languages. Recently retired from her role at Connetquot Central School District, Denise is now embarking on an exciting new chapter as the Director of Field Experience and Clinical Practice for TESOL student teachers at Stony Brook University.
Denise’s journey reflects a deep commitment to fostering linguistic and cultural understanding, both in her students and in the broader educational landscape. Her extensive experience and dedication to teacher development continue to shape the next generation of educators.