Christina, School Couselor, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 6 years experience and is a Certified School Counselor with over 2 years experience. Christina has extensive experience working with children and adolescents in various settings, including outpatient settings, a private practice, a community home setting and an elementary school. Christina received her B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling from East Stroudsburg University, her M.A. in Clinical Counseling from Centenary University and her School Counseling Certification from New Jersey City University. Christina loves connecting with the students and providing a safe space for them to be themselves. She values empowering students and promoting their social and emotional development. When Christina is not working she enjoys spending time with friends, family and her husband right here in Jersey City.
Colin, Director of Athletics, Entering his 14th year at HPMS, is Athletic Director and Health & Phys. Ed instructor. With a passion and infinity towards all type of movement and exercise, he shares thru various types of activity. From basketball and volleyball, to pickleball and golf and his middle school fitness class elective . Colin graduated from Marywood University with a degree in Health & Phys Ed and a Minor in Coaching. When he’s not working, you’d find him on a golf course or in a beach chair. Probably still reminiscing on the recent Knicks Championship title.
Gina, Art Specialist, holds a B.A. Design Arts from Drury University. She has spent 20 + years working in creative fields in New York City including; the art and photo departments of Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated Kids, Elle Decor, People, and Getty Images. She founded and ran her own letterpress stationery company, selling to stationery and gift shops around the world. Since her family joined HPMS in 2021, she has developed a painting practice, and has begun to show her work in exhibitions.
Mel, Photography Specialist, is an award-winning, world renowned photographer, creative director and educator, with more than 25 years of experience documenting music, entertainment, culture, sports, and major events around the world. A graduate of Stony Brook University, Mel has photographed for publications and brands including The New York Times, National Geographic, Pepsi Nike, and Major League Soccer. Mel continues to work actively as a photographer and photojournalist, traveling and documenting stories around the world, while also serving as an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where he teaches photojournalism. As a parent of a child who attends Hamilton Park Montessori School, he is especially excited to bring his experience and passion for visual storytelling to the school community. Mel is passionate about helping young people use photography to observe the world around them, tell meaningful stories, and develop their own creative voices.
