Ms. Lauer came to head The Unquowa School in 2004 after spending over twenty years in teaching and leadership positions at other independent schools in the Northeast. Drawing from her own experience as an independent school teacher and raising a son and daughter – both of whom attended independent day schools and colleges – she writes and speaks frequently about the various aspects of childhood and a school’s role in working with parents to raise and educate their children. As a steward of our school’s future as it approaches its centennial, Ms. Lauer works to maintain the vigorous, experiential academic atmosphere that has been the hallmark of the school since its inception.

Mrs. Cerone joined The Unquowa School community in 2006. Along with previous experience in both the larger business world and the independent school setting, Mrs. Cerone has a keen sense of her role in the financial stability of the school.

Mr. Mitchell began teaching at The Unquowa School in 2007 as a fifth grade classroom teacher. In 2008, he took on the role of Technology Coordinator and teaches technology. Currently serving as the Director of Operations and IT, Mr. Mitchell continues to oversee all aspects of tech, both physical and curricular, as well as oversee daily maintenance staff, an evening cleaning crew and year round facility inspection, maintenance and renovation in addition to working with his colleagues around the thoughtful curricular use of technology. Mr. Mitchell served on the CAIS Commission on Technology and has two children here at Unquowa – a daughter in the seventh grade and a son in fourth grade.

Karen Williamson joined The Unquowa School in 2013 after 7 years working in marketing and communications. Karen brings her talent in project management, communications and community engagement to her roles at Unquowa.

Lisa Sylvestro began teaching at Unquowa in 2014. Having nine years’ experience as a Special Educator at Eagle Hill Southport, she became Unquowa’s Upper School Learning Specialist. In this role, she provides academic support to students via either push in or pull out instruction. In 2017, Lisa became the Dean of Students; she also continues her work as Learning Specialist as these two roles naturally intersect. She greatly enjoys both these roles since supporting and advocating for children is her passion.

Mr. Knebel joined Unquowa in 2011 to teach middle school science. He became co-chair of science and teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Mr Knebel turned to education in 2009, volunteering and then working at schools in Bridgeport, and enrolling at Sacred Heart University to earn certification in both high school science and social studies and a Master of Education degree. He wrote his thesis on Problem and Project Based Learning Methods in Science. Mr Knebel previous ran a derivatives desk at HSBC USA and holds MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

Carlene Gordon joined Unquowa in 2006 to teach third grade, a position she still held for twelve years before moving on to fourth grade in 2018. In addition, Carlene is co-chair of the science department and in 2016 was appointed Dean of Faculty for Lower School in conjunction with her other duties. In her role as Dean, Carlene works with the lower school faculty on professional and curricular development. Her past experience includes both public and independent school settings in multiple elementary grade levels. Carlene holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education as well as a Professional Educator Certificate from the State of Connecticut.