Our Faculty & Staff

Olivia Wise is in her third year as Usdan’s Coordinator Enrollment and Admissions. For the last eight years, Olivia has worked for arts and culture organizations, and enjoys being surrounded by young people experiencing the creative process all summer.

Jasmin Smith teaches elementary school in Queens and holds a special passion for music and poetry. A Long Island native, Jasmin turned her love for both art and working with children into a career after earning her Master’s in Education from Sarah Lawrence College.

Stacey Jamieson is an Admissions Counselor at Usdan. She previously served as Assistant Dean and enjoys interacting with students and teachers. Stacey boasts more than 20 years experience as an attorney and advocate for children.

Usdan's Art Department Co-Chair Jerelyn Hanrahan is an internationally renowned curator, artist and educator, who coordinates visionary and progressive exhibitions and lectures around the world. As well, her drawings have been exhibited in galleries and institutions in New York, Switzerland, Italy, and China as well as The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.  

Oliver Valle is an interdisciplinary designer and artist in the fields of architecture and urban design, and teaching artist at Usdan. Prior to founding his own design practice, he served as an urban designer with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, where his mixed-use development, transportation design, and urban design won multiple awards. Oliver continues to publish research internationally and he is a frequent guest at Columbia University, Syracuse University, Parsons School of Design, and other universities. Oliver instructs the Designing With Minecraft and Architecture courses at Usdan.

Julia Forrest is an artist who works exclusively through the medium of film. She eschews digital processing for the home-made darkroom she built in her apartment, and enjoys pushing the bounds of reality through the camera lens. Julia also works as a teaching artist at the Brooklyn Museum, Medgar Evers College, and Lehigh University. As Usdan’s photography instructor, she is devoted to helping students push their own boundaries not only in film, but whatever medium of art they choose.

Kelly Schulte-Smith is a multidisciplinary artist, experimenting with crochet, bead-weaving, wire-weaving, resin, polymer clay, fused glass art, stained glass, steel, and mosaic art. Since graduating with a degree in interior design, Kelly has continued her own artistic exploration, while helping young people find their own voices as creators. She brings her unique perspective to Usdan’s Lego Design courses.

Juan Giraldo is a New York City-based photographer. Born in Colombia and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Juan’s work explores the textures and personal space of working people and domesticity -- developed by his own experience as a first-generation immigrant and laborer. His work has been exhibited across the country, from Hawaii to Brooklyn.

Karine Falleni has been practicing yoga for 20 years and instructing for 13. Her teaching has brought her to special programs in Arizona and schools, outreach programs, and studios across Greater New York City. Karine is passionate about making yoga more accessible to all people by bringing the practice outside traditional studios. She has taught meditation, restorative yoga, breathing, yoga therapy, prenatal yoga, and Anusara.

Cristalina DeNicola is a ceramic artist, sculptor, and educator specializing in three-dimensional artwork that expresses flow and movement. While she primarily works with clay, Christina enjoys working with unique materials and experimenting with different mediums. During the summer, Christina helps Usdan students discover the joy of ceramics.

Dana Neger-Lagos is a master model maker, jeweler, sculptor, and Usdan’s metalsmithing instructor. She has designed jewelry and accessories for Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, QVC, Calvin Klein, Susan Lucci, and other brands. As an educator, Dana teaches at the Art League of Long Island, Dix Hills, Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, and Long Island Libraries. Her artwork fuses metalsmithing and nature, and is on exhibit throughout Long Island.

Brian Karen is a top-ranked tournament chess player for both the United States Chess Federation and Federation Internationale Des Échecs. As an instructor, Brian has served as co-director of Usdan’s chess program since 1997, coached three-time Long Island chess champions Friends Academy, and director of chess programs for the Roslyn School District, Long Island School for the Gifted, and St. Patrick’s. He additionally serves on the United States Chess Federation Scholastic Council.

One of Long Island’s top 10 players, Joel Salman is a professional Chess Master who has been teaching chess to children in schools and libraries on a full time basis since 1994. The Long Island native joined the faculty of Usdan in 2003, where he co-chairs the Chess Department.

Jessica Azenberg has studied acting and dance since she could walk, training at the School of American Ballet, Manhattan Youth Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and others. She started tap dancing at 8-years-old while attending Usdan and went on to pursue a career in theater. She has performed with companies across the country and currently teaches tap, ballet, and jazz in New York City.

Rachel Mazur is a ballet dancer, choreographer, and educator who leads Usdan’s ballet courses. Trained in performance and pedagogy, Rachel earned her master’s in dance instruction before joining the faculty at American Youth Dance Theater and Brooklyn Ballet. She continues to partner with and bring dance to local public high schools and community organizations.

Diana Crum is a Brooklyn-based choreographer, dancer, teacher, administrator, and advocate, and Interim Chair of Dance at Usdan. Her choreography has been presented in New York, Atlanta, Mexico, and across Europe. She currently serves as Program Director for Movement Research’s Dance Makers in the Schools and teaches dance at 92Y, Brooklyn Arts Council Brooklyn Arts Exchange, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and more.

Jacqueline Selesky is a multi-talented dancer, proud Long Island native, and Usdan hip-hop instructor. Since the age of seven, Jacqueline has studied ballet, modern, jazz, Latin, hip-hop, and more. She has danced alongside Demi Lovato, Cardi B, and G-Easy in televised appearances, and appeared in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It.” Jacqueline performed as lead soloist in Martha Graham’s Daughters of the Night and is a member of Asha Dance Company. She also teaches dance in Orange County Public Schools in New Jersey.

Megan Powers is a lifelong Usdanite whose family has been educating at Usdan since the inaugural summer of 1968. She joined the Usdan community as a student in 1996, and since then, has worked as a Counselor in Training and Counselor in the Discovery Department, before proudly stepping into the role of Department Chair in 2017. Megan has her Masters degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Long Island University.

Boris Deviatov is an award-winning violinist and conductor. After earning his doctorate of music in his native Ukraine, Boris toured the major concert halls of North America and Europe as a member of the Leontovich String Quartet. He teaches viola at Usdan.

Andrew Ranaudo is an award-winning performer, teacher, and composer. Andrew has played, toured, and recorded with top musicians at historic venues across the United States and Europe. His penchant for contemporary avant-garde music and eclectic artistic partnerships has seen his music played at MOMA PS1, Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, and the Mattress Factory Museum. For the last 18 years, Andrew has maintained an active teaching studio in Brooklyn and he looks forward to another summer teaching piano at Usdan.

Dr. Kegeki Nagao is an acclaimed musician and educator who has performed under conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Sergiu Comissiona, Paul Zukofsky, James DePriest, and Sixten Ehrling. A soloist, orchestral player, and chamber music performer, he has served as principal bass for the Westchester Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, Merrick Symphony, Atlantic Philharmonic, Strauss Symphony of America, Berkshire Opera, and the Transfiguration Chamber Ensemble. He currently directs the string department of Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School, and serves as Double Bass Instructor and Orchestra Director at Usdan.

Mark Bligh is the director of the Denton Ave Elementary Band (Herricks UFSD) where he teaches winds, brass and percussion for grades 3-5. The Denton Ave Band regularly attends NYSSMA Majors and consistently earns Gold with Distinction honors. Mark Bligh is an active NMEA member who has chaired several All-County festivals and presented at the Balanced Mind Conference. The past few years, he conducted the Winds, Brass and Percussion sectional for the NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Orchestra and will conduct the 2018 SCMEA Division 1 Central All-County Band. Mark performs regularly as Principal Alto Saxophone for the Northwinds Symphonic Band, has performed with the Atlantic Wind Symphony as well as various chamber recitals. Mark is a past member of SCMEA and current member of NMEA, NYSSMA, NYSBDA and NafME.

Sue Lehr is a musical director, teacher, and freelance musician, who is returning to Usdan for her 20th summer as cello instructor. Sue served as orchestra director at the Waldorf School for 20 years and continues to teach freelance today. She maintains a teaching studio in Freeport, NY and her quartet performs often at special occasions across Long Island.

James Labrosse is a musician, songwriter, and Usdan guitar teacher. James grew up in a French-Canadian household in a Spanish-speaking neighborhood in South Florida, instilling a love of world music. He moved to Spain when he was 18 to pursue his love of Flamenco music and performance, and went on to graduate from Berklee College of Music.

Claire Ezratty is a current student at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, studying Music Education with concentrations in cello and classical guitar. She has performed and worked in many orchestral programs, including the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York, New York State Summer School for the Arts, the Crane Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, as well as various string festivals on Long Island. Claire gives lessons on beginner cello and guitar with her private music instruction studio and performs avidly in both areas.

Lila Pollack is a NYC based violinist. She made her solo debut at eight years old. Since then she has performed  at venues around the world including Carnegie Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and in countries outside the U.S. including Spain, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Wales, China and Holland.  She received a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music, and graduated from the Royal Academy of Music (UK) with a Masters degree in violin performance. There she earned her licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) teaching certificate and was awarded first place of the Wolfe Wolfinsohn Prize 2011. As well, she has completed the two-year Suzuki certification program at School for Strings. Ms. Pollack is on faculty at Avenues: The World School for Lower and Upper School as both strings teacher and Private Music Lessons Coordinator.

Aaron Korn is a freelance horn player, performer, and educator. He has played alongside the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Symphony, and Allentown Symphony Orchestra. Aaron’s musical credits include Cinderella on Broadway, Rocktopia on Broadway, and the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. He currently teaches in the Music Advancement Program at the Julliard School.

Andrew R. Steinberg is an accomplished saxophonist, lecturer, and educator. In addition to teaching saxophone at Usdan, Andrew is a doctoral candidate at New England Conservatory and serves as Music Director of Megalopolis Saxophone Orchestra. As a music historian, Andrew has revived numerous neglected works and lectured at leading universities and conservatories.

Steve Finklestein is a former park ranger, resident naturalist, environmental educator, and interpretive design consultant. For the past 30 years, he has taught at East Wilson School District. As a musician, Steve is a freelance percussionist who has performed internationally and recorded with acts that include Mariah Carey, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, Dave Valentine, Selena, Randy Brecker, and others. Steve leads Usdan’s Nature, Ecology and Design class.

Karina Aristy is a musician and private string instructor. She first began attending Usdan as a student in 2007 and is now counselor in the camp’s Recreation department. She earned her Usdan Lifer Award in 2017 and enjoys helping Usdan students develop lifelong experiences and friendships in a fun and safe recreational environment.

Edna Gruvman is a dancer, yoga instructor, movement therapist, and proud Usdan alum. For the last decade, Edna has used dance and movement to support children with autism, and taught yoga to young people. Edna danced professionally with contemporary troupes prior to becoming an educator. She is the lead yoga instructor at Usdan.

Michael Janover is a Long Island-based musical director, actor, composer, and arranger. He is passionate about sharing music, and believes it has the power to heal and connect people. Michael enjoys directing theater and performing as a pit orchestra musician, and teaching musical theater at Usdan.

Carolyn Popadin is a teaching artist, actress, and Usdan Musical Theater Director. Her work has brought her into schools and theaters throughout New York City and Long Island. She currently serves as a program director for Broadhollow Theater Company and co-director of the Infinity Arts Studio. She trained professionally with British American Drama Academy and has toured with the National Theatre of Performing Arts.

James Chricton is an actor at Woolly Mammoth Theater Company, Shakespeare Theater Company, Pioneer Theater Company, Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, and Prospect Theatre Company. He tourned nationally with Peter and the Starcatcher and serves as vocal director at Beyond the Stage Studio in Plainview, NY.