
Faculty
Great schools are defined by great teachers
It is the culmination of daily interactions in each classroom that define a successful school. Exceptional teaching is a craft that is honed over years of experience, thoughtful reflection and continuous study. Good teachers can achieve results, but great teachers do more. They know when a student still doesn’t truly understand, even after a correct answer. They ensure that an advanced reader has a continual supply of books at his level, helping to curate a selection of favorites as they build a reading life. With a small class, great teachers can notice when a student is not his/herself, and have the time and ability to take them aside and talk one on one. Great teaching requires a collaborative effort of committed individuals with a shared vision and philosophy.
Each department works closely and frequently to improve the learning experience for their students, largely in Professional Learning Communities—faculty-led weekly meetings that identify areas for growth and implement solutions that are shared with the broader community. School leadership provides the tools necessary for success, including high-level resources, ample time for preparation, actionable feedback, and a joyful learning environment. University partnerships, such as Vanderbilt and Bank Street, provide the expertise and access to national and international best practices.
Take a moment to explore the faculty of each department. Their passion, commitment, expertise and student-focus are what make Fantis and our student achievement possible.
Each department works closely and frequently to improve the learning experience for their students, largely in Professional Learning Communities—faculty-led weekly meetings that identify areas for growth and implement solutions that are shared with the broader community. School leadership provides the tools necessary for success, including high-level resources, ample time for preparation, actionable feedback, and a joyful learning environment. University partnerships, such as Vanderbilt and Bank Street, provide the expertise and access to national and international best practices.
Take a moment to explore the faculty of each department. Their passion, commitment, expertise and student-focus are what make Fantis and our student achievement possible.
Quick Facts
#1
Pre-K-8th Grade School in New York
12
Average years teaching experience
79%
Faculty hold advanced degrees

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Patty Paravalos
PK3 Teacher, Parent '12, '15
Prek3@afantis.org
Prek3@afantis.org

Xariklia Zaimis
UPK Greek Immersion Teacher
upkgi@afantis.org
upkgi@afantis.org

Maria Glander
UPK4 Teacher
upk2@afantis.org
upk2@afantis.org

Evelyn Conde
PK3 Teacher Assistant

Tyler McCown
PK3 Teacher Assistant

Maria Hohlastos
UPK GI Teacher Assistant

Matina Demeli
UPK4 Assistant Teacher

Anna Stamatatos
UPK GI Assistant Teacher

Merkourios Moschovis
Physical Education Teacher
pe@afantis.org
pe@afantis.org

Theo Alvanos
Music & Performing Arts
music@afantis.org
music@afantis.org

Chaeli Quitzau
Art Teacher
art@afantis.org
art@afantis.org

Jeannine Harris
Kindergarten Teacher
kindergarten@afantis.org
kindergarten@afantis.org

Rylie Critcher
1st Grade Teacher
firstgrade@afantis.org
firstgrade@afantis.org

Kayla Sciota
2nd Grade Teacher
secondgrade@afantis.org
secondgrade@afantis.org

Kateri Sanseviro
3rd Grade Teacher
thirdgrade@afantis.org
thirdgrade@afantis.org

Thalia Fasarakis
4th Grade Teacher, Parent '11, '16
fourthgrade@afantis.org
fourthgrade@afantis.org

Savannah Whetsel
5th Grade Teacher
fifthgrade@afantis.org
fifthgrade@afantis.org

Maria Birney
Teacher Assistant
Fantis '76
Fantis '76

Evangelos Chaziroglu
Greek Language & Hellenic Studies
advancedgreek@afantis.org
advancedgreek@afantis.org

Theo Alvanos
Teacher Music & Performing Arts
music@afantis.org
music@afantis.org

Merkourios Moschovis
Physical Education Teacher
pe@afantis.org
pe@afantis.org

Evie Dimitriadou
Primary Greek Teacher
primarygreek@afantis.org
primarygreek@afantis.org

Despoina Patsialidou
Greek Teacher

Chaeli Quitzau
Art Teacher
art@afantis.org
art@afantis.org

Katherine Barron
Teacher Assistant

John Sayfie
English Chair
english@afantis.org
english@afantis.org

John Papadimitriou
Dean of Culture & Students, Science Chair
science@afantis.org
science@afantis.org

William Mound
Middle School Dean, Social Studies Chair
history@afantis.org
history@afantis.org

Patrice Davis
Math Chair
math@afantis.org
math@afantis.org

Merkourios Moschovis
Physical Education Teacher
pe@afantis.org
pe@afantis.org

Evangelos Chaziroglou
Greek Language & Hellenic Studies
advancedgreek@afantis.org
advancedgreek@afantis.org

Theo Alvanos
Music & Performing Arts
music@afantis.org
music@afantis.org

Despoina Patsialidou
Greek Language

Chaeli Quitzau
Art Teacher
art@afantis.org
art@afantis.org

Evangelos Chaziroglou
Upper School Greek Language & Hellenic Studies
advancedgreek@afantis.org
advancedgreek@afantis.org

Evie Dimitriadou
Primary School Greek
primarygreek@afantis.org
primarygreek@afantis.org

Theo Alvanos
Music & Performing Arts
music@afantis.org
music@afantis.org

Despoina Patsialidou
Greek

Chaeli Quitzau
Art Teacher
art@afantis.org
art@afantis.org

Father Evagoras
Dean of the Cathedral
priest@afantis.org
priest@afantis.org

John Strzelecki
Pastoral Assistant
pastoral.assistant@afantis.org
pastoral.assistant@afantis.org

Cayla Berejikian
Director of Auxiliary Programs

Mila Reeves
After School Teacher

Devon Caban
After School Teacher

Leandra DeSuze
After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

After School Teacher

Academics
Academic
Excellencefrom Preschool to Grade 8
Excellence
Preschool
Top 5% Nationwide NAEYC-accredited, play-based learning, and bilingual exposure.
Elementary
Strong foundation in literacy, math, and science with Greek language integration.
Middle School
Advanced coursework, leadership development, and high school readiness.
Hellenic Studies
Greek language, history, and cultural traditions for all students.
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