Following are profiles of some of individuals who have joined the faculty and staff at Cazenovia Schools this year:

Anne Witz joined the staff of the special education department at Cazenovia this fall. Mrs. Witz received her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, her special education certification from LeMoyne College, and her master's degree in reading education from Syracuse. She was a member of the Dean's List in college and was named a member of the Outstanding College Students of America. Mrs. Witz graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School.

Mrs. Witz is a volunteer with the Make A Wish Foundation. She has also volunteered with the United Way Days of Caring where she spent time and painted a rehabilitation center for recovering drug and alcohol patients.

"As I look back through my educational career, there have been several teachers I remember very well," Mrs. Witz said. "It's because of their love of education, coupled with their desire to teach that made them exemplary teachers in my eyes. It is my desire to share with our students these same positive experiences which is why I pursued a career in education."

Mrs. Witz said that as New York State continues to challenge students with new mandates she is excited about working with students striving to meet those new expectations. "The students in Cazenovia are willing to take the extra step and work toward those goals," she said. "I taught in the Syracuse City School District for six years prior to coming to Cazenovia. That experience has allowed me to bring a variety of experiences to better assist our youth toward achieving higher standards."

Mrs. Witz is married and has three step-daughters and two dogs. When she is not teaching Mrs. Witz enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys running, biking, and skiing.

Dawn Olivadoti joined the staff of the special education department this year as a teaching assistant. She has a bachelor of arts degree from Cortland State, a certification in Labor Relations from Cornell, and a dual degree in accounting and labor relations from Onondaga Community College. She attended Jamesville-DeWitt High School where she was active in the school sports program. Prior to entering the education field Mrs. Olivadoti worked in the business world as a labor relations specialist.

"Working in the education field has always been a goal of mine," she said. "As a stay at home mom my family came first and when the time was right I went back to college to earn my teaching certification. Having been a teacher in Cazenovia for three years I've seen many of the special education students grow and develop. This is very rewarding and exciting for me."

Todd Macreery joined the faculty of the fine arts department this year, teaching seventh and eighth grade music and directing the seventh and eighth grade orchestra. Mr. Macreery is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he was the recipient of the George Eastman Scholarship for Excellence in Performance. While attending the University of Rochester he played club ice hockey.

As a student at Somers High School, Mr. Macreery was extremely involved in the music program as a member of the chorus, chamber choir, orchestra, jazz band, and musical theatre. He also found time to participate interscholastic sports as a member of the varsity hockey and soccer teams.

Prior to coming to Cazenovia, Mr. Macreery taught for two years in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. He also worked previously with Northeast Westchester Special Recreation, a group which provides recreational opportunities for citizens with special needs.

When he is not spending time with his fiancee, Julia, Mr. Macreery enjoys playing or watching ice hockey, mountain biking, or "playing whatever musical instrument I can get my hands on."

Leslie Milin joins the faculty at the Middle School as the art teacher, replacing Sydney Regan who recently retired.

Ms. Milin is a graduate of Buffalo State Univeresity where she received a bachelor of art's degree in art education where she received the Stanley Czurles Award for excellence in Art Education. she has also had several art pieces displayed in the Art Education Department Exhibits.

While attending Cazenovia High School, Ms. Milin was a member of the National Honor Society, Teen Institute, the language club, president of the AFS Club, and a member of the varsity field hockey team. as an art student she won the Gold Key Award, a blue ribbon, and an honorable mention in the annual Scholastic Art Show.

Ms. Milin did her student teaching with the Buffalo Public School District as well as Mount St. Joseph Academy, located in Buffalo. In addition to having done some substitute teaching at Cazenovia, Ms. Milin also taught seventh and eighth grade art at Bishop Ludden earlier this year.

After graduating from Cazenovia, Ms. Milin enrolled at New Paltz State University where she was majoring in Political Science/International Relations. During her freshman year she took an art history class which made her realize how much she missed art and subsequently transferred and changed majors.

"Having grown up in Cazenovia and gone to school here, I'm very excited about the opportunity to work along side some of my former teachers," she said.