Erie 1 BOCES Monthly Spotlight: June 2022

Hello my name is Stephanie Baxter  (soon-to-be Stephanie Fabiny!) I was named after my great grandma, Stephanie. My maiden name was "Kitrenos" which is Greek and means "Yellow".

I am a coordinator of professional development and learning on the E-team for Erie 1 BOCES. I have been here at BOCES for almost 5 years now! I specialize in providing professional development on topics related to Special Education supports and instruction for students with disabilities. Additionally, I provide professional learning opportunities around the topics of Social Emotional Learning, Behavioral Interventions & Supports and Restorative Practices.

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I currently reside in the Getzville-Amherst area, with my 8 year old daughter Emma, my fiancé Mack and our 3 fur babies (2 dogs and 1 cat). I'm an only child, raising an only child who was raised by an only child! Running is one of my hobbies - I love to go for a run every day, either before or after work.

I think my close friends and family would describe me as a people person, outgoing, usually energetic and very loyal! And of course a huge Buffalo BILLS fan!! GO BILLS!

Hello my name is Sean Christopher. Although my parents picked Sean for my name, the spelling was "inspired" by Sean Connery because my dad was a huge James Bond, 007, fan. Growing up, I was often called "seen" because the spelling was fairly rare at the time.

I am a technology coordinator with CSLO/Model School. I have been employed with Erie 1 BOCES for 13 ½ years.  My main job is working with Pilots and Innovative Projects by taking the newest technology into schools. I work with a lot of robotics, coding, 3D printing and many other devices that can be used in k-12 classrooms. I love expanding teachers' knowledge and abilities surrounding technology. My hope is that by increasing their comfort level with technology, that they will be inspired to create fresh and exciting lessons for their students. Thereby,  reigniting their love of teaching and cultivating their students' love of learning!  

I was born and raised in Western New York. I have lived in a handful of places in the Western New York area, but settled back in the community I was raised in. I am the youngest of four children and my parents have been married for almost 60 years! I come from a family of teachers with 6 currently being in education. My wife and I have 3 children of our own ranging from 15-19 years old. Although I take any opportunity to spend time with my kids whenever possible, my true love is just being outdoors. Hunting, fishing, cutting wood, yardwork, snowmobiling; .any excuse to be outside! I like to consider myself "self-sufficient." There is not much that I can't or won’t do. I am skilled in auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and construction. Growing up in my house, you had no other choice but to be well rounded. Having knowledge is everything! I love anything with a motor, and I have a special interest in antique cars. My wife and I had our first date in a 1931 Ford Model A and were also married in that car. I love to coach and have coached multiple sports, including baseball, football, softball, and swimming.

My friend and close family would most likely describe me as outgoing, helpful, and loyal. My wife says I should say "no" more often.

Hello my name is Joe Roaldi. I have 3 years of service with Erie 1 BOCES. I am on the Eteam and part of the Technology Services Department. In this capacity I hold a supervisory position that oversees professional development, leadership and mentoring opportunities. I am also responsible for overseeing CSLO/Model Schools. In this capacity I guide a team of 16 coordinators that work with 104 districts across WNY and provide training around technology integration. The best thing about my job is the team of people that I work with daily. The work that my team does makes this job something to truly be proud of. We provide support and guidance to districts that directly benefit students on a daily basis. That is what it is all about for me!

Prior to working at BOCES, I was the principal of a local Catholic School. I was at the RIC for a meeting that brought the Diocesan Principals together with local School districts to assist in the Title Paperwork completion. During the meeting, I was talking to Mike Amici who told me about an open position on Erie 1 BOCES  E team.  I applied, was hired, and started as a technology coordinator on the E Team. One year(ish) later, I was given the supervisor position on the team.

I was born in Rochester, NY but grew up in Lancaster, NY.  with my sister and brother. I attended Canisius College for undergraduate and earned a degree in Secondary Math Education. Then went on to earn a Masters degree in Differentiated Instruction, and a SBL certificate. I am married to my beautiful wife of 8 years and we have an amazing 3 year old son named Jaxon!  I am a hockey lover! I played in my younger years, coached and refereed. My favorite sports teams are the Buffalo Sabres and of course the Buffalo Bills!I would hope those close to me would describe me as kind, loyal, and supportive!

Hello my name is Tatiana Royster. I am new to Erie 1 BOCES, having worked here for under a year. I  work in the technology services sexual health division for BOCES, as an outreach liaison. Before BOCES, I worked in pre-school as an educator and care provider for about four years; it has easily been one of the most rewarding career opportunities I’ve had thus far. I am also a small business owner as I own and operate a small body waxing studio, with hopes of manufacturing my own skin care and wellness line. One of the things I love about my job here at BOCES is the fact that I can work directly with the youth in the community and feel like I am making a real difference, as these relate directly to my passions in education and youth advocacy. 

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I've also lived in Kingston, NY for a short period of time; a small city about 45 minutes outside of New York City. Here I developed my love of sports and almost anything that keeps me active. After moving back to Buffalo, I attended Mount Mercy Academy, and through many ambassador programs, clubs, and volunteer work, I realized my true passion for education and community engagement. I love football and enjoy football Sunday's with my friends and family. I am 100% Bills Mafia, and I would consider myself a die hard Bills fan! I enjoy pretty much anything outdoors and consider myself a Sunday brunch connoisseur. In the summers you’ll find me on hiking trails, brewery and cafe patios, Sunday brunching with my girls or these days training my new double-doodle puppy Woof.  An interesting fact about myself that many may not know is that I am a bartender at The Draft Room Buffalo, which I absolutely love and that I am also a spoken word artist and I frequent open mic nights in my spare time.

I think my friends and family would describe me as outgoing and enthusiastic, orderly yet unpredictable and a tad bit “extra” because as care-free and fun loving as I am, I love the fabulous things in life; everything can use a little pink, glitter and gold. I am very optimistic for my future here at BOCES. Go Bills!

Hello my name is Renee Sossong-Brady. I was named after Rene Robert,  former Buffalo Sabre, of the French Connection. I have been an employee at Erie 1 BOCES for just over 4 years now. I am a part of the Technology Services Department, on the Eteam. I am a technology services IRT & CSLO coordinator that specializes in Science, STEM Integration, Early Learning, and Play Based Learning. One of the best parts of my job is supporting and advocating for teachers. In addition, it ignites the life long learner in me. Each day provides an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge, which is so exciting this late in my career! I would have to say the absolute BEST part of my job though is being a part of an awesome team, & surrounded by  brilliant people!

I was born and raised in Lockport.  I have 7 siblings, all brothers! I fall in the middle- ish for baby order.  A fun fact about me that many may not know is that I am a 2 time Ironman Finisher! For fun I love  participating in triathlons, gardening, creating art, and DIY projects.

I live with my 2 children. My son is 24 and a manager of a local AutoZone Store. My daughter is 21 and finishing her Junior year at Buffalo State College, where she is studying to be a teacher. We have 2 fur babies,  a rescued dog named  Dexter and a rescued cat named Layla Louise. 

My family and close friends would most likely describe me as kind, outgoing, a risk taker, independent, creative, positive, quirky, honest, and driven!