First Grade Teachers
101, Ms. Leto
Hello! I am Ms. Leto and I am from the Albany area of upstate New York. I come from a family of teachers and have always had a passion for working with children and teaching. I got my undergraduate degree from the University at Albany in Human Development, and my Master's degree in General Education, Special Education, and Literacy from the University at Albany. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, and spending time with my family and friends, and pets! cleto2@schools.nyc.gov
102, Ms. Diffley
I am an elementary school teacher. I received my undergraduate degree from St John's University and my graduate degree from Queens College. I was born in Queens but live on Long Island. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 5 children.
pdiffley@schools.nyc.gov
103, Ms. Russell
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. Born and raised in Queens, I am a proud alumni of St. John's University. I received both my Bachelor's and Master's from SJU. I believe that every child can learn, and I look forward to seeing all of our wonderful students each day. I have been part of the PS120 SLT (School Leadership Team) since 2020, and I am proud to be a Flushing Dragon. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, making memories with my son and daughter, Trader Joes, baking, anything and everything that is Disney, Hello Kitty, and of course coffee! crussell10@schools.nyc.gov
103, Ms. Valsamis
I was born in Connecticut but grew up in Long Island. I have been teaching for 17 years and started working at PS 120 in 2014. I graduated from Saint John's University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially with my son Nikolas. I also enjoy running, listening to music and traveling with my family. pvalsamis@schools.nyc.gov
104, Ms, Su
105, Ms, Bello
106, Ms. Hassin
108, Ms. Schaefer
Currently I call Oyster Bay home but my Queens accent is proof my first home was Flushing, NY. Before joining PS120Q in 2014 as a special education teacher, I worked with children with autism in a private school. I attended SUNY Old Westbury and graduated with a dual major in childhood and special education. Followed by receiving my masters at CUNY Queens College in early childhood special education. In my free time I enjoy walking my dog on the beach, gardening and hosting pool parties in my back yard with my husband and son.
Eschaefer3@schools.nyc.gov