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the WDS team
A ​Positive Culture
Our staff at WDS understands the importance of creating a warm, safe, fun, and challenging environment for our students. Upon entering the school, you will immediately notice the sense of family, and the positive energy that seems to flow throughout our school. We pride ourselves on providing a truly collaborative and inspiring learning environment.
meet our team
Each Member Brings Something Unique to WDS...
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founder
Dawn Matera, Ed.D.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Samantha Cook M.Ed.
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DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & STUDENT AFFAIRS
Sara Evans
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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Todd Sudora
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DIRECTOR OF student & Family Services
Katie Arsenault
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Dawn Matera, Ed.D.
CO-FOUNDER
Dawn Matera is a Dr. of Education with over 25 years of experience.
She holds a BS in Psychology, a MS is Special Education and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Upon completing a teacher training program and obtaining her Connecticut State Teaching Certification, she taught complex learners, at specialty schools, including Eagle Hill and Winston Preparatory, for more than a decade. In 2008. Dr. Matera founded her first education company, A Way to Learn, which provides tutoring, executive function coaching, and test prep to students. Additionally, in 2013, she co-founded The Westport Day School, a Connecticut state-approved special education school for internalizing students in sixth through twelfth grades.
In her free time, Dr. Matera is an accomplished writer and enjoys reading, traveling, and collecting tiny dogs!
Fun Fact about Dr. Matera: Her hidden talent is interior design. One of her favorite designer brands is Serena & Lily.
She holds a BS in Psychology, a MS is Special Education and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Upon completing a teacher training program and obtaining her Connecticut State Teaching Certification, she taught complex learners, at specialty schools, including Eagle Hill and Winston Preparatory, for more than a decade. In 2008. Dr. Matera founded her first education company, A Way to Learn, which provides tutoring, executive function coaching, and test prep to students. Additionally, in 2013, she co-founded The Westport Day School, a Connecticut state-approved special education school for internalizing students in sixth through twelfth grades.
In her free time, Dr. Matera is an accomplished writer and enjoys reading, traveling, and collecting tiny dogs!
Fun Fact about Dr. Matera: Her hidden talent is interior design. One of her favorite designer brands is Serena & Lily.
Todd Sudora
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
TTodd holds his Associates Degree in Computer Network Operations. Todd began his career IT developing CRM software for a well-known international hotel chain. In 2013 he joined Westport Day School, a therapeutic day school serving students in grades sixth through twelfth, as the Director of Operations and still holds that position today. Along with keeping WDS running day-to-day, Todd is our in-house photographer, art teacher, 3D printer expert and all around fix-it guy.
Todd lives in Shelton with his wife and three dogs, Charlie, Cooper, and Maggie. In his free time he loves taking photos and is an accomplished landscape photographer.
Fun Fact about Todd: If he could choose one superpower it would be telekinesis/ telepathy, like Jean Gray from X-men. He’s a huge comic book nerd!
Todd lives in Shelton with his wife and three dogs, Charlie, Cooper, and Maggie. In his free time he loves taking photos and is an accomplished landscape photographer.
Fun Fact about Todd: If he could choose one superpower it would be telekinesis/ telepathy, like Jean Gray from X-men. He’s a huge comic book nerd!
Mark Beitel, Ph.D.
CO-FOUNDER
Dr. Beitel is a licensed clinical psychologist with 18 years of experience.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Psychology Honors Program at the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts degree from the New School for Social Research, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University. He trained at Bellevue Hospital Center, New York University Medical Center, and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Dr. Beitel received college-specific training in the counseling centers of Fordham University and Northern Arizona University. Post-doctoral work took place at Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Beitel serves as Associate Research Scientist in the Child Study Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. He teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, conducts psychotherapy research, and provides supervision to trainees ranging from college interns to medical residents. Dr. Beitel has authored or coauthored more than 60 peer reviewed scientific articles on personality, psychotherapy, substance use, chronic pain, integrative medicine, and culture.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Psychology Honors Program at the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts degree from the New School for Social Research, and a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University. He trained at Bellevue Hospital Center, New York University Medical Center, and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Dr. Beitel received college-specific training in the counseling centers of Fordham University and Northern Arizona University. Post-doctoral work took place at Yale School of Medicine.
Dr. Beitel serves as Associate Research Scientist in the Child Study Center and as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. He teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, conducts psychotherapy research, and provides supervision to trainees ranging from college interns to medical residents. Dr. Beitel has authored or coauthored more than 60 peer reviewed scientific articles on personality, psychotherapy, substance use, chronic pain, integrative medicine, and culture.
Whitney Matera
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH & DEVELOPMENT
Whitney holds her BA in Mass Communication from California State University, Los Angeles. She began her career working at various creative communications agencies that specialized in PR, event production, digital marketing, and social media. Along with outreach and development she is our in-house social media and marketing manager, and general Jill-of-all-trades here at WDS.
Whitney currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and her Yorkie, Marley. She is a lover of animals, food, a good DIY project, and firmly believes there isn’t much a good cup of coffee can’t fix.
Fun fact about Whitney: She once had her hair styled by Heidi Klum and claims she’s even more beautiful in person.
Whitney currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and her Yorkie, Marley. She is a lover of animals, food, a good DIY project, and firmly believes there isn’t much a good cup of coffee can’t fix.
Fun fact about Whitney: She once had her hair styled by Heidi Klum and claims she’s even more beautiful in person.
Samantha Cook M.Ed.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR
Samantha has been in the education field for over 12 years. She holds her bachelors in psychology from Southern CT State University, a Masters in Education from Sacred Heart University, and a Masters in Special Education from Quinnipiac University. In addition, she holds a certification in Educational Administration.
Along with her role here at WCP, Samantha is also currently the Educational Director and Chief Administrator of the Westport Day School.
Her philosophy is that the best educators are those that are lifelong learners and will be starting her Doctorate degree in the Fall. Sam started her career in education at the elementary level where she taught for 10+ years in kindergarten and 4th grade.
Before coming into education Sam worked at the Kennedy Center providing community inclusive services based on individual preferences to adults 21 + with a variety of disabilities.
Sam is a lifelong resident of Shelton and lives with her Husband and 3 children. In her free time, she loves playing volleyball, doing puzzles, and taking photos of her kids!
Fun Fact: Sam is an avid Disney fan and dreams of living in Cinderella’s castle.
Along with her role here at WCP, Samantha is also currently the Educational Director and Chief Administrator of the Westport Day School.
Her philosophy is that the best educators are those that are lifelong learners and will be starting her Doctorate degree in the Fall. Sam started her career in education at the elementary level where she taught for 10+ years in kindergarten and 4th grade.
Before coming into education Sam worked at the Kennedy Center providing community inclusive services based on individual preferences to adults 21 + with a variety of disabilities.
Sam is a lifelong resident of Shelton and lives with her Husband and 3 children. In her free time, she loves playing volleyball, doing puzzles, and taking photos of her kids!
Fun Fact: Sam is an avid Disney fan and dreams of living in Cinderella’s castle.
Sara Evans
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & STUDENT AFFAIRS
Sara has been with Westport Day School since 2014, and this is her 9th school year with us. As Director of Admissions and Student Affairs, Sara is responsible for the organization and management of the admissions process, acts as registrar, and attends to other responsibilities under the student affairs umbrella.
In her years at WDS, she has been able to watch the program grow and evolve, and she is proud member of the WDS team. Sara has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature.
When she isn’t working, you can find her voraciously reading, spending time outdoors, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen.
In her years at WDS, she has been able to watch the program grow and evolve, and she is proud member of the WDS team. Sara has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature.
When she isn’t working, you can find her voraciously reading, spending time outdoors, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen.
Katie Arsenault
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT & FAMILY SERVICES
Katie has been in education for over 7 years. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in business from University of Bridgeport.
Katie is the Director of Student and Family Services at here at the Westport Day School. Previously she was the Administrative Coordinator to the Educational Director and Chief Administrator.
Katie values her strong relationships with both students and parents.
Fun fact: Katie enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and hiking in her free time.
Katie is the Director of Student and Family Services at here at the Westport Day School. Previously she was the Administrative Coordinator to the Educational Director and Chief Administrator.
Katie values her strong relationships with both students and parents.
Fun fact: Katie enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and hiking in her free time.
Alexandra Grundy, LCSW
SOCIAL WORKER
Alex has been with WDS since 2021. She received her Master of Social Work from Columbia University. She has experience working with teens and adolescents in anxiety treatment and exposure therapy.
She also has experience in a nonprofit setting providing services for adults with severe and prolonged mental illnesses, and most recently worked in hospital discharge planning.
Alex’s passion for advocacy and social justice drives her in her role as a social worker. Alex is an avid reader, traveler, and Star Wars enthusiast.
She also has experience in a nonprofit setting providing services for adults with severe and prolonged mental illnesses, and most recently worked in hospital discharge planning.
Alex’s passion for advocacy and social justice drives her in her role as a social worker. Alex is an avid reader, traveler, and Star Wars enthusiast.
Chelsea Porter
SOCIAL WORKER
Chelsea is in her second year at the Westport Day School. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Marist College and her master's degree in social work from New York University.
Just prior to joining the team at WDS, she was working with children and adolescents with a variety of co-occurring developmental and psychiatric diagnoses at a residential school for students with behavioral health needs. As a certified trauma informed yoga teacher, incorporating mindfulness and movement into the everyday lives of students holds great importance for her.
Chelsea is an avid hiker, reader and artist.
Just prior to joining the team at WDS, she was working with children and adolescents with a variety of co-occurring developmental and psychiatric diagnoses at a residential school for students with behavioral health needs. As a certified trauma informed yoga teacher, incorporating mindfulness and movement into the everyday lives of students holds great importance for her.
Chelsea is an avid hiker, reader and artist.
Ashley Wnuk, M.Ed
ENGLISH TEACHER
Ashley is in her third year here at WDS.
Ashley is originally from Rhode Island. She graduated from Pace University in 2013. She has a Master's degree in special education and is certified in Special Education and History. Ashley previously taught in the Bronx and is on her 7th year of teaching.
Fun fact about Ashley: She loves reading anything with a plot twist.
Ashley is originally from Rhode Island. She graduated from Pace University in 2013. She has a Master's degree in special education and is certified in Special Education and History. Ashley previously taught in the Bronx and is on her 7th year of teaching.
Fun fact about Ashley: She loves reading anything with a plot twist.
Joan Van Geldern, M.Ed.
SCIENCE TEACHER
This is Joan’s fourth year as a Science Teacher here at WDS!
Joan received her Bachelors of Science Degree from Washington State University in Biology/Chemistry and a Masters Degree in Biology from Clemson University. She has been teaching science for 20 years on a high school and university level. Joan lives on a small farm and brings in eggs each spring for the students to hatch in the classroom.
She teaches biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science here at WDS and enjoys helping the students to learn and experience these sciences!
Joan received her Bachelors of Science Degree from Washington State University in Biology/Chemistry and a Masters Degree in Biology from Clemson University. She has been teaching science for 20 years on a high school and university level. Joan lives on a small farm and brings in eggs each spring for the students to hatch in the classroom.
She teaches biology, chemistry, physics and environmental science here at WDS and enjoys helping the students to learn and experience these sciences!
Kaitlyn Keegan
MENTAL HEALTH PARA PROFESSIONAL
This Kaitlyn’s first year with WDS as a mental health paraprofessional. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina.
While she was student teaching, she found that I loved the psychology behind teaching and learning and valued the mental health and well-being of my students more than anything else. This changed her entire career path, and she is now pursuing her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist.
She is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University where she is working toward her Master of Science in Child and Developmental Psychology. She is beyond excited to bring what she is learning into the school.
She loves to play the guitar, paint, and study new languages.
While she was student teaching, she found that I loved the psychology behind teaching and learning and valued the mental health and well-being of my students more than anything else. This changed her entire career path, and she is now pursuing her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist.
She is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University where she is working toward her Master of Science in Child and Developmental Psychology. She is beyond excited to bring what she is learning into the school.
She loves to play the guitar, paint, and study new languages.
Nick Targonski, M.Ed.
HISTORY/SPECIAL EDUCATION
Nick has been working at WDS for 5 years.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary History Education and a master's degree in Special Education. Through his education and experience, Nick uses a relational model in class to support students with being able to engage in the lessons.
Outside of WDS, Nick is passionate about Dungeons and Dragons, hiking, and cooking.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary History Education and a master's degree in Special Education. Through his education and experience, Nick uses a relational model in class to support students with being able to engage in the lessons.
Outside of WDS, Nick is passionate about Dungeons and Dragons, hiking, and cooking.
Jessica Hughes
ART TEACHER
Jessica has been teaching art for over 14 years in various settings including schools, summer camps, art museums, and studios. She is a practicing mixed media abstract artist, and she enjoys sharing her artwork with others as well as exhibiting in galleries. Miss Hughes attended Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA, followed by her master's degree in art education with Salem State University.
When she isn't teaching or painting, she enjoys writing, swimming, and spending time with her family. Her favorite colors are purple, pink and turquoise, her favorite artist is Jean-Michel Basquiat, her favorite bubble tea flavor is Thai Iced Tea, and her favorite places to visit are Ireland, Japan, New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and the HMart in Hartsdale.
When she isn't teaching or painting, she enjoys writing, swimming, and spending time with her family. Her favorite colors are purple, pink and turquoise, her favorite artist is Jean-Michel Basquiat, her favorite bubble tea flavor is Thai Iced Tea, and her favorite places to visit are Ireland, Japan, New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and the HMart in Hartsdale.
Joey Liebowitz, M.Ed.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Joey has been a teacher since 2018. He started his career teaching History in New York City. While teaching, he also earned his Masters Degree in Special Education.
After three years of teaching in NYC, he decided to teach in Westchester, NY as a Special Education teacher. After a year, he made the move to the great state of Connecticut and is now teaching middle school classes at WDS!
Fun facts about john: He has traveled to four continents, won a state championship in basketball back in high school, and is an avid chess player!
His next goal is to eventually earn his Educational Doctorate. He strives everyday to be the best educator he can be!
After three years of teaching in NYC, he decided to teach in Westchester, NY as a Special Education teacher. After a year, he made the move to the great state of Connecticut and is now teaching middle school classes at WDS!
Fun facts about john: He has traveled to four continents, won a state championship in basketball back in high school, and is an avid chess player!
His next goal is to eventually earn his Educational Doctorate. He strives everyday to be the best educator he can be!
John Letts
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/SPECIAL EDUCATION
John is the Movement and Mindfulness teacher here at Westport Day School. John has been with WDS since 2021.
John has his bachelor's in health and physical education from CCSU. He currently attends SCSU where he is getting his master's in special education with a focus in ASD.
John loves watching movies and playing video games in his spare time. He also enjoys being outdoors, hiking and snowboarding with his wife and one year old son.
John has his bachelor's in health and physical education from CCSU. He currently attends SCSU where he is getting his master's in special education with a focus in ASD.
John loves watching movies and playing video games in his spare time. He also enjoys being outdoors, hiking and snowboarding with his wife and one year old son.
Natalie Groves, M.Ed.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/SPECIAL EDUCATION
This is Natalie’s first year here at WDS.
Natalie holds her Bachelor’s Degree in New Media Design from The State University of New York College at Cortland and is currently receiving her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Fairfield University. Natalie teaches tennis in Fairfield County and has experience working as a paraprofessional in both East Haven and Fairfield Public Schools.
Natalie is a lover of everything outdoors, coffee in all its variations, music, and design and she knows all the lyrics to the entire Hamilton soundtrack.
Natalie holds her Bachelor’s Degree in New Media Design from The State University of New York College at Cortland and is currently receiving her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Fairfield University. Natalie teaches tennis in Fairfield County and has experience working as a paraprofessional in both East Haven and Fairfield Public Schools.
Natalie is a lover of everything outdoors, coffee in all its variations, music, and design and she knows all the lyrics to the entire Hamilton soundtrack.
Patricia Zito, M.Ed.
MATH/SPECIAL EDUCATION
Patty is in her second year here at WDS.
She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut, a Master's from Sacred Heart, and is currently pursuing a second Master's at Quinnipiac. She has worked in education for over 15 years experience in education in both public and private schools. She believes that every student can learn every day just not all in the same way and strives to model her classroom that way.
Patty enjoys spending time with her 3 adult daughters and her dog Dasher. She is an avid reader and can be found reading on the beach in her spare time.
She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut, a Master's from Sacred Heart, and is currently pursuing a second Master's at Quinnipiac. She has worked in education for over 15 years experience in education in both public and private schools. She believes that every student can learn every day just not all in the same way and strives to model her classroom that way.
Patty enjoys spending time with her 3 adult daughters and her dog Dasher. She is an avid reader and can be found reading on the beach in her spare time.
Wendy Wyler
FULL TIME SUBSTITUTE
Wendy is in her first year here at WDS.
She received her Masters in Fine Arts from Fairfield University. She received her MFA in Creative Writing and has experience teaching undergraduate courses at the college level. Wendy received her bachelor's in psychology from Connecticut State University and has worked for Birth-Three and in special education at the High School level. Wendy has also worked for a nonprofit where she advocated for adults with severe mental illness by helping them access healthcare resources within their community.
Wendy has two children on the autism spectrum and is passionate about advocating for autism awareness and inclusion. Wendy enjoys writing, drawing and hiking the beautiful woods in Weston, CT with her two children.
She received her Masters in Fine Arts from Fairfield University. She received her MFA in Creative Writing and has experience teaching undergraduate courses at the college level. Wendy received her bachelor's in psychology from Connecticut State University and has worked for Birth-Three and in special education at the High School level. Wendy has also worked for a nonprofit where she advocated for adults with severe mental illness by helping them access healthcare resources within their community.
Wendy has two children on the autism spectrum and is passionate about advocating for autism awareness and inclusion. Wendy enjoys writing, drawing and hiking the beautiful woods in Weston, CT with her two children.
Sara Stanisci
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Sara comes from a background of 9 +years in the Special education field working as a paraprofessional in the public schools and privately with families in need. She is currently in school working towards her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
She loves working with students and is excited about her new role here at WDS building relationships with the students and families.
In her free time she enjoys playing with her 200lb English Mastiff Walter.
She loves working with students and is excited about her new role here at WDS building relationships with the students and families.
In her free time she enjoys playing with her 200lb English Mastiff Walter.