Principal: Dr. Jeri-Lynn Gatto

Mrs. Jeri-Lynn Gatto graduated from Oakcrest High School in 1975 and returned as a teacher in 1986. She attended Atlantic Community College where she received an associate degree in medical technology, and worked in that field while studying Psychology and pursuing teaching certification at Richard Stockton State College. She taught Psychology, Advanced Placement Government and US History for twelve years and was Oakcrest's Teacher of the Year in 1990.

She attended Temple University where she attained a Master's Degree in Social Studies Education and moved into the position of Supervisor of Social Studies and Performing Arts in 1998. Dr. Gatto received a second Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Widener University in 2004. Dr. Gatto has just completed her doctoral dissertation in Educational Administration at Widener University.

In addition to spending her professional life with high school students who make every day an adventure, she has been an adjunct instructor in the Teacher Education Program at Richard Stockton State College since 1990. Dr. Gatto enjoys attending the occasional concert with her daughter (a 2000 graduate of OHS) and son (currently a senior at OHS), rowing on Lake Lenape, and reading on the beach.

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Vice Principal: Lynda Leahey

Born and raised in our state capital, Trenton, Mrs. Leahey relocated to the south Jersey area shortly after she got married. “I love it here,” she says, “Atlantic county is the perfect place to live, close to the shore and nearby the farms.” She completed most of her education in the Trenton area. She graduated from St. Anthony's High School and her undergraduate degree is in mathematics education from Trenton State College. While she did some graduate work at the University of Maryland, she obtained her masters degree in educational leadership from Rowan University.

Although she has worked as an accountant, most of her professional career has been in education. She has taught mathematics, remedial math, Algebra and Geometry in Columbus, Absecon and Millville, NJ as well as at Stockton College and Atlantic Community College. Before accepting the position of vice principal, Mrs. Leahey taught Geometry and Transitional Math at Absegami High School.

Mrs. Leahey is the vice-principal for sophomore and senior students at Absegami. In this capacity, she helps resolve conflicts and works to maintain behavior within the school. Her other duties include serving as the chairperson of the Professional Development Committee, working closely with the members of the Guidance, Physical Education, Social Studies and Mathematics departments, and supervising the advisors of the National Honor Society, Media Club and both the Sophomore and Senior Class Councils.

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Vice Principal: Michael Wilbraham

Mr. Wilbraham first came to Absegami High School in the fall of 1999 right after the birth of his second daughter. He has loved every day since. He is very impressed with the student body, the academic programs, the athletic and extra-curricular programs and most of all the fantastic staff. “I am proud to serve such a wonderful school.” The diversity that Absegami High School has helps to make it the best school in all of New Jersey.

His duties include discipline for the freshman and sophomore class, chair of the attendance appeal committee, supervisor of the credit completion program, team member for Peer to Peer Transition, oversee the ID badges for faculty and students, and various other functions. He currently resides in Egg Harbor Township with his wife Janet and two daughters Sarah and Lindsay.

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Vice Principal: Meg Gawalis

Ms. Gawalis began her career in education at Absegami High School in 1998. As a special education teacher, Ms. Gawalis taught biology in both the resource room and inclusion settings. Her involvement in various programs and extracurricular activities throughout her teaching career included student council advisor, peer transition advisor, homebound coordinator, and professional development committee member.

Ms. Gawalis earned a Master of Arts in School Administration from Rowan University. She assumed the position of vice principal in July of 2006. As vice principal, her duties include discipline of special education and junior class students, supervision of extracurricular activities, HSPA scheduling, and chair of the technology committee.

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Superintendents

Dr. Adam Pfeffer, GEHRHS Superintendent

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Dr. Steven Ciccariello GEHRHS Asst. Superintendent

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Supervisors

Donna Blair, Supervisor of English, Media, Reading, Drama, and Dance

Ms. Donna Blair joined the Absegami staff in August of 2005. Ms. Blair has had extensive teaching experience ranging from primary grades through graduate level. She holds teaching certifications in English, Elementary Education, and Teacher of the Handicapped. Prior to joining the district's supervisory staff, Ms. Blair taught Language Arts Literacy in the Borough of Spring Lake. Mr. Blair earned BA degree in English/Education from Rutgers University, an MA in Special Education from New Jersey City University, and an MS in Educational Leadership from Monmouth University. Ms. Blair supervises the English, Media, Reading, Drama, and Dance departments in addition to various clubs and activities including the Gami Gazette, Drama Club, and Dance Company.

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Stephen Fortis, Athletic Director and Supervisor of Health & Physical Education

Mr. Fortis grew up in Egg Harbor City and is a 1987 graduate of Absegami. He has been a teacher and coach at both Absegami and Oakcrest since 1993. Mr. Fortis earned his BA from Widener University in 1991 and an MA from Rutgers University in 2005. Mr. Fortis created and taught the Advanced Placement US Government & Politics course and taught the Honors World History classes for the past seven years. He has been an assistant in many sports including football, baseball, wrestling, track & field, cross country and basketball. He was the Student Council advisor for past six years and also advised the Model Congress Club. Mr. Fortis lives in Galloway with his wife and four children.

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David Furgione, Supervisor Science, Business, Music, Home Economics

After serving six years in the US Navy, Mr. Furgione graduated from Glassboro State College with a BA in Biology and Rutgers University with a MA. Mr. Furgione began his career as a teacher at Edgewood High School and in 1984 he began teaching science at Absegami High School. While a teacher, he also coached football and began and advised the Science Club. He has been a Supervisor since 1998 and now supervises Science, Business, Music, and Home Economics and various activities. Mr. Furgione taught at Richard Stockton College and has Co-Directed the Governors School for the Environment. He is proud of the many innovative programs his staff has initiated and the high level of dedication they have. Mr. Furgione enjoys hiking, diving, traveling and spending time with his wife and four children. Mr. Furgione resides in Mays Landing.

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Henry Kobik, Supervisor of Social Studies and World Languages

Mr. Kobik arrived at Absegami in July of 2003. Prior to joining the district's supervisory staff, Mr. Kobik taught Social Studies at Delsea Regional High School. Mr. Kobik earned his BA in History from Montclair State and his MA in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. Mr. Kobik enjoys the outdoors, reading, and traveling. Mr. Kobik is also an avid sports fan. Mr. Kobik's primary responsibility at Absegami is the supervision of the Social Studies and World Languages Departments but additional professional duties include the overseeing of Mock Trial, Model Congress, Model UN, Key Club, Latin Club, and the Academic Team. Additionally, Mr. Kobik is Absegami's Advanced Placement Coordinator.

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Barbara Noll, Supervisor Math and Realted Arts

Ms. Noll started her career in education at Absegami High School 30 years ago. In the first 23 years she taught Reading, Study Skills and Math. She earned her BA from West Chester University and her MA from Rowan University. She enjoys traveling, the beach and spending time with her family and Godchildren. Her primary responsibility is supervising the Mathematics, Related and Fine Arts Departments but additional supervises the Art Club, Photography Club and Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Noll spends much of her professional time as a member of the Professional Development Committee, the Testing Committee and the Technology Committee. She resides in Galloway.

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Robert Quinn, Supervisor of Guidance and Library

Bob Quinn—Supervisor of Guidance and Library. Mr. Bob Quinn was a Special Education Teacher at Oakcrest High School for seven years before moving into the Guidance Department at Absegami High School in 1992. Mr. Quinn earned his Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education at East Stroudsburg University, Special Education certification at Pennsylvania State University and his Mater's Degree and supervisory certification at Rowan University. Mr. Quinn was an assistant baseball coach for 12 years and the Head Baseball Coach at Oakcrest High School for three years. In addition, he also served as an assistant football coach and Peer Mediation advisor. He enjoys working with the entire school community in his role as the Guidance Supervisor. He is proud of the work that the guidance department does in providing supportive services to students and parents through the guidance curriculum. Mr. Quinn is a huge Boston Red Sox fan and enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

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James Yorke, Supervisor of Special Education

After earning his BA, MA in Special Education and Administrative Certifications at Glassboro State College, Mr. Yorke began his educational career at the Winchell Orthopedic Center and the Helmbold Education Center. These programs combined are presently the Special Services School District. He became a member of the Oakcrest High School Faculty as a Cooperative Industrial Education Coordinator and Special Education Teacher. Mr. Yorke joined the Absegami Faculty in 1998 as a Special Education Teacher and taught in the Resource Room and Self Contained Programs. He later became the Supervisor of Special Education. Mr. Yorke's primary responsibilites include monitoring student discipline and behavior, academic progress of students, supervising the teachers and assistants, and working closely with the Child Study Team to provide the accommodations and modifications for the IEPs and programs and services for the students.

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