Jarred Semelmacher

Jarred Semelmacher of Secaucus, N.J. is a Mathematics major following the teacher track and is in the 4+1 Masters of Special Education program. He has a 3.988 GPA, has always been on the Dean’s List every semester, and is in the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honors Society and the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for Education.

At Ramapo, Jarred is the current president of Pi Mu Epsilon and helps organize the induction ceremony. He was also the Mathematics Major representative at various open hours, helping to explain what the major entails, the class layout, and other details surrounding the major to prospective students.

Outside of Ramapo, Jarred has been a substitute teacher for Secaucus Public Schools for over a year and recently been offered a full-time job by them upon graduating. Furthermore, during the summers, he works at the Secaucus Recreation Department’s summer camp as a 1-1 camp counselor, assisting kids with exceptionalities. Additionally, Jarred helps out the other counselors as needed and helps set up various activities for the camp. 

After graduation, Jarred plans to become a full-time high school teacher, earn his master’s, and then go to school to get a Ph.D. in mathematics. 

Taylor Hemmer

Taylor Hemmer of Wantage, N.J. is an Elementary Education major with a Science minor who is enrolled in the Masters of Special Education Program. She has a 3.6 GPA and has made the Dean’s list almost every semester. At Ramapo, Taylor has been active in several organizations and activities, including a member of Kappa Delta Pi, President of Future Teachers At Ramapo, and a Peer Facilitator. This year, Taylor created a new event for FTAR that works closely with a local school to design and construct academic posters and anchor charts for several classrooms, her proudest accomplishment yet!

Taylor has been involved off campus as she began volunteering with Peace by Piece NJ, a nonprofit organization assisting those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also works as a Paraprofessional. 

After Taylor graduates in May of 2023, she plans to become a first grade teacher. Taylor is interested in going back to school for another master’s degree in educational leadership. Her ultimate goal is to become an elementary school principal and make a difference in the lives of children.

Meghan Murphy

Meghan Murphy of Pompton Plains, N.J. is a junior Elementary Education major enrolled in the Master’s in Special Education 4+1 program. She is working to receive her middle school content specialization certification in social studies. She has a 4.0 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. She is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. 

At Ramapo, Meghan is a member of the Future Teachers of America Club and LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Awareness for the Disabled) Club. She is eager to continue her involvement on campus, looking forward to joining Alpha Psi Omega (National Theatre Honor Society) and taking part in community service opportunities through 1Step Environmental Club.

Off campus, Meghan is a teacher’s assistant at a local daycare center where she cares for young children. She is also a member of community musical theatre groups. She hopes to begin substitute teaching in her hometown school district.

Lisa Petrigliano Montany

Lisa Petrigliano Montany raises her two girls, ages 17 and 22, in her Maywood, N.J. home. After a 30 year absence, Lisa has returned to complete her degree in Elementary Education. She proudly achieved a 4.0 in her first semester back. 

She currently works with the Maywood Recreation Department to develop and implement programs for children, adults and senior citizens.

Kimberly Evans

“I hope to get a job as a high school history teacher and eventually go to graduate school to earn my Master’s degree in history,” says Kimberly Evans, a History major in the Teacher Certification Program as well as the College Honors Program. She has a 3.96 GPA.
At Ramapo, Kimberly serves as the secretary for the Future Teachers at Ramapo Club junior year in addition to becoming a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the History Honors Society, and Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. In the spring of 2018, she worked in conjunction with the EOF Program as a Student Supplemental Instructor. She also previously worked at the Jane Addams Papers Project as a transcription assistant.

Currently, Kimberly is a student teacher in a high school history classroom at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, where she would love to become more involved by volunteering to help run a club. Some of her proudest accomplishments include giving a college lecture to Dr. Mustafa’s World Civilizations class and presenting her research at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in November 2018.
Kimberly is from Sayreville, N.J

Nicole Chagachbanian

Nicole Chagachbanian of Oradell, N.J. is a psychology major with a Teacher Education Certification. She has a 3.93 GPA and has made the Dean’s list each semester while at Ramapo. She is co-president of Kappa Delta Pi Honors Society, and a member of Psi Chi, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Golden Key International Honor Society.

On campus, Nicole is the Captain of the Ramapo College Dance Team, and a member of various clubs. She was also chosen to be a mentee in the prestigious Foundation Scholars Mentorship Program by the Board of Governors.

Nicole has been involved in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference as an ambassador and staff member. She regularly volunteers at Valley Hospital and the Adler Aphasia Center, tutors, and substitute teaches. Nicole plans on attending graduate school to pursue pediatric speech language pathology.

Michaella Bermudez

Michaella Bermudez of Westwood, N.J. is a Spanish Language Studies major, and is also completing a teaching certificate in Elementary Education. She has a 3.95 GPA. Michaella has made the Dean’s list each semester while at Ramapo.

At Ramapo, Michaella is part of the Student Ambassador program, where she represents the Spanish Language major. She is involved in the Spanish Honor Society (where she serves as President), and the Spanish club. In 2017, she worked as a research assistant for Dr. Santamaria Laorden on her upcoming book.

Michaella is also involved in the New Jersey Special Olympics and works as a manager and hostess at PJ Finnegan’s, a local Irish pub in Westwood. Michaella is one of six children and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. After graduation she hopes to teach in an urban area/under-served community.

Emily Wisneski

Emily Wisneski of Denville, NJ is a History Major in the Teacher Education Program. She has a 3.95 GPA. She has made the Dean’s list each semester and was recently inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Alpha Theta, and Chi Alpha Sigma honor societies.

At Ramapo, Emily is the captain of the Ramapo College Field Hockey team and also involved in Alpha Phi Omega, the community service fraternity, and the Future Teachers at Ramapo club. Through these activities, Emily has developed a true passion for helping others and giving back to the community, which makes teaching a fitting career choice.

After graduation, Emily plans to become a middle school or high school Social Studies teacher. She would like to remain involved in field hockey and hopefully work as a coach.

Rebeca Gordy

Rebeca Gordy of Ramsey, NJ is obtaining her Teaching Certification.  She has a 4.0 GPA.  Rebeca was accepted into Kappa Delta Pi, the International Society of Education.

Off campus, she volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern NJ.

Mauro Pereira-Mendez

Mauro Pereira-Mendez of Kearny, NJ is a Biology major. He knew he wanted to attend college while growing up in Uruguay. His plan became a reality when he moved to the United States. “The sacrifice my parents make every day is one of the main forces that drive me to succeed,” he said. He is an E-board member of the College Programming Board and was inducted in the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. He is also a discussion facilitator for EOF. Mauro says he relies on financial aid and scholarships to pay for his education and to graduate as debt free as possible. He has a 3.11 grade point average.

Brandon Dolce

Brandon Dolce is in his first year at Ramapo College and is majoring in Environmental Science. He is pursuing teacher certification in Earth Science. Brandon has earned a 3.56 grade point average. He is from West Caldwell, NJ.