Italy Faculty and Staff
Hero Banner - 3 Photos
Buongiorno and welcome,
It takes real courage to leave behind everything you know to live and study in Italy for a semester or a year. But when you take that leap of faith, you will discover what so many of our current and past students know - the adventure of SYA Italy will change your life.
You and your classmates from all over the United States will dive headfirst into the Italian language and culture. You will taste the perfection of a cornetto and cappuccino while people-watching in your favorite Viterbo piazza. You will use your knowledge from your Art History class to consider the column placement in Piazza San Pietro at the Vatican. You will help your host mother make pasta so fresh it will ruin all other pasta for you. On your way to your after-school soccer practice or cooking class, you will walk the cobbled streets of the medieval walled city that SYA Italy calls home while searching for Latin inscriptions and Eutruscan artifacts. You and your friends will sing an Italian song you learned in Italian language class as the 16th century frescoes that adorn our school walls listen intently. In short, you will experience the unique magic of SYA Italy.
Your guides on your journey, both during school and during school travel, will be a caring, experienced group of Italian and American teachers who will keep you on track for your future studies while helping you explore pathways to new interests and passions.
If calling SYA Italy home for a semester or school year sounds like your adventure, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Office at 978-725-6828.
Sincerely,
Brad Park
School Director
SYA Italy
![A white man with short hair wears a blue shirt and stands in front of framed maps]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782910749/sya/hhcpcw4zsmyntntknuzz/BradPark.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782910749/sya/hhcpcw4zsmyntntknuzz/BradPark.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782910749/sya/hhcpcw4zsmyntntknuzz/BradPark.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782910749/sya/hhcpcw4zsmyntntknuzz/BradPark.jpg","width":838}])
Role at SYA Italy
School Director
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
The fish market in Catania, Sicily.
What is your hidden talent?
I am a great finder of lost objects.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading (and napping) in a hammock.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Embrace and celebrate confusion tolerance!
![A white woman stands facing the camera smiling, she has glasses and short brown hair. She has a black and white pattern top]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634909761/sya/j4fvqiypciqtzw7secyc/IT-Baroncini_Roberta.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634909761/sya/j4fvqiypciqtzw7secyc/IT-Baroncini_Roberta.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634909761/sya/j4fvqiypciqtzw7secyc/IT-Baroncini_Roberta.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634909761/sya/j4fvqiypciqtzw7secyc/IT-Baroncini_Roberta.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634909761/sya/j4fvqiypciqtzw7secyc/IT-Baroncini_Roberta.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1634909761/sya/j4fvqiypciqtzw7secyc/IT-Baroncini_Roberta.jpg","width":1617}])
Role at SYA Italy
Administrative Assistant
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
I don't just have a favorite place in Italy. I love the white sandy beaches of Sardinia as well as the snow-covered mountains of Valle D'Aosta. Sicily, with its history, culture and food is close to my heart, but I never say no to a trip around the magical Tuscan countryside. For me, it is impossible to have just a favorite place in Italy since every part of it tells a story.
What is your hidden talent?
Maybe I should ask others about that ;)
What is your favorite hobby?
Photography is a constant companion, but I also enjoy reading, and walking and gardening when the weather is not too hot or too cold.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Try as much as possible "to let go." Your home, family and friends will all be there for you when you go back. The short time you will be abroad will pass very quickly and you should make the most of this time to be curious and discover as much as possible about the different culture. You are in no way renouncing your own identity; you will be enriching it with new experiences, knowledge and friends. CARPE DIEM!
![Headshot of a white woman with blonde hair and a scarf]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749135540/sya/bfei1qztvionf0m7iqvi/CaseyC.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749135540/sya/bfei1qztvionf0m7iqvi/CaseyC.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749135540/sya/bfei1qztvionf0m7iqvi/CaseyC.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749135540/sya/bfei1qztvionf0m7iqvi/CaseyC.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749135540/sya/bfei1qztvionf0m7iqvi/CaseyC.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749135540/sya/bfei1qztvionf0m7iqvi/CaseyC.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Italy
English Teacher
Home School
Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Yellowstone and Channel Islands National Parks, Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
What is your hidden talent?
I’m good at spotting wild animals.
What is your favorite hobby?
Kayaking and backpacking.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Embrace all the experiences you have abroad. Even in moments of discomfort, you are learning and growing!
![A white male with glasses stands smiling facing the camera. He Has grey and brown hair and is wearing a blue shirt.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634909762/sya/u4fheoejeada4tkugwms/IT-Lutchner_Dave.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634909762/sya/u4fheoejeada4tkugwms/IT-Lutchner_Dave.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634909762/sya/u4fheoejeada4tkugwms/IT-Lutchner_Dave.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634909762/sya/u4fheoejeada4tkugwms/IT-Lutchner_Dave.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1634909762/sya/u4fheoejeada4tkugwms/IT-Lutchner_Dave.jpg","width":1497}])
Role at SYA Italy
Extracurriculars Coordinator
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
My back garden, I have a view of the mountains and the sea. Capalbio beach in the summer, the Dolomites in the winter.
What is your hidden talent?
I cook fusion food (much con fusion). I sing, therefore people tell me I'm a singer.
What is your favorite hobby?
Making music
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Soak up everything, don't miss a moment, you cannot get the moment back!
![A woman with glasses stands smiling and facing the camera. She has shoulder length black hair and is wearing a blue shirt.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634909760/sya/vfn1uxrtfgc8qgtcjgta/IT-Nuccio_Erika.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634909760/sya/vfn1uxrtfgc8qgtcjgta/IT-Nuccio_Erika.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634909760/sya/vfn1uxrtfgc8qgtcjgta/IT-Nuccio_Erika.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634909760/sya/vfn1uxrtfgc8qgtcjgta/IT-Nuccio_Erika.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1634909760/sya/vfn1uxrtfgc8qgtcjgta/IT-Nuccio_Erika.jpg","width":1328}])
Role at SYA Italy
Experiential Italian Language Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Sicily
What is your hidden talent?
Organizing theme parties
What is your favorite hobby?
Cooking
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Every goal is possible if you have the right motivation.
![A white man stands in a blue shirt by a large lake.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782911322/sya/jqk72roi4twn2nd9o3qr/KevinMylod.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782911322/sya/jqk72roi4twn2nd9o3qr/KevinMylod.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782911322/sya/jqk72roi4twn2nd9o3qr/KevinMylod.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782911322/sya/jqk72roi4twn2nd9o3qr/KevinMylod.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1782911322/sya/jqk72roi4twn2nd9o3qr/KevinMylod.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1782911322/sya/jqk72roi4twn2nd9o3qr/KevinMylod.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Italy
Math Teacher
Home School
Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, PA
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Rust Pond-Wolfeboro, NH.
What is your hidden talent?
I remember the theme songs to many TV shows from the 70's and 80's. Is that a talent?!
What is your favorite hobby?
Hiking and tennis.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be challenging, but if you do, boy will you reap the benefits!
![Woman sits smiling facing the camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754927288/sya/khnyfuinqut8aquchq7x/MelanieMargiotta.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1754927288/sya/khnyfuinqut8aquchq7x/MelanieMargiotta.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1754927288/sya/khnyfuinqut8aquchq7x/MelanieMargiotta.png","width":776}])
Role at SYA Italy
Student Life Coordinator
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
My favorite place is the patio at my parents' house. It's full of light, plants, orchids and surrounded by their beautiful garden - which sometimes feels truly enchanted.
Some of the most meaningful welcomes, long-awaited hugs and goodbyes of my life have happened right there. It's Home.
What is your hidden talent?
I love taking spontaneous photos and apparently, I’m surprisingly good at capturing moments at weddings! ;)
What is your favorite hobby?
I love baking cakes and desserts, and drawing whenever I feel inspired!
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Celebrate every step forward, even the "tiny" ones - especially when something feels tough.
Cheer for yourself like you would for your best friend. And if at any point you feel lost, stuck, or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone in this, and you’ll be surprised by how many people are ready to support you.
By the end of this experience you will look back and realize: “Wow, I really did that. And it was all me.”
![A woman stands smiling and facing the camera, she has long grey and black hair and is wearing a blue shirt.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634909761/sya/id35sakjedinlcr9zc4o/IT-Scanlon_Linda.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634909761/sya/id35sakjedinlcr9zc4o/IT-Scanlon_Linda.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634909761/sya/id35sakjedinlcr9zc4o/IT-Scanlon_Linda.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634909761/sya/id35sakjedinlcr9zc4o/IT-Scanlon_Linda.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1634909761/sya/id35sakjedinlcr9zc4o/IT-Scanlon_Linda.jpg","width":1390}])
Role at SYA Italy
College Counseling Liaison, Applied Agroecology Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Orvieto
What is your hidden talent?
Problem solver
What is your favorite hobby?
Gardening
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
If you carefully observe everything around you, you will realize that no matter where you are, you are surrounded by beauty.
![A man stands smiling and facing the camera, he has white hair and a light beard. He is wearing a blue shirt.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634909760/sya/bhih2dywbur99slaudmq/IT-Sammartino_Santo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634909760/sya/bhih2dywbur99slaudmq/IT-Sammartino_Santo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634909760/sya/bhih2dywbur99slaudmq/IT-Sammartino_Santo.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634909760/sya/bhih2dywbur99slaudmq/IT-Sammartino_Santo.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1634909760/sya/bhih2dywbur99slaudmq/IT-Sammartino_Santo.jpg","width":1367}])
Role at SYA Italy
Ancient History, AP Latin Language and Greek Language Teacher
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Rome
What is your hidden talent?
I enjoy to listen.
What is your favorite hobby?
Biking
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Follow your heart and come to Italy.
![A woman stands facing the camera with glasses on top of her brown hair. She wears a pink turtleneck]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1639161817/sya/yp1uje1itxuumjfe6u06/IT-Trucca_Eleonora.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1639161817/sya/yp1uje1itxuumjfe6u06/IT-Trucca_Eleonora.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1639161817/sya/yp1uje1itxuumjfe6u06/IT-Trucca_Eleonora.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1639161817/sya/yp1uje1itxuumjfe6u06/IT-Trucca_Eleonora.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1639161817/sya/yp1uje1itxuumjfe6u06/IT-Trucca_Eleonora.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1639161817/sya/yp1uje1itxuumjfe6u06/IT-Trucca_Eleonora.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Italy
Host Family Coordinator
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Sicily
What is your favorite hobby?
Travel
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Go outside your comfort zone.
![A woman stands smiling and facing the camera, she has brown curly hair and a green top.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634909762/sya/apy9getbxfwgmz3z7ina/IT-Tuzi_Alessandra.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634909762/sya/apy9getbxfwgmz3z7ina/IT-Tuzi_Alessandra.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634909762/sya/apy9getbxfwgmz3z7ina/IT-Tuzi_Alessandra.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634909762/sya/apy9getbxfwgmz3z7ina/IT-Tuzi_Alessandra.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1634909762/sya/apy9getbxfwgmz3z7ina/IT-Tuzi_Alessandra.jpg","width":1547}])
Role at SYA Italy
Italian Language Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Sicily
What is your hidden talent?
If I have one, it's hidden to me too!
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Not my words, but my philosophy: the mind is like a parachute: it works only when it is open.
![A woman with long black hair smiles at the camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1690208251/sya/jcslsciq11efghstvepl/FrancescaVolpe.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1690208251/sya/jcslsciq11efghstvepl/FrancescaVolpe.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1690208251/sya/jcslsciq11efghstvepl/FrancescaVolpe.png","width":800}])
Role at SYA Italy
Global Citizenship and Italian Language Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
My favorite place is Rome, even if it's always so full of people, it's my favorite place in the world, especially the neighborhood called "Garbatella".
What is your hidden talent?
Transforming regular recipes into gluten free recipes.
What is your favorite hobby?
I love reading and I like getting to know more about any topic, from astrology to occupational psychology.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Enjoy every moment you experience here because it will be unique and you will never have the opportunity to have such an experience again. Be brave, take advantage of everything that comes to you because you will no longer be a young student living on the other side of the world.