Italy Faculty and Staff
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Buongiorno and welcome,
Spending next year in Italy will be one of the most exciting and meaningful educational experiences you will ever have. I know that it may be difficult to study abroad for nine months, but I can guarantee you that it will change your life for the better. Thank you, in advance, for your trust and courage.
I’d like to share with you some information about SYA Italy and about myself. Our school occupies a restored palazzo in Viterbo’s historic city center, complete with 16th-century Italian frescoes adorning the walls. You will live with a hand-picked and carefully screened Italian host family, engage in an exciting curriculum that brings Classics, Italian language and Italian history to life and travel extensively in some of the most interesting parts of this amazing country. SYA Italy’s faculty includes both American and Italian teachers: our English and math teachers hail from excellent independent schools in the United States, while our Italian faculty members are well-versed in teaching American students.
What truly helps describe SYA, however, are the first-hand testimonials of our students. Year after year, our students share how stunning it is to go to school and live in a medieval city; that this ancient culture and modern ways continue to unfold before them and give them pause at the beauty, the paradoxes and the vibrancy of life. They feel travel has opened their eyes to possibilities they could not have imagined; that new relationships have taught them who they are. They experience the great gift of fresh, local produce. They discover that museums and archeological sites are not fixed in time. They understand homework and hard work are as challenging and as satisfying as ever. They learn that acquiring a new language provides a sense of accomplishment that they have never felt before. And they view their lives at home through a new lens.
SYA gives you the opportunity to spend sophomore, junior or senior year of high school, making Italy another place to call home. If you or your parents have any questions about Italy or the program, feel free to contact our Admissions Office at 978.725.6828 who will be glad to answer your questions and tell you about our school in Viterbo and the SYA experience.
Sincerely,
Patrick Scanlon
Resident Director
SYA Italy
![Patrick Scanlon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718307880/sya/epmmtbjwwvtiobfgixfc/IT-Scanlon_Pat.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718307880/sya/epmmtbjwwvtiobfgixfc/IT-Scanlon_Pat.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1718307880/sya/epmmtbjwwvtiobfgixfc/IT-Scanlon_Pat.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1718307880/sya/epmmtbjwwvtiobfgixfc/IT-Scanlon_Pat.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1718307880/sya/epmmtbjwwvtiobfgixfc/IT-Scanlon_Pat.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1718307880/sya/epmmtbjwwvtiobfgixfc/IT-Scanlon_Pat.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Italy
Resident Director
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
The Piazza in Portofino
What is your hidden talent?
I can often catch most anything that falls suddenly and unexpectedly so long as it is not too heavy.
What is your favorite hobby?
Fly fishing in small to medium small streams for wild trout.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Log out and walk everywhere.
![Roberta Baroncini]([{"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!
![Casey Citrin]([{"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
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!
![Dave Lutchner]([{"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!
![Erika Nuccio]([{"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.
![Melanie Margiotta]([{"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.”
![Bill Scott]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1663688001/sya/hlxpdwhrar4n8ozq2csl/BillScottTN.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1663688001/sya/hlxpdwhrar4n8ozq2csl/BillScottTN.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1663688001/sya/hlxpdwhrar4n8ozq2csl/BillScottTN.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1663688001/sya/hlxpdwhrar4n8ozq2csl/BillScottTN.png","width":1080}])
Role at SYA Italy
Math Teacher
Pronouns: He/him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
My favorite place in my home country is Maine, especially its charming coastal towns like Kennebunkport, where the rocky shoreline and historic harbors are unforgettable. I also love the western mountains and lakes around Rangeley, where peaceful forests and crystal-clear waters offer a perfect escape into nature.
What is your hidden talent?
My hidden talent is gardening—I especially enjoy growing vegetables, herbs, and perennial flowers. There's something incredibly satisfying about tending to plants and then harvesting fresh food to enjoy right from the garden. It's both calming and rewarding to watch everything grow and flourish.
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby is fishing, especially fly fishing, which I’m passionate about. I love exploring freshwater rivers and streams for trout and salmon, but casting a fly to striped bass while wading in shallow saltwater is just as thrilling. Both experiences offer a peaceful connection to nature and the excitement of the catch.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
One piece of advice for future SYA students is to embrace every opportunity for experiential learning—you’ll gain as much outside the classroom as you do in it. Immerse yourself fully in the language and culture, even when it feels challenging, because that’s when the most growth happens. Living with a host family is a unique chance to see the world through a different lens and discover new things about yourself in the process. Trust the experience and let it change you in.
![Linda Scanlon]([{"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.
![Santo Sammartino]([{"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.
![Eleonora Trucca]([{"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.
![Alessandra Tuzi]([{"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.
![Francesca Volpe]([{"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.