Title: Head of Lower School 

Location: Alumni Hall

Department: Administration

The Academy has appointed Ms. Karina Cruz as our new Head of Lower School beginning July 1, 2023. 

Karina Cruz is an educator with over two decades of experience in independent schools across New York and New Jersey. She has held various administrative roles including Admissions Director at Waterfront Montessori and Head of Children’s House at Metropolitan Montessori School. Throughout her career, Karina has demonstrated a strong commitment to curriculum development, teacher mentorship and professional development, and building partnerships centered around each student in her division. 

Originally from Manila, Philippines, Karina obtained a BA in Legal Management from De La Salle University and a Master’s degree in Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines. Karina made a big career change when she decided to pursue her Master's degree and Montessori certification from Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington, after working as a banker at Citibank. 

During her visit to Staten Island Academy, Ms. Cruz was struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the school and the generosity and dedication of the faculty and staff she met. Ms. Cruz is eager and excited to work with the Lower School team, meet the students and their families and make meaningful contributions to the community.

Title: Lower School Administrative Assistant

Location: Alumni Hall

Department: Administration

Mrs. Esposito is a native Staten Islander, and has been an office manager for the last 12 years for a women owned business on Staten Island. She was excited to start a new journey as the Lower School Administrative Assistant in 2022, especially since she will be working with children as she is a mother of 5 herself. She is responsible for assisting the Lower School Director, faculty, and students from Pre-K3 through Grade 4 in both the Early Childhood Building and Alumni Hall.