Meet our Leadership Team
LeeRose Bedell
Educational Supervisor
LeeRose Bedell (sign name L- on the face, next to the mouth) is the Educational Supervisor for SFDS. She began her journey in the field of education back in July 2006, when she took on the role of a teacher’s assistant here at SFDS. What started as a summer job quickly turned into a full-time position, all because she immediately fell in love with the students and their amazing potential. LeeRose decided to take the next step and became a certified Teacher of the Deaf (TOD), graduating in 2015 from Hunter College with her MS in Deaf Education. Many years later, she continued her educational journey and graduated in 2022 from Hunter College with an Advanced Certificate in Behavior Disorders.
Janelle Brown
Communication & Language Supervisor
Janelle Brown (sign name J – wave it back and forth over other forearm, like signing ‘music’) is the Communication & Language Department Supervisor at SFDS. Janelle is a NY state and ASHA certified speech-language pathologist (CCC-SLP), Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD), and School Building Leader (SBL). She has been practicing for 14 years. She received her BA in English from Spelman College and MA in Speech-Language Pathology from Howard University. Janelle also holds an Advanced Certificate in School Building Leadership from St. John’s University. Before working in her current role at SFDS, Janelle has worked in a variety of settings servicing preschool, school age, and adolescents with Autism and varying disabilities and as a private clinician and evaluator. Before becoming a speech language pathologist, Janelle worked as an assistant at charter schools and early childhood intervention centers in Washington District of Columbia.
Beverly Rogers
Pupil Personnel Services Supervisor
Beverly Rogers (sign name B- moves from Left to Right, outlining the top of the head), MA, SBL is the Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Supervisor at SFDS. She is a dedicated professional who holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and an Advanced Certificate in School Building Leadership (SBL). Her expertise and passion for empowering Deaf students spans over three decades. After many years in the Language and Communication Department working with the Deaf students of SFDS, she transitioned into the role of PPS Supervisor, where she oversees a multidisciplinary team that provides support for Deaf, Deafblind, and Deaf multiple disabled students with diverse needs. She is the link between parents, staff, and the Dept. of Education collaborating in the writing of IEPs and coordinating IEP meetings, providing support and guidance for parents throughout the process. She is a true advocate of inclusive education.
Anthony Siciliano
Maintenance Supervisor
Anthony Siciliano (sign name A- moves up, like signing ‘tall’) joined SFDS as a Maintenance Supervisor/Boiler Operator in 2014. Prior to SFDS, Anthony worked in another school building and has over 18 years’ experience working in schools in the maintenance department.
John Quinn
Technology Supervisor
John Quinn (sign name Q -taps the side of the cheek) is the Network Manager, IT Support Specialist and Technology Supervisor for SFDS where he oversees all Network related equipment of the school. John ensures the safety and security of our school’s online environment. John’s role involves installing, managing, upgrading, and procuring cutting-edge technology to empower our students, teachers, and staff in reaching their goals through the latest and most innovative technological tools. John joined SFDS in 2001 and has over 22 years of Network and IT Management experience within a state funded organization. John received his degree in Network Management from an accredited Technology College in New York City.
Dawn Welters
Supervisor of Instruction & Operations
Dawn Welters (sign name D [curve transition] W) joins SFDS as the Supervisor of Instruction and Operations from Washington, DC, where she worked as an educator and for Apple, Inc’s Education Department as a technology specialist. DW is a graduate of Gallaudet University with 15+ years of experience in education with advanced degrees in Psychology and Instructional/Educational Technology. Dawn’s background is in technology, research, accessibility, advocacy, coding, curriculum development, and learning/instructional design. Dawn oversees daily operations and instruction at SFDS including instructional technology, media science, and community based initiatives. She is passionate about community service and making sure education is accessible for all students.
Jennifer White
Business Manager
Jennifer White (sign Name- J, “White”) is the Business Manager for SFDS where she oversees and reports on the financial and human resources of the school. Jennifer joined SFDS in 2013; prior to that, she was the Controller of a private membership club in Manhattan and a Senior Auditor at a public accounting firm. Jennifer has over 15 years of accounting experience with nonprofit organizations. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the City University of New York. She is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of New York and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Jennifer is also a Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
