Leadership
Anthony G. Gebbia, Executive Director
Anthony G. Gebbia was named the school’s Principal in July 2010 and then the Executive Director in July 2013. He knows our community very well having spent over ten years of his career here, serving in the classroom and as an outreach worker. Tony’s intimate knowledge of what makes Montgomery Academy so special will be invaluable in charting the future success of the school. Tony returns to us from Midland School in Branchburg in which he was the Special Education Supervisor of Family Services and prior to that, Tony was the School Social Worker and Special Education Supervisor at Windsor School located in Pompton Lakes. He holds both a BA in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Kean University, and also an MSW from Hunter College of Social Work. He also holds Principal, Supervisor and Social Worker certifications and has been trained in substance abuse awareness and therapeutic crisis intervention as well. Tony was nominated by ASAH (www.asah.org) as a Regional Para-professional of the Year in 1997 and will no doubt honor the school’s unique philosophy and traditions as our community of learners celebrates its 40th year of service to NJ students with special needs.
Daniel Kerr, Principal
Mr. Kerr has served as a school administrator for the past 26 years. He began his career in education as a middle school science and mathematics teacher in the Newark Public School System before transitioning into educational leadership.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kerr has held a variety of leadership positions, including Career and Technical High School Principal, Assistant Superintendent in an out-of-district special education school district, and, most recently, Chief School Administrator/Director of Special Services of a preschool through fifth-grade school district. These diverse experiences have provided him with the knowledge and expertise to develop high-quality educational programs and meaningful learning experiences that meet the needs of all students. He has worked with students from preschool through post-secondary programs, giving him a comprehensive understanding of education across all grade levels.
As an educational leader, Mr. Kerr is committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to experience success each school day. As Principal of Montgomery Academy, he will focus on building positive relationships with students, families, staff, and the entire school community to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. He believes that strong relationships, high expectations, and collaboration are the foundation of student success and is dedicated to providing every student with the highest-quality educational experience.
Michelle Buccigrossi, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction
Michelle is new to Montgomery Academy and brings over 25 years of experience in the fields of Special Education and Behavior.
Mrs. Buccigrossi obtained her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from St. John’s University, where she also minored in Speech and Hearing, and her first Master’s in Audiology from Kean College. Mrs Buccigrossi completed the ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) program at Rutgers University and received her second Master’s degree in Administration and Leadership from Georgian Court University.
Michelle’s experience ranges from Preschool to High School, and is an enthusiastic, energetic, and driven person who loves working with adults and children, watching them grow and learn. She has worked in both Public and Private Schools.
Michelle is looking forward to becoming an integral member of the Montgomery Academy team where “she can be herself” and encourage others to do the same.