Garden City Public Schools Appoints New Director of Pupil Personnel Services
At its business meeting on Jan. 28, the Garden City Public Schools Board of Education proudly appointed Michele Vivona as the district’s new Director of Pupil Personnel Services, effective July 1, 2025.
Ms. Vivona brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting students and families. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services at Garden City Schools, she has quickly made meaningful connections with staff and families and a comprehensive understanding of the district’s strengths and needs.
Her extensive career spans over 26 years in public education, including leadership roles such as Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Long Beach City Schools, School Psychologist and Coordinator of Special Education at Islip Schools, and Director of Secondary Special Education at Rockville Centre Schools. In these roles, Ms. Vivona has successfully overseen districtwide coordination of referrals to the Committee on Special Education, chaired CSE, CPSE, and Section 504 meetings, and supervised interdisciplinary teams, including social workers, behaviorists, and speech, occupational and physical therapists.
Ms. Vivona holds a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University, a Master of Science in School Psychology from St. John’s University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Adelphi University. She is certified as a New York State School District Leader, School Building Leader, and School Psychologist.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Garden City Schools,” said Ms. Vivona. “This is more than a role—it's an opportunity to partner with students, families, staff, and the entire community to create a supportive environment where every student can discover their strengths and reach their full potential. Together, we will continue to build on the district's strong foundation, ensuring every student is empowered to succeed and be prepared for the future.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha shared, “we are thrilled to congratulate Ms. Vivona on this well-deserved role. Her vast experience and dedication to special education and pupil services will help us elevate the department. In a short time, she has already made a lasting impact, forging strong relationships with our staff and families. We are confident that under her leadership, we will continue to strengthen our support systems for students and foster an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
The Garden City Public Schools community looks forward to Ms. Vivona’s leadership in this new chapter, knowing her expertise and vision will enhance the district’s mission to empower all students to achieve their highest potential.