Staff

GaragePod® is the people that inspire our community.

  • Sam Bercovich

    FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Sam holds a BA from SUNY Purchase, an MS in Teaching from Fordham University and an MLS from CUNY Queens with a concentration in Archives and Preservation. Sam was a special educator and a children’s librarian within the New York City school system. Sam is also a published writer, musician and fan of vintage technology. He lives with his wife Ana and two sons in Dobbs Ferry.

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography

  • Ana Szyld

    CO-FOUNDER

    Ana is a trained interior designer and former woodworker. She has a BFA in Sculpture from California College of the Arts and a Masters in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. Ana's creative design direction and experience as a space planner, strategist and artist make her an integral part of GaragePod®. When Ana isn't designing spaces, she enjoys hanging with her husband Sam and their two children.

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography

  • Paula Rabasco

    MAKER/SUPPORT STAFF

    Paula is a retired Greenburgh special educator of 33 years. She is part of the original inception of GaragePod. Her creativity and knowledge of children has been instrumental in shaping GaragePod. Currently, Paula helps to build the interactive window displays and other custom projects. When Paula isn't at GaragePod®, you might catch her on Buy Nothing picking up some loose parts for the kids.

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography

  • Emily Cassella

    LEAD TEACHER

    Emily has over 10+ years of teaching experience with children. She values open-ended, explorative opportunities for kids to pursue their personal interests and passions. Emily views self-expression and working at our own natural pace as being a crucial part of childhood development. Emily loves being active and in nature. She lives in Dobbs Ferry with her husband.

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography

  • Nancy Addorisio

    LEAD TEACHER/K Club

    Nancy is an experienced educator passionate about nurturing and guiding children. Known for being hands-on, Nancy creates a warm and engaging environment in GaragePod’s Kindergarten Club. With 25 years experience at Community Nursery School in Dobbs Ferry, Nancy understands what it takes to foster curiosity in young minds. She enjoys cooking and being with her family.

  • Gianna Kollar

    ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Gianna is a senior at Dobbs Ferry High School. She played violin in the school orchestra for 8 years. Gianna has a warm and supportive approach when working with children. She loves art, music, baking and hanging out with friends and family. She currently lives in Dobbs Ferry with her mom, dad and siblings.

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography

  • Natasha Summers

    ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Natasha comes to GaragePod with over 30 years of childcare experience. She is a Westchester native who graduated from White Plains High School and is currently an assistant teacher at the Alcott School in Dobbs Ferry. Natasha brings a fun, positive and kind energy to the childen of GaragePod. When Natasha is not working with children, she enjoys cosmetology and spending time with her children.

  • Bess Power

    MUSIC AND THEATER TEACHER

    Bess is a member of Actors’ Equity Association as well as SAG-AFTRA. She earned a BFA in Musical Theater from Montclair State University and spent many years performing in summer stock and regional theater companies. She holds a Masters in Education and has spent over a decade teaching private music lessons. Bess enjoys running and spending time with her husband and children.

    Photo by Amour and Lace Photography

  • Rachael Sokolowski

    ART TEACHER

    Rachael Sokolowski is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, artist, art educator, and gardener specializing in working with children and adolescents. She has a BA in Art History and Fine Arts from SUNY Purchase and an MS in Art Therapy and Counseling from The College of New Rochelle. She holds additional certifications in child, adolescent and parent psychotherapy and sustainable health and nutrition. Rachael works in private practice as an art therapist and teaches art, environmental, and gardening classes to youth in Westchester County. In her free time you can find her in her art studio, garden, biking, or walking in the woods with her family and dog.