Administrator's Page
Dr. Mark Bonasera - Principal
Dr. Bonasera began his teaching career as a seventh grade humanities teacher at NYC DOE Intermediate School 74 as part of the Teach for America Corps program, and later taught English Language Arts at both Marta Valle Model High School and Health Opportunities High School (NYC DOE Public School X670). He became the grade 9 house leader at Health Opportunities High School in 2002 and was the school’s assistant principal from 2004 to 2009. Bonasera was assistant principal at West Rocks Middle School in Norwalk from 2009 to 2011 when he joined Stamford Public Schools as principal at Julia A. Stark Elementary. He was appointed principal at Roxbury Elementary in November 2014, and was named principal at Turn of River in July 2024. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Fordham University; a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Virginia; and both a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Educational Administration from New York University. He is certified in K-12 Intermediate Administration or Supervision (CT 092).
Mr. Elvonni Capozziello - Assistant Principal
Elvonni Capozziello began his teaching career at Bronx Aerospace High School where he was a co-teacher of English language arts and social studies working primarily with English Learners and students with IEPs. He later worked in a similar role at Enrico Fermi School, which is part of Yonkers Public Schools. He was named assistant principal of Milner Middle School, which is part of Hartford Public Schools, in July 2022. At Milner, Mr. Capozziello led the attendance intervention team and school safety meetings, coordinated the work of community partners that provided services to Milner students, and led a Saturday school for students who needed additional support. Mr. Capozziello, who is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Italian, has a Bachelor’s in History from Sacred Heart University, a Master’s in Education with
Bilingual Extension from the City University of New York, and a Master’s in School Administration from the Bank Street College of Education. He is certified in K-12 Intermediate Administration or Supervision (CT 092).
Mr. Rafael Escobar - Assistant Principal
Rafael Escobar has been the Assistant Principal at Turn of River Middle School since July 2023. Escobar joined Stamford Public Schools in July 2012 as Dean of Students at Stamford High School, and was named Assistant Principal at Stamford High in 2015. A graduate of Stamford High School, Escobar earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from Central Connecticut State University and a sixth-year Certificate in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport. He is certified in Grades 4-12 History and Social Studies (CT 026) and K-12 Intermediate Administration or Supervision (CT 092)
Dr. Rachel Bria - Assistant Principal for Special Education
Rachel Bria has more than 25 years of experience with Stamford Public Schools as a school psychologist at all levels from PreK to 12, including the last six years as the District Department Head for Psychology. Dr. Bria began her career in school psychology with Hart Magnet and Toquam Magnet Elementary Schools, later moving to Apples Preschool. She joined Stamford High School in 2015, where she also was a member of the scientific research based intervention (SRBI) team. In addition to serving as District Department Head of Psychology, Dr. Bria has been the school psychologist at AITE since 2019. Dr. Bria earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Defiance College, a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University Teachers’ College, a Certificate in School Psychology from Fairfield University, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University, and a Sixth Year Certificate in Intermediate Administration from Sacred Heart University. She has professional certifications in School Psychology (CT 070) and K-12 Intermediate Administration or Supervision (CT 092).