Dr. Elaine Kanas, a founding member of Collaboration Education Inc., brings decades of experience in teaching, learning, and educational leadership.

She served as Superintendent of Schools in the East Williston School District for ten years and as Superintendent of Valley Stream 30 for four years. Dr. Kanas also held leadership roles as Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel in the Carmel Central School District, elementary principal in the Pelham Public Schools, and teacher and administrator at the Spence School in Manhattan.

In higher education, she taught Curriculum Design at Columbia University Teachers College and developed curriculum for children through several arts organizations, including Young Audiences and the Guggenheim Museum’s Learning Through the Arts program.

Her commitment to children and families extends beyond the classroom. Dr. Kanas has served on the boards of Girls on the Run Long Island and The Pelham Arts Center, volunteered with the Mothers and Children’s Program at Bedford Correctional Institution, and participated as a sponsor in the Special Immigrant Visa Program.

She also served as co-chair of the Curriculum Committee of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents and spent many years on the New York State Education Department ELA Content Advisory Panel.

Dr. Kanas holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University Teachers College and currently works as an Educational Consultant.

Dr. Deirdre Hayes, a founding member of Collaboration Education Inc., is a retired Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel in the Herricks School District and an educator with more than 40 years of experience serving students and teachers from Pre-K through college.

She holds a Doctorate in Education from St. John’s University, along with both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in English from Queens College, CUNY.

Throughout her career, Dr. Hayes has worked across urban, suburban, and private school settings in teaching, administrative, and consulting roles. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges many students face and the importance of creating support systems that help children grow academically, emotionally, and personally.

In addition to her work with Collaboration Education Inc., Deirdre currently serves on the board of Cornell Cooperative Extension Nassau County, is a Trustee of the Sea Cliff Village Library, and volunteers with NOSH as a fill-in driver alongside her husband, Pete, who also serves on the organization’s board.

Her leadership experience includes serving as President of the Long Island Association of School Personnel Administrators, participating on the Executive Board of NADCO, and providing consulting services for initiatives including the SURR School Instructional Intervention Grant and the Middle Schools Initiative Program.

Dr. Hayes also spent many years as an adjunct instructor in the Education Department at St. John’s University.

For Deirdre, supporting students through Collaboration Education Inc. is a natural continuation of a lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and helping children reach their full potential.

Joanne Lufrano, a retired educator with more than 30 years of experience, has dedicated her career to helping elementary students build confidence and success in mathematics while also supporting teachers and school leaders through professional development.

Throughout her career, Joanne provided math staff development for teachers and administrators and became a respected leader in mathematics education across Long Island and New York State.

She served as Board President and Assistant Director of the Valley Stream Teacher Center and was an active member of the Executive Boards of both the Nassau County Mathematics Teachers Association and the Association of Math Teachers of New York State. Joanne also served as President of the Nassau County Mathematics Teachers Association and was inducted into the Long Island Mathematics Educators Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the field.

Today, Joanne continues her passion for education as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and as an educational math consultant, work she has continued since retiring from the Valley Stream 30 School District on Long Island.

Her lifelong commitment to teaching reflects a deep belief that every child deserves the support, encouragement, and guidance needed to succeed.

Jeannette Baxter brings more than five decades of experience in special education, educational leadership, and family advocacy to her role as a board member of Collaboration Education.

Since retiring in 2012, she has continued serving students and families as a Special Education Consultant and Advocate, helping families navigate complex educational systems and secure the support children need to thrive.

Prior to her retirement, Ms. Baxter served for 16 years as Chairperson of Special Education for the Herricks Union Free School District and also held the role of Acting Director of Pupil Services. Her career has included positions as a supervisor, administrator, teacher trainer, adjunct professor at CUNY Brooklyn College, and classroom teacher with the New York City Board of Education.

Her expertise spans learning disabilities, autism, early childhood special education, inclusion models, and English language learners. Beyond the classroom, she also served as Director of the New York City 114th Precinct PAL Gymnastics Program at PS2Q and as a New York Special Olympics gymnastics coach.

A respected leader and advocate, Ms. Baxter has received numerous honors throughout her career, including the New York State PTA Advocate in Action Award, the New York State Education Department Best Practices Award for an innovative inclusion model, and Newsday’s Teacher of the Year for Queens County.

She holds permanent New York State certifications in school district administration and special education and earned advanced degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education from Queens College.

Ms. Baxter remains deeply committed to advancing inclusive practices, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring every child has access to equitable educational opportunities.