Leadership
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Valerie Serpe, PHDCatholic education is my life. I was fortunate to be educated by the Sisters of Mercy at Maria Regina Elementary School in Seaford, St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa, and Our Lady of Mercy Academy High School in Syosset. After receiving a BA in French Language and Literature from The University of Virginia, I completed a Master of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University and proceeded to teach in public schools prior to returning home to Catholic education as an early child educator at St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa.
As a life-long learner, woman of faith, and researcher into sustainability for Catholic education in the United States, I attended Fordham University at Lincoln Center and completed a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision and a Ph.D. in the same with a concentration in Catholic School Leadership. The topic of my dissertation, Latinos in N-12 Catholic Education: A Study of Customer Satisfaction, was inspired by my daily work as the principal at St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School in West Hempstead. I am excited to continue my vocation in support of Catholic education with the knowledge supported by the findings of my research – that all families, Latino and non-Latino alike, highly value their experiences in Catholic schools within the Diocese of Rockville Centre and desire active participation in the education of their children.
With gratitude to the inspired vision of Bishop John Barres, the Diocese of Rockville Centre Education Department, and the Morning Star Initiative, I am humbled to serve as the academic and spiritual leader to the Our Lady of Guadalupe School community and to partner with families in building a new, exciting, and sustainable model of Catholic education on Long Island.
Favorite Quote:
In order to dialogue, it is necessary to know how to lower the defenses, open the doors of the house, and offer human warmth.” — Pope Francis
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Our Lady of Guadalupe East
82 Carleton Avenue Central Islip, NY 11722
Contact Dr. Kramer
gkramer@olgschools.orgEducating children is my passion, so leading the Catholic dual language school community of Our Lady of Guadalupe School East truly defines me. Having been raised by Catholic parents from Central and South America, I was exposed to the challenges of cultural assimilation and second language learning. As a parent of three children and actively participating in their education, I became keenly aware of the many disparities and inequities that multicultural families experience.
Already holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Empire State College, I was inspired to continue my higher education and earned a dual Master’s degree in Spanish Education and TESOL. After teaching Spanish in the Catholic school system, I was afforded the opportunity to teach at Molloy College in Rockville Centre as an adjunct professor in the TESOL program. While continuing to hold that position, I taught ESL in the public school system for grades K-12 and became the elementary chairperson for the ESL department. These experiences have personally affirmed the value of the God given gifts of ethnicity and cultural diversity.
In continuing to broaden my education, I pursued additional certifications in Early Childhood Birth-2, Middle School Generalist Grades 6-9, Elementary Education K-6, and Advanced School Building Leadership. I completed my Doctoral degree in September of 2020 from North Central University. My research title “Encouraging Culturally Competent Mental Health Providers and Educators for Immigrant Students’ Educational Success: A Qualitative Case Study” was based on supporting immigrant students with their mental health needs during their school years and beyond. As a result of my doctoral research, I am an advocate of a curriculum that considers the whole child; not only religiously and academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
I am so appreciative of the Diocese of Rockville Centre and the Morning Star Initiative that has provided the impetus for a thriving Catholic dual language school model. I am sincerely dedicated to lead our faith-filled community of students, teachers, and parents who believe in the successful future of Our Lady of Guadalupe School.