Strong Leadership, Bold Vision
Dr. Ellenmorris Tigerman, Founder and CEO
Dr. Ellenmorris Tiegerman is the Executive Director of Tiegerman School and Professor Emeritus at Adelphi University's Derner Institute. She founded Tiegerman in 1985 after a loved one's traumatic brain injury. Dr. Tiegerman holds a Ph.D. from the City University of New York and multiple Master's degrees. Her expertise includes child language disorders and autism spectrum disorders.
Mr. Jay Parker
Jay Parker, Board Chair of Tiegerman Schools, was born and raised in Queens, NY. A graduate of Francis Lewis High School, he earned a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Binghamton and an MBA from UMass Amherst. After a career in the family restaurant business, he retired and now resides in Northborough, MA. An avid skier, hiker, and equestrian, he has held leadership roles in various community organizations.
Mr. Jimmy Araujo, Chairman TCS
Jimmy Araujo of Nassau County, LI owner of Lifebodi Fitness LLC, a concierge services that offers personalized rehabilitation care and personal physical training that can help people prevent, get back, keep, or improve abilities that are needed for daily life; that someone may have lost because of decreased conditioning, disease or injury.
Mr. Paul Rosen
Paul Rosen has been a dedicated member of the Tiegerman Board of Directors for 38 years. His connection to the school is personal—his daughter Lauren was part of the first class. Since then, Paul has played a key role in shaping Tiegerman’s mission, advocating for children with learning and developmental disabilities. A devoted husband and father of two, Paul’s family has long been involved with the school. His service has been supported by his wife, Nancy, whose partnership has been essential throughout his journey. Outside of Tiegerman, Paul is the founder and longtime leader of DGR, an office interiors business he has led for over 50 years. His professional and philanthropic efforts reflect a lifelong dedication to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Mrs. Toya Davis, Vice Chairperson TCS
Toya Davis is the Parent Liaison at Tiegerman, an educational organization dedicated to supporting students with developmental and learning disabilities. She collaborates across all Tiegerman schools and programs, ensuring families are informed about educational developments. Ms. Davis also provides guidance to parents navigating special education processes. For more insight into her role, you can watch this introductory video: https://youtu.be/2D9glq4vihw tiegerman.org
Mr. Douglas Farber
Doug Farber, CEO and founder of Horsepower Advisors, is a global security expert with decades of leadership in public and private sectors. He chairs InfraGard National Members Alliance and previously led World Trade Center Security post-9/11. A former U.S. Secret Service agent, he also served as Global Head of Security at Millennium Management. Farber is a member of ASIS International, the CSO Center, and ISMA.
Mr. Joseph Farber, Esq.
Joseph Farber, Esq, General Counsel of Tiegerman Schools, specializes in real estate and commercial mortgage transactions, closing over $1 billion in loans annually, as lead counsel for NYCB. A Brooklyn Law graduate, he has served as General Counsel to Cross County Bank and held leadership roles in legal and civic organizations. Admitted to multiple courts, he holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Mr. David Farbstein
David Farbstein returned from serving in the Vietnam War in 1969 and joined his father at United Roofing and Waterproofing Inc., becoming the third generation of his family in the business. In 1980, he founded McFar Contractors with a focus on personalized service, quality workmanship, and strong customer relationships. He built McFar’s reputation as a trusted, family-owned business and today works alongside his daughter and grandson, proudly continuing the family tradition into the next generation.
Mr. Joseph Ficalora
Joseph R. Ficalora, a longtime Tiegerman supporter and Board member, is a Vietnam War veteran and esteemed business leader. As President and CEO, he transformed New York Community Bank into a multi-bank holding company. Committed to education and community service, he serves on multiple boards, including Pace University and Pentegra. Honored as a Commendatore of Italy, his leadership continues to strengthen Tiegerman’s mission and impact.
Mrs. Teri Fritz
Teri Fritz is the ultimate friend of Tiegerman, with a commitment to the organization that has only grown stronger over the years. A mother, grandmother, and entrepreneur, her experience in real estate and the restaurant industry has brought valuable insight and support to Tiegerman. Even while living in Hawaii and Arizona, Teri has remained closely connected to the organization and its mission. A loyal friend and passionate supporter, Teri is rarely seen without her beloved husband John and their dog. .
Nicole Epstein Schwartz, Esq.
Nicole Epstein Schwartz is a dedicated advocate, leveraging law, government, business, and media to champion clients' interests. Specializing in land use, zoning, education, and healthcare, she drives impactful advocacy. A magna cum laude graduate of Stony Brook University and Hofstra Law, she has negotiated major contracts and earned top PR and legal honors. She also founded and chaired the Nassau County Bar Association’s Government Relations Committee.
Mr. John Scalfani
John Scalfani is Vice President of Sales at TOMRA North America, a global leader in reverse vending, recycling, and sensor-based sorting solutions that support the circular economy and help maximize resources. With more than 30 years of experience in the beverage and recycling industries, John has played an integral role in bringing advanced reverse vending solutions to clients while building long-term relationships through a commitment to service, technology, and industry expertise. John has proudly represented Tegerman for over 15 years.
Todd Jackson
Todd Jackson’s journey with Tiegerman began as a staff member and continues today as a member of the Board. An experienced leader in the security and investigations industry, Todd has expertise in corporate investigations, physical and personal security, event security, and protective services. His strong problem-solving skills and experience in threat management have been central to his professional career. His continued involvement with Tiegerman reflects a longstanding commitment to the organization, its mission, and the children, adults, and families it serves.
Ms. Denise Tembelis
Denise Tembelis is a dedicated member of the Tiegerman Board, bringing her time, perspective, and commitment to supporting the students and families Tiegerman serves. Denise holds a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives. Her goal is to ensure that every student has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed academically and personally. Outside of the Tiegerman Schools, Denise has a passion for rescuing animals. She currently holds a board position for a local non-profit rescue, Christina’s Animal Safe Haven. She loves pairing dogs with their perfect home. Denise is always eager to connect and share more about the work that she does.