Riverhead Middle School Welcomes New Assistant Principal
Dr. Colleen O’Hara Brings Experience and Leadership to an Impressive Administrative Team
RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (AUGUST 2022) — Riverhead Middle School is excited to welcome Dr. Colleen O’Hara as assistant principal of Riverhead Middle School. Dr. O’Hara comes to the district with an impressive 28 years of experience in education, including 18 years at the middle level as a teacher and administrator and 16 years in building level administration at both the middle and elementary levels.
Dr. O’Hara’s teaching career began as an English teacher for nine years at Hicksville Middle School for grades seven and eight. She then joined the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District, instructing students in the sixth and eighth grades at Woodmere Middle School for two years. Dr. O’Hara then transitioned into an administrative role as the assistant principal of Woodmere Middle School for six years. She remained in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District as the assistant principal of Hewlett Elementary School for five years and then as its principal for the past four years.
Dr. O’Hara is excited to work with Riverhead’s new middle school principal, Dr. Joseph Pesqueira, the Riverhead team and the entire middle school community to help district students thrive. As a leader, she has always strived to foster a positive school culture where all members—students, staff and families—feel valued and are recognized for their unique and impactful contributions to the school. Through her commitment to this vision and valuable experience in education, Dr. O’Hara will be a driving force for educational excellence in Riverhead Middle School. The Riverhead Central School District is thrilled to have her on board.
Dr. O’Hara completed her Doctoral studies in Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University in 2019. She also holds an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Long Island University and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Secondary Education from Siena College.