Malverne Announces Key Administrative Leadership Appointments
As we prepare to welcome students and staff back for the upcoming school year, the District and the Board of Education are proud to introduce six exciting administrative leadership appointments.
These exceptional educators bring a wealth of experience, expertise and dedication to their respective roles. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming our leadership team for the 2026-2027 school year!
Mr. Joseph Keuhn – Principal, Maurice W. Downing Primary School
Mr. Joseph Keuhn transitions to Downing Elementary School as Principal after serving as the Assistant Principal at Howard T. Herber Middle School since August 2022. Prior to his tenure at Herber, Mr. Keuhn gained valuable administrative experience in the Jericho School District as a Summer Program Principal and Building/District Administrative Intern, following eight years as a 6th grade math and science teacher.
Mr. Keuhn holds a Master of School Leadership and a Master of Literacy from Touro University, a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education with a concentration in Mathematics from SUNY Oneonta and holds NYS certifications as a School Building Leader and Elementary/Mathematics Educator.
Since taking on his new role this summer, Mr. Keuhn has been working diligently to prepare Downing for the arrival of our kindergarten through 2nd grade students, as well as our newest learners entering the District’s expanding Pre-K partnership with Nottingham Academy. His enthusiastic leadership, instructional expertise and student-centered vision will ensure Downing continues to provide a nurturing and dynamic early learning environment.
Ms. Jennifer Gibbons – Coordinator of Early Learning & Literacy
Ms. Jennifer Gibbons brings over two decades of dedicated service in the Malverne School District to her new role as Coordinator of Early Learning & Literacy. Having served as a Reading Teacher at both Davison Avenue and Maurice W. Downing since 2001, Ms. Gibbons has extensive expertise in early literacy intervention, curriculum development and teacher mentorship.
She holds a Master of Science in Reading Education from St. John's University, a Master of Science in School Leadership from Touro College and holds permanent certifications as a Reading Specialist and N-6 Educator, alongside Wilson and Reading Recovery certifications.
In her new capacity, Ms. Gibbons will work closely with both the District and Nottingham Academy teams to strengthen early childhood initiatives, support literacy instruction and build a strong foundation for our youngest scholars.
Dr. Rachel Yudin – Executive Director of Special Education Services
Dr. Rachel Yudin steps into the role of Executive Director of Special Education Services following a distinguished tenure as Principal of Davison Avenue Intermediate School from 2017-2026. Dr. Yudin began her career in Malverne as a tenured Special Education Teacher at Howard T. Herber Middle School, later serving as the District’s K-6 Common Core Chairperson.
Dr. Yudin holds a Doctorate of Education from Johns Hopkins University, dual Master’s degrees in Inclusive Elementary Special Education and Creative Arts Therapy from Hofstra University and Post-Graduate certification in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. Her extensive background in special education, curriculum coordination and district leadership will ensure seamless, compassionate and high-quality support for all students and families within our special education programs.
Ms. Chineeka Davis – Principal, Davison Avenue Intermediate School
Ms. Chineeka Davis joins the Malverne family as Principal of Davison Avenue Intermediate School, bringing over 25 years of educational experience. She joins us after serving as Acting Interim Principal and Assistant Principal across elementary schools in the Uniondale School District, where she led instructional inquiry teams, building safety initiatives, MTSS implementation and family engagement programs. Prior to her administrative roles, she spent nearly two decades as an elementary lead teacher.
Ms. Davis holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the College of New Rochelle, as well as a Master of Science in Literacy Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education from St. John’s University. She holds NYS Permanent SDA and Pre-K–6 certifications. With her student-centered philosophy and dedicated history of collaborative leadership, Ms. Davis is poised to foster strong partnerships and inspire excellence throughout the Davison community.
Dr. Michael Cressy – Assistant Principal, Malverne High School
Dr. Michael J. Cressy steps into the role of Assistant Principal at Malverne High School. A deeply valued member of the Malverne High School faculty since 2015, Dr. Cressy has served as a Science Teacher, New Teacher Mentor and Administrative Intern. During his time at Malverne High School, he taught advanced coursework in AP Biology, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and Science Research, while co-creating and expanding the districtwide science research program.
Dr. Cressy holds a Ph.D. in Genetics, a School District/Building Leadership Advanced Certificate and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stony Brook University. He also brings a rich background in research from Cold Spring Harbor Labs, university-level instruction and military service as a United States Navy veteran. His strong commitment to academic rigor, mentorship and student achievement will make him an outstanding addition to the high school's administrative team.
Ms. Rebecca Campbell – Assistant Principal, Howard T. Herber Middle School
Malverne is thrilled to welcome Ms. Rebecca Campbell back to Howard T. Herber Middle School as Assistant Principal. A familiar face to many, Ms. Campbell previously taught in Herber’s mathematics department. She returns to Malverne having most recently served as Assistant Principal at West Hollow Middle School in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District.
Ms. Campbell earned her Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership (SBL/SDL) from Hofstra University, a Master of Science in Middle Childhood Education from CUNY Brooklyn College and a Bachelor of Science in Adolescence Education from St. John’s University. Her strong foundation in instructional coaching, master scheduling, restorative practices and middle school operations makes her a fantastic addition to the Herber administrative team.