The Penfield Central School District is pleased to announce the following administrative appointments, pending Board of Education approval at its Aug. 13 meeting:

Mahreen Mustafa George has been named as the Director of Student Engagement and Cultural Relations. Ms. Mustafa George comes to Penfield from the Whole Child Connection Team at the Children’s Institute, where she serves as the Associate Director of Equity and School Services. She previously served as the Executive Director for Equity and Programming and as an Education Coordinator for Partners in Restorative Initiatives in Rochester. Her previous experience also includes serving as a substitute teacher and project manager in the Rochester City School District.

“After collaborating with students, families, and staff on a number of district objectives, I am thrilled to be joining the Penfield Central School District in this new role,” Ms. Mustafa George said. “I look forward to deepening my connection with the Penfield school community as we work together to nurture an inclusive, engaging environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all our students,” she added.

Ms. Mustafa George received her certification in culturally responsive literature instruction from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and her certification in non-profit management from St. John Fisher College. She received her honors bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Toronto. She will join the district as of Aug. 12.

Melissa Phelps has been named as the new Special Education Administrator for Penfield High School. Ms. Phelps has served as the Director of Special Education for the Gananda Central School District since 2017. She previously served as teacher in the North Rose-Wolcott School District for 14 years.

“I am thrilled to join the Penfield CSD, where I am eager to apply my passion for supporting and empowering students with diverse needs,” Ms. Phelps said. “Penfield’s inclusive education and supportive community resonates deeply with my core beliefs,” she added. 

Ms. Phelps holds her administrative certification from SUNY Oswego, her master’s degree in literacy from Nazareth College and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Fredonia. She will begin her new position as of Aug. 26.

Redia Bridges has been named as the new assistant principal at Bay Trail Middle School. She currently serves as an assistant principal at Eastridge High School in the East Irondequoit Central School District and previously worked as a teacher in both the Rochester City and Greece school districts.

“I am thrilled to be joining an amazing leadership team at Bay Trail Middle School. I look forward to supporting and working closely with the students, families, faculty and staff of the Penfield community,” she said.

Ms. Bridges holds master’s degrees in educational leadership from St. John Fisher College and in literacy from Roberts Wesleyan College, a bachelor’s degree in pathway to teaching, also from Roberts Wesleyan College, and an associate’s degree from Monroe Community College. Ms. Bridges will start her new position as of Aug. 19.

Kristina Bajardi has been named as the new assistant principal at Harris Hill Elementary School. Ms. Bajardi comes to Penfield from the West Irondequoit Central School District where she most recently served as a Lead Teacher TOSA for grades K-3. She previously served as an intervention teacher and a special education teacher, also in West Irondequoit. Her previous experience also includes teaching positions in the East Rochester School District, the Cayman International School, and the Schenectady City School District.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Harris Hill team. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my home community in this capacity and in this special building,” Ms. Bajardi said. “I look forward to meeting the staff, students, and families in the coming weeks,” she added.

She holds her administrative certification from the University of Rochester, her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from SUNY Plattsburgh, and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Le Moyne College. She will join the district as of Aug. 19.