Dr. Joyce Thornton Barry is a respected educator, leader, author, and advocate with over 37 years of distinguished service in education. A driving force in advancing science education across Long Island, she has inspired generations of students and educators through her passion for innovation, research, and excellence.

Dr. Barry returns to the Carle Place Schools as the District Director of STEM-B, having previously served as Science Department Chairperson in 2000. She spent 24 years as Chairperson of Science, Research, and Technology K-12 for the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District and began her career as a science and research teacher in the Freeport Public Schools, where she taught for 10 years.

She holds a doctorate in education, with a dissertation focused on new teacher retention and job satisfaction, reflecting her deep commitment to supporting educators and fostering strong professional communities.

Known for her thoughtful guidance, collaborative spirit, and unwavering advocacy for students, Dr. Barry has served in key roles within regional and state science education associations, where her influence has shaped science policy and practice. She has been a contributing member of the NYSED Science Consortium since 2008, helping to develop statewide curriculum and policy.

Throughout her career, Dr. Barry has led nationally and internationally recognized programs in science research, technology, and robotics. Under her leadership, students have earned distinction at prestigious competitions including Intel, Regeneron, Siemens, BASH, and FIRST Robotics.

Her mission is one of leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to the advancement of STEM learning and educational excellence.

Justin Block joins the educational community of Carle Place with passion and determination to work with all constituents to enhance student well-being, physical fitness and enjoyment through participation in competitive and non-competitive sports. 

Mr. Block proudly serves as the Director of Physical Education, Health, Family and Consumer Sciences & Athletics. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Block taught Physical Education, served as a Dean of Students, and mentored students through the Restoratives Practices Program at Francis Lewis High School. Furthermore, Mr. Block was the assistant to the Chairperson of Physical Education, Health, Music, Art and Technology.  Additionally, Mr. Block coached Girls Varsity Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field.

Mr. Block earned a BA in Political Science from The University at Buffalo, a MA in Physical Education from Hofstra University, and, NYS School District and Building Leadership certificates through The College of Saint Rose. Mr. Block currently lives in Bellmore with his wife, Melissa, and son, Austin. His hobbies include cycling and swimming. He is also at the beginning stages of learning how to play golf.

Anthony DeBlasio has proudly served the Carle Place School District as the District Director of Guidance since July 2019. Prior to Carle Place, Mr. DeBlasio started his educational career in the Hampton Bays School District as a school counselor. He then rose to the administrative ranks within Hampton Bays by serving as a tenured assistant principal for the next 12 years at both the high school and middle school levels. Mr. DeBlasio holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University, a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Long Island University, and a second Master’s Degree in School Administration from Stony Brook University.

Mr. DeBlasio truly believes that every child has the potential to succeed and has dedicated his professional career to provide all students the social and emotional support needed to achieve their dreams. His beliefs served him well as he was the first person in his family to attend and graduate from college. When not in the office, Mr. DeBlasio loves to spend time with his wife and daughter traveling, going to the beach, and playing golf. He fundamentally believes in lifelong learning with quantum physics being his latest obsession. Words to live by… “The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is”.

Michael Limone is the District Director of Visual and Performing Arts here in Carle Place where he has directed both the middle school and the high school theater programs and teaches middle school and high school Theater Arts classes. Now in his 26th year of teaching, his career began in CT, where he taught for 11 years and served as the Vice President of the CT Drama Association and as the CT Representative on the New England Drama Council. He was a member of the founding committee that brought a Theater Certification to the State of CT. He’s brought original works to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland with his students on two separate occasions. In addition to his teaching career, Michael has continued acting and directing since college, where he majored in English and Acting at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Carriage House Players, a Shakespeare Company that performs at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport, NY, where he directs and performs in the summertime. The foundation of his Acting Training is based upon the Stanislavski Method and the training he received at both UCONN and HB Studios in NYC. Michael is a current Board Member of the New York State Theater Educators Association (NYSTEA), the Chairperson of the Theater Advocacy Committee for NY and the Co-Chairperson of the Long Island Region for NYSTEA.

Leslie Rubenstein joined the Carle Place faculty in 2002 as Chairperson of the Social Studies and World Languages Departments.  Prior to her work at Carle Place, Ms. Rubenstein taught for 9 years at Bryant H.S. in Astoria and for 3 years served as the Assistant Principal of Supervision of the Humanities at the High School for Arts and Business in Corona. Ms. Rubenstein received a BA in History from New York University and an MA in History from Columbia University. In addition to her work with her departments, Ms. Rubenstein has developed and implemented a wide variety of professional development opportunities for a broader audience of teachers including Vertical Alignment of Writing in Social Studies (K-12); Introduction to Inquiry Based Learning (K-12), Reading Non-Fiction in the Content Areas (5-10) and Mind Brain Education (K-12). Ms. Rubenstein is the recipient of the Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award and the Long Island Council of Social Studies, Harry C. Charles Outstanding Social Studies Supervisor/Chairperson Award. In June 2023, Mrs. Rubenstein became the District Director of Humanities.  Outside of work, Ms. Rubenstein enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening, hiking and traveling.

Jennifer Sussman is excited to embark on a new chapter in her career as the Director of Special Education and ENL for the Carle Place School District. With 19 years of dedicated service at Rushmore Avenue School, she brings a deep understanding of the district’s culture, students, and community.

Throughout her career, Ms. Sussman has served in a variety of roles, including Integrated Co-Teacher and Resource Room provider, working across multiple grade levels. She has been a key leader within the building, serving as the facilitator and coordinator of the Instructional Support Team (IST), where she helped implement targeted interventions to meet the diverse needs of all learners.

Ms. Sussman has also co-coordinated the district’s Leader in Me initiative, supporting students, staff, and families in building a strong school culture rooted in leadership and community. In addition, she has mentored new teachers and contributed meaningfully to the district’s professional development and literacy committees.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Sussman has proudly coached both the girls’ and boys’ varsity tennis teams for the past ten years. In March 2020, she was honored as Nassau County’s Coach of the Year.

A passionate educator and leader, Ms. Sussman is thrilled to continue serving the Carle Place community in this broader role. She feels privileged to continue her journey in a district that has helped shape who she is, both personally and professionally.

Ms. Sussman earned her B.A. in Childhood and Special Education from New York University and an M.A. in Literacy from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She also holds New York State certifications in School District and Building Leadership through The College of Saint Rose.

She currently resides in Roslyn. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, often playing golf, skiing, or hitting the courts for tennis or pickleball. Traveling is also one of her favorite pastimes.