Our Mission
The Suffolk County Elementary Principals Association is dedicated to fostering excellence in educational leadership by connecting principals through:
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Professional Growth: Offering opportunities to enhance leadership skills, expand knowledge, and promote continuous learning for effective school improvement.
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Collaborative Networking: Building a supportive community for idea-sharing, guidance, and professional camaraderie among elementary principals.
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Advocacy and Information Sharing: Providing access to critical updates from national and state education departments and professional organizations, ensuring members are equipped to implement informed educational practices.
our board
Ellen O’Neill
Principal of Southold Elementary School
Southold Union Free School District
Ellen O’Neill is the proud principal of Southold Elementary School, located on the scenic North Fork of Long Island. Prior to becoming principal, Ellen was an elementary teacher and elementary assistant principal. She is currently President of Suffolk County Elementary Principals' Association (SCEPA). Ellen places a lot of emphasis on being a connected educator because we cannot do this job alone. We are better together!
Ellen is passionate about providing children with learning environments that promote student choice and voice, problem-solving, and collaboration. She believes that school should be a place where students are active partners in their learning and where they are provided opportunities to develop the lifelong skills needed to be successful members of society.
Dr. James Foy
Principal of Sunrise Drive Elementary School
Sayville Public Schools
Dr. James Foy is a dedicated educational leader with over two decades of experience, including 14 years in administrative roles. Currently serving As Vice President of the SCEPA organization and principal of Sunrise Drive Elementary School, he has cultivated a strong, student-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of building robust relationships with students, staff, and the community.
Dr. Foy earned a doctorate in Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University in 2016, with a dissertation focused on the crucial link between teacher trust in administrators and positive student outcomes. Prior to this, he obtained two master's degrees in Educational Leadership and Literacy, from Touro University and Long Island University, and a bachelor's degree in Childhood Education from C.W. Post University. In 2024, Dr. Foy received the inaugural LICAB School Hero award for helping students to avoid and get through difficult incidents.
Beyond professional achievements, Dr. Foy is a devoted parent and spouse, valuing family as the cornerstone of life.
Erin Skahill
Principal of Eagle Elementary School
Patchogue-Medford School District
With over 30 years of experience in education, Erin began her career as an elementary teacher, where she cultivated a love for learning in her young students and developed a deep understanding of classroom instruction. Her expertise and dedication led her to become a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), where she provided instructional support, mentored educators, and helped implement innovative teaching strategies to enhance student outcomes.
Erin’s leadership journey continued as she transitioned into the role of assistant principal, where she collaborated with staff, students, and families to promote a positive school culture. For the past 15 years, Erin has proudly served as an elementary principal, where she has been a driving force behind creating a vibrant and inclusive school community. Her leadership is marked by her focus on student growth, staff development, and strong family engagement.
In addition to her work in schools, Erin has been actively involved in professional organizations, serving as both Vice President and President of the PMAA (Patchogue Medford Administrators Association), where she advocated for educational excellence and provided leadership to fellow administrators.
Tara Falasco
Principal of Blue Point Elementary School
Bayport-Blue Point School District
Tara Falasco has been in education for 20 years, starting as an intermediate teacher before moving on to an elementary and middle school assistant principal, and finally as the proud principal of Blue Point Elementary. She is the secretary of SCEPA (Suffolk County Elementary Principals Association), NAESP Zone 2’s Resolutions Committee representative, member of NAESP’s Editorial Advisory Board and getting her National Mentor certification through NAESP.
She has presented at NAESP’s National Conference in National Harbor, Louisville, and Nashville and looks forward to presenting in Seattle this summer.
amy brennan
Principal of Cutchogue East Elementary School
Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District
Amy Brennan, Principal of Cutchogue East Elementary School, brings over 20 years of experience in education. She previously served as Director of Elementary Education at South Country Central School District and began her career as a special education teacher, working in early intervention and preschool. Amy later became a reading teacher and literacy coach in Riverhead Central School District, earning recognition as the 2014 Distinguished Elementary Teacher of the Year. An adjunct professor at Long Island University, she has guided future educators in literacy and social studies instruction. Passionate about literacy, special education, and social-emotional learning, Amy has presented at national and local forums, co-founded the Good to Great (#G2Great) Twitter Chat, and serves as advocacy chair for the Suffolk County Elementary Principals Association (SCEPA). She is committed to fostering a student-centered environment where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed.
At SCEPA, we are committed to advancing elementary education across Suffolk County. Through professional development, networking, and advocacy, we empower school leaders to drive excellence in their schools.
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Scholarships: We offer scholarships for high school seniors pursuing education degrees. Learn more here.
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Professional Growth: Tailored workshops and training to enhance leadership skills.
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Collaboration: Networking opportunities for sharing ideas and best practices.
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Advocacy: A unified voice for principals, advocating for policies that benefit education.
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Resources: Access to valuable tools and materials for effective school management.
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Together, we are building a stronger educational community and shaping the future of our students.