AHA’s New Faculty & Staff Members Receive Warm Welcome

 Several new faculty and staff members have stepped into key roles at the Academy Holy Angels. The newest members of the AHA community include Campus Minister Nicholas Fallivene, Social Worker Elizabeth Hackett, physical education teacher Lisa Musico, business teacher Inga Nelson, Finance Director Glenn Núñez, Assistant Admissions Director Melani Salibian, world language teacher Marisol Toboso, and Assistant Technology Director Michael Wada.

Nicholas Fallivene grew up in Piscataway, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He later received a dual master’s degree in general education and special education from Touro College. Outside of AHA, he enjoys being with his family, reading, writing, volunteering, and staying active in sports.

Elizabeth Hackett is from Pearl River, New York. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Thomas Aquinas College and a master of social work from the University of Southern California. She is certified in multi-systemic therapy and emotionally focused family therapy, and has worked as an analytic behavioral analysis therapist. Hackett particularly enjoys seeing progress and positive change in individuals as she works with them. When time allows, she likes to visit Ireland.

Lisa Musico is now sharing her love for physical education and sports with the Academy’s middle school and upper school students. She grew up in Woodbury, New York, and attended Cornwall Central High School. Afterward, she received her bachelor’s degree from Siena College. Her interests include bike riding, walking, and traveling.

Inga Nelson is returning to AHA after working at another area high school. She is originally from Rye, New York, and attended the Academy of the Resurrection. She continued her education at The Berkeley School (now Berkeley College) and received an associate degree in occupational studies. She also holds a bachelor’s in management information systems from Pace University, and a master’s in business education from Montclair State University. Nelson enjoys spending time at the beach, kayaking, riding her bike, and reading novels.

“I appreciate it when a student tells me that they accomplished something because of what I taught them, (or) that they helped someone else do something using knowledge they gained in class,” Nelson shared.

Finance Director Glenn Núñez began his career at Price Waterhouse, where he rose to senior accountant and auditor. He has also worked for tax advisory firms, in general financial management, and as a consultant. His non-profit sector experience includes serving diocesan and parish institutions. He is the parent of a recent Holy Angels alumna.

Melani Salibian, who joined AHA in March 2023, received her bachelor’s in communication arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland. She subsequently earned a master’s in communication studies from Arizona State University. Prior to joining the staff at Holy Angels, she was assistant director of admissions at Dominican University. In her role as student ambassador supervisor, Salibian managed 20 students. She has also handled social media. During her college years, Salibian participated in Abroad in Armenia, an internship that allowed her to assist area residents and visit historical sites.

Marisol Toboso grew up in Geneva, Switzerland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities and modern languages from Collège Mutuelle D’enseignement Secondaire and a certificate in child health, safety, and development from Ecole De Culture Générale. Toboso studied translation and interpretation of French and Spanish at the University of Geneva, and earned an associate degree in film direction from College E.I.C.A.R. Jean Paul Vullien in Paris, France. She also holds a certificate in language learning technique from the Language Workshop for Children in New York City.

“There is a special joy that comes from sharing my passion for languages and cultures with my students and seeing that passion ignited within them,” Toboso said. “In an increasingly globalized and diverse world, knowing that I am equipping my students with multi-linguistic and multicultural skills is powerfully rewarding.”

Assistant Technology Director Michael Wada hails from Bergenfield. He studied music education and piano at William Paterson University, and is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in information technology through the University of Phoenix. When he is not in the technology office, Wada enjoys playing video games and learning about the latest technological trends, including machine learning and artificial intelligence. He is a regular at Yankee Stadium, where he roots on the Bronx Bombers.

“I enjoy being able to help the students,” Wada shared. “Any small difference I can make in helping them have a great high school experience is important to me.”

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds.