Meet the Staff! 
Alongside our dedicated full-time staff, we have a diverse rotation of expert instructors in all subject areas each semester. This ensures students receive fresh perspectives and top-quality education in a supportive and engaging environment.
Joseph Smith, Ph. D.
Executive Director
Joseph Smith, Ph.D. – Dr. Smith is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and began his career in Long Beach in 1974 first as Assistant Director then Director of the Harriet Eisman Community School. He came to the Community School committed to the progressive philosophy of the school’s founders including Harriet Eisman. Harriet was an ardent community activist who became a mentor and close friend. They worked very closely until her passing in 1981.
Dr. Smith was appointed Executive Director of Long Island Reach in 1982. He has been instrumental in creating and sustaining innovative community-based programs and services for the most vulnerable and diverse populations throughout Nassau County.
He counts among his successes the ability to maintain an ardent commitment to locally based, professional services to individuals struggling with a range of needs despite limited financial resources.
Danielle Bertoli
Program Director /
Creative Writing Teacher
Danielle Bertoli has served as the director of the Harriet Eisman Community School since 2016. Her journey at HECS began as a Creative Writing instructor, a role she continues to embrace as a means of self-therapy and exploration within her classes. Danielle finds immense joy in being part of an educational program that prioritizes the holistic development of students, emphasizing their innate talents, goals, and aspirations. As the director, her greatest satisfaction stems from witnessing students not only achieve their academic objectives but also blossom into happier, more confident, and inspired individuals.
“The Community School has been a profound teacher in my life, both professionally and personally. It transcends the conventional notion of a school, serving as a nurturing environment for all involved. It fosters connections with like-minded individuals on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Here, we are more than a school; we are a tight-knit family, dedicated to uplifting and empowering each other to realize our fullest potentials. Leading this program has been incredibly fulfilling, and the journey continues to unfold with each passing day.” ~Danielle Bertoli
David Leiter
Media Specialist / Current Events Teacher
David Leiter has been working as the media specialist and an administrator at the Harriet Eisman Community School since 2010. He memorializes school experiences in the graduation videos (that he shoots and edits) and the yearbooks that he puts together. He utilizes film to instruct students in American and Global History. He is also an approachable presence in the hallway, always willing to lend a sympathetic ear or provide a helpful word of advice to students and staff.
“I believe the program works because the students have matured from their previous school experiences and appreciate a second chance to get a high school diploma, as they get to know their teachers better because of the smaller class environment and get more one-on-one attention which gives them an opportunity to excel in subjects that they previously struggled in.” ~David Leiter
Bianca Vella
Social Work / Psychology
Bianca Vella is new to the Harriet Eisman Community School as of fall 2024! She is a recent Stony Brook University graduate and will join the staff as one of the school social workers. Bianca will be running a therapeutic group with a primary focus on the dynamic of relationships: the anxiety that comes with them and tools to manage and reduce it, communication, trust, and emotional boundaries. Bianca is very excited to join a team that promotes individuality and promotes personal expression! Bianca is also a part of the Long Island Reach critical team.
Gabe Urena
Creative Writing / Journaling
Gabe Urena has been a part of the Harriet Eisman Community School since he started as a student in the program in the Fall of 2018. After graduating virtually in 2020, he interned most summers, creating the yearbook each year, and now is an instructor at the school teaching a creative writing/ journaling class. He routinely greets the students at the door and offers a more personal and caring approach to their education and time spent in school by engaging with them in between their classes and helping them with anything they need throughout the day.
Richard Wittich
Math Teacher
Richard Wittich is a dedicated educator at Harriet Eisman, where he teaches math and economics classes. Richard finds joy in integrating practical applications into his teaching, such as utilizing Google products, to ensure students can apply their learning in real-life scenarios. Moreover, he values student autonomy by incorporating student choice into the assessment process, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding in ways that resonate with them.
Richard is committed to enhancing student learning through innovative methods, including the integration of technology and interactive tools. His approach aims to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of his students.
“Teaching at this school has taught me so much about what youth are capable of.” ~Richard Wittich