John Baldi, Head of School

Mr. Baldi comes to the Vincent Smith School with twenty years of educational and administrative experience. Before coming to Vincent Smith, Mr. Baldi was Director of Finance of the Kew-Forest School, a PreK-12 private school in Forest Hills, Queens. Mr. Baldi served both as a senior administrator as well as a faculty member, and was responsible for all aspects of education, administration and facilities management. He is also actively involved with the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), serving on numerous school accreditation teams and committees, and was part of the team of administrators that was responsible for the last accreditation of the Vincent Smith School before he arrived.

Mr. Baldi is currently completing his Doctoral degree in Instructional Leadership. His research and thesis involves the early introduction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to middle school students. He earned his M.S. in Education from St. John’s University and his B.A. in Accounting from Queens College.  He is also a published playwright and the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for his off-Broadway productions.

"Vincent Smith’s tradition of excellence and its high regard for education amongt its faculty, students and parents has motivated and inspired me to continue and broaden its current path of success. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of VSS during this exciting time in the school's history."

Lois Dierlam, Dean of Students

Lois Dierlam is the Dean of Students. In this role, she oversees and manages services that impact students directly, such as counseling and advising, testing, resource services, student conduct and achievement.  Additionally, she is responsible for the in-service training of teachers and the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school.

Ms. Dierlam served as an Associate Professor at Concordia College from 2013-2015. Prior to that, she was the Chair of the Teacher Education Program at Concordia College from 2010-2014. She completed her doctorate at Concordia University, Chicago, IL in 2012, her M.A. in Special Education in 2002 from Hofstra University and her B.S. in Special Education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, 1978.  

Faculty

Vincent Smith School is staffed by over 20 New York State certified teachers and related services therapists who are highly trained, qualified, and dedicated to the philosophy of the School.