FACULTY & STAFF
New York, NY
Administrators
Danielle Bocchino
Director
Danielle came to the field of education with a background in mental health counseling and a passion for helping kids realize they can get unstuck from a difficult situation through their own work and sense of agency. For more than 20 years she has been supporting young people as school counselor, social-emotional learning specialist, director of counseling, and dean of student support, as well as in her own private practice as a licensed mental health counselor. She holds a B.A. from the Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University and an Ed.M. in psychological counseling from Columbia University, with post-graduate training in educational leadership and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Danielle is a native New Yorker who loves the performing arts and resides in Brooklyn with her family and Boston terrier.
Molly Mosher
Program Coordinator
Molly’s passion for reading and writing led her to earn two English degrees—a bachelor’s from the University of Florida and a master’s from City College of New York. Since completing her master’s, she has taught writing and literature at CUNY, where she finds the greatest joy in supporting students as they learn and grow. She brings this same dedication to Links Academy, helping families access the specialized educational support they need. In her free time, Molly enjoys exploring NYC’s vibrant arts scene—from culinary delights to painting and performance—and spending time with her yellow lab mix, Rico.
Teachers
Michael Lodato
Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in Physics from the College of the Holy Cross as well as a Master of Arts in Philosophy with a minor in Gender Studies from Indiana University Bloomington. Michael teaches math, science, and humanities courses at Links Academy. At Indiana University, Michael served as an Associate Instructor for logic and intensive writing courses. In addition, he has over 10 years of experience as a private math tutor. Michael enjoys using humor to communicate big ideas—he has published comedy articles in McSweeney's and The American Bystander and has worked as a scriptwriter for YouTube channels like Wisecrack and Crash Course. His hobbies include bouldering, playing chess, and learning about New York City street art.
Hana Dakaj
Hana earned a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in History from Western Connecticut State University. She previously taught at the Spire School in Stamford, CT—a therapeutic school that integrates social-emotional learning with academic instruction. Her teaching approach emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow both personally and academically. Outside the classroom, Hana is passionate about traveling in order to learn about new cultures. She believes the best way to learn is to explore.
Max Ventura
Max earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in mathematics from Case Western Reserve University. After graduation, he began teaching as a private tutor in math, English, and the sciences, and as a competitive debate coach for middle school students. As a music teacher, he has worked with students on piano, guitar, and saxophone. He loves to find intuitive ways of teaching concepts and skills, and his weakness for absurd humor inevitably slips in. In addition to teaching, Max is a songwriter and composer in multiple genres, from classical and jazz to pop and rock. He is also passionate about Japanese culture, with particular interests in anime, Nintendo, matcha and tea, aesthetics, and the Japanese language. He is insatiably curious about the universe, and hopes to spark the same curiosity in others.
Links Academy does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by CT & NY state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. Links Academy is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons & equal access to Boy Scouts of America & other designated youth groups. Inquiries should be directed to: Laurie DiPreta, Human Resources and Benefits Manager, ldipreta@greenwichedgroup.com.