September 2025
Meet the Eastern NY Community Schools Technical Assistance Center: Empowering Educational Excellence Across Eastern New York
Contact: EasternCSTAC@fordham.edu
About Eastern CSTAC
The New York State Technical Assistance Center (CSTAC) for the Eastern region serves as a vital educational resource spanning 25 counties throughout eastern New York State, extending from the vibrant communities of Long Island to the scenic landscapes along the Canadian border. Our comprehensive service area encompasses judicial regions 3, 4, 9, and 10, ensuring broad access to essential educational support services.
Our Mission Eastern CSTAC is dedicated to delivering exceptional, cost-free technical assistance and professional development opportunities to community schools throughout our region. We believe that every educational leader, teacher, and stakeholder deserves access to high-quality resources that drive meaningful improvement in student outcomes and community engagement.
Who We Serve
Our comprehensive support network reaches:
- Public School Leaders – Superintendents, principals, and administrative teams seeking innovative solutions for complex educational challenges
- Educators – Teachers across all grade levels and subject areas looking to enhance their professional practice
- Community Stakeholders – Parents, community organizations, and local partners invested in educational success
- Support Staff – Counselors, social workers, and other professionals who contribute to holistic student development
Our Comprehensive Service Portfolio
Technical Assistance & Consultation We provide personalized, on-site support tailored to each district’s unique needs, helping schools navigate implementation challenges and optimize their community school initiatives.
Professional Development Programs Our expert-led training sessions focus on evidence-based practices, innovative teaching methodologies, and leadership development strategies that create lasting impact.
Community Partnership Development We facilitate meaningful connections between schools and community organizations, fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen the educational ecosystem.
Resource Access & Development Eastern CSTAC ensures schools have access to cutting-edge tools, research-based materials, and funding opportunities that support continuous improvement.
Communities of Practice We cultivate collaborative networks where educators can share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from peer experiences in a supportive environment.
Specialized Focus Areas
Community School Implementation Our team provides expert guidance on transforming traditional schools into vibrant community hubs that serve students, families, and neighborhoods holistically.
School Transformation Initiatives We support comprehensive reform efforts that address academic achievement, student engagement, and community involvement through strategic planning and implementation support.
Capacity Building Through targeted professional development and ongoing coaching, we help districts build internal expertise and sustainable systems for continuous improvement.
Network Development We create opportunities for cross-district collaboration, peer learning, and resource sharing that amplify the impact of individual school improvement efforts.
Olga Maluf, Director, ETAC
is the Director of the NYS Community Schools Technical Assistance Center for the Eastern Region (CSTAC), at Fordham University. In this role, she oversees the provision of technical assistance to school districts establishing or operating Community Schools in the Eastern region.
Olga has been an educator with the New York City Department of Education for over 35 years, most recently for the last 13 years as the principal of an elementary school in Brooklyn and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School. She holds New York State Certification in School Building Leadership and School District Leadership.
As a Dominican-born educator, Olga has always strived to support and enhance academic excellence and student empowerment. Her journey in education has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to nurturing inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. She looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders in supporting the goals and mission of community schools.
Barbara Schneer, Resource Specialist
Barbara Schneer is the Resource Specialist for the NYS Community Schools Technical Assistance Center for the Eastern Region (CSTAC), at Fordham University. In this role, she supports technical assistance to community school staff in the Eastern Region through identifying and evaluating school district’s needs.
Barbara has over 25 years of experience as both a classroom teacher, reading specialist and instructional coach throughout the tri-state area. She has also partnered with both nonprofit and community based organizations to deliver programming, develop curricula and support community school leaders. She holds degrees in elementary and literacy education and has completed coursework in Educational Leadership.
A native of Westchester, NY, Barbara looks forward to collaborating with community schools throughout the Eastern region to support key practices for success.
Upcoming Fall Programming
Eastern CSTAC is excited to announce our robust fall programming designed to support your professional growth and school improvement goals. Our upcoming events will feature:
- Interactive Webinar Series – Convenient virtual learning opportunities that fit into busy schedules
- Regional Conferences – Multi-day immersive experiences featuring national experts and local success stories
- Hands-On Workshops – Practical training sessions focused on immediate implementation strategies
- Networking Events – Structured opportunities to connect with peers and build lasting professional relationships
Each event is carefully designed to provide actionable strategies, research-based insights, and collaborative learning experiences that you can immediately apply in your educational setting.
Mark Your Calendars
We encourage you to reserve time for these transformative learning opportunities. Detailed event information, registration links, and session descriptions will be shared in the coming weeks through our communication channels.
Save the Date
Stay tuned for registration information for these upcoming events:
- 10/26, 12/10, 1/21, 3/25, 4/29, 5/27 & 6/24: Brewing Connections for Community Schools: Coffee with Olga and Barbara
- 10/27, 1/14 & 3/11: MTSS Implementation: From Core Components To Real World Success (Webinar Series w/ Dr. Karen Ames)
- 11/19: Pathways to Possibility: A Day of Learning and Collaboration with Eastern CSTAC (Westchester In-Person Conference @ Fordham University Westchester Campus)
- 2/4 & 4/22: Building Resilient Communities Through Culturally Responsive Practices: (Webinar Series with Dr. Roger Ball)
- 6/5: Pathways to Possibility: Strengthening Eastern Long Island Schools Through Community Collaboration (Long Island In-Person Conference)
Get Connected
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your professional practice, expand your network, and access the resources you need to drive meaningful change in your educational community. Whether you’re leading a district transformation, implementing new instructional practices, or building community partnerships, Eastern CSTAC is your trusted partner in educational excellence. Please check out our Eastern CSTAC webpage or email us at easterncstac@fordham.edu for more information and to connect with us!
Stay Informed
Follow our upcoming communications for detailed event schedules, featured speakers, and registration information. We’re committed to making participation convenient and accessible for all members of our educational community.
Eastern CSTAC – Building stronger communities through educational excellence, one school at a time.
Do you have a community school story that you would like featured in our e-newsletter?
Email us at EasternCSTAC@fordham.edu