Museum Staff
Executive Director
Paul DeOrsay
pdeorsay@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 15
I have always had an interest in the sea, maritime history and education. After receiving my bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Maritime Folklore, I spent twenty years as a captain and instructor in the Sea Semester program in Woods Hole, Mass, where my interest in the marine sciences developed.
I swallowed the anchor in 1990 and joined the Texas Seaport Museum. In 1994, I became VP of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. I have been at the Whaling Museum since 2001.
I am very active in professional and civic associations both local and national. In my off time, I enjoy sailing, singing and carpentry.
It is a pleasure to live and work in a community that embraces its maritime past and recognizes the importance of the sea to our island’s future.
pdeorsay@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 15
I have always had an interest in the sea, maritime history and education. After receiving my bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Maritime Folklore, I spent twenty years as a captain and instructor in the Sea Semester program in Woods Hole, Mass, where my interest in the marine sciences developed.
I swallowed the anchor in 1990 and joined the Texas Seaport Museum. In 1994, I became VP of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. I have been at the Whaling Museum since 2001.
I am very active in professional and civic associations both local and national. In my off time, I enjoy sailing, singing and carpentry.
It is a pleasure to live and work in a community that embraces its maritime past and recognizes the importance of the sea to our island’s future.
Administrative Assistant
Ginny Zorbo
gzorbo@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 10
I have been with the Museum for ten years!
I enjoy working at the Museum because of the wonderful people I work with, and the fact that no two days are ever the same. There are so many creative minds at work here, and I feel as though I am still learning something new every day.
I have two sons – one is a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department , and my other son is a professional lifeguard for the city of Honolulu.
My favorite past-times are sunning, swimming, shelling and spending time with my two house bunnies, Hayley and Harley.
gzorbo@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 10
I have been with the Museum for ten years!
I enjoy working at the Museum because of the wonderful people I work with, and the fact that no two days are ever the same. There are so many creative minds at work here, and I feel as though I am still learning something new every day.
I have two sons – one is a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department , and my other son is a professional lifeguard for the city of Honolulu.
My favorite past-times are sunning, swimming, shelling and spending time with my two house bunnies, Hayley and Harley.
Education Department
Director of Education
Nomi Dayan
ndayan@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 17
My work is my life's passion: teaching others about the wonders of the world. I started teaching in museums when I was 14, and I received my BA from Hunter College and MA from Bank Street College in Museum Education. I try to design programs that spark curiosity and creativity in individuals through interdisciplinary, constructivist learning.
Previous experiences include teaching about nature, science, and environmental studies in the education departments of the Prospect Park Zoo and New York Aquarium of the Wildlife Conservation Society, and running programs about science, botany, and culture at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. I joined the Whaling Museum in 2008 in an effort to revitalize the department's vision and have tremendously enjoyed being part of a petite but vibrant gem on Long Island.
Aside from my fascination with the ocean, everything in nature interests me. I enjoy exploring Long Island parks with my husband and baby. Other interests are herpetology (especially snakes), the secret lives of bugs, dance, local history, van Gogh, Native American cultures, Carlebach music, vegetable gardening, and creative writing. I am committed to living compassionately and eco-consciously.
ndayan@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 17
My work is my life's passion: teaching others about the wonders of the world. I started teaching in museums when I was 14, and I received my BA from Hunter College and MA from Bank Street College in Museum Education. I try to design programs that spark curiosity and creativity in individuals through interdisciplinary, constructivist learning.
Previous experiences include teaching about nature, science, and environmental studies in the education departments of the Prospect Park Zoo and New York Aquarium of the Wildlife Conservation Society, and running programs about science, botany, and culture at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. I joined the Whaling Museum in 2008 in an effort to revitalize the department's vision and have tremendously enjoyed being part of a petite but vibrant gem on Long Island.
Aside from my fascination with the ocean, everything in nature interests me. I enjoy exploring Long Island parks with my husband and baby. Other interests are herpetology (especially snakes), the secret lives of bugs, dance, local history, van Gogh, Native American cultures, Carlebach music, vegetable gardening, and creative writing. I am committed to living compassionately and eco-consciously.
Educators
Alison Simmons, Lead Educator
asimmons@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 16
History has always been a passion of mine. As an educator, I recognize that not everyone finds history, by itself, as exciting and fascinating as I do. With this in mind, I strive to make learning about history fun by incorporating hands-on activities and relating ‘the past’ with students’ lives today.
My passion for education has taken me from the classroom and to the Huntington Historical Society before beginning my work with the CSH Whaling Museum in 2009. I felt at home teaching at the Huntington Historical Society and now at the Whaling Museum because they both use hands-on approaches for learning. Since joining, I have helped to develop new and interesting programs as well as spearheaded initiatives such as the “Haunted Whaling Museum” that helped to introduce the museum to visitors in an interactive and “spooky” way.
I received my B.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland and an M.S. Ed. in Literacy from C.W. Post. My interests outside of teaching include history, reading, yoga, racquetball, skiing, traveling, and listening to music.
asimmons@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 16
History has always been a passion of mine. As an educator, I recognize that not everyone finds history, by itself, as exciting and fascinating as I do. With this in mind, I strive to make learning about history fun by incorporating hands-on activities and relating ‘the past’ with students’ lives today.
My passion for education has taken me from the classroom and to the Huntington Historical Society before beginning my work with the CSH Whaling Museum in 2009. I felt at home teaching at the Huntington Historical Society and now at the Whaling Museum because they both use hands-on approaches for learning. Since joining, I have helped to develop new and interesting programs as well as spearheaded initiatives such as the “Haunted Whaling Museum” that helped to introduce the museum to visitors in an interactive and “spooky” way.
I received my B.S. in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland and an M.S. Ed. in Literacy from C.W. Post. My interests outside of teaching include history, reading, yoga, racquetball, skiing, traveling, and listening to music.
Nicole Kuffo, Educator & Gift Shop Manager
nkuffo@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 11
It has always been a passion of mine to work with children. During my freshman year at SUNY College at Old Westbury I was required to complete community service hours and I requested to be placed with an organization that works with children. I became an intern at the Whaling Museum in order to fulfill my community service requirements. Near the end of my school semester, I was asked to join the education team.
Working at the museum continues to be such a wonderful experience because it allows me to expand on my knowledge of marine life, history and conservation while educating the students and visitors who explore the museum. My experiences teaching at museum has also allowed me to grow as an educator and sharpen my teaching skills.
I am currently attending St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue to earn my degree in childhood and special education. I also have concentration in psychology and sociology.
In my spare time I enjoy kickboxing, traveling, and spending time with my family.
nkuffo@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 11
It has always been a passion of mine to work with children. During my freshman year at SUNY College at Old Westbury I was required to complete community service hours and I requested to be placed with an organization that works with children. I became an intern at the Whaling Museum in order to fulfill my community service requirements. Near the end of my school semester, I was asked to join the education team.
Working at the museum continues to be such a wonderful experience because it allows me to expand on my knowledge of marine life, history and conservation while educating the students and visitors who explore the museum. My experiences teaching at museum has also allowed me to grow as an educator and sharpen my teaching skills.
I am currently attending St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue to earn my degree in childhood and special education. I also have concentration in psychology and sociology.
In my spare time I enjoy kickboxing, traveling, and spending time with my family.
Gina Van Bell, Educator
gvanbell@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 16
My fourth grade trip to the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum is one that I’ve never forgotten. I kept my scrimshaw craft from that day for a very long time. Now I not only get to share that experience on a weekly basis with children from all over Long Island while teaching about whaler’s lives and experiences, but I also help to make the experience more relevant and exciting as time changes the museum and the world around it.
My background varies from studying fashion merchandising in London to product development at various fashion businesses to substituting in the Long Island schools. I completed my BA in Fashion Merchandise Management at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology. After working in the field for a few years, I had a change of heart and decided I would use my creativity to teach children. I graduated from CUNY Hunter College with an MA in Childhood Education.
I started working at the museum in the summer of 2009 after finishing up a year of substituting in Long Island schools. Making teaching points at the whaling museum using a true hands-on approach, educational games, and related crafts, inspired me as an educator. I continue to be motivated and enthused every day by the group of educators, visitors, and friends of the museum.
I enjoy spending time with my husband and son. We spend time outdoors at the local parks and beaches whether its summer or winter. When I’m home, I like to spend time reading, doing crafts, and especially organizing.
gvanbell@cshwhalingmuseum.org; Ext 16
My fourth grade trip to the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum is one that I’ve never forgotten. I kept my scrimshaw craft from that day for a very long time. Now I not only get to share that experience on a weekly basis with children from all over Long Island while teaching about whaler’s lives and experiences, but I also help to make the experience more relevant and exciting as time changes the museum and the world around it.
My background varies from studying fashion merchandising in London to product development at various fashion businesses to substituting in the Long Island schools. I completed my BA in Fashion Merchandise Management at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology. After working in the field for a few years, I had a change of heart and decided I would use my creativity to teach children. I graduated from CUNY Hunter College with an MA in Childhood Education.
I started working at the museum in the summer of 2009 after finishing up a year of substituting in Long Island schools. Making teaching points at the whaling museum using a true hands-on approach, educational games, and related crafts, inspired me as an educator. I continue to be motivated and enthused every day by the group of educators, visitors, and friends of the museum.
I enjoy spending time with my husband and son. We spend time outdoors at the local parks and beaches whether its summer or winter. When I’m home, I like to spend time reading, doing crafts, and especially organizing.
Accounting
Cornelius Francis (Neil) Brogan, Accountant
brogie@optonline.net
In the summer of 1974, I was asked to fill in for a friend who was working weekends at the Museum. I continued for several years whenever the friend could not make work. In 1977, I was added officially to the staff. After graduating CW Post School Of Professional Accountancy in 1981, I became the accountant for the Museum and have served in that capacity ever since.
I worked at Zeidman, Lackowitz & Company Certified Public Accountants, Syosset NY for 25 years. I am currently the Chief Financial Officer for The Inn At New Hyde Park.
I belong to the New Hyde Park Fire Department where I have served as Captain Of Protection Engine Co. #2, an Emergency Medical Technician and Captain of the Termites Racing Team. I served as President of The Nassau County Volunteer Firemens Parade and Drill Team Captain's Association. I am a member of the Huntington Community Band and the Lindenhurst Brass Marching Band. I sing in the St. Annes Garden City Choir and am a member of the steering committee for the annual Newsday / Hofstra High School Marching Band Festival. I am a member of the National Eagle Scout Association and serve as Treasurer for the New Hyde Park Village Museum Association.
I enjoy spending time at my summer home located in Glen Spey NY, golfing and collecting antique vehicles.
brogie@optonline.net
In the summer of 1974, I was asked to fill in for a friend who was working weekends at the Museum. I continued for several years whenever the friend could not make work. In 1977, I was added officially to the staff. After graduating CW Post School Of Professional Accountancy in 1981, I became the accountant for the Museum and have served in that capacity ever since.
I worked at Zeidman, Lackowitz & Company Certified Public Accountants, Syosset NY for 25 years. I am currently the Chief Financial Officer for The Inn At New Hyde Park.
I belong to the New Hyde Park Fire Department where I have served as Captain Of Protection Engine Co. #2, an Emergency Medical Technician and Captain of the Termites Racing Team. I served as President of The Nassau County Volunteer Firemens Parade and Drill Team Captain's Association. I am a member of the Huntington Community Band and the Lindenhurst Brass Marching Band. I sing in the St. Annes Garden City Choir and am a member of the steering committee for the annual Newsday / Hofstra High School Marching Band Festival. I am a member of the National Eagle Scout Association and serve as Treasurer for the New Hyde Park Village Museum Association.
I enjoy spending time at my summer home located in Glen Spey NY, golfing and collecting antique vehicles.
Development
Nan Gerson
nrgerson@aol.com
Please check back soon for Nan's fantastic bio.
nrgerson@aol.com
Please check back soon for Nan's fantastic bio.
Interpreter Staff
Kenny Howes
Anthony Imburgia Rosemarie Marty Ben Sachs |
Assistants
Danjeh Haeri
Peter Nazaroff Phillip Sweeney Olivia Mignone Seamus Seery |
Spooky Education Team
