Mr. Pepe returned to Dunellen to serve as the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary in December, 2022, just under five years after moving on from his position as the district bookkeeper to become an Assistant Business Administrator in Edison. After a year and a half gaining valuable experience working in a very large district setting, Mr. Pepe obtained his first School Business Administrator position in Watchung Borough, a small K-8 district. Prior to his first stint working in Dunellen, Mr. Pepe had served as a middle school math teacher, high school math teacher, curriculum supervisor, director of curriculum, and supervisor of funded programs. He strives to use his curriculum and instruction background to inform his approach to managing the business office in a manner that is supportive to students and educators.

Mr. Pepe currently resides in Flemington, NJ, with his wife Tara and their three boys. He has a masters degree in educational administration from Georgian Court University and a bachelor's degree in mathematics education from The College of New Jersey. He has served in a variety of volunteer positions including youth baseball coach, PTO board member, and treasurer for the Somerset County Association of School Business Officials, Hunterdon Central Band Parent Association, and Cub Scouts Pack 30.

Ms. Meagan Drapkin is honored to be the new Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Dunellen Public Schools. Ms. Drapkin is and will always be a teacher first and her vision has always been "Student Centered...Equity Driven." Ms. Drapkin began her teaching career in 2006 as a 3rd grade teacher in the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District and then transitioned to the Lakewood Public School District where she served as a 3rd grade SIOP teacher, interventionist for all areas, literacy coach, and K-12 data coach. During her time in Lakewood she became Wilson Level 1 certified and received her Dyslexia Practitioner Certification. Ms. Drapkin then moved to the Manchester Township Public Schools, where she became an interventionist and Assistant to the Principal at Whiting Elementary School. In the summer of 2019, Ms. Drapkin entered educational leadership in the Keyport Public School District as the Supervisor of Language Arts and then the Director of Curriculum and Instruction/Supervisor of PreK. 

Ms. Drapkin received her undergraduate degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and teacher's certification. While in her first year of teaching, she pursued her Masters of Science in Sports Psychology from Capella University and believed that more high schools would have a need for sport psychologists in the future. However, as a new teacher she was provided with the opportunity to learn about and write curriculum, and that's when she realized her love for strong instructional practices and guiding students to take risks and achieve was her true passion. After completing her Masters, Ms. Drapkin received her Supervisor certification from Georgian Court University in 2013 and her Principal certification from Rowan University in 2018. Ms. Drapkin prides herself on being a listener and learner in the ever-evolving and changing educational world. 

While education is one of Ms. Drapkin's passions, she also makes sure to enjoy activities and spend time with the people she loves. You can find her spending time with her family and friends as well as dog, Maverick. She also loves running and competing in races varying from a 5k to a half marathon and cheering on the Atlanta Braves. Ms. Drapkin is looking forward to her new endeavor here in Dunellen and getting to know all of the students, staff, and community members.

Mr. Altmire has over twenty-six years of experience in the field of public education as a teacher, athletic coach, and administrator. He has been employed by the Dunellen Board of Education for almost his entire career. Mr. Altmire has truly taken pleasure in serving the community of Dunellen for this length of time in multiple capacities. He recognizes and appreciates its small town qualities.  

Mr. Altmire's primary goal is to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for students to attend school and be able to focus on academic performance within an optimal learning environment. The town of Dunellen has an excellent school system that allows students many opportunities to develop and flourish.

Dr. Tarah Santaniello is proud to serve as the Director of Special Services for Dunellen Public Schools. Dr. Santaniello started her career in education as a School Psychologist working at Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, NJ. After spending eight years at Voorhees High School, she transitioned to educational leadership and became the Supervisor of Special Education (6-12) in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. Dr. Santaniello joined the Dunellen team in 2022 and is eager to support the district through her belief that all students deserve to have access to great teaching and learning. She takes pride in the Dunellen community and is dedicated to enhancing the special education program for all students.  

Dr. Santaniello attended Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA, where she graduated with honors in Psychology, Education, and Human Behavioral Development. Dr. Santaniello began her graduate studies at Rowan University where she earned graduate degrees in School Psychology. During that time, she interned at Rutgers University working on the Developing Safe and Civil Schools project under the direction of Dr. Maurice Elias. That work focused on fostering a positive school climate for students, staff, and families. Dr. Santaniello is a life-long learner and in 2018 she earned her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Her dissertation was entitled "Active parental involvement and college and career readiness: A qualitative study." Dr. Santaniello’s research focused on the parental perspective on school collaboration, social-emotional learning, and college/career readiness for high school students. 

Dr. Santaniello is a native of Hunterdon County, NJ, where she lives with her husband, Brian (also an educator), and their two children. As a family they enjoy being active and supporting the athletic teams that Brian coaches. She enjoys attending live concerts, going to the beach, and cooking. Dr. Santaniello is proud to serve the Dunellen community!  

Mr. Lynch is proud to have served as the Principal of Dunellen High School for the past decade. He has been in education for 30 years, with experience as a teacher at North Brunswick Township High School, St. Mary Regional High School (South Amboy), and John Witherspoon Middle School in Princeton. Mr. Lynch has always had a passion for connecting with students outside of the classroom and he has advised various clubs and activities and coached multiple sports over the years, including basketball, softball, and tennis. For the past 15 years, Mr. Lynch has been in Dunellen, serving first as the Assistant Principal of Dunellen High School, then as the Principal of Lincoln Middle School, and finally as the Principal of Dunellen High School.

A proud graduate of Rutgers University, Mr. Lynch earned his Bachelors degree in History/Political Science and Masters degree in Educational Leadership. Growing up with a father in the U.S. Army, he was fortunate to have had the opportunity to live all across the United States and overseas. Mr. Lynch enjoys spending time with his wife, Carla, a preschool director, and 4 children, who are in high school and middle school. In his free time, he enjoys coaching his children in various sports, reading, traveling, hiking, and playing with the family dog, Harper. 

Mr. Lynch’s educational experiences have afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with various groups of people in a positive, supportive manner in seeking to increase student achievement and well-being. He holds the belief that all students can learn with the support of an encouraging community, responsive teachers, and a learning environment that provides for their needs on a daily basis. Dunellen continues to provide this for its students, while preparing them for life after high school in an ever changing world.

Ms. Ashley Powell is grateful for the opportunity to serve as Assistant Principal of Dunellen High School. With more than 15 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, she is committed to being a visible and supportive leader for students, teachers, and families.

Ms. Powell began her career teaching English at Sayreville War Memorial High School before moving on to Benedictine Academy, where she taught English and public speaking, developed student programs, and later served as Principal. She then continued her leadership journey at Unity Charter School as Lead ELA Teacher and AVID coordinator before joining the Dunellen community—first as a 9^th grade English teacher and then as the district’s Instructional Coach. These roles deepened her belief in the power of building relationships, student-centered learning, and small town vibes.

When Ms. Powell first arrived in Dunellen, she quickly realized it was a special place that reminded her of her own high school experience at Carteret High School and reinforced her love for small school environments. She holds a B.A. in English from Rutgers University, an M.A. in Instruction and Curriculum from Kean University, and Principal and Supervisor certifications through NJEXCEL and the State of New Jersey.

Ms. Powell is excited to continue her work at DHS and looks forward to supporting students, partnering with families, and celebrating all that makes Dunellen such a welcoming and supportive community.

Cuyler Tobin has spent his entire professional career as an educator in Dunellen, serving the students and community for over 24 years. His career began in 2002 as a Math teacher at DHS and LMS. He remained at LMS for nine years and then moved north to DHS, where he taught Algebra I and AP Calculus AB for four years. Throughout his years as a teacher, he also was the Varsity Head Coach for both Girls and Boys Tennis at DHS. In his final year as Head Coach in 2017, the Boys team won the division title. 

Mr. Tobin’s educational background began with his primary and secondary education in his hometown of Rochester, NY. He then moved to New Jersey and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Rutgers University in 2001. In 2012, he enrolled in Rowan University’s Masters program for School Administration, earning his Master of Arts in 2014. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as the Assistant Principal of Dunellen High School, where he served in that role for ten years, until being hired as the Principal of Lincoln Middle School in 2025.

Outside of school hours, Mr. Tobin loves spending his time with his wife and three active boys. He has made sure to incorporate his family into the community of Dunellen as much as possible, having experienced this small town as a second home of his for the past 20-plus years while forming many life-long relationships with members of the town. His children look forward to watching basketball games at Faber, watching football games and playing tennis or working out at Columbia Park, and have seen many of the wonderful productions from the drama and music departments. They have also enjoyed breakfast at Dunellen Bagel and food from Dunellen BBQ, Avellinos, The Dunellen Hotel, and Rome Pizza. They know, just like their father, how much the Miracle Mile has to offer.

Lauren Caulfield has had the privilege of working in Dunellen since the beginning of her career in 2014. During her time here she has served as an English/Writing teacher for grades 6-8, the head Varsity, Middle School, and recreational Track and Field and Cross country coach, Lincoln Student Council Advisor, and many other roles throughout the district.  Being able to be involved in the Dunellen community and having the ability to connect with students and their families in so many different facets has truly been a highlight of Mrs. Caulfield’s time in Dunellen.   

Mrs. Caulfield grew up in Bridgewater, New Jersey but held ties with Dunellen early on, by working at and frequenting The Dunellen Hotel with family.  She attended undergraduate school at Susquehanna University earning a Bachelor’s in 2014 Creative Writing and Secondary Education before earning a Master’s from Montclair University. 

Mrs. Caulfield lives in Whitehouse Station and enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, dog taking trips down the shore and regularly spending time with extended family.  She enjoys running and races long distances from 5ks through Ultra Marathons and maintaining an active lifestyle. 

Mr. Tennant is in his 22nd year as an elementary school educator. He is a passionate elementary school administrator with an extensive history of dedication to the Dunellen Public Schools. Upon graduating from King’s College, he began his career as a 3rd grade teacher at Emerson Community School in Plainfield, NJ, where he taught for four years. He joined the Dunellen School District for the 2004-05 school year and taught 4th grade at John P. Faber Elementary School. Fourth grade is admittedly his favorite grade to teach! After teaching 4th grade for eight wonderful years he became a Basic Skills Instruction (BSI) teacher for grades K-2, working closely with the K-2 teachers to further his knowledge of the early elementary curriculum. During that time he received his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Kean University.

In 2015, Mr. Tennant left the classroom and transitioned into an administrative role, becoming the Instructional Supervisor at Faber School. Shortly thereafter, in 2016, he was promoted to John P. Faber’s Assistant Principal. These were very formative years in his growth as an educator as they provided a solid foundation for quality leadership in both elementary curriculum and decision making. In 2020, he was honored to step into the role of Principal at John P. Faber Elementary. It has been his passion to work with Faber’s Faculty and the Dunellen Community to help all students reach their full potential. His educational experiences have afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people, to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and student well-being. He strives to provide a safe, engaging, educational environment for the youngest students of Dunellen School District. 

Along with his teaching and administrative roles Mr. Tennant has been active in coaching several of Dunellen’s Varsity Athletic Programs. He was the Head Coach for the Girls Varsity Soccer Team from 2014 to 2017 and was instrumental in bringing a Boys Varsity Soccer Team to Dunellen. He was the Head Coach during its inaugural year, 2018 and coached for two more years before hanging up his cleats.