West Islip Names New Assistant Director Of Special Education

WEST ISLIP, NY — The West Islip Union Free School District has appointed Tonimarie Young as assistant director of special education, district officials said.

Young, whose appointment took effect July 1, joins Lindsey Ednick on the district’s assistant director of special education team.

Young has worked in the district since 2012 and most recently served as its districtwide behavior analyst. In that role, she developed individualized behavior intervention plans and supported students across different educational settings, according to the district.

Before becoming the districtwide behavior analyst, Young worked as a special education teacher at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School from 2012 to 2024.

Young earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a master’s degree from Sacred Heart University.

She later earned New York State certifications in special education through Dowling College and educational leadership through Stony Brook University. She is also a board-certified behavior analyst, having completed her certification through Pennsylvania State University, and holds multiple New York State professional certifications.

“I am incredibly excited to join the administrative team in a district that I have proudly been part of for the past 15 years,” Young said. “I look forward to serving alongside our dedicated teachers and staff, partnering with families, and supporting every student in reaching their greatest potential.”