FACULTY
CARLA EICHLER
Design and Technology, Animation
ceichler@westportps.org | Tel: 203-341-1312
Ms. Eichler has been an art teacher at Staples High School since 2005. Her primary focus is digital art and design, and currently teaches Design and Technology and Animation. In the past she also taught Digital Darkroom for many years. Ms. Eichler developed the Animation course in 2013, and is looking forward to teaching Digital Foundations next year. Digital Foundations is a full year, Honors levels course where students can earn UConn Early College Experience (ECE) credit.
Prior to teaching, Ms. Eichler had a career in Broadcast Design, and worked at WTNH-TV in New Haven, CT. Her major responsibilities were working with the News, Marketing and Sales departments to create supporting motion and still on-air graphic treatments, as well as web advertisements, billboard ads, and various other graphics needs.
Ms Eichler earned a BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design from the University of Connecticut, and holds a Masters in Art Education from Southern CT State University.
Ms. Eichler does quite a bit of design work for non-profit organizations in her community. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, and music, as well as spending time with her husband and two young daughters.
Ms. Choi has been an art teacher at Staples High School since 2022. Her primary focus is digital art, and she currently teaches Photography, Animation, and 3D Studio. Prior to teaching at Staples, Ms.Choi has worked in footwear design companies and taught art in different school districts.
Ms. Choi earned a BFA with a concentration in Accessories Design from Fashion Institute of Technology, and holds a Masters in Art & Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
When Ms. Choi isn't teaching, she plays tennis and enjoys traveling. She also spends time with her husband and son.
MARK DEROSA
D2-D Studio Art, 3-D Studio Art, Drawing I, Advanced Drawing, Honors Art Studio mderosa@westportps.org | Tel: 203-341-1306
Mr. DeRosa has been creating an engaging and enriching learning environment for students through the Visual Arts for over twenty years and is thrilled to have joined the Westport School district in 2015. He is currently teaching 2-D and 3-D Studio Art as well as Drawing I, Advanced Drawing and Honors Art Studio.
Mr. DeRosa is a graduate of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art. While at Pratt, Mr.DeRosa's major focus of study was Drawing and Painting whilst also utilizing the instruction and studio facilities of multiple disciplines to create a unique mixed media, hybrid approach to making art that combines Drawing, Painting, Printmaking and Sculpture. He earned his Masters of Arts in Art Education from Boston University.
Mr. DeRosa is a professional artist as well as an educator who has been exhibiting his work in group and solo shows in galleries around the country since 2001. He has also been commissioned to create murals and art work for private collectors in New York, Washington, D.C. and Connecticut.
Beginning her teaching journey in 2008 at Staples High School, Ms. Jeselnik dedicated herself to crafting an engaging curriculum for the 3-D arts. Her classes spanned a diverse array of mediums, including jewelry design, found object sculpture, ceramics, and art history. As her passion for clay arts flourished, she honed her expertise, leading to the establishment of the acclaimed Pottery and Ceramics program, which has consistently produced award-winning student artwork.
Ms. Jeselnik holds a Master's in Art Education from the College of New Rochelle and a Bachelor's in Marketing and Biology from Quinnipiac University. Beyond her role as an educator, she is also a distinguished professional artist, showcasing her creations in boutiques across the United States. Her artistic talent extends beyond the classroom, contributing to her success as both an educator and a celebrated artist.
STACEY PHELAN
Photography, Advanced Photography, Photography Honors
sphelan@westportps.org | Tel: 203-341-1443
Since childhood, Mrs. Phelan has been fascinated with photography, computer design programs, and technology. Her interest began when her father brought home an early model of a Commodore home computer and taught her simple programming. By the time she was in middle school, she was designing in Print Shop before moving on to Corel Draw, and eventually, Photoshop. In high school, she could be found in the darkroom, or out capturing student life with her trusty Minolta camera.
Mrs. Phelan started her education career as an elementary school art teacher in 2000. Wanting to return to her love of photography and design, she began a small photography business in 2008, while also working on her Master's degree.
Upon hearing about Mrs. Phelan's experience, the superintendent in her former district asked her to transfer to the high school to start a new photography program. She also taught ceramics, graphic design, and 3D Modeling & Animation. In 2017, Mrs. Phelan was excited and fortunate to find a photography-specific position here at Staples.
While Mrs. Phelan still creates design and photo work for herself and various groups, most of her work these days is captured on the sidelines of her children's sporting events. She enjoys living by the beach, reading, and spending time with her family.
STEPHANIE SILEO
Design, Printmaking, AP Art and Design
ssileo@westportps.org | Tel: 203-341-1313
Ms. Sileo is a new art teacher at Staples High School. Ms. Sileo studied at the University of Connecticut where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Magna Cum Laude. After her undergrad she worked as an assistant fashion designer in New York City, working on pattern and clothing design. Ms. Sileo later received her Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she taught undergraduates in addition to receiving her degree. She received her Post Baccalaureate from Central Connecticut State University in K-12 Arts Education.
Ms. Sileo uses primarily printmaking and drawing in her own professional studio practice and has shown work nationally.
ANGELA SIMPSON
Oil Painting, Watercolor, Silkscreen
asimpson@westportps.org | Tel: 203-341-5124
Mrs. Simpson has been teaching at Staples High School since 2001, but her history with Staples began as a student back in the 1980's. Even then, she enjoyed oil painting and photography. Little did she know she would one day teach those subjects at her alma mater. Now, Mrs. Simpson's primary courses are Oil Painting, Watercolor, Silk Screen and occasionally Drawing and other courses.
After graduating from Staples, Mrs. Simpson acquired a BS in Fine Art from Skidmore College, then an MS in Art Education at Southern Connecticut State University, followed by her 092 administrative certification at Sacred Heart University.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Simpson has held a variety of extra titles within the department, building and district to further serve the Visual Arts programs and the greater Staples community, including SHS Art Department Liaison, Professional Development Coordinator for the grades 6-12 art faculty, Department Representative on the Collaborative Team for most of her Staples career and Chair of the Staples Positive School Climate Committee.
Before teaching, Mrs. Simpson was a fashion designer for various companies in the garment industry, and also worked in marketing for a home fashions manufacturer.
When Mrs. Simpson isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and being a dog walking volunteer at a local animal shelter.