The Massapequa School District announces the appointment of two department administrators for the 2026-2027 school year. Katie LoRusso joins the district as the director of fine and performing arts, and Dani Shehada is moving from the Berner Middle School classroom to become supervisor of career and technical education. Both are replacing administrators who are retiring and take on their new roles July 1.
Ms. LoRusso has served as the music chairperson at H. Frank Carey High School in the Sewanhaka Central High School District for the past two years. Her teaching career began at Plainedge Middle School in 2005 before joining the music faculty at Carey the following year.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, a master’s degree in music education from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and administrative certifications from Stony Brook University. Ms. LoRusso is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Nassau Music Educators Association and New York State School Music Association.
“I am excited and honored to join the Massapequa School District as the director of fine and performing arts,” Ms. LoRusso said. “I look forward to collaborating with our talented students, dedicated staff and supportive community to continue to foster creativity in the arts with meaningful opportunities for every student to grow.
Ms. Shehada has 18 years of experience as an educator, including the past 10 as a family and consumer sciences teachers at Berner. This year, she teaches sixth grade, eighth grade and Career and Community Connections students.
She has gained administrative experience by working as the Summer Recreation coordinator since 2024, overseeing the program and site directors at seven schools. As CTE supervisor, the secondary business education, driver’s education, family and consumer sciences and technology programs will fall under her purview.
Ms. Shehada holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from SUNY Cortland, a master’s degree in family and consumer sciences education K-12 from CUNY Queens, certification in special education, generalist 7-12 from Touro College and an administrative certification from the College of Saint Rose.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity and to work alongside such a dedicated team of administrators, teachers parents and students,” Ms. Shehada said. “In Massapequa, we are fortunate to have a strong CTE program. I look forward to building upon this foundation to help prepare all students to become skilled, successful and reach their full potential. CTE classes provide valuable real-world experiences and practical skills that help students prepare for future careers and lifelong success. This new role is a dream come true for me.”