Meet The Guides At Acton Academy Eastern Long Island!
A major component of the Acton Academy model is treating every learner that comes through our doors as if they were a genius, because in reality they are! Instead of teachers who talk at a class, the guides at Acton ELI inspire learners to think deeply, connect fully, use their own problem solving skills, as well as the resources around them. We encourage discovery, challenges, and even failure. Our guides help to deliver the curriculum and equip each learner with the tools necessary to take charge of their own learning. It’s not about getting the learners to robotically sit at a desk, tune in and out of a lecture, then hope to retain some of it to get a homework sheet done. Our guides are motivated every day to help each learner uncover their own magic and love for learning that innately lives within every one of us.
Andrea (Andie) Libutti
Owner/Head of School
Andie has always had a passion for helping the community thrive. Her own journey into Acton started when her sons were younger and she was longing for a place for her own children’s education. After starting Acton ELI in 2019, it has been a place of energy and rejuvenation to be with the children in their environments of discovery and wonder. While the school has gone through some of its own growth and challenges over the years, Andie is excited to be immersed in the Acton model and share it with the community.
When Andie is not at the school, you might find her working as an MD in your local walk-in clinic, or (and for Andie, most preferably) at home digging in her garden, snuggling her dogs, hanging with her grown sons, or taking a walk on the beach.
Janel Duffy
Upper Elementary Guide
Janel is excited to be taking on the role of Upper Elementary Guide at Acton ELI. She first learned about Acton while she was pregnant with her first daughter and immediately knew that this was the place she could see her family and children thriving. She started as a part time guide in 2019 after the birth of her daughter and left after a year and a half to pursue other passion projects. The stars aligned for both Acton ELI and Janel to fulfill the role of Upper Elementary Guide. She is excited to grow this program for her own family, as well as the local families she’s grown to love over the years.
When Janel is not at school, you can find her at the gym, or at home with her girls and husband– trying out different recipes, going to the beach, and spending as much time outside as possible.
Cathy Orofino
Spark Guide
Cathy’s journey into Acton started when her own sons attended Acton ELI’s program in its earlier years. Cathy will tell you that her whole world was blown apart and put back together in a whole new way when her family started living the Acton way. As a former social worker, she was inspired to work with the young learners to help them discover their passions, work through their struggles, and be great friends to one another. Cathy leads with such a warm heart, she creates a space where all of her learners feel safe, seen, and challenged to be their best.
When Cathy is not at school, you can find her out and about with her very active sons, working with horses, spending time with her husband, and being out in nature.