Administration

Mr. Kevin Hanlon serves as the Principal of Columbus Elementary School in the Mount Pleasant Central School District. He brings more than two decades of experience in education, with a strong background in instructional leadership, school culture, and community engagement.

Before joining Mount Pleasant, Mr. Hanlon served as Assistant Principal at Fox Lane Middle School in the Bedford Central School District, where he oversaw curriculum, teacher supervision, and student programs. His prior experience includes serving as Assistant Principal at Farragut Middle School in Hastings-on-Hudson and as an Academy Leader, mathematics department chairperson, and math teacher at Port Chester Middle School.

Mr. Hanlon is known for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to creating joyful, inclusive learning environments. His work centers on building strong relationships with students, staff, and families and ensuring that every child feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Providence College, a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, and a Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville University.

Ms. Erica Denman serves as the Assistant Principal of Hawthorne and Columbus Elementary Schools. She brings a wealth of experience in literacy, curriculum development, and instructional leadership to the Mount Pleasant Central School District.

Most recently, Ms. Denman served as Regional Director of the Professional Learning Team and Senior Literacy Consultant at Schoolwide, Inc., where she collaborated closely with Columbus Elementary staff. Previously, she taught at Teachers College, Columbia University, and served as a 4th–6th grade classroom teacher in Merrick, NY, and the New York City Department of Education.

Throughout her career, Ms. Denman has demonstrated a commitment to fostering high-quality instruction, supporting teachers, and nurturing students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. She has extensive experience developing curricula, coaching teachers, and leading professional development programs that align with district initiatives and the Portrait of a Mount Pleasant Learner.

Ms. Denman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from George Washington University, a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University.