NAF Academy of Finance

The NAF Academy of Finance at Monticello High School provides a flexible four year program that students can first enroll in at the end of eighth grade. It welcomes all students, regardless of future career interests. The skills acquired through participation in the NAF Academy of Finance are beneficial in any career path. Additionally, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance “VITA” program, juniors and seniors learn about contributing to their community.

This program is a member program of NAF, which was founded in New York City by a partnership of schools and the financial services industry. There are over 600 NAF Academies in the United States.

Our Academy collaborates with local businesses to create and provide financial education opportunities for Monticello High School students. Opportunities within NAF Academy of Finance include paid internships, IRS tax preparer certification, job shadowing, guest speakers, field trips, event planning, and senior year mentoring among others. To learn more about the NAF Academy of Finance please contact the AOF program director through the main office of Monticello High School at 845-794-8840.

Academy Opportunities

To maximize the benefits of the Academy of Finance’s program, we advise students to enroll in courses beginning in grade 9. These classes run concurrently with the standard academic curriculum mandated by New York State for graduation from High School.

Internships

After successfully completing their junior year, students are eligible to apply to a paid internship at a local business. Through our internship program, students gain valuable opportunities, explore real-world experiences, investigate career interests, and develop essential skills.

Recent (Past) internships include summer employment at:

Kristt Kelly Office System Corp.
M.L. Zager P.C.
Pasta D’Oro
The Center for Discovery
Sullivan County Government Center
Sullivan Renaissance
Town of Mamakating Day Camp
Wechsler Pool Supply

College Credit

Students are required to take at least one SUNY Sullivan course. Financial assistance is available to those students who qualify.

Community Service

Students develop personal growth, participate in civic engagement, build connections, and enhance their college application by participating in community service activities.

Field Trips

NAF Academy of Finance students enjoy a range of field trip opportunities. Past visits have included financial landmarks such as the New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve Bank, the 911 Museum and other interesting financial sites. Not to mention our local ‘landmarks’ such as SUNY Sullivan Community College, and Bethel Woods, just to name a few.

The benefits of the Academy include:

Paid internships
Scholarships
IRS tax preparer certification
Job shadow opportunities
College courses
Alumni and community member guest speakers
Advisory board mentor program
Field trips
Event planning, including fundraising experiences
College tours
Participation in extracurricular club activities
Opportunity to become a student leader
Resume preparation and mock interviews
Career exploration and informational interviews
Business dress, behavior and etiquette training
Potential to earn national certification
Access to a growing network of business professionals as an AOF alumnus
Become part of our family of students

Meet Our Board

The AOF currently has nine board members. Each board member makes valuable contributions to the Academy of Finance whether that is by overseeing or participating in the Mentor/Mentee program with AOF Seniors, supporting our VITA program, bringing in local businesspeople to speak to our students or assisting with summer internships. Each advisor plays a valuable role and brings years of experience to benefit our program and students.

Christine Borelli

Christine has served at Apple as the K12 Education Regional Manager for twelve years, working with school leadership teams in support of their goals. She currently leads an extended team of fifty people across several functional roles in the Northeast Region responsible for Apple’s education customers.

Prior to joining Apple, Christine worked for the Hewlett-Packard Company and lived in Manhattan for more than twenty years. She led sales and services teams dedicated to enterprise accounts in various coverage models across the Americas. Christine has won sales leadership awards including the HP President’s Club award and the Apple Education Region Manager of the Year award.

Christine is originally from Connecticut and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. She resides in Roscoe, New York with her husband, where they enjoy hiking and fly fishing. Christine is a champion for women in business, and mentors many. She is also the Treasurer for the Catskills-based Woman Fly Fishers Club.

Anna Bittinger

Anna Bittinger is a proud 2018 graduate of the Monticello High School Academy of Finance. Her experience in the program laid the foundation for her academic and professional journey, inspiring her to pursue a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management at Ithaca College.

After graduating, Anna joined Irwin Siegel Agency, where she quickly advanced through roles in Business Development, Insurance Operations, and Management. Her early work focused on sales development and marketing initiatives. As she transitioned into operations, Anna became deeply involved in business analytics, strategic process improvement, and cross-functional project management. Now serving as Director of Operations, she leads a team of entry-level insurance professionals and collaborates closely with executive leadership to align talent development with organizational goals. Through this work, Anna has discovered a strong passion for mentoring and developing early-career professionals, helping them grow into confident and capable contributors.

Anna is excited to return to the Academy of Finance as an advisory board member, bringing her experience in leadership, analytics, and process improvement to support and mentor the next generation of AOF students.

Simon Gonzalez

My name is Simon Gonzalez, and I live in Monticello. I graduated from Monticello High school in 2024, currently I am working towards my associate degree in Business Administration in SUNY Sullivan Community College. I also work full-time at Wayne Bank. In my free time, l enjoys going for walks and staying active through exercise. I’m someone who values growing and self-improvement, I always appreciate feedback from the people I surround myself with. This helps me learn and get better at what I do.

James Hiciano

James Hiciano is a proud graduate of the Monticello High School Academy of Finance and a first-generation high school and college graduate. After completing the AOF program in 2019, James earned his BBA from the University at Albany, concentrating in Finance and Information Systems & Business Analytics, with additional minors in Economics and Psychology.

Following graduation, James began his career in the commercial insurance industry and currently serves as an Underwriter Assistant at Ryan Specialty’s Irwin Siegel Agency. In this role, he supports underwriting teams that manage multimillion-dollar books of business by evaluating risk, researching discrepancies, and contributing to initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity — including efforts driven by artificial intelligence.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James brings a deep sense of purpose to every space he enters. As someone who once navigated the challenges of education and early career exploration without a roadmap, he is passionate about guiding the next generation.

He offers not only technical expertise in finance and analytics, but also a unique ability to connect with students through shared experience. His goals are to help shape meaningful programming and ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities.

In his free time, James enjoys exploring new cities, attending concerts, and reading.

Susan Horton

Headshot of Sue Horton

Sue currently co-owns an architect company, Horton Malone Architects and had a career as a CPA. She is retired from SUNY Sullivan, where she was the CFO. She currently is a member of Sullivan County BOCES Board of Education and is the Treasurer for the Garnet Catskill Foundation Board. She has been a mainstay in the community, has held leadership positions at a number of organizations including SC Chamber of Commerce, SC Partnership for Economic Development, SC School Boards Association, NYS Society of CPAs, MCSD Board of Education, and Community College Business Officers Association (CCBOA).

Sue enjoys spending time with her 7 grandchildren. She is an avid reader; volunteers actively. Sue loves to travel, especially her annual family trip to Lake George for the Adirondack Balloon Festival.

Bradlyn Matican

Bradlyn Matican is the founder of Insight Cipher LLC, an accounting advisory firm providing tailored solutions to help businesses succeed since 2019. A proud alumnus of Monticello High School’s National Academy of Finance, he began his accounting career at 17 and has since held executive financial roles, including CFO and Controller positions for companies with eight-figure revenues. Bradlyn holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Accounting and Valuation from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Committed to community service and financial literacy, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Monticello, the Advisory Board of the National Academy of Finance at Monticello High School, and as Finance Committee Chair and Treasurer for the Sullivan County Chamber Foundation. His contributions have been recognized with the Emerging Leader of Sullivan County award, honors from the New York State Senate and Assembly, and he is a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow recognition from Rotary International. He has also been featured in publications highlighting financial literacy initiatives and accounting expertise.

Renata Mazzio

Education

SUNY New Paltz – Educational Administration Post Graduate Certificate

College of New Rochelle – Master of Science in Studio Art

SUNY New Paltz – Bachelor of Science in Visual Art

Certifications:

New York State School District Leader • School Building Leader • Art Teacher (K-12)
Education and Vocational Supervisor – NYS Department of Corrections & Community Supervision
Managed academic and vocational programs that included high school equivalency (TASC/GED), college classes and trade training programs (barbering, small engine repair, custodial and building maintenance).
Supervised/evaluated education and vocational staff, including training and professional development.

Communications and Public Relations

Worked with county and local governments, and various school districts and BOCES to provide the general public with relevant, clear communications on programs, curriculum, initiatives and budgets.
Created printed and electronic publications such as newsletters and slideshows.
Worked as a community reporter covering human interest stories for the Times Herald Record.

Art Teacher – New York Military Academy

Created/taught NY State Learning Standards-based curriculum for advanced studio art program. (10-12)
Worked closely with the administration to highlight the art program as a marketing feature.
Helped guide students to identify college and career paths.
Helped students create professional-style portfolios.
Worked with students to create sellable art products for fundraising.

Laura Quigley

Laura Quigley is the Commissioner of Community Resources for Sullivan County. She oversees four county departments: Center for Workforce Development, Office for the Aging, Veterans Services and Transportation. Her long career in public service has allowed her to create programs and services that positively impact people’s lives.

Prior to becoming Commissioner she was the Director of the Center for Workforce Development where she was responsible for bringing people and organizations together to create workforce solutions for youth, recipients of public assistance, adults, displaced workers and business customers. She believes strongly in partnering wherever possible to maximize the positive impact on the community. Laura has brought the rural voice to numerous regional and statewide workforce related efforts focused on building partnerships that will meet the changing needs of businesses and workers.

She is honored to serve as the President of the Monticello High School Academy of Finance Advisory Board. She is also Chair of the Sullivan County Child Care Council Board, and a member of the O&W Rail Trail Advisory Board.

In her free time, Laura is a voracious reader, loves to cook and is an amateur photographer.

Chris Schmidt

Chris was born and raised in Monticello, graduating MHS in 1995. After graduating from the Western New England College, he came back to his hometown and started a series of businesses. After taking over the family business Schmidt’s Wholesale, he launched Schmidt’s Rentals and started Catskill Property Management where he owns and manages commercial, residential and apartment buildings.

In his free time he is an avid crossfit member and competes all over the tri-state area. He enjoys cooking, entertaining and has a passion for hunting and spends the fall season hunting deer and elk.

Jane Sorensen

Jane Sorensen is the Family Engagement Program Manager for (EPIC)

Every Person Influences Children at Monticello Central School District. She brings a wealth of knowledge in Family Engagement and Community Outreach. It is in this role that she is actively involved in outreach to parents, community members, school administrators, and students to encourage greater participation of parents in their children’s education. Jane offers EPIC parenting workshops for MCSD families in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

Mrs. Sorensen collaborates with administrators and community members to implement numerous initiatives such as the Parent University, “Sullivan Renaissance Garden Project”, STEM- Student Led Project of H2O EZ Water Fountains District Wide, Hospitality Green’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Program, EPIC Drama Club and Environmental Stewardship Afterschool Club, Children’s Yoga, and Dispute Resolution Mentor Program.

The most recent initiative Jane implemented for MCSD is Tiny Town. A program for parents of infant and toddlers. Jane has leadership skills and knowledge to get programs up and running and to help provide excellent service.

Mrs. Sorensen sits on a few advisory boards in Sullivan County:

Garnet Health Medical Center Hospital, SALT, Sullivan Allies Leads Together, MCSD Health & Wellness and Early Childhood Development Committee. She is the Prayer Pillow Coordinator for St. Peter’s Religious Education Program.

Mrs. Sorensen is honored to serve as the President of the Monticello High School Academy of Finance Advisory Board and Chairperson of the AOF Mentor Program.

Jane enjoys taking long walks, hiking, yoga, self-care, traveling and cooking.

Jane Sorensen honored with two awards

John Veleber

Raised in Ridgewood NJ and attended college in Indiana at Valparaiso University. Spent the first 15 years of my financial career on Wall St. with firms including Cantor Fitzgerald, Garvin Guybutler, HSBC and JP Morgan, primarily managing global interest rate swaps and electricity derivatives trading desks. Departed Manhattan 3 years after 9/11 to reside in my Beaver Mountain log home on top of a mountain in Roscoe NY. Returned to my banking roots, currently as Senior Vice President of Wayne Bank managing the southern tier of NY commercial lending division. Avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast to include fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, golfing, canoeing, volleyball, etc. Favorite places to vacation include Key West, LBI, Montana and Alaska.

COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

Planning Board Town of Rockland
Advisory Board of Directors Walton Flood Commission
Board of Directors (former) Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Board of Directors (former) Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
Advisory Board of Directors Monticello Academy of Finance
Board of Directors-Secr (former) New Hope Community – Chair, Strategic Planning
of Directors Board-Treas (former) Sullivan ARC
Advisor (former) SCORE – Counselors to Americas Small Businesses
President Leadership Sullivan Class of 2008

EDUCATION

University of Pennsylvania ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking & Wharton Leadership Program
Pennsylvania Bankers Association – Advanced Commercial Lending School
Valparaiso University – Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Major: Finance, Minor: Economics
High School Diploma – Ridgewood High School, Ridgewood NJ

2023-24 Classes

For over 20 years, our NAF Academy of Finance high school graduation rate has been at or near 100%. Check out our classes below for the 2024 – 2025 school year. It is never too early or too late to sign up!

Grades 9 & 10

AOF Entrepreneurship
AOF Delivering Great Customer Service/Marketing

Grade 11

AOF Accounting*
SUNY Sullivan Computer Applications*

Grade 12

Financial Decision Making “FDM”*

*Required Courses for NAFTrack Certification