Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Ashanti N. Holley is the Superintendent of Schools for the Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Burlington County Special Services School District (BCSSSD). A proud resident of Burlington County, she was born, raised, and educated in Willingboro, New Jersey. After graduating from Willingboro High School, she attended Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. While at Winston-Salem, she was a member of the distinguished WSSU Marching Rams band, organized voter registration drives, volunteered as a Big Sister at the YMCA, and served as a Resident Assistant.

She began her career as a special education teacher in Willingboro Township, later serving as Vice Principal at New Brunswick High School and Principal at Perth Amboy High School. At New Brunswick, she secured a $400,000 U.S. Small Learning Communities grant, partnered with Johnson & Johnson to launch Bridge to Employment, and created Small Learning Communities. At Perth Amboy, she established the Freshman Academy, introduced a 1:1 Chromebook initiative, expanded AP courses, implemented AVID, launched a partnership with NJIT for freshman scholars, and created Career and Technical Education Academies. She also worked closely with the New Jersey School Development Authority on the design and construction of New Brunswick High School (2010) and Perth Amboy High School (2023), projects totaling more than $400 million.

Dr. Holley’s academic journey reflects her commitment to lifelong learning. She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Counseling from Wilmington University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. Her dissertation examined support for Alternative Route teachers in New Jersey. She completed Human Resources certification at Rutgers University and earned Civil and Divorce Mediation Certification through the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators in 2022. She holds multiple state certifications, including Teacher of the Handicapped, Guidance Counselor, Supervisor, Principal, and School Administrator, and is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at Concordia and Argosy Universities.

As Superintendent, Dr. Holley has advanced district-wide initiatives in equity, diversity, inclusion, curriculum innovation, and workforce readiness. Under her leadership, BCIT earned the New Jersey Department of Education’s Lighthouse Award for equity and diversity. She also led the district’s acceptance into the League of Innovative Schools, a prestigious national network of forward-thinking districts recognized for advancing equity and professional development. Her influence was further recognized when she was inducted into the New Jersey Council of Education, the state’s oldest education organization.

She also serves as an Education Lead Facilitator for Google Education, ensuring her districts remain at the forefront of educational technology integration and innovation.

Dr. Holley’s civic and community engagement is equally notable. She is a Board Member of the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce and an Honorary Commander at Fort Dix McGuire, strengthening partnerships that connect education, business, and the military. She co-founded Students With Ambitious Goals (SWAG), a nonprofit that offers teens cultural, social, and educational opportunities, including annual HBCU tours. Her philanthropic work includes organizing toy drives serving over 350 children annually, sponsoring holiday turkey giveaways for hundreds of families, funding free back-to-school haircuts, and volunteering with organizations such as the Burlington County Animal Shelter and PEARLS.

Her accomplishments have earned recognition from Winston-Salem State University, which awarded her the Alumni Achiever Award and named her to the Top Forty Under 40. She was also honored as one of Burlington County’s Outstanding Women of the Year in 2023.

She was part of the inaugural class of the Willingboro High School Hall of Fame. She was recognized as a South Jersey Business Tech Titan. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA), the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA), the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA). She also serves on the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council.

Throughout her career, Dr. Holley has been recognized as a transformative leader who inspires students to pursue excellence, advocates for equity, and drives systemic innovation in education. Her work reflects her core belief that the well-being and success of children must always remain the priority. She is also a proud product of the outstanding education she received in Burlington County and is deeply committed to ensuring today’s students have the same opportunities. Dr. Holley wants every student to see firsthand what a Burlington County education can make possible and to believe in their own ability to achieve at the highest levels.

Eder Joseph served as the principal at Pemberton Township High School for seven years. He joined Pemberton from Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, where he served as principal for two years. Prior to that, he spent six years as the assistant principal at Helen Fort/Newcomb Middle School in Pemberton. His additional experiences include serving as assistant principal for Orange High School in Orange, NJ; as a 5th-grade elementary and special education teacher in Pemberton's Haines Elementary School, and as a special education teacher at Hubbard Middle School in Plainfield, NJ.

Mr. Joseph holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from Daemen College in Amherst, NY, and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. He has earned a certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and Leadership and Management certification from Harvard University. He has received specialized training from The Principal's Center for Educational Leadership, School Development Program from Yale Child Study Center, and The Leadership Academy through Performance Excellence Group: Baldrige Institute.

During his tenure at Pemberton Township High School, he helped lead a school-based initiative to earn certification for Future Ready Schools. He spearheaded a social-emotional and comprehensive Character Education program receiving both State School of Character and National School of Character distinctions. Mr. Joseph helped to develop a peer mentoring program supporting 9th-grade students in their transition to high school. He led a partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative to provide professional development and instructional strategies to increase Advance Placement participants at the high school level. He helped to create partnerships with area businesses to provide students with Work Based Learning opportunities and helped to expand Career and Technical Education program offerings at the high school. Eder served as the Perkins Secondary Project Director and Perkins Data Coordinator, where in that role, he took leadership and oversight of Perkins and related grants. 

Joseph Venuto began his teaching career as a Social Studies teacher and two years later, he became a member of the Burlington County Institute of Technology’s staff in 1998 at the Westampton Campus.  As a teacher, he coached soccer, wrestling, and became an integral part of the culture and tradition of the BCIT family.  Mr. Venuto earned his Master’s degrees in Education and School Administration from Wilmington University.  Upon completion of his degree work, he was promoted to the role of Assistant Principal at the Medford Campus for three years.  Mr. Venuto was then selected as the Westampton Campus building principalin 2007. Mr. Venuto is an active member of his professional association where he has served as President of the Burlington County Principals and Supervisors Association.

Mrs. Murrenburke is a dedicated educator who grew up in Burlington County. She earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education from West Chester University, marking the beginning of her commitment to teaching. After graduating, she began teaching as a special education teacher at BCIT Medford Campus.

Driven by a passion for learning, Mrs. Murrenburke pursued further academic achievements, obtaining her Master's Degree in Education from Gratz College and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University. She has taken on multiple roles throughout her career, serving as a teacher, coach, advisor, and head teacher, contributing significantly to the educational community.

After many years in these positions, Mrs. Murrenburke transitioned to the BCIT-Medford administrative team, where she currently holds the dual role of Athletic Director and Assistant Principal. Her extensive experience and leadership continue to impact students and staff alike positively.

Jill Trainor has been a passionate educator since 1999 and is currently the Director of Pupil Personnel Services. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Monmouth University and two Masters' degrees in Reading and Educational Leadership from Wilmington University. With certifications in special education, elementary education, supervision, and school administration, Jill is a well-rounded professional in the field. Throughout her 20+ year career in public education, Jill has held various positions that have allowed her to make a significant impact. She started as a special education teacher and later transitioned into the role of special education literacy research coach in the Salem City School District. This experience sparked her interest in leadership, leading her to become a Related Services Supervisor at BCSSD Educational Services Unit.

Continuing her journey, Jill took on the position of CST Coordinator in the Upper Deerfield Township School District, where she also worked as an LDTC. Her dedication and expertise led her to become the Director of Special Services in the Camden City School District, overseeing Special Education, Health Services, and Bilingual Education. Jill's exceptional leadership skills were recognized, and she was appointed as the Chief School Support Officer, taking on additional responsibilities of overseeing school leaders.

In addition to her work in public schools, Jill has contributed to the educational community in various ways. She served as a Special Education Complaint Investigator for the NJ Department of Education, ensuring students' rights were protected. Furthermore, Jill served as a school board member for the Greenwich Township School District, where she has made valuable contributions.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jill has also been involved in community initiatives. She has served on the JDRF One Walk Committee, supporting efforts to raise awareness and funds for Type 1 diabetes research. Additionally, Jill is a Board member for the Wicked Warriors of East Greenwich, a group dedicated to promoting community engagement and empowerment. Along with being a board member, Jill serves as captain of Wicked Warriors Boat 11 dragon boat team. 

Jill Trainor's extensive experience, qualifications, and commitment to education make her a highly respected and influential figure in the field. Her passion for supporting students with special needs and her dedication to improving educational systems have made a lasting impact on countless individuals.

As a lifetime resident of Burlington County, Michael Parker has been an educator for 20+ years, first as a teacher, coach and more recently as an administrator. Upon graduating from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Education, Mr. Parker began teaching technology education classes at Burlington Township High School. During this time, he held the positions of head baseball coach, assistant football coach and assistant basketball coach. After earning his Master’s degree in School Leadership from Wilmington College, he was named Assistant Principal at Northern Burlington Regional School District for almost 3 years before being named Assistant Principal at BCIT-Medford.  Mr. Parker was then promoted to principal in 2007 at the Medford Campus. 

Jaime Mungo grew up in Eastampton, NJ and graduated from Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mrs. Mungo pursued higher education at Shippensburg University, excelling as a collegiate softball athlete and earning a degree in Elementary Education.

Her teaching career commenced in Prince George's County, MD, where she dedicated three years to educating young minds. After starting a family, Mrs. Mungo returned to New Jersey, where she continued her teaching journey and furthered her education. She earned a Master's degree in Special Education in 2006, followed by another Master's degree in School Leadership in 2009, both from Wilmington University.

Mrs. Mungo's teaching experience spans multiple grade levels throughout her career. In 2013, she transitioned to an administrative role, serving as an assistant principal and athletic director in the Florence Township School District. Her leadership skills and dedication led to her appointment as principal of Riverfront School in 2016.

Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Mungo has been instrumental in implementing restorative practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and various school beautification projects. Her commitment to fostering community and family engagement has significantly enriched the school environment.

Residing in Westampton for over 15 years, Mrs. Mungo and her husband, a local school superintendent, have raised two children. She takes immense pride in her professional accomplishments and the strong relationships she has cultivated within her community.

Ms. Downs decided to pursue a career in education after serving as a teacher and administrator in a school for Sudanese refugees in Cairo, Egypt. Since that time, Ms. Downs served in the role of teacher and administrator at the Burlington County Alternative School before being named Director of the ESU. Ms. Downs received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s Degree in Teaching from Drew University. Later, Ms. Downs earned her Master’s degree in School Leadership from Rowan University and her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. Dr. Downs also holds a Graduate Certificate of Autism Education. She is a certified mindfulness instructor for Mindful Schools and an instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid. Dr. Downs is an active member of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association and the Council for Exceptional Children. She also works for the Korean War Legacy Foundation and the World History Digital Education Foundation with the goal of helping educators teach more about the war and the past, present, and future development of Korea.

After graduating from Lenape High School in 2001, Mr. Pappler earned his undergraduate degree from Rowan University in Health and Exercise Science with a specialization in teacher certification. In the spring of 2006, he was hired to teach Health and Physical Education at the BCIT-Medford Campus. In addition to  his teaching experience, he served as an Assistant Boys’ Soccer Coach, Assistant Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Coach and Head Baseball Coach. He was later tapped as the Head Teacher for the Health and Physical Education Department for a few years until August of 2015 when he was named Interim Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. In January of 2016,  Mr. Pappler was appointed full time Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Mr. Pappler is an active member of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. In 2018 Mr. Pappler was appointed to lead the Adult Education Division as the Assistant Principal.

Danielle has been a passionate educator since 1996 and currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Burlington County Institute of Technology. She holds her Bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Rowan University and her Master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Stockton University.  From that same university, she also earned her Certifications in Supervision and School Leadership. Having a penchant for educational technology, Mrs. Hartman is a frequent presenter at conferences such as Educon, TeachmeetNJ, and Teachmeet International. She is a founding member of  Edcamp NJ and is an avid proponent of the use of social media to promote good teaching and educational practices.  Based on her work, Mrs. Hartman earned the ISTE Sigol Award for Excellence in Online Teaching and was featured in Tech & Learning Magazine and the ePals website.  Mrs. Hartman has published multiple articles in Edudemic Magazine and in NJPSA's Educational Viewpoints.  

Valerie Lee is a familiar face at BCIT having more than 20 years of experience. She began her career at BCIT in 1993 as a teacher aid and then as a teacher of the handicapped in 1997 until 2005 when she was named Assistant Principal for the District. She remained at the Medford campus until 2010 and has been at the Westampton campus since that time.  Mrs. Lee earned her Bachelor’s degree in Teaching of the Handicapped from Rowan University, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University.  Active in her professional associations, Mrs. Lee has served in the role as Vice President of the Burlington County Principals and Supervisors Association.

Lauren Milanowicz is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary Education. Her formal educational career began at BCIT-Westampton in 2006 as a Teacher of Social Studies. During this time, she served as a class advisor and soccer coach for both the boys and girls teams from 2006-2013. During this time, she earned her Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Strayer University and subsequently pursued administrator certifications from Delaware Valley College. In July 2014, she was offered the opportunity to serve the BCIT-Medford campus as the Assistant Principal/Athletic Director. One year later she transferred back to the Westampton campus to serve the district as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director. 

Currently Mrs. Milanowicz oversees all athletic and extracurricular programs and the Health/Physical Education department at BCIT-Westampton. She is also the 9th grade disciplinarian and manages the campus PRIDE program, which recognizes students and staff for their altruistic individual efforts.

Christian Pino graduated from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University.  Mr. Pino began his education career as a physical education teacher at the BCIT Westampton Campus-- and during that time, coached Varsity Basketball, Baseball, and Cross Country for many years. Mr. Pino was the Department Head Teacher and then was selected to be an Assistant Principal at BCIT at the Westampton Campus up until  he was asked to serve in the same role at the Medford Campus. Currently Mr. Pino oversees the Career and Technical Programs, all the clubs/activities, and many other facets of the building. He currently has over 25 years experience in the district.  Mr. Pino currently volunteers in his home town by coaching baseball, boy's and girl's basketball, and girl's soccer.

Dr. Andrew McAlpin, a dedicated educator and family man, brings a wealth of experience in Career Technical Education and leadership to his role as Adult Education Principal. Married to his wife Donna, they have raised three successful children together.

Prior to his current position, Dr. McAlpin held various roles within the educational field, including CTE Supervisor, Automotive Technology Instructor, Professional Learning Community Leader, New Teacher Mentor, Robotics Coach, Varsity Baseball Coach, and Cooperative Education Coordinator for Hazardous Occupations. His career also includes experience in the automotive industry, where he managed the Audi Eastern Region for technical training and achieved the highest levels of certification as a Master Guild and Distinguished Expert.

Dr. McAlpin holds a Doctor of Education in Teacher Leader in Digital Transformation from Capella University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University, and a Bachelor of Technical Studies from Thomas Edison State University.

Dr. McAlpin is committed to advancing the Adult Education programs at BCIT to meet the demands of the evolving technological landscape. By providing personalized and flexible learning approaches, he aims to ensure that students acquire the relevant and up-to-date skills necessary for success in their careers.