Dawn has a doctoral degree in Science Education from Stony Brook University, where she also graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees, as well as School Building and School District Administration Post-Graduates Certificates. She is currently the Assistant Principal of RC Murphy Junior High School in Stony Brook, NY. She is certified to teach Chemistry, Biology, and General Science and was a science teacher for the Three Village School District for 24 years before moving to building administration. She has experience teaching middle school level life, physical, and Earth Science, as well as High School Living Environment. For several years, she worked with the Inclusion program presenting differentiated instruction to students of all learning abilities. Dawn was named a New York State Master Teacher and has also served as the Chairperson of the school Science department.