Administration

Mr. Tabasco, a local resident, comes to us from the Philadelphia School District, where he has served in both teaching and administrative roles over the past decade. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His educational journey has included roles as a math teacher, instructional coach, and Assistant Principal overseeing climate, safety, and the 9th and 10th grade academies. Under his leadership, schools have seen measurable gains—including a 14% increase in Algebra 1 Keystone proficiency and a significant reduction in suspensions and school-based incidents.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Tabasco enjoys solving puzzles, playing poker, and performing in musical theater. He lives locally with his wife, Toni, and their Goldendoodle, Olive. He has already visited and toured LMS, connected with Principal Geardino at LHS, and met with Dr. Lugo to support a smooth transition. He is enthusiastic about joining the Lindenwold team and is eager to get to know our students, families, and staff.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Mr. Joe Tabasco to our Lindenwold family. We look forward to the leadership, energy, and dedication he will bring to Lindenwold Middle School.

Mrs. Dana E. Rivas entered the field of education in 2004. Mrs. Rivas early on in her career immersed herself as an educator in the field of career and technical education. Mrs. Rivas became a teacher for the Elizabeth Public Schools district where she taught Business and CTE courses. She then became a program coordinator for CTE programs in Engineering, Finance and Health Sciences. Mrs. Rivas has worked as a NJ Administrator in the capacity of both Vice Principal and Principal positions being honored to work with inner city students and their families. Mrs. Rivas has worked as an administrator at the high school level for Public and Charter Schools. She is a hands-on administrator that enjoys motivating students to do their very best academically while promoting self discipline and academic excellence with hard work and determination. 

Mrs. Rivas attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology and graduated in 1999 with a BS in Management information Systems. There Mrs. Rivas participated in the INROADS internship leadership programs and NJITs Society of Professional Engineers chapter with the student leadership team. She attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2006 and received a Master of Educational Leadership. 

Mrs. Rivas is so very excited to have joined the Lions Country district family as the new Middle School Vice Principal! She looks forward to building relationships with our parents, staff and student community. She is also committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to help students grow academically strong in a safe learning environment.