Huntington Highlights: Finley’s Alexis Estrada Committed to Student Success

Now in her second year as J. Taylor Finley Middle School’s assistant principal, Alexis Estrada is completely committed to student success, instructional leadership and building meaningful relationships. It’s made her a valuable member of the school community.

Mrs. Estrada joined Huntington UFSD on July 1, 2025, bringing with her extensive experience in education, school leadership, bilingual programming, and student support. Now in her second year as assistant principal, she continues to make a positive impact on students, faculty, staff, and families through her collaborative leadership style and commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment.

Prior to joining Huntington, Mrs. Estrada served as assistant principal at P.S. 143Q, the Louis Armstrong Elementary School in Corona, Queens, beginning in August 2019. In that role, she supervised instructional programs across multiple grade levels, oversaw bilingual and English as a New Language (ENL) programming, supported professional development initiatives, and worked closely with teachers to strengthen instructional practices and student achievement.

Mrs. Estrada began her career in education as an English and ENL integrated co-teaching teacher at I.S. 93Q, Ridgewood Junior High School, where she worked with sixth and seventh-grade students. She later served as a dual language classroom teacher and ENL provider at P.S. 16Q, the Nancy DeBenedittis School in Corona, Queens. These experiences helped shape her student-centered approach to education and her understanding of the importance of meeting the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of all learners.

A strong advocate for professional growth and lifelong learning, Mrs. Estrada earned her Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education and English Language Arts from SUNY Old Westbury. She continued her studies at Queens College, earning a Master of Science in English as an Acquired Language, before completing an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership at Stony Brook University. She also holds New York State professional certifications in school building leadership, school district leadership, childhood education, English language arts, and English as an Acquired Language. Fluent in Spanish, Mrs. Estrada brings an additional level of expertise in supporting multilingual students and families.

Since arriving at Finley Middle School, Mrs. Estrada has worked alongside Principal Traci Roethel to strengthen the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework and restorative practices. She has also played an important role in supporting teachers through collaborative instructional work, promoting positive student behavior, and helping to create a school environment where students feel valued, respected, and supported.

Finley Principal Traci Roethel, who nominated Mrs. Estrada for this Huntington Highlights recognition, praised her leadership and the meaningful contributions she has made in a relatively short period of time.

“Mrs. Estrada has made an incredible impact during her first year as Assistant Principal at Finley Middle School,” Mrs. Roethel said. “She quickly embraced the Finley community and has become an integral part of the administrative team. Her visibility throughout the building, strong relationships with students and staff, and commitment to our families have made a meaningful difference in our school community.”

Mrs. Roethel also highlighted the personal qualities that make Mrs. Estrada such an effective and respected school leader.

“Mrs. Estrada leads with empathy, fairness, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping students and staff succeed,” Mrs. Roethel added. “She has brought tremendous energy and dedication to Finley, and we are so grateful to have her as a partner in this work. I am incredibly excited to begin our second year together and look forward to all that we will accomplish in the years ahead.”

Whether working directly with students, collaborating with faculty, communicating with families, or supporting the daily operations of a busy middle school, Mrs. Estrada approaches her responsibilities with enthusiasm, compassion, and a clear commitment to doing what is best for children.

“Huntington UFSD congratulates Mrs. Estrada on her well-deserved recognition and looks forward to her continued contributions to the Finley Middle School community and the district as a whole,” Deputy Superintendent Christopher J. Hender said.