Executives:
Jeffrey Valfer
President & Co Founder
Jeffrey Valfer started his career in Journalism two decades ago when he was appointed Sports Editor of his college’s (SUNY Farmingdale) student newspaper “The Rambler.” Besides covering the college’s teams Valfer regularly interviewed athletes from local professional organizations including the Yankees, Mets and Islanders. In 1991 Valfer co-created a weekly sports talk show with Bryant Lewis, SportsNet, which aired on 1440AM WNYG. After six months they brought the program to Cablevision of Long Island and rebranded it to “Other Side of the Ball.” Valfer produced the show, while Lewis was the host. Other Side of the Ball aired bi-weekly from 1991 until 1995.After an over decade absence Valfer and Lewis developed the concept to form an online magazine for teens and by teens, www.teennewsnet.com. “We felt that there was nothing more we can do with sports,” said Valfer. “There was no impact we could make. Both of us knew we wanted to get back into journalism, but only in a way we could make a difference. As we both had and enjoyed working with youth the concept of creating a medium where teens could have a voice and gain experience was exciting.” TeenNewsNet launched in February 2008 and continues to grow interest from teens, educators and parents as it becomes one of the top teen news sites on the internet. Besides TeenNewsNet, Valfer is employed as a Sales Executive for FedEx and has served in sales and sales management for DHL. With a Bachelors Degree in Communication Arts (94) from New York Institute of Technology, Valfer currently resides in Centereach, NY with wife Tracy, daughter Jenna and stepchildren Jean Marie and Justin.
Bryant Lewis
Executive VP & Co-Founder
Bryant's interest in working with children and children causes goes back to when he himself was a teenager growing up in a group home in Peekskill, NY. It was at that time he learned the importance of being an influence in the lives of the young people. At 15, Bryant was giving the responsibility of running an intramural program for kids from 8-11 at St. Joseph's home, the place Lewis called home for 6 years. Bryant, along with his friend of nearly 20 years Jeffrey Valfer created TeenNewsNet two years ago to not only combine his two loves, journalism and children, but to give young people a voice. An opportunity to speak out on things important to them, whatever the subject matter. Lewis got his journalism start at Brockport University, where he worked as a sportscaster on the campus radio station, majoring in Broadcast Communications. He later moved on to an internship at WMCA radio in the New York metro area, where his first assignment was covering the Yankees. He later hosted his own radio and public access TV show interviewing both major college and pro athletes nationwide. In 1995, Bryant moved on to Bronxnet TV first as a photojournalist then as an on-air personality again covering major sporting events in the NY area including the NCAA tournament, and the Yankees winning the World Series in '96. while at Bronxnet, Bryant was involved in with the Principal for The Day Program, volunteered his time at his oldest son's pre-school, and mentored kids in high school. He also has worked with kids teaching and coaching various sports including basketball, football, baseball, and soccer. Right now, besides his work with TeenNewsNet, and the Robert Goins Show, Bryant works for a Pharmaceutical Ad Agency, as a Senior Traffic Manager. He has two sons, Jordan, 9 and Bryant III, 19.
Writers:
Jaclyn Lattanza
Entertainment Editor & Student Adviser
Jaclyn Lattanza, a Junior at Comsewogue High School, Port Jefferson, NY is focused on features on celebrities and the entertainment industry. Besides her involvement with TeenNewsNet her interests include -- playing Varsity soccer and basketball as well as the flute in the band (symphonic/jazz/pep/pit). Outside of school she plays on a travel soccer team. Jaclyn enjoys writing for her school newspaper and fulfilling the role of Editor in Chief. In her spare time Jaclyn enjoys reading, writing, listening and dancing to music, hanging with friends and taking pictures. "I am usually busy with advanced classes in school and sports but I manage to maintain a high GPA as well as excel in other extracurricular activities. In my future, I plan to go to college to become a journalist. I feel that my involvement with TeenNewsNet since 9th grade has helped me become a stronger writer and even interviewer. I enjoy getting the opportunity to interview various people with different talents which will help me as I pursue this as my future career. I appreciate everything TeenNewsNet has done for me and I am looking forward to another year of success!"
Lisa Corleto
Lifestyles Columnist
Lisa Corleto, is in her Senior year at Deer Park High School, Deer Park, NY. She has plans on attending Adelphi University as a Psychology Major this fall. Lisa has concentrated on teen interest and lifestyle stories for TeenNewsNet. "Lisa is an extradionary talent," stresses TeenNewsNet President Jeffrey Valfer. "Her personality and charisma comes out in her writing which is a unique ability. Additionally she has taken us inside teen issues that are extremely serious delivering first class reporting that has made us become recognized as a growing teen journalism medium."
Brooke Cradin
Broadway Revue Editor
Brooke Cradin, a 7th Grader at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, New Hyde Park, NY is considered a TeenNewsNet veteran columnist at the age of thirteen. "Brooke has been with us since inception," says TeenNewsNet President Jeffrey Valfer. "She not only is a remarkable young lady, but has been an integral part of our success." Cradin started at age ten focusing on creative writing, interviews and Broadway reviews. This year she was appointed Broadway Revue Editor with primary focus on TeenNewsNet's coverage of theater and the arts. Besides her accomplishments with TeenNewsNet, Brooke received a Kohl's Care for Kids Award and was a three time finalist having her artwork published in the LITM (Long Island Transportation Management) annual calender.
Nathaniel Winchester
Wrestling Guru
Nate Winchester is an 8th grader at Port Chester Middle School in New York. He is a major gamer and really likes some of the newer Playstation 3 releases. He also plays the Alto Saxophone really well. He is a member of the Regular Band, Select Band and the infamous Jazz Band. He is a leader in the Jazz Band with respect to Improvisation. Nate got into wrestling over the past couple of years when he and his cousins would get together to watch the matches. His enjoyment of wrestling has transpired to a monthly blog on TeenNewsNet, "Nate's View from the Top Rope."
Danielle Winchester
Fashion & Lifestyle Columnist
Danielle is a 6th grader at Port Chester Middle School. She is interested in so many different things, it is sometimes hard to be just a normal kid. She loves singing, dancing and acting and performs in local community theater on a regular basis. She also sings in the school's 6th grade chorus, Select Chorus and Show Choir. She enjoys playing the Clarinet and plays in the school band and the Select Band. She was recently selected for the All County Band. Just for fun, Danielle is teaching herself to play the saxophone. Danielle started drawing clothing designs several years ago and has quite a lot of different looks that she has sketched out. She also loves to read and write. She is not sure which direction she is going to take as she gets older.
John Derosse
Elementrary School Editor
John, a 5th grader at PS 254 in Brooklyn, NY, has been appointed as TeenNewsNet's Elementrary School Editor. He has inspirations to be an author and loves to sing. "John's role is extremely important," remarks TeenNewsNet's Executive Vice President Bryant Lewis. "He shows the reason we include younger writers work's on our medium... There are many like him that are too talented not to include and it also gives us the ability to develop our future writers that will be with us for many years."
