The premier independent preschool to eighth grade school in Buffalo, NY.
Elmwood Franklin School
  • About
    • Welcome to EFS
    • Head of School Search
    • Mission and Core Values
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • School Leadership
    • Board of Trustees
    • Faculty
    • Strategic Plan
    • Facilities
    • History
    • Careers at Elmwood Franklin
  • Admissions
    • Welcome
    • EFS At a Glance
    • Admissions Events
    • Admissions Process
    • Tuition & Value
  • Academics
    • Academic Philosophy
    • Faculty
    • Prep
    • Lower School
    • Upper School
  • Student Life
    • Student Support Services
    • Afterschool Care
    • Arts
    • Athletics
    • Dress Code
    • Dining Service
    • Outdoor Education
    • Service Learning
    • Soccer Saturdays
    • Summer Camp
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    • Technology
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  • My EFS
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  • Giving
    • Annual Fund
    • Playground Initiative
    • 125 Endowment Campaign
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    • Auction
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  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Location

School Leadership

INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dr. Randy Needlman
​Dr. Randy Needlman joined the Elmwood Franklin School community as Interim Head of School in July 2025. He is a seasoned educational leader and consultant with decades of experience in school leadership, instructional innovation, and community engagement. With a strong foundation in early childhood and K–8 education, Dr. Needlman has served as Head of School, Principal, and Director of Student Support Services, overseeing operations, curriculum development, faculty supervision, and strategic initiatives such as expansion, rebranding, and capital fundraising. Since 2021, he has consulted with schools nationwide on leadership transitions, executive coaching, and HR management. Dr. Needlman holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and is known for fostering trusting relationships and creating student-centered learning environments tailored to individual needs, interests, and abilities.
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HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL / ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mrs. Annie LoTempio
Annie LoTempio joined Elmwood Franklin School in 2017 as the Head of Upper School. She brought with her over 15 years of experience in the field of education, both as a teacher and administrator.
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A native of Buffalo, Annie holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia, a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University at Buffalo, and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
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HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Dr. Bobbie Finocchio
Dr. Bobbie Finocchio joined Elmwood Franklin School as Head of Lower School in 2023, bringing with her a strong background in school leadership and elementary education. She has served as both a principal and special educator in Massachusetts. Locally, Bobbie has also been an instructor at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education.
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A native of Massachusetts, Bobbie holds a B.A. in Psychology from Regis College. She earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Salem State University, a master’s degree in Special Education from Regis College, and her doctorate in Educational Administration from Boston College.

Administrative Team

Ms. Emily Beckwith 📧
Director of Athletics
​Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion


Ms. Jennifer Brady 📧
Director of Auxiliary Programs

Ms. Cheryl Colpoys 📧
Director of Technology

Ms. Amy Flett 📧
Director of Finance

Mrs. Moira Lewis 📧
Director of Development

Mrs. Mary Logan 📧
School Psychologist

Mrs. Stephanie Katzman 📧
Director of Admissions

Mr. Patrick Kilian 📧
Building and Grounds Supervisor

Ms. Rebecca Murak 📧
Director of Communications

​Staff
Ms. Mariann Miller, Assistant to the Heads 📧
Mrs. Kim Partyka, Receptionist/Office Support 📧

Building and Grounds
Mr. Devin Borowski, Building Maintenance Assistant 📧

Development
Ms. Kendra Johnson, Development Associate 📧

Technology
Mr. Michael Hopkins, Technology Specialist 📧​
Elmwood Franklin School
Mission

Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead a thriving life.

At a Glance
Grades: three-year-old program to eighth grade (11 grades)
Enrollment: 342
Average Class Sizes
​Prep: 9–14
Lower & Upper School: 14–18
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Number of Faculty: 45
Average Tenure at EFS:
12 years
Founded: 1895

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Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead thriving lives.


© Elmwood Franklin School | 104 New Amsterdam Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14216
[email protected] | 716-877-5035 | fax 716-877-9680

​Elmwood Franklin School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. 

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