Mrs. Zafonte, is known for her extensive shoe collection and her amazing style while walking the halls of Westhampton Beach High School.

Mrs. Zafonte has made many friendships while working in the school district. She said her closest friends include Ms. O’Hara, Mrs. Lagattolla, Ms. VanEssendelft, and Mrs. Tracy.

Students are always asking Mrs. Zafonte about her shoe collection and she has stated that “there are around 300 pairs.” Storing all of those shoes is nearly impossible  in the average bedroom closet. In her new house, she’s using the spare bedroom as a walk-in shoe closet. She also said that her “favorite pair of shoes right now are her Marc Jacobs black booties.”

Mrs. Zafonte is originally from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. She moved to the States when she was only three so she doesn’t remember much, but returns to visit the many family members that are still there. Her parents came here in search of a better life with more opportunities. She speaks Spanish to her family for the most part but not to her husband even though he wants her to.

At first, Mrs. Zafonte wanted to teach Spanish in college as a professor but remembered that for the most part “the relationship between the professors and the students seemed impersonal.” Her relationships with her students is ongoing and positive. Most girl students look up to Mrs. Zafonte because of her keen sense in fashion and makeup.

If she wasn’t a high school Spanish teacher, she would love to be a fashion designer or a retail buyer. Mrs. Zafonte is already a part-time makeup artist, and does makeup for special events such as weddings and proms. She has previously worked for Chanel, Laura Mercier, Estee Lauder, Lancôme and MAC.

If you ever want to discuss makeup or fashion related topics, definitely stop by Mrs. Zafonte’s room, upstairs in 223.