Staff Biographies

Stephany Arcentales, Third Grade Teacher (1 year), graduated from Hunter College with a BA in Elementary Education.  While at Hunter, she was enrolled in QUEST, a program that focuses on developing new urban school leaders.  Stephany is bi-lingual and will teach Spanish to third and fourth grades along with serving as a co-lead teacher in third grade.

Khari Barton, Fourth Grade Teacher (4 years), graduated from Morgan State University with a BS in Public Relations and first came to Harlem Academy through an apprenticeship at Public Allies. While working primarily in Fourth grade, he also coordinates outdoor activities, teaches chess, and continues developing Bridging Education, Arts, and Technology (The BEAT), a program that teaches children to express themselves in written and spoken word, work that is inspired by his personal experience as a hip-hop artist.

LaShonda Davis, First Grade Teacher, (3 years), graduated from Temple University with a degree in Elementary Education. At Temple, LaShonda was an active community service volunteer and received multiple awards for academic achievement. She came to Harlem Academy through her work as a lead teacher at the St. Aloysius Education Clinic's summer program and brings a strong background in literacy and science to her work as a member of the first and second grade team.

Vincent Dotoli, Head of School, (4 years), holds an MA in Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BS in Psychology from Union College.  He began his career at South Bristol School and Camp Kieve in mid-coast Maine.  Vincent also taught at the Pennfield School (RI) and Buckingham, Browne & Nichols School (MA), and he spent seventeen summers at Camp Timanous (ME), directing the wilderness trips and counselor-training programs.

Megan Glionna, Fourth Grade Teacher, (2 years), graduated from East Carolina University with a BA in Fine Arts and has an MA in Elementary Education from Simmons College.  Before entering teaching, Megan had a career as a professional actress performing in a variety of Off-Broadway productions.  Megan leads the fourth grade program.

Terrill Hughes, Second Grade Teacher, (2 years), graduated from Lehman College, CUNY, with a BA in Communications. Terrill comes to Harlem Academy after first attending and then teaching at the St. Aloysius Educational Clinic's Honors program.  Beyond his work as the assistant teacher in second grade, Terrill coordinates our community meeting, coaches athletics, and teaches chess.

Susan Johnson, Director of Development, (3 years), graduated from Salem College with a BA in Philosophy and completed graduate work at NYU's Institute of Fine Arts. Susan has 10 years experience in the nonprofit sector including the Episcopal Church Foundation, New York, New York where she conducted qualitative research and created leadership development products for individuals and communities. Susan also worked for various arts and educational organizations in North Carolina and served as an Americorps volunteer.

Kate Larson, Second Grade Teacher, (4 years),graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with a MA in Early Childhood Education and a dual certification in general and special education. She earned her BA from Colorado College and had a career in children's educational television before becoming a teacher. Kate has been a lead teacher at Harlem Academy since its founding and led our most recent curriculum documentation project.

Alysia Lee, Assistant Director of Development, (1 year) attended the North Carolina School for the Arts for her bachelor’s studies and received her master’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University in Vocal Performance with a minor in Vocal Pedagogy.  Alysia is active in the New York not-for-profit community; she co-chairs the Young Audiences New York Young Leadership Council, belongs to the New York Urban League Young Professionals, and volunteers for various causes throughout the city.

Allison Pompey, Third Grade Teacher, (1 year), graduated from Syracuse University with a BA in Political Science and an MA in Child and Family Studies.  Alison joins the Harlem Academy team with valuable experience to share from four years teaching in the Atlanta Public Schools and one year as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria.   At Harlem Academy, Alison, co-leads the third grade program.

Jennifer Prince, Director of Admissions, (4 years), graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a BA in Art History. She is a life-long Harlem resident and member of our local Community Board.  Jennifer directs the annual admissions process for prospective families and facilitates communication between the school, attending families, and our community partners.

Sean Robertson, Admin. and Teaching Fellow, (1 year), graduated from Providence College with a BA in History.  In college, he earned a teaching certification in history and saved enough time for a leading role in the school’s radio station and newspaper.  Sean works in many areas at the school including outreach, athletics, and teaching.

Cassie Spreitzer, First Grade Teacher, (2 years), attended Northwestern University and graduated with honors from New York University with a BA in French language and literature and a minor in psychology.  At Harlem Academy, she serves an associate teacher in first grade and coordinates the school library.

Part-time and Volunteer Staff:
Angela Bailey, Afternoon Teacher (3 years)
Dave Fields, Facilities (3 years)
Jody Geist, School Counselor (3 years)
Janet Jackson, School Counselor (2 years)
Joe Nixon, Business Manager (4 years)
Beth Pettit, Literacy Coordinator (3 years)