Teachers & Staff

List of 40 members.

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  Khaliah Adams-Joseph 

  Assistant Head of School & Enrollment Director

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  Khaliah is the enrollment director and assistant head of school at Harlem Academy. Khaliah holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and an MFA in counseling psychology from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. With over 10 years of experience in both the private and public school systems, Khaliah leads the annual admissions process for prospective families, secondary school placement, and operations. Her favorite childhood book is "The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales" by Virginia Hamilton.
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  Vinya Agbor P'21 & P'23 

  Dean of Student and Family Life

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  Vinya holds a B.A. in English from Howard University and an A.S. in accessories design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In her free time, Vinya enjoys traveling, baking, yoga, and time with her family. Her favorite children's book is "Where Do Balloons Go?" by Jamie Lee Curtis.
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  Jasmine Ahmed 

  3rd Grade Teacher

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  Jasmine is the third grade teacher. She holds a B.S. in childhood education from City College. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, reading, and DIY arts and crafts. Her favorite childhood book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
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  Liz Aponte P'22 

  Enrollment Coordinator

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  Liz is an avid crocheter who also loves baking, spending time with her daughters, and serving in her church. Her favorite childhood book is “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.
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  Hope Bell P'13 

  Alumni and Development Coordinator

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  Hope executes programming for alumni engagement and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. Hope is an entrepreneur and an artist who enjoys volunteering in her community. Her favorite childhood book is Richard Scarry's "Busy, Busy World."
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  Lauren  Bell 

  Fifth Grade Teacher

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  Lauren is the fifth grade lead teacher. Ms. Bell has a master’s in teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education and a bachelor’s in English, African American studies, and women and gender studies from the University of Texas. She brings five years of teaching experience in New York City public charter schools. Lauren aspires to be someone who can watch scary movies… but has never managed to make it through one. In her free time, she enjoys reading, online shopping, and playing with her guinea pigs. Her favorite childhood book is "Junie B. Jones is (almost) a Flower Girl" by Barbara Park.
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  Mohan Bell 

  Middle School English Teacher

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  Mohan is the seventh and eighth grade English teacher and sixth grade advisor. He holds a B.A. in English with a minor in African American studies from Brooklyn College and an M.A. in American and British literature from Hunter College. When he is not teaching, he loves reading and writing, baking, and watching movies from the 70s. His favorite childhood book is "Frindle" by Andrew Clements.
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  William Beller 

  Middle School Director

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  As middle school director, Mr. Beller is responsible for supervising and coaching middle school teachers, coordinating the middle school schedule, and supporting outstanding professional development practices school-wide. He holds a B.A. in history and an M.S. in social studies education from Fordham University. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, listening to music, and going on long walks. His favorite childhood book is "Baseball Players Do Amazing Things" by Mel Cebulash.
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  Susanna Brock 

  Mathematics Specialist

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  Susanna is a part-time mathematics specialist. She has an Ed.D. in 21st century education from Johns Hopkins University, an M.S. in neuroscience and education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an A.B. in history and science from Harvard University. She has held an adjunct faculty position at Johns Hopkins University School of Education as well as teaching and leadership positions at several area independent schools. In her free time, Susanna enjoys playing with her two young daughters in Central Park and reading mystery stories. Her favorite childhood books include "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown, and "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien.
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  Kristy  Castro 

  Primary & Elementary School Director

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  Kristy leads the primary and elementary teams. She holds a B.S. from Howard University and a M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Roger Williams University. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog Bentley. Her favorite childhood book is "Matilda" by Roald Dahl.
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  Monique Castro 

  2nd Grade & Primary Library Teacher

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  Monique holds a B.A. in communications from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Her hobbies include traveling and spending time with family. Her favorite childhood book is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss.
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  Pablo Correa 

  School Counselor

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  Pablo holds a B.A. in anthropology from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in school counseling from New York University. In his free time, he enjoys music, movies, and video games. He's currently learning how to sew and also how to speak Russian. His favorite childhood books were all from the "Magic Tree House" series by Mary Pope Osborne.
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  Vincent Dotoli 

  Head of School

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  Vinny is the founder of and head of school at Harlem Academy. He holds an M.A. in educational administration from Teachers College, Columbia University and a B.S. in psychology from Union College. He loves playing games and reading with his children and is still inspired by John Gunther's "Death Be Not Proud" and S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders," both of which he read in middle school.
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  Tara Eagan '12 

  Middle School Math & Science Teacher

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  Tara is a middle school math and science teacher. She holds a B.A. in African and African American studies with a minor in anthropology from The University of Rochester and is pursuing a master’s degree in childhood education at Hunter College. She enjoys traveling, learning about new cultures, and adding to her sneaker collection. Her favorite childhood book is “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton.
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  Meghan Ebright 

  1st Grade Teacher

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  Meghan graduated from Harding University in 2010 with a B.A. in early childhood education. She has nine years of teaching experience in New York City private schools and two years in the Metropolitan Nashville public schools. As a child, her favorite books were the "Nancy Drew Mystery Stories" and "101 Hopelessly Hilarious Jokes" by Lisa Eisenberg and Katy Hall. When she isn't teaching, Meghan loves spending as much time as she can outdoors, traveling, reading, volunteering, and celebrating every holiday.
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  Angela Ebron 

  Communications Director

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  Angela leads a strategic communications program that underscores the school's mission and impact to all key constituencies. Angela graduated from New York University with a B.A. in journalism and is the co-author of two books. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, browsing in bookstores, and spending time with friends. Her favorite childhood book is “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume.
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  Maria Fuentes 

  Kindergarten Teacher

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  Maria holds a B.A. in early childhood education from Almeda University. She loves spending time with her family, especially her mom and sons. Her favorite childhood book is "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor.
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  Agnes Guillo 

  Science Teacher

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  Agnes teaches science for grades 2-5. She holds an M.P.S. in animal science and a B.S. in animal science, Spanish, and entomology from Cornell University. Outside of teaching, Agnes enjoys spinning yarn, dancing, and spending time with her siblings and friends. Her favorite childhood book is "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf.
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  Denise Hargrove-Blair 

  Kindergarten Teacher

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  Denise attended Touro College. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, working out, and watching movies with friends. Her favorite childhood book is “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss.
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  Kai Holmes 

  1st Grade Teacher

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  Kai holds a B.A. in criminal justice from Monroe College. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Kai’s favorite childhood book is “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister.
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  Melissa  Lijo  

  2nd Grade & Spanish Teacher

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  Melissa is the second grade teacher and K-5 Spanish teacher. She holds a B.S. in sport management from Farmingdale State College and an M.S.Ed. in special education from Hunter College. Melissa has played and coached soccer at various levels and comes to Harlem Academy with six years of teaching and coaching experience at a local independent school. During her free time, she enjoys watching sports, especially her favorite basketball team the Los Angeles Lakers and soccer team Real Madrid. Her favorite childhood book is “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.
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  Caroline Lindley 

  Senior Development Associate

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  Caroline holds a bachelor's degree from Fordham University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, reading, and gardening. Her favorite childhood book is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Joffe Numeroff.
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  Nora Massie 

  Middle School English Teacher

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  Nora is the sixth grade English teacher and advisor. She holds a B.A. in English and environmental studies from Yale University. In her free time, she likes reading, dancing, and listening to music. Her favorite childhood book is “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall.
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  Indigo Moore '12 

  Operations Associate

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  Indigo holds a B.A. in communications and media from Manhattanville College. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading graphic novels and webcomics, and drawing. Her favorite childhood book is “The Golden Compass” by Phillip Pullman.
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  Jessica Neumaier 

  Middle School Science Teacher

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  Jessica is a lead middle school science teacher. She holds a bachelor’s in English and pre-health and a minor in chemistry from New York University. She was a three-sport athlete in high school, played varsity lacrosse in college, and comes from a family of teachers, including her mom. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading in the park, and trying new pizza places around the city! Jessica's favorite childhood books were the "Berenstain Bears" series by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
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  Abraham Ocasio P'31 

  Operations Associate

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  Abraham is completing a B.A. in psychology at Gannon University. In his spare time, Abraham enjoys photography, spending time with his two sons, reading historical nonfiction, and watching boxing. His favorite childhood book is “The Spiderwick Chronicles” series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.
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  Laila Parker 

  School Counselor

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  Laila holds a B.A. in psychology from Benedict College and a Master of Social Work from Touro College Graduate School of Social Work. She enjoys reading, book browsing at Barnes & Noble, singing karaoke, and family gatherings. Her favorite childhood book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.
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  Joseph Rivera '14 

  5th Grade & Elementary Library Teacher

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  Joseph is currently pursuing his B.A. in graphic design with a minor in art education at City College. In his free time, he is a freelance graphic designer who helps local organizations, including churches and startups, and works on his own brand. His favorite childhood book is “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.
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  Jason Ruiz 

  3rd Grade & Elementary Physical Education Teacher

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  Jason holds a B.S. in computer science and music business from Full Sail University. Jason has traveled to 10 countries as a former Navy service member and enjoys working out, creating music, and traveling. His favorite childhood book is “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton.
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  Vanessa Scanfeld 

  Strategy Director

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  Vanessa supports the school's fundraising, strategic planning, evaluation, and communications. She holds a B.A. in American studies from Cornell University and an MPP from the Kennedy School, Harvard University. Vanessa loves hiking, chasing a frisbee, and listening to music -- especially if there's a banjo in the mix. One of Vanessa's favorite books to read to her children is "What Do You Do With An Idea?" by Kobi Yamada. Spoiler alert: You change the world!
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  Chanta Scott 

  4th Grade Teacher

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  Chanta holds a B.A. in psychology from The College of New Rochelle and an M.S. from Fordham University in teaching. She has dedicated her life to teaching and working in the Harlem community and has taught in Harlem since 1993. Her favorite childhood book is "Freckle Juice" by Judy Blume.
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  Saima Sharif 

  Middle School Science Teacher

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  Saima is a lead middle school science teacher. She completed two years of college in Malaysia and holds a B.S. in biology, health, and society from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Saima is originally from Bangladesh, and her journey has included leadership roles on the basketball court and in a range of academic and volunteer initiatives. In her free time, she likes to play basketball, work out, and try new coffee shops. Her favorite childhood book is "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
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  Earl Simons 

  Middle School History Teacher

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  Earl is a lead middle school history teacher. He holds an M.Ed. in middle school humanities from Lesley University and a B.A. in government with a minor in ethnic studies from Lawrence University. He was an apprentice middle school teacher last year at the Shady Hill School. Earl is a lifelong trumpet player and enjoys spoken word poetry, basketball, and volleyball. His favorite childhood book is "Curls" by Ruth Forman.
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  Leonard Smith 

  Finance Director

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  Leonard oversees short and long-term financial management, budgeting, and audit oversight. He also takes the lead in working with families to determine appropriate tuition assessments on the school's sliding scale. Outside of work, Leonard enjoys the outdoors (especially skiing), spending time with his family and dog, cooking, and honing his Microsoft Excel skills. Leonard holds a B.A. in finance with a religion minor from the University of Iowa.
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  Syreeta Stallworth 

  Operations and Technology Coordinator

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  Syreeta holds a B.A. in English literature and writing from SUNY Potsdam and an MBA in organizational leadership from Mercy University. Outside of work, she enjoys game night with her family, reading, and watching a good movie. Her two favorite childhood books are "Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkin and "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White.
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  Katie Steinbach 

  Development Director

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  Katie is responsible for meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. Outside of work, she can be found baking, reading historical biographies, and running. Katie holds a B.A. in political science and Spanish from Hunter College and is currently pursuing an M.P.A. at Columbia University. Her favorite childhood book is "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle.
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  Thomas Tegtmeier 

  Middle School History Teacher

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  Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University and a master’s in adolescent education for social studies from Hunter College. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys traveling, reading fantasy books, going to the movies, and playing video games. His favorite childhood book is “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan.
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  Graceley Todd 

  Senior Development & Communications Associate

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  Graceley holds a B.A. in advertising from Southern Methodist University and an M.A. in early childhood education from Relay School of Education. Before joining the development team, Graceley taught kindergarten at Rocky Mountain Prep and first grade at Harlem Academy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and doing yoga. Graceley’s favorite childhood book is “Magic Tree House; Dinosaurs Before Dark” by Mary Pope Osborne.
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  Lamarc Wigfall 

  Dean of Co-Curricular Programs

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  As dean of co-curricular programs, Mr. Wigfall oversees all enrichment and late-afternoon programs, helps with special events and family partnership, offers additional coaching to students, and serves as an eighth grade adviser. He holds a B.A. in business administration from Lehman College. During his free time, he loves watching sports, listening to music, and playing basketball with his friends and family. His favorite children's book is anything written by Dr. Seuss.
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  Helen Zhong 

  Development Associate

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  Helen holds a B.A. in sociology and gender studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. In their free time, they enjoy making comics, painting, crocheting, and roller skating. Helen's favorite childhood book is "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart.