Teachers & Staff

List of 37 members.

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  Khaliah Adams-Joseph 

  Assistant Head of School & Enrollment Director

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  With over 10 years of experience in both the private and public school systems, Khaliah supervises the annual admissions process, family partnership, secondary school placement, and operations teams. Khaliah holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and an MFA in counseling psychology from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. 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 

  Family Partnership Director

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  Vinya provides guidance and support to students and families throughout their journey at Harlem Academy, from pre-entry to graduation. She supports enrollment and secondary school placement and is the point of contact for the family partnership association. She holds an M.S.Ed. in education entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, 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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  Liz Aponte P'22 

  Enrollment Coordinator

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  Liz oversees the enrollment process, ensuring efficient and timely processing of applications and effective orientation programs for new students and families. 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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  Lauren Bell 

  Fifth Grade Teacher

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  Lauren has an M.A. in teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education and a B.A. 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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  William Beller 

  Middle School Director

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  Mr. Beller leads the implementation of the middle school program, supervises and coaches middle school teachers, and supports a strong school climate. 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 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 implementation of the program, supervises and coaches teachers, and supports a strong school climate. She holds a B.S. from Howard University and an M.A. 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 

  3rd Grade & Elementary P.E. 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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  Alyssa Coladipietro 

  Middle School Math Teacher

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  Alyssa holds a B.S. in secondary education and mathematics from Vanderbilt University. She has taught middle and high school math both in her hometown in Illinois and in New York City, and she worked as an after-school teacher in Nashville. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys taking dance classes, reading, working out, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite childhood book series is “The Land of Stories” by Chris Colfer, and her signed copies remain some of her most prized possessions.
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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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  Evan Cummings 

  Middle School English Teacher

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  Evan holds a B.A. in creative writing with a minor in literature from High Point University in North Carolina. He brings experience teaching at an independent boarding school in western Massachusetts and has supported Harlem Academy eighth graders in developing their personal essays for secondary school. A working poet, Evan was nominated for Poem of the Year by Brooklyn Poets in 2024. Outside the classroom, he spends much of his time writing and performing around the city. His favorite book from childhood was “The Boxcar Children” by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
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  Azurrea Curry 

  Middle School English Teacher

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  Azurrea is pursuing an M.A. in the teaching of English at Teachers College, Columbia University and holds a B.A.Ed. in secondary English education with a minor in African American studies from the University of Mississippi. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, drawing with pastels, traveling, and spending time with friends. Her favorite childhood book is "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
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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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  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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  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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  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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  Melissa Hill 

  Operations Coordinator

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  Melissa comes to Harlem Academy with nearly 20 years in school operations and administration and is working toward a B.A. at Fordham University. Melissa loves traveling and is a foodie who enjoys dining in Harlem and Brooklyn with family and close friends. Her favorite childhood book is “Just Us Women” by Jeannette Caines.
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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 holds a B.S. in sport management from Farmingdale State College and an MSEd 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 

  Alumni and Volunteer Coordinator

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  Caroline oversees our weekly mentoring program and all volunteer programs, including corporate, individual and alumni opportunities, and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. Caroline holds a B.A. in English 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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  Tim Mentor 

  Technology Coordinator

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  Tim oversees the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all technology systems and devices used by students and teachers, ensuring seamless integration into the educational environment. He holds a B.A. in political science from Salve Regina University and an MPA from Columbia University. After a stint as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, he returned to NYC where he worked in technology at Columbia University for three years while he pursued his master’s degree. In his free time, he loves to watch movies with his dog by his side. His favorite childhood book is “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again" by J. R. R. Tolkien.
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  Indigo Moore '12 

  Operations & Library 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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  Nina Moore 

  Development Associate

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  Nina manages development data, photographs the day-to-day life of the school and special events, and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. She is originally from the Bay Area and holds a B.A. in social justice from Occidental College. She brings 4 years of experience in education and youth development within public elementary schools in California. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time outdoors, and has recently begun learning how to DJ. Her favorite childhood books are the original “Oz” series by L. Frank Baum, which her grandmother gave her after she performed in the musical “The Wizard of Oz.”
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  Jessica Neumaier 

  2-5 Science Teacher

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  Jessica holds a B.A. 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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  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 

  2nd Grade & Arts 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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  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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  Imani Shakir 

  Third Grade Teacher

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  Imani has an M.A. in teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in psychology from St. Francis College. She brings four years of teaching experience in New York City public charter schools and has served as a program director for New York Junior Tennis. In her free time, Imani enjoys reading, rollerblading in the park, and playing The Sims. Her favorite childhood book (of poems) is "Falling Up" by Shel Silverstein.
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  Saima Sharif 

  Middle School Science Teacher

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  Saima teaches seventh and eighth grade science and is a seventh grade advisor. 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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  Jacob Shaz 

  Middle School Math Teacher

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  Jacob teaches seventh and eighth grade math and is a seventh grade advisor. He has a B.S. in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He brings many years of experience as an overnight camp counselor and likes to play pickup basketball and read novels in his spare time. His favorite childhood book is "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J. K. Rowling. 
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  Earl Simons 

  Middle School History Teacher

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  Earl teaches seventh grade history and is a sixth grade advisor. 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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  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 MPA at Columbia University. Her favorite childhood book is "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle.
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  Graceley Todd 

  Senior Development & Communications Associate

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  Graceley is responsible for Harlem Academy's social media, website, eblast and print design work, and the Harlem Academy Monthly and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. 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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  Ouriana Walker P'23 

  Wellness and Advisory Consultant

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  Ouriana is a leadership coach, certified social-emotional learning facilitator, and certified yoga instructor with a B.A. in psychological counseling from Columbia University. In her role, Ouriana advises on social-emotional learning programming, coaches teachers and staff, and supports all constituents in developing healthy habits. In her free time, she loves to read, dance, listen to music, sit in the sun, drive anywhere that has picturesque natural landscapes, and do yoga. Her favorite childhood book was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.
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  Lamarc Wigfall 

  Dean of Co-Curricular Programs

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  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.