Teachers & Staff

List of 38 members.

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  Khaliah Adams-Joseph 

  Enrollment Director

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  Khaliah is the enrollment director 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 runs the annual admissions process for prospective families. 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 Associate & Operations Manager

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  Vinya is the family partnership associate and operations manager. She 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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  Alexa Alifonso 

  2nd Grade Teacher

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  Alexa holds an M.A. in early childhood education from Teachers College, Columbia University. In her free time, Alexa likes making jewelry, reading, and spending time with family. Her favorite childhood book is “Miss Nelson is Missing” by Harry Allard.
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  Alexandra Amodei 

  Middle School Math Teacher

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  In addition to her role as middle school math teacher, Alex is a seventh grade advisor. She holds a B.S. in elementary education with a minor in business administration from Loyola University Chicago. In her free time, Alex enjoys traveling, watching sports, and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite childhood book is "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss.
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  Liz Aponte P'22 

  Enrollment & Family Partnership Associate

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  Liz supports enrollment and family partnership. She 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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  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 History Teacher

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  In addition to his role as middle school history teacher, Mr. Beller is an eighth grade advisor. 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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  Annika Brown 

  5th Grade Teacher

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  Annika Brown is a fifth grade teacher. She holds an M.A. from Long Island University, a B.Ed. from the University of the West Indies Mona, and a diploma in primary education from St. Joseph’s Teachers' College. In her spare time, she enjoys DIY projects, crafting, writing and producing music, photography, and videography. Annika is also learning Mandarin. Her favorite book from childhood is "Animal Farm" by George Orwell.

• Molesa Brown 

  Elementary School Teacher
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  Kristy  Castro 

  Primary and 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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  Jhatia "Tia Clemons" Davis-Clemons 

  1st Grade Teacher

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  Tia earned a B.A. in communications from Penn State-Harrisburg and plans to return for an M.A. in early childhood and special education. Outside of work, she enjoys studying astrology, traveling, and being a foodie. Her favorite childhood book is “Happy Birthday, Moon” by Frank Asch. 
• 

  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 

  Science Teacher

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  Tara teaches sixth and seventh grade science and is a seventh grade advisor. 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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  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.
• 

  Agnes Guillo 

  Elementary and Middle School Science Teacher

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  Agnes teaches fifth and eighth grade science. 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.
• 

  Eric James 

  Assistant Head of School

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  As assistant head of school, Eric guides the teaching team and drives outstanding results, works closely with families, and advises graduates. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Brown University and completed postdoctoral training in neuroscience and science education. He holds a B.A. from St. John's University. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, exercising, and outdoor activities. Eric's favorite children's book is "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss.
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  Caroline Lindley 

  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 

  Enrollment & 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.
• 

  Abraham Ocasio P'31 

  Enrollment & Operations Associate

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  Abraham supports enrollment and operations for Harlem Academy. He 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 

  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.
• 

  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.
• 

  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!
• 

  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.
• 

  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.
• 

  Syreeta Stallworth 

  Operations Coordinator

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  Syreeta holds a B.A. in English literature and writing from SUNY Potsdam and is pursuing 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.
• 

  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 

  Development 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.
• 

  Lamarc Wigfall 

  Middle School Advisor and Program Liaison

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  Lamarc 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.