Teachers & Staff

List of 39 members.

Vinya Agbor P'21 & P'23

Placement Director
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Vinya 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.
Pablo Barrios

Operations Manager
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Pablo supports the systems, logistics, and day-to-day operations of the school that help ensure a smooth and safe experience for the community. He holds a B.S. in childhood education from Manhattan University and brings 13 years of experience in education, program administration, and school operations. In his free time, he loves traveling, watching soccer, trying new foods, and spending time with his wife and dog. His favorite children's book is “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
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. 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.
William Beller

Dean of Faculty and Middle School Math Teacher
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Will 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.
Elizabeth "Beth" Bixenman

Advancement Director
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Beth holds a B.A. in mathematics and sociology from Boston College and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business with a triple concentration in leadership and change management, strategy, and global business. Outside of work, she enjoys running, baking, and spending time with family in Maine. Her favorite childhood book is “Corduroy” by Don Freeman.
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.
Kristy Castro

Primary & Elementary School Director
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Kristy 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.
Monique Castro

Elementary School 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.
Alyssa Coladipietro

Middle School Math Teacher
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Alyssa holds a B.S. in secondary education and mathematics from Vanderbilt University. 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.
Serena Cooper

Math Coach & Middle School Advisor
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Serena has been a part of the Harlem Academy mission for more than 15 years, from student to volunteer to her current roles leading the middle school math lab and serving as a seventh grade advisor. In her free time, she likes to watch animated shows, spend time with her friends, read novels, and take care of her cat. Her favorite childhood books are "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins and "Divergent" by Veronica Roth.
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. 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.
Azurrea Curry

Middle School English Teacher
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Azurrea holds 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.
Doris Dixon

Second Grade Teacher
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Doris holds a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies and an associate degree in early childhood education. During her downtime, she enjoys reading, working out, volunteering, and spending time with her family. As a child, her favorite books were "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White and the "Winnie the Pooh" Series by A. A. Milne.
Vincent Dotoli

Head of School
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Vinny 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.
Meghan Ebright

First Grade Teacher
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Meghan holds a B.A. in early childhood education from Harding University. When she isn't teaching, Meghan loves spending as much time as she can outdoors, traveling, reading, volunteering, and celebrating every holiday. As a child, her favorite books were the "Nancy Drew Mystery Stories" and "101 Hopelessly Hilarious Jokes" by Lisa Eisenberg and Katy Hall.
Summer-Grace Flemister

Middle School History Teacher
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Summer-Grace holds an M.A. in teaching, along with a B.A. in creative writing and human rights, both from Bard College. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family, and her dog, Nala. Her favorite book from childhood is "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton.
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.
Allison Guizar

Elementary School Teacher
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Ms. Guizar teaches a weekly elementary Spanish class, leads library classes (grades K-5), and runs our newspaper elective (grades 2-5). Allie holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, with a focus on creative writing. Her favorite pastimes are exploring new places to eat, shopping for plants, and reading. Her favorite childhood story is "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls.
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.
Melissa Hill

Admissions Manager
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Melissa is working toward a B.A. at Fordham University. She 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.
Kai Holmes

First 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.
LaShonda Hughes

Student Support & Alumni Director
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LaShonda holds a B.S. in elementary education from Temple University and an M.A. in literacy, curriculum, and instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring architecture, watching documentaries, and discovering the ever-changing city. Her favorite childhood book is “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV” by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
Vanessa Ibarra

Senior Development & Communications Associate
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Vanessa holds a B.A. in international studies and Spanish from the University of North Texas. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys reading, running, and photography. Her favorite childhood book is "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine.
Andrew "Drew" Krasnavage

Middle School Director
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Drew holds a B.A. in history from Franklin & Marshall College, an M.A. in childhood education from Touro College, and an M.A. in educational leadership from Hunter College. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his son, reading, and watching sports, especially college football. His favorite childhood book is “The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne.
Sheena McCall

Middle School Science Teacher
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Sheena McCall holds a B.S. in psychology from Alabama State University. She is passionate about sparking curiosity and confidence in her students through hands-on learning, inquiry-based instruction, and real-world connections. Outside the classroom, Sheena enjoys dancing, reading, traveling, and discovering new restaurants both in the city and wherever her passport takes her. Her favorite childhood book is "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats.
Tim Mentor

Technology Coordinator
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Tim holds a B.A. in political science from Salve Regina University and an MPA from Columbia University. 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.
Bosa Mora

Second Grade Teacher
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Bosa has an M.A. in classical acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and a B.A. in professional music from the Berklee College of Music. His favorite childhood book is "Thank You, Omu!" by Oge Mora.
Indigo Moore

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.
Jessica Neumaier

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.
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.
Randle Pierre

Middle School Science Teacher
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Randle holds a B.S. in biomedical sciences with a minor in psychology from Nazareth University. In his free time, Randle enjoys traveling, catching up on his favorite shows, and spending time with friends and family. His favorite childhood book series is Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey.
Stefan Poaches

Sports and Fitness Teacher
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Stefan, also known as "Coach Stef," attended Shawnee State University. He has coached youth basketball for almost three decades. In his free time, he enjoys coaching youth sports such as volleyball and basketball, spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and traveling. His favorite childhood book is "Welcome to Camp Nightmare" from the "Goosebumps" series by R.L. Stine.
Vanessa Scanfeld

Strategy & Communications Director
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Vanessa 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

Fourth 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.
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. 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.
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. Earl is a lifelong trumpet player and enjoys spoken word poetry, basketball, and volleyball. His favorite childhood book is "Curls" by Ruth Forman.
Leonard Smith

Finance Director
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Leonard holds a B.A. in finance with a religion minor from the University of Iowa. Outside of work, Leonard enjoys the outdoors (especially skiing), spending time with his family and dog, cooking, and honing his Microsoft Excel skills.
Graceley Todd

Development & Communications Manager
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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

Dean of Co-Curricular Programs
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Mr. Wigfall 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.

Teachers & Staff

List of 39 members.

Vinya Agbor P'21 & P'23

Pablo Barrios

Lauren Bell

William Beller

Elizabeth "Beth" Bixenman

Susanna Brock

Kristy Castro

Monique Castro

Alyssa Coladipietro

Serena Cooper

Evan Cummings

Azurrea Curry

Doris Dixon

Vincent Dotoli

Meghan Ebright

Summer-Grace Flemister

Maria Fuentes

Allison Guizar

Denise Hargrove-Blair

Melissa Hill

Kai Holmes

LaShonda Hughes

Vanessa Ibarra

Andrew "Drew" Krasnavage

Sheena McCall

Tim Mentor

Bosa Mora

Indigo Moore

Jessica Neumaier

Laila Parker

Randle Pierre

Stefan Poaches

Vanessa Scanfeld

Chanta Scott

Imani Shakir

Earl Simons

Leonard Smith

Graceley Todd

Lamarc Wigfall