Teachers & Staff

Muniba is the Development and Communications Associate at Harlem Academy. She works on special events, communications, and donor strategies. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Queens College. Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and  making handcrafted coconut bowls. Her favorite childhood book is the “Arthur” series by Marc Brown.

Ms. Bailey is Harlem Academy's first grade associate teacher. In her free time she enjoys cooking and spending time with her children, Sam and Mateo. Angela holds a B.A. in liberal arts and science from the City College of New York. Her favorite childhood book is "The Twits" by Roald Dahl.

Amelia helps Harlem Academy meet its annual fundraising goals, coordinates special events, and manages the school's mentoring program and social media. Outside of work, she enjoys running, attending various exercise classes, baking, and reading anything she can get her hands on. Amelia holds a B.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy from Occidental College. Her favorite childhood book is "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis.

LaShonda supervises the lower school teaching team and support staff and works to strengthen the curriculum and programs in her division. She enjoys traveling, reading, and watching documentaries. LaShonda holds a B.S. in early childhood and elementary education from Temple University and a M.A. in literacy from Columbia University, Teachers College. Her favorite children's book is "The Hundred Dresses" by Eleanor Estes, and she still has the copy her second grade teacher gave her.

Angela develops and manages communications at Harlem Academy. She 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.

Dave joined Harlem Academy over ten years ago when it moved to the current Fifth Avenue location and was comprised of only a first and second grade. Over the years, as the school has grown, his responsibilities have been wide and varied. Currently, Dave is responsible for the facility maintenance of Harlem Academy’s middle school space.  Dave, a lifelong Harlem resident two blocks from the school, has many interests which include cycling, kickboxing, cooking, and pigeon racing.

April Frazier is the Mindfulness and Meditation Specialist at Harlem Academy. She holds a B.S. in anti-racist education and community development from Mount Holyoke College and a M.Ed. from Fordham Graduate School of Education. She holds her Masters in Clinical Psychology as a first year cohort of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia’s Teachers College, where her focus was on mindfulness and education. She has her yoga certification as well as leadership training in trauma-informed practices and play therapy. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, dance, and boxing, and laughing at all opportunities. Her favorite books are "Mindful Monkey Happy Panda” and “The Moody Cow Meditates.”

Eric is the lead science teacher for the middle school. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Brown University and completed postdoctoral training in neuroscience and science education. In his free time he enjoys cooking, exercise, and outdoor activities. Eric's favorite children's book is "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss.

Carol is the lead first grade teacher at Harlem Academy.  She holds a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Columbia University, and an M.S. in Childhood Education from Hunter College.  She also earned an Advanced Certificate in Gifted Education from Hunter College.  Carol enjoys traveling and cooking in her spare time.  One of her favorite children's books is "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo.

Jeffrey Newman has been Harlem Academy’s math lab coach since 2011, teaching students a variety of applied math concepts, including probability and statistics, and leading them in team math competitions. He is a retired principal from PwC in New York and holds an M.A. in Mathematics from Boston University. Jeff is passionate about supporting not-for-profits and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loves Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat” books from childhood.

Vanessa supports the school's strategic planning, evaluation, fundraising, and communications. She holds a B.A. in American studies from Cornell University and a M.P.P. from 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?" Spoiler alert: You change the world!

Paulette is responsible for and takes pride in ensuring the cleanliness of Harlem Academy’s lower school space, in addition to general facility maintenance and upkeep.  Paulette grew up in Jamaica, but has lived throughout the Caribbean, when she eventually came to the U.S. six years ago.  Outside of work, Paulette enjoys cooking for friends and family, dancing, spending time with her son here, and travelling back home to the Caribbean to visit her daughter and grandson.

Katie helps Harlem Academy meet its 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. Her favorite childhood book is "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle.

Alexis teaches third grade at Harlem Academy and serves as the lower school instructional coach. She graduated from Truman State University with a B.A. in literature and an M.A. in elementary education. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, running, anything that involves working with her hands such as designing and building furniture or knitting. She also enjoys *attempting* to cook. Alexis' favorite children's books include "The BFG" by Roald Dahl and "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry.