Teachers & Staff

Muniba is a development and communications associate at Harlem Academy. She works on special events, communications, and donor strategies. She holds a B.A. in psychology and business from Queens College. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, doing yoga, and making handcrafted coconut bowls. Her favorite childhood book is the “Arthur” series by Marc Brown.

Emma is the school counselor at Harlem Academy. She holds a B.A. in social work from James Madison University, and an M.S.W  from Silberman School of Social Work. As a licensed clinical social worker, her passion is working with children and families. In her spare time, Emma enjoys reading, running, listening to music, and watching Yankees games with her husband, two sons, and two cats. Her favorite childhood book is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. 

Mariah Bell is a Harlem Academy alumna ('13)  and the school's graphic design and development intern. She is currently pursuing a B.A. at New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, focusing on representation and social justice in art and media. She loves writing, creating art, listening to music, and watching movies. Mariah’s favorite childhood books are “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan and “Cupid” by Julius Lester.

Kristina is one of the social work interns at Harlem Academy. She holds a B.M. in music therapy and psychology from Berklee College of Music, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in clinical social work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys singing and playing guitar, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family, friends, and husky, Zeppelin. Her favorite childhood book is "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn. 

Nobel is the third grade teacher and second grade science teacher. He is currently pursuing a B.A. in mechanical engineering technology at City Tech. In his free time, Nobel enjoys playing baseball, weight training, watching sports, and reading. His favorite childhood book is "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

Marieme is the DEI coordinator and student and alumni advisor. She holds a B.A. in American studies and sociology from Wesleyan University. Outside of work, she loves dancing, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with loved ones. Her favorite childhood book is the "Harry Potter" series by J. K. Rowling.

Angela is the senior associate director of communications. 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 is responsible for the facility maintenance of Harlem Academy’s middle school space.  He is a lifelong Harlem resident. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, kickboxing, cooking, and pigeon racing.

April is the mindfulness and meditation specialist at Harlem Academy. She holds a B.A. in anti-racist education and community development from Mount Holyoke College, an M.A. from Fordham Graduate School of Education, and an M.A. in clinical psychology as a first year cohort of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia University, Teachers College. Additionally, she holds certification in yoga, leadership training in trauma-informed practices and play therapy. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, dancing, and boxing, and laughing at all opportunities. Her favorite books are "Mindful Monkey Happy Panda” by Lauren Alderfer and “The Moody Cow Meditates" by Kerry MacLean.

Jessica Gersh is the second grade teacher and lower school math teacher. She holds a B.S. in finance and management from Tulane University and an M.Ed in elementary education from Johns Hopkins University. Before coming to Harlem Academy, she lived in New Orleans for seven years where she taught second grade. In her free time, Jessica enjoys cooking for friends and walking in Central Park with her rescue dog, Mila. One of her favorite childhood book series is "Junie B. Jones," which she loves sharing with her students. 

Shereen is one of the social work interns at Harlem Academy. She holds a B.A. in psychology from Queens College and is working towards her master's degree from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Shereen enjoys lounging with her cat, watching documentaries, and trying new foods. Her favorite childhood book is "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein.

Eric is the middle school science teacher. 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.

Carol is the first grade teacher.  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.

Eunice Lee is the fourth grade teacher. She holds a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Texas and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from the University of North Texas. In her free time, she enjoys running, hiking, volunteering, and eating chocolate. Her favorite childhood books are "Holes" by Louis Sachar and "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson.

Vanessa is the director of strategy and communications at Harlem Academy. She supports the school's strategic planning, evaluation, fundraising, and communications. Vanessa holds a B.A. in American studies from Cornell University and an 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?" by Kobi Yamada. Spoiler alert: You change the world!

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

Katie is the senior associate director of development. She helps meet 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. Her favorite childhood book is "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle.

Kia is the middle school English teacher. She enjoys using her love of words and the English language to build strong, thoughtful, and confident readers and writers. Kia earned a B.A. in history and literature at Harvard University and an M.A. in the learning and teaching of English language arts at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Outside of the classroom, Kia enjoys running, listening to music, playing the guitar, singing, and of course reading and writing.  The book that made her fall in love with reading in the sixth grade was "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. 

Leah is the educational director at Harlem Academy. She supervises instruction and professional development in math, science, and technology across all grade levels. She also coordinates Harlem Academy's co-curricular programming and works closely with secondary school placement. Leah holds an M.A. in educational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, an M.Ed. in social foundations of education from the University of Virginia, and a B.A. in mathematics from Williams College. Her interests include cooking, dancing, knitting, and cheering on the Red Sox.  Leah read "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel" by Virginia Lee Burton daily as a young girl.