Teachers & Staff

Emma Baber is the school counselor at Harlem Academy. She holds a bachelor's degree in social work from James Madison University, and a master's degree from Hunter College School of Social Work. 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 Yankee games with her husband, two sons, and two cats. Her favorite childhood book is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. 

Ashley Barnett is the lead first grade teacher at Harlem Academy. She is currently working towards a masters degree in both childhood education and special education at St. John's University. In her free time, she enjoys reading and taking photographs. She holds a B.A. in studio art from the University of Maryland - College Park. Her all time favorite children's book is "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum.

Shante is the second grade lead teacher at Harlem Academy. Shante holds a B.A. in education in a diverse society and an M.A. in teaching from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She loves working with children and has been a mentor to students since high school. Outside of school, she loves to travel, spend time with family, and find fun restaurants to try out. One of her favorite books to read as a child was "Imogene's Antlers" by David Small.

Tia is the associate fourth grade teacher at Harlem Academy, responsible for leading in science and physical education. She earned a B.A. from Penn State - Harrisburg and has plans to return for an M.A. in special education. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, studying astrology, watching crime investigation programs, spending time with her niece and nephew, and trying new restaurants. Tia’s favorite childhood read is “Happy Birthday, Moon” by Frank Asch.

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.”

Aja has developed an art and music appreciation course for first and second graders. She teaches that course along with second grade science and advisory. Aja holds a B.A. in psychology from the City College of New York. Her favorite children's books are the "Amelia Bedelia" series by Peggy Parish.

Josh Horton is the middle school history teacher at Harlem Academy. He holds a B.A. in communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, sports, and throwing the ball for his pup, Finley. His favorite childhood book was "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss.   

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 fifth 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.

Jason Michael Land is the Operations Associate at Harlem Academy. He holds a B.A. in English from Morehouse College and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School, where he concentrated in Youth Ministry and Community Engagement. Jason is committed to supporting urban youth by helping them to realize their academic potential. He enjoys traveling, working out and spending time with friends and family. His favorite book is "One Hundred Years of Solitude," by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.  

Eunice Lee is the lead fourth grade teacher at Harlem Academy. She holds a B.S. in elementary education from the University of Texas and a 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 books are "Holes" by Louis Sachar and "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson.

Jennifer Prince holds a B.A. in art history from Bryn Mawr College and M.P.A. from Columbia University. She is a life-long Harlem resident and member of our local Community Board. Jennifer directs the annual admissions process for prospective families and facilitates communication between the school and our community partners. Her favorite childhood book is the "The Jolly Postman" by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.

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.