Faculty and Staff | Directory and Expertise | Corlears School | NYC

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Faculty Expertise

All Corlears faculty have a baseline in training that extends well beyond their graduate degrees. All teachers take part in training related to the core programs and approaches at their respective age levels. Teachers have engaged in a variety of PD offerings through NYSAIS, including but not limited to the following organizations:

We are a professional learning community that engages one another in bringing theory to practice as we meet during weekly staff meetings and on professional development days dedicated to teacher training and development in various areas. Leadership within the educational program is provided through our Assistant Head of School, Division Directors, and Student Success Team in partnership with coaches, specialists, service providers and psychologists.

We Don’t Just Teach Subjects — We Teach Students

Every student brings with them different talents, interests, abilities, and learning styles. At Corlears, we go beyond the classroom to ensure children receives individualized attention.

In fact, all teachers partner with families to learn about children’s personal interests as they begin to build a bridge between home and school, then incorporate aspects of the children’s home life into their studies and spaces.

This extra effort is what makes learning more meaningful and effective, and is just one small part of what makes Corlears different from the rest.

Corlears School's Collaborative Environment

As children get older and develop emotionally and cognitively, we work with the whole child and challenge them academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers partner with each other and families to help each child be their best. Collaboration across disciplines is also common, as teachers design a specific curricula based upon the developmental stages of children as well as their particular needs.

Every teacher is an expert in their field, with a solid and well-rounded understanding of child development. We create classrooms where students are able to take risks and embark upon challenges that help them learn deeply, and make meaning beyond memorization. In addition, partnerships with families are forged through regular communication and sharing of the learning process.

Meet the Team

Our full staff directory is below, sorted alphabetically by first name. Click on the photos to learn more about these members of our vibrant and inclusive community.

Alicia Chevoor, Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s/3s

TOUCH

Alicia Chevoor Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s/3s

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2020

At Corlears since: 2022

Alicia Chevoor Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s/3s

Ariel Grossman, Roots Head Teacher (1)

TOUCH

Ariel Grossman Roots Head Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2006

At Corlears since: 2018

Ariel Grossman Roots Head Teacher

Benna Cheung, Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s/3s

TOUCH

Benna Cheung Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s/3s

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2010

At Corlears since: 2017

Benna Cheung Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s/3s

Betty Baez, Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s/3s

TOUCH

Betty Baez Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s/3s

Teaching since: 1989

At Corlears since: 1989

Betty Baez Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s/3s

CJ Perrine, Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 3s

TOUCH

CJ Perrine Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 3s

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2024

CJ Perrine Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 3s

Emily Billig, Third Grade Associate Teacher

TOUCH

Emily Billig Third Grade Associate Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2018

At Corlears since: 2023

Emily Billig Third Grade Associate Teacher

Gena Camoosa, Early Childhood Specialist

TOUCH

Gena Camoosa Early Childhood Specialist

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2001

At Corlears since: 2024

Gena Camoosa Early Childhood Specialist

TOUCH

India Roman Roots Classroom Teaching Assistant

At Corlears since: 2025

India Roman Roots Classroom Teaching Assistant

Irene Jiang, Fourth Grade Head Teacher

TOUCH

Irene Jiang, M.S.Ed. Fourth Grade Head Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2020

At Corlears since: 2023

Irene Jiang, M.S.Ed. Fourth Grade Head Teacher

Istoda Mulladjanova, Classroom Teaching Assistant

TOUCH

Istoda Mulladjanova Roots Classroom Teaching AssistantRead full bio

Istoda Mulladjanova Roots Classroom Teaching Assistant

Jameel Johnson, Elementary Associate Teacher (2)

TOUCH

Jameel Johnson PreK Associate Teacher

Pronouns: He/him

Teaching since: 2005

At Corlears since: 2020

Jameel Johnson PreK Associate Teacher

Jasmyn Green, Educational Program Assistant

TOUCH

Jasmyn Green Educational Program Assistant

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2012

At Corlears since: 2023

Jasmyn Green Educational Program Assistant

Jennifer Florez, Music Teacher

TOUCH

Jennifer Florez Music Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 1996

At Corlears since: 2021

Jennifer Florez Music Teacher

Joshua Penn, Fifth Grade Head Teacher

TOUCH

Joshua Penn Fifth Grade Head Teacher

Pronouns: He/him

Teaching since: 2016

At Corlears since: 2017

Joshua Penn Fifth Grade Head Teacher

Katie Cheek, Science Teacher

TOUCH

Katie Cheek, M.S.Ed Science Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2010

At Corlears since: 2024

Katie Cheek, M.S.Ed Science Teacher

Kendra Torres, Auxiliary Activities Teacher

TOUCH

Kendra Torres Auxiliary Activities TeacherRead full bio

Kendra Torres Auxiliary Activities Teacher

Khadijah Smith, Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s

TOUCH

Khadijah Smith Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2sRead full bio

Khadijah Smith Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s

Leah Rice, Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 4s/5s

TOUCH

Leah Rice Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 4s/5s

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching Since: 2020

At Corlears Since: 2024

Leah Rice Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 4s/5s

Lucy Smith, Corlears Plus Group Leader

TOUCH

Lucy Smith Corlears Plus Group LeaderRead full bio

Lucy Smith Corlears Plus Group Leader

Maureen Mervil, First Grade Head Teacher

TOUCH

Maureen Mervil, M.S.Ed. First Grade Head Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2011

At Corlears since: 2023

Maureen Mervil, M.S.Ed. First Grade Head Teacher

Michelle Malakoff, PreK Head Teacher

TOUCH

Michelle Malakoff PreK Head Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2010

At Corlears since: 2016

Michelle Malakoff PreK Head Teacher

Nicole Pierides, First Grade Associate Teacher

TOUCH

Nicole Pierides First Grade Associate TeacherRead full bio

Nicole Pierides First Grade Associate Teacher

Noelia Fernandez Elementary Special Education Teacher

TOUCH

Noelia Fernandez Elementary Special Education TeacherRead full bio

Noelia Fernandez Elementary Special Education Teacher

Nyesha Hunt, Early Childhood Head Teacher, 3s

TOUCH

Nyesha Hunt Early Childhood Head Teacher, 3s

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2015

At Corlears since: 2016

Nyesha Hunt Early Childhood Head Teacher, 3s

Olympia Hamlor, Elementary Head Teacher

TOUCH

Olympia Hamlor, M.S.Ed. Kindergarten Head Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2013

At Corlears since: 2018

Olympia Hamlor, M.S.Ed. Kindergarten Head Teacher

Ryan Piccininni, Kindergarten Associate Teacher

TOUCH

Ryan Piccininni Kindergarten Associate TeacherRead full bio

Ryan Piccininni Kindergarten Associate Teacher

Samantha Campbell, Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s

TOUCH

Samantha Campbell Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2012

At Corlears since: 2012

Samantha Campbell Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s

Sandra Lewin, PE Teacher

TOUCH

Sandy Lewin PE Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 1997

At Corlears since: 1997

Sandy Lewin PE Teacher

Sara Nixon, Studio Art Teacher

TOUCH

Sara Nixon Studio Art Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2011

At Corlears since: 2018

Sara Nixon Studio Art Teacher

Sasha Krantz, Early Childhood Head Teacher, 4s/5s

TOUCH

Sasha Krantz Early Childhood Head Teacher, 4s/5s

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2018

At Corlears since: 2022

Sasha Krantz Early Childhood Head Teacher, 4s/5s

TOUCH

Shanna Scott, Ed.S. Second Grade Head Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2000

At Corlears since: 2020

Shanna Scott, Ed.S. Second Grade Head Teacher

Sheila Sarma, Third Grade Head Teacher

TOUCH

Sheila Sarma Third Grade Head TeacherRead full bio

Sheila Sarma Third Grade Head Teacher

Silvia Castillo, Spanish Teacher

TOUCH

Silvia Castillo Spanish Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2004

At Corlears since: 2022

Silvia Castillo Spanish Teacher

Susan From, Roots Associate Teacher

TOUCH

Susan From Roots Associate Teacher

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2003

At Corlears since: 2021

Susan From Roots Associate Teacher

Sylvia Jane Sackheim, Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s

TOUCH

Sylvia Jane Sackheim Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2022

At Corlears since: 2022

Sylvia Jane Sackheim Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s

Tougeu Yang third grade associate long term substitute

TOUCH

Tougeu Yang Third Grade Associate Teacher
(Long-Term Substitute)

Tougeu Yang Third Grade Associate Teacher
(Long-Term Substitute)

Trevor Allen, Librarian

TOUCH

Trevor Allen School Librarian

Pronouns: He/him

Teaching since: 2012

At Corlears since: 2022

Trevor Allen School Librarian

Zachary Brewer, Technology Teacher

TOUCH

Zachary Brewer Educational Technology Specialist

Teaching since: 2005

At Corlears since: 2012

Zachary Brewer Educational Technology Specialist

Alex Gelman, Director of Program Operations

TOUCH

Alex Gelman Director of Program OperationsTeaching since: 2009

At Corlears since: 2016Read full bio

Alex Gelman Director of Program Operations

Alyssa Bianca-Pavley, Development and Communications Associate

TOUCH

Alyssa Bianca-Pavley Development and Communications Associate

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2024

Alyssa Bianca-Pavley Development and Communications Associate

Amanda M. Steiner, Director of Marketing & Engagement (1)

TOUCH

Amanda M. Steiner Director of Marketing and Engagement

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2021

Amanda M. Steiner Director of Marketing and Engagement

Amanda Quinn Banks, Admissions and Outplacement Associate

TOUCH

Amanda Quinn Banks Admissions and Outplacement Associate

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2022

Amanda Quinn Banks Admissions and Outplacement Associate

Avery Bonner, School Psychologist

TOUCH

Avery Bonner, Ed.M., NCSP School Psychologist

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2023

Avery Bonner, Ed.M., NCSP School Psychologist

Brenda A. Daniels

TOUCH

Brenda A. Daniels Elementary Division Director

Teaching since: 2005

At Corlears since: 2022

Brenda A. Daniels Elementary Division Director

Brenndon Knox, Auxiliary Programs Coordinator

TOUCH

Brenndon Knox Auxiliary Programs Coordinator

Pronouns: He/him

Teaching since: 2016

At Corlears since: 2023

Brenndon Knox Auxiliary Programs Coordinator

Brian Jailall,Technology Systems Manager

TOUCH

Brian Jailall Technology Systems ManagerAt Corlears since: 2015Read full bio

Brian Jailall Technology Systems Manager

TOUCH

Charles Butler Facilities Support

Pronouns: He/him

At Corlears since: 2023

Charles Butler Facilities Support

Colleen Goddard, Early Childhood Division Director

TOUCH

Colleen Goddard, Ph.D. Early Childhood Division Director

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 1994

At Corlears since: 2021

Colleen Goddard, Ph.D. Early Childhood Division Director

David Egolf, Head of School

TOUCH

David Egolf Head of School

Pronouns: He/him

Teaching since: 1993

At Corlears since: 2014

David Egolf Head of School

Debora Everett-Jones, School Receptionist

TOUCH

Debora Everett-Jones School Receptionist

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2023

Debora Everett-Jones School Receptionist

Elliot Davila, Facilities Support

TOUCH

Elliot Davila Facilities SupportAt Corlears since: 2019Read full bio

Elliot Davila Facilities Support

Eunice Armstrong, Director of Finance and Business Operations

TOUCH

Eunice Armstrong Director of Finance and Business OperationsRead full bio

Eunice Armstrong Director of Finance and Business Operations

Kelvin DeSilva, Facilities Director

TOUCH

Kelvin DeSilva Facilities DirectorAt Corlears since: 2021Read full bio

Kelvin DeSilva Facilities Director

Mansi Vasa, Associate Head of School, Director of Equity & Inclusion (1)-1

TOUCH

Mansi Vasa Associate Head of School and Director of Equity and Inclusion

Pronouns: She/her

Teaching since: 2004

At Corlears since: 2019

Mansi Vasa Associate Head of School and Director of Equity and Inclusion

Megan Guttersohn, Communications Director

TOUCH

Megan Guttersohn Communications Director

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2019

Megan Guttersohn Communications Director

Nashali Castillo

TOUCH

Nashali Castillo, RN, BSN School Nurse

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2022

Nashali Castillo, RN, BSN School Nurse

Nyasha Quinones, Employee Relations Manager, HR Associate

TOUCH

Nyasha Quinones, SHRM-CP Employee Relations Manager and HR Associate

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2016

Nyasha Quinones, SHRM-CP Employee Relations Manager and HR Associate

Ramya Annam (1)-1-1

TOUCH

Ramya Annam Admissions and Outplacement Director

Pronouns: She/her

At Corlears since: 2024

Ramya Annam Admissions and Outplacement Director

Yris Osoria, Facilities Support

TOUCH

Yris Osoria Facilities SupportRead full bio

Yris Osoria Facilities Support