2011-12 Faculty and Staff

Beerman, Rachel, 7TH GRADE HUMANITIES, joined Brooklyn Prospect as the founding Humanities teacher from Tapestry Charter School in Buffalo, New York.  There Rachel taught seventh and eighth grade English Language Arts and History in the Expeditionary Learning Program, a project-based, highly interdisciplinary curriculum associated with Outward Bound.  As a teacher of History, she has taken her students on many learning “expeditions,” utilizing field trips, multi-media presentations and the community resources to engage and inspire.  Rachel has a Masters Degree in Teaching from Simmons College, Boston, M.A., and graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. As Humanities teacher for Brooklyn Prospect, Rachel is enjoying finding adventures for her students to explore the rich history of the New York City and surrounding areas, including trips to Gettysburg, PA and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

When not behind a book enjoying a wide variety of genres, or in front of the classroom, Rachel enjoys travel, tennis and yoga.

Brill, Sam, 6TH GRADE HUMANITIES, is a native New Yorker. After graduating as the valedictorian of the Collegiate School in Manhattan, Sam attended Yale University where he earned a B.A. in History, magna cum laude. He is currently working on his Master's in Education at the Teacher U program at Hunter College. In addition to teaching math and journalism to middle school students with Breakthrough Collaborative in New Haven, CT, and in New York, Sam interned for almost two years at the Sound School in New Haven, a high school where he tutored and taught a comprehensive SAT prep course. He has also interned at New Visions for Public Schools, where he helped run professional development workshops for teachers.

In his free time, Sam enjoys reading about politics and education policy, playing baseball, and rooting for his beloved Yankees. 

Brink-Washington, Daniel (“Danny”), DEPARTMENT CHAIR, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ("SSS"), was our founding SSS leader. Each year he looks forward to meeting and working with new and returning Brooklyn Prospect students. A teacher for five years at Middle School for the Arts in Brooklyn, “Danny” joined our team with significant experience designing and implementing Individualized Education Programs while working in multiple subject areas with junior high school students. Concurrently Assistant Artistic Director at City at Peace and Teaching Artist/Curriculum Developer at Brooklyn Philharmonic (Smart Arts),Danny has extensive off-Broadway acting and directing experience which he has used to help young people empower themselves through the performing arts. A graduate of New York University from which he completed a semester in Moscow, Russia, Danny additionally holds an M.S. in Education from City University of New York.

In his free time, Danny loves cooking, eating and learning about a wide variety of cuisines. He enjoys riding his bike all over the city, playing tennis and a lively game of fetch with his cat Pierre.

 Britton, Carol, 7TH GRADE SCIENCE, gifted Brooklyn Prospect with thirty years of teaching experience. A science teacher at heart, she also served as Academic Coordinator, Middle School Director and Middle School Dean of Students for the Children’s Aid Society, Harlem Academy, and The Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, respectively. Carol earned her B.S. in Zoology and Botany with academic honors from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, and has since attended Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C, and Brooklyn College of CUNY, where she has studied audiology, speech pathology and American Sign Language. Carol is thrilled to support the global perspective of our curriculum. She was educated in accordance with the International Baccalaureate program and spent some years at the Anglo-American School bridging the gap between the IB and American schooling systems.

Carol loves to cook (spicy dishes are her specialty) and believes strongly in the importance of humor, both inside and outside the classroom. Carol is elated to join a Brooklyn Prospect program that prides itself on consistency, structure and good organization.

Brooks, Casey, 8^th GRADE SCIENCE, graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, with a B.S in Biology. Casey is joining the Brooklyn Prospect team after spending two years as a middle school science teacher at Esperanza Academy in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  During this time, Casey was actively involved in the Youth Opportunities Program, funded through the Appalachian Mountain Club. As a YOP Youth Leader, Casey brought over sixty urban students into the backcountry of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. While at Esperanza, Casey also led many weekend reading retreats as part of an after-school reading club.

Following a successful collegiate softball career, Casey traveled to Australia to test her abilities within a competitive league abroad. Upon her return, she served as Head Coach for the Vermont Rockets, an under-16 ASA fast pitch softball team. Most recently, Casey worked as a cave naturalist for the Sequoia Natural History Association within Sequoia National Park in California. 

Outside the classroom, Casey enjoys discovering new wild areas, rock climbing first ascents, or digging into a new book.

Brown, Ashley, DANCE/PHYSICAL EDUCATION, comes to Brooklyn Prospect with a wealth of experience in dance and performance art.  She is a graduate of Spelman College with a B.A. in Child Development and also of Florida State University with a M.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography.  Prior to joining BP, Ashley taught dance at the Spelman College Children’s Drama and Dance Program, Florida State University, The Southern Georgia Ballet and Performing Arts Academy, Achievement First Brooklyn High School and Say Yes to Education’s Harlem Chapter.  She brings to Brooklyn Prospect a range of performing experience from works by world-renowned choreographers, including Jawole Willa, Jo Zollar and Gerri Houlihan.  Her own choreography has appeared in a range of venues from Spelman College to the First Annual Southern Sports Awards Show (televised by FOX and Comcast) and The Bronner Brother’s Hair Convention.

Ashley has served as Artistic Director for Mahogany Dance Theatre, Rehearsal Assistant and Assistant to the Director of Dance Repertory Theatre and founder member of The Blakkatz, Atlanta’s premiere Jazz Ensemble.  When Ashley isn’t dancing, she enjoys making jewelry, eating, and watching movies.  She excited to introduce the Brooklyn Prospect students to the many aspects that make up the dance community and Dance for Camera (a genre of film making and choreography).

 Brown, Hillary, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE is extremely excited to join the Brooklyn Prospect team, where she hopes to fuse backgrounds in both education and operations. Born and raised in New England, Hillary spent several years in event hospitality management at the Hartford Civic Center before dedicating herself to education. She completed a year-long internship at a secondary magnet school with a focus on International Studies in Hartford before moving to New York City in 2006.  Hillary went on to spend the next three years with well-known educational services company, The Princeton Review, where she was responsible primarily for the operational implementation of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) funded afterschool tutoring programs on a national scale.

Hillary earned a B.A. in English-Literature from Skidmore College, and an M.S. in Secondary Language Arts Education from the University of New Haven. She lives in Brooklyn and is still discovering the city in all its culture, life and diversity. An avid reader who loves music, Hillary also has a lifelong passion for dance and hopes to start practicing formally again soon, beginning with Salsa classes.

Byers, Meredith, 6^th GRADE ELA/TECHNOLOGY, is delighted to begin her teaching career at Brooklyn Prospect. Meredith graduated with honors from Smith College, where she majored in English and minored in Government. While at Smith, Meredith was a Kahn Fellow and was awarded the Elizabeth Montagu Prize for Best Essay on the Subject of Women. After realizing that her greatest loves were teaching and sharing her love of learning with students, she attended Teachers College at Columbia University, where she earned her M.A. in English Education. She is thrilled to be part of a school with such a talented faculty and a deep commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in the 21^st century.

When Meredith isn’t teaching, she is most likely reading. She also enjoys hiking, running, and passionately discussing football.

Cacho-Leary, Catherine ("Cat"), ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE, eagerly joins Brooklyn Prospect Charter School with over 10 years experience in nonprofit management and a solid background in Finance, Arts and Education. Catherine -- or Cat (as she is more affectionately known)-- is an Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute/Manhattan, where she teaches Budgeting and Financial Management and Management Communication courses in the Arts and Cultural Management Graduate Program. She has also worked as Bursar for the School of the International Center of Photography, Finance and Administration Associate for Dia Art Foundation and Budget Analyst for Brooklyn Academy of Music. Previously, Cat worked with Center for Family Life/PS1 where she held the position of Performing Arts Manager. She is the Founding/Executive Director for Community Arts Works, an arts management consulting firm and has served as a business consultant/advisor for various organizations. She holds a B.A. in Dance from The George Washington University of Washington, DC as well as an M.B.A. with specialization in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management in NYC.  

Cat enjoys attending arts events, cooking Southern and Caribbean cuisine, watching classic films and reading science fiction, adventure and mystery books.

Cetrulo, Craig M., ELA/HUMANITIES DEPT. CHAIR, 6TH GRADE ELA, joined the Academic Planning Team of Brooklyn Prospect in 2008 and was the founding English Language Arts teacher.  He currently serves as the ELA/Humanities Department Head and the 6th grade ELA teacher.  Craig is certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards as well as by the state of New York, and he holds an M.Ed. in Education Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College and a M.A. in English Literature from The University of Virginia.  He majored in English and minored in Philosophy as an undergraduate at Duke University, where upon graduation he was given the Award for Outstanding Work in American Literature.  Craig began his teaching career at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he served as the Literacy Curriculum Coordinator and as the Director of the Young Writers Workshop, managing the Randolph Scholarship, which enrolled talented writers from the NYC public school system in the Young Writers Workshop.

Craig also serves as Brooklyn Prospect’s Head Lacrosse Coach.  He was recognized for his work as a coach and mentor by the Positive Coaching Alliance, from whom he received the Double-Goal Coach Award in 2011.  In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and skateboarding in Prospect Park.  He is also an avid reader and a die-hard fan of Red Sox baseball and Duke basketball.

Choi, Donna, ELA APPRENTICE TEACHER, recently earned her master's degree in secondary education from the University of Pennsylvania.  During the 2010-2011 school year, she student-taught 9th grade English at Furness High School in Philadelphia.  As an undergraduate, she studied Political Science, English, and Journalism at Duke University, and interned at the Sesame Workshop and ABC News.  Her writing has been featured on the Huffington Post.  Donna looks forward to sharing her interests in media and writing with Brooklyn Prospect students.

Prior to starting her teaching career, Donna served as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.  In her free time, she enjoys taking ballet classes and can often be found at the gym.

Coleman, Aaron, PHYSICAL EDUCATION / WELLNESS, comes to BP with hopes of serving as a positive role model for his students while sharing his love of learning and infusing the students with lifelong healthy habits. Having coached and led other youth activities at several organizations including the YMCA, Aaron has also worked in the New York Mets organization. Most recently, Aaron served as a Senior Partner Development Associate at the Positive Coaching Alliance in New York City. He earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Tampa, and has since continued his own education, studying in the Education Department of the University of the State of New York, and pursuing an M.S. in Health Education from Hofstra University.

Off the job, Aaron enjoys participating in, watching, and helping to facilitate sports, as well as reading and staying involved in his community. Aaron looks forward to joining the Brooklyn Prospect culture of excellence

Cruz, Nera, MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR, comes to BPCS from P.S.321, where she gained extensive experience as After School Coordinator and as Co-President of the PTA.  Ms. Cruz holds a B.A. in Media Studies from Hunter College.   Before devoting her time to volunteering and working in a school setting, Ms. Cruz worked in corporate law for many years.  She has two daughters currently attending middle school and is happy to have a rich life outside of work.

Felix, Cassandre, 8TH GRADE SCIENCE, was born and raised in Boston, MA. She earned her B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Secondary Education from Northeastern University and devoted her career to education. After teaching for a combined thirteen years in Massachusetts, Florida, and Georgia, Cassandre is an expert teacher of 7th and 8th grade mathematics. For the past two years, she served as a Math Coach for middle school algebra teachers in Boston while simultaneously completing her Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction at Boston College. This September, Cassandre began the doctoral program in Curriculum & Teaching at Columbia’s Teacher’s College. She is very excited about returning to the classroom and working with the students at Brooklyn Prospect Charter School.

When not at school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, going out to eat, and just relaxing.

Glaser, Mallory, MUSIC, is a versatile vocalist who has performed in jazz, folk, rhythm & blues, experimental, electronic, and free improvisational settings. Mallory holds a B.A. from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where she studied jazz, classical art song, free improvisation, live electronica, Middle Eastern, and West African music. She has studied with pianist/composer Kirk Nurock, jazz vocalist Janet Lawson, and experimental sound artist Bora Yoon. She is a member of the Brooklyn-based rock band, In One Wind. Mallory is currently co-composing music for a multimedia installation based on the agricultural history of Los Angeles.

Green, Sarah, 7TH GRADE MATH, joins the Brooklyn Prospect family after spending the past three years teaching math at Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy (KAPPA) III in the Bronx. Sarah began her teaching career with KAPPA III after joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program. Through the Fellows program, she completed her Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from City College of the City University of New York. Prior to teaching, Sarah was an online marketing specialist with Yodle, Inc., a New York City-based start-up named in the Inc. 500 List of fastest-growing companies. Sarah graduated with a B.S. in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from the Calloway School of Business and Accountancy at Wake Forest University.

Sarah grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and enjoys photography, running, traveling, and reading.

Griffin, Marvin A., Jr., DEAN OF STUDENTS, received his M.S. from St. John’s University in School Building Leadership and his B.S. in Secondary Education and History from Concordia University Wisconsin. Before joining Brooklyn Prospect he served as both assistant principal and acting principal of the Peninsula Preparatory Academy Charter School in Arverne, New York. There, Marvin was selected to receive the 2009 Laurie Brown Memorial award for outstanding leadership and service to his students. Prior to that, Marvin was a faculty member and department chair at Martin Luther High School in New York.

Marvin truly appreciates the opportunity to work with the students and community of Brooklyn Prospect Charter School. In his spare time he enjoys his work with his church’s youth group and a game of chess with anyone who will accept his challenge.

Guy de la Selva, She*bah , SPANISH majored in English Literature with an concentration in Creative Writing at Mills College, where she published her senior thesis in poetry and prose entitled "Eres Tan Delicada, Mija," a cultural commentary on the value of love inspired from her childhood in East Los Angeles, California. She*bah previously worked at an East Oakland Charter School, teaching classes in cross-curricular and emotional literacy. She has also enjoyed working as an Instructional Delivery and Literacy Coach, providing English and Spanish teachers with strategies to increase student comprehension by focusing on teacher-student relationship building and emphasizing methods that develop students as leaders. In doing so, expectations are set high and students feel safe and strong in the exploration of their multiple intelligences (i.e., linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, intra- and interpersonal). She*bah joins Brooklyn Prospect with the belief that all students can receive joy and gain a deeper self- understanding by learning another language in a non-judgmental and creatively structured environment.

 Hamilton, Deseray, LEARNING SPECIALIST, joins our team from Brooklyn’s very own Carter G. Woodson Elementary school, where she has served as a Special Education teacher. Deseray looks forward to welcoming her first BP students and to diving right into BP culture. She is thrilled to be joining a community that shares her dedication to learning and commitment to an ambitious and progressive educational agenda. As a student pursuing her B.A. in Psychology at Pennsylvania State University, Deseray participated in American Reads, student-teaching and helping to spread the joy of reading to young children. Deseray has also been involved in human services, working for the NYC Housing Authority and Child Care Academy. She recently received her M.S. in Special Education from Long Island University.

Deseray is an experienced dancer and has taught modern dance; she hopes that, at some point, she will have the opportunity to the share her passion for dance with her students.

Hendrix II, Robert, ASSISTANT DEAN OF STUDENTS, was born and raised in the Bronx and is proud to be a graduate of Cardinal Hayes HS, alma matter to Regis Philbin, Martin Scorcese, & Jamal Mashburn. He received his Associates degree in Business Administration at SUNY Potsdam and will be attending Baruch College Fall 2012 to pursue his Bachelors in Education. As a member of W.H.A.M (Washington Heights Artist Movement), a non-profit dedicated to teaching the arts to children in the Washington heights area of Manhattan, Robert has helped develop several programs as well as mentor numerous youth. Currently offensive coach on the flag football team, Robert is looking forward to this year’s flag football season as well as the newly established basketball club. In the future, Robert is planning to create the school’s first ever digital midi production club for aspiring music producers.

In his free time, Robert is a recording engineer and is a music producer/A&R. He works extensively with the development of independent artists, and music video & short film production. He is an avid sports fan who roots for the LA Lakers, Chicago Bears, & NY Yankees.

 Marzulli, Penny, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS, was a founding member of the Brooklyn Prospect team.  She brings a wealth of fundraising and program administration experience. Following a career in law firm recruitment, Penny moved to London for six years where she enrolled her children in the British education system and where she and her family lived in an international community and gained an appreciation for a global viewpoint. On her return to New York City, Penny chaired a number of fundraising initiatives and managed a summer program for youth, aged 5-16 years. She additionally trained as a crisis counselor and has worked for several local hospitals. Penny earned her Collegiate Professional Certification in secondary education and received her B.A. degree from the University of Richmond where she played varsity lacrosse.

Outside of school, Penny enjoys a variety of sports, has a special affinity for sailing and wishes she had more time for yoga.

 Michael, Carolyn, 6TH GRADE MATHEMATICS, joined the Brooklyn Prospect team as the founding Mathematics teacher.  In 2002 she began teaching middle school math at The East Harlem School where she also served as the school’s Program Director. Prior to her United States teaching career, Carolyn spent three years living and working in Senegal as a member of the Peace Corps. 

Carolyn graduated with honors from Wellesley College.   During the 2007-08, she completed a master’s degree in Education Leadership at Columbia Universities’ Teachers College as a Klingenstein Fellow.  For her fellowship project, Carolyn studied innovative methods for measuring middle school success.   In 2009 Carolyn earned her National Board Certification. 

Carolyn enjoys a range of outdoor activities.  In addition to English Carolyn speaks four other languages: French, Spanish, Pulaar and Wolof.

 Omowanile, LaNolia, PRINCIPAL, is the founding principal of Brooklyn Prospect Charter School. A member of our original academic planning team, LaNolia earned her M.A. in Education Leadership Studies from Columbia University’s Teachers College and her B.S. in Secondary Science Education from Oral Roberts University.  During her teaching career, LaNolia has been awarded the prestigious title of Ida S. Baker Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year and has been given the Principals Award for Outstanding Leadership.  LaNolia also has a record of community involvement in the Youth With A Vision after school program—a delinquency prevention program for at-risk youths aimed at changing students’ overall perception of life, family, academics and community involvement, as well as, the College Reach Out Program (CROP) - a Saturday program dedicated to strengthening the educational motivation and preparation of low-income and educationally-disadvantaged students.  A lifelong educator, LaNolia previously served an administrative residency alongside the Principal of the Frederick Douglass Academy. Her extensive work with the International Baccalaureate program and her role as coordinator of student affairs at Williams Middle Magnet School for International Studies in Florida is helping to develop the groundwork for use of the IB program at Brooklyn Prospect.

LaNolia is an avid basketball player and three year undefeated coach for both basketball and volleyball.

​Podd, Adam, MUSIC, is an active freelance musician whose work and play is based in and around New York City. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the Hartt School of Music where he studied classical and jazz piano, orchestration, arranging, and music production. With experience teaching privately to students of all ages, Adam Podd continues his musicianship by teaching the philosophies of his own mentors. Adam recognizes that not all students who study music intend to become professional musicians or composers, and they often have specific goals of their own.  His teaching style reaches out and adapts to each student's individual talents, personality, and even frustrations.  Having performed in a variety of mediums and across many genres has proven very helpful in finding a unique connection that speaks to each student, and keeps them not only interested, but enthusiastic about music and composition. Adam has most recently been a lead-instructor at Vermont’s Music Technology Summer Institute for the past six years, where his goal was to provide educators with the tools, and the know-how they need to inspire their students to learn about the arts in new and exciting ways. 

Podd, Matt, MUSIC,  is a freelance pianist, composer, and educator based in New York City. He holds degrees from The Eastman School of Music and Ithaca College. In addition to pursuing his own artistic endeavors, Matt Podd enjoys many collaborative opportunities with musicians and artists of all kinds. As the world of music becomes increasingly specialized, musicians are being trained to hone their particular craft as a performer, composer, conductor, improviser, etc. Matt strives to break this mold, embracing a holistic path to his own identity as a musician. Matt is currently the lead author and curriculum developer for  “Inside Music”, a web-based teaching tool that supports composition instruction in the classroom. He has also been a composition mentor with the Vermont MIDI Project for the past six years, in which he critiques and mentors student compositions. 

 Rubenstein, Daniel Kikuji, CO-FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, has seventeen years of teaching and administrative experience in both public and private schools. A nationally recognized leader in education, Dan received the 2002 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. His work has been documented on ABC’s Nightline and PBS’ Life 360. As the head of the mathematics department at SEED Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., Dan increased students mathematics scores two to three grade levels every year. Most recently Dan was a faculty administrator at Collegiate School in Manhattan; he previously taught at Sidwell Friends - DC, and School Year Abroad Beijing. Dan is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and an associate member of the Teacher's Advisory Board to the National Academy of Science. He is currently completing a doctorate in Education Leadership through the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University and holds masters degrees from both Columbia University’s Teachers College and St. John’s College; he received his B.A. from Hamilton College.

Dan lives in Brooklyn with his wife, their son and daughter who attends PS 321.

 Sacks, Ariel, 7TH GRADE ELA, graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in English. She additionally earned an M.S. in Education from Bank Street College of Education. A self-described, lifelong learner combined with her desire to share her passion for learning, guided Ariel to pursue a career in teaching. Most recently she served as teacher grade team leader and chair of the English department at the School for Democracy and Leadership in Crown Heights. Fluent in Spanish and with a Certificate to Teach English as a Foreign Language from Via Lingua Guadalajarra in hand, Ariel also previously taught English Language Arts to middle school students at M. S. 45, Rafael Cordero Bilingual Academy in East Harlem.

Outside of the classroom, Ariel plays violin in a band and is working on a novel for middle-school age students. She has published articles on teaching practice and educational issues. Ariel joins Brooklyn Prospect to further embrace the culture of diversity and the emphasis on 21st century skills that our school champions.

Shum​, Linda, DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT, is thrilled to join the staff and community at Brooklyn Prospect. Born and raised in the city, Linda left New York to attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where she pursued a B.A in East Asian Studies and studied Japanese and Asian literature. Prior to graduation, she spent a year living and studying abroad at Doshisha University, in Kyoto, Japan. Linda joins Brooklyn Prospect from Harlem Village Academies, where she was interim development assistant and recruitment assistant. Prior to Harlem Village, Linda interned for the United Nations Association, as well as for the Communications department of SEIU Local 32BJ.  

When not in the office, Linda volunteers as a program developer and group leader for immigrant youth in Chinatown. A lifelong learner and avid musician, Linda hopes to continue studying Japanese, find a Taiko drumming group, and perhaps even start Muay Thai boxing classes. 

Stiman-Lavian, Marcia, LEARNING SPECIALIST, graduated summa cum laude from the University of Hartford with a B.S. in Elementary Education, and Special Education and Behavioral Studies. For the past three years, Marcia has been teaching in Connecticut. First at the Ben Bronz Academy and then at the Futures School. At both schools she worked with students with a variety of exceptionalities. This is Marcia's first year at Brooklyn Prospect and she couldn't be more excited! Being born and raised in NY it felt only natural to return to teach here. Marcia knows how important it is for her students to engage and take an active role in their learning and does what she can to facilitate the process. In her spare time Marcia loves to go hiking with her two dogs, rooting for her beloved Yankees, traveling and exploring new places as well as taking photos

 Strang, Alyssa, LEARNING SPECIALIST, brings an energetic and fresh approach to Brooklyn Prospect Charter School’s special education department.  A summa cum laude graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo where she earned a Bachelor of Science in childhood and special education, Alyssa previously worked as a special education consultant teacher in Henrietta, New York.  Excited by the idea of helping to build the foundation, culture and traditions of a new school, Mrs. Strang favors looking at each student as a whole person while developing a hidden curriculum that teaches and fosters lifelong lessons.

A recent transplant from western New York State, Alyssa was an avid musical theater participant in college and is eager to catch up with many of her friends who now work in the New York City theater industry. Additionally Alyssa reports that she enjoys wandering around 5th avenue with her new husband and discovering their Brooklyn neighborhood. 

Tao, Zhixi (Andy), MANDARIN, is excited to begin his first year at Brooklyn Prospect. A native of China, Andy was born in the beautiful city of Wuxi, also known as the "Pearl of Lake Tai" for its location by a scenic lake. He received his B.A. from Changchun University of Science and Technology in Changchun, China and arrived in the U.S. in 2007 to pursue his M.A. in TESOL at Long Island University. He soon began his career by teaching elementary and middle school Mandarin at the Ivy League School on Long Island. Andy never expected to become a Mandarin teacher working abroad - his original intention was to graduate and move back to China to teach English. However, he has discovered that he loves teaching in U.S., particularly because it offers the wonderful opportunity of teach ing to students from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. As a bilingual teacher who has lived and worked abroad, Andy truly appreciates and understand this sort of diversity and is excited to share his love of language and culture with students at Brooklyn Prospect. 

In his free time, Andy loves cooking typical Chinese food and playing mahjong (a popular Chinese tile game) with his American friends.

Thaker, Paaven, 6TH GRADE MATH AND SCIENCE, is thrilled to be starting her second year as part of the Brooklyn Prospect community. As Brooklyn Prospect’s Math/Science Apprentice Teacher, Paaven spent the last 2010-2011 school year immersed in classrooms, teaching and supporting students. Paaven earned a B.A. in International Relations and Environmental Studies from Williams College and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Education with the Teacher U Master’s Program at Relay Graduate School of Education. An avid traveler, Paaven moved to Sevilla, Spain after completing her undergraduate studies to enroll in International House's Cambridge CELTA program, where she taught students from all over the world alongside master teachers. After earning her Cambridge CELTA certificate, she spent an inspiring year teaching students at independent schools in Madrid, Spain.

Paaven cares deeply about urban education, and is committed to preparing her students for success both in college and in life. She has taught mosaic art classes focused on literacy at a low-income middle school in Chicago, worked as a math and reading tutor as part of the America Reads/America Counts program in Massachusetts, and tutored students in high school math at the James Jordan Boys and Girls Club in Chicago. Paaven's background attending a diverse magnet high school in Chicago and her penchant for world travel make her especially passionate about the Brooklyn Prospect vision to provide students with a globally-focused education within an urban multicultural context. In her free time Paaven enjoys experimenting with vegetarian cooking, staying informed about global issues, and spending time outdoors.

Theisen, Andre, 8TH GRADE HUMANITIES, is a native of Minnesota and a graduate of
the University of Notre Dame. He previously taught mathematics at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, English at Beneko School in Hokkaido, Japan, and middle school Humanities and English at Carondelet School in Minneapolis, The Friends School inMonteverde, Costa Rica, and The Dwight School in Manhattan, where he received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Andre is certified in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program and is a member of the National Council for the Social Studies and the National Council of Teachers of English.

In addition to his teaching career, Andre worked as an adventure tour leader and was director of a residential summer camp in northern Minnesota for over a decade. In his free time he enjoys reading, camping, gardening, biking, travel and photography. Andre married in 2008, and his wife, Ann, is also a teacher.

Toro, Olivia, LEARNING SPECIALIST, comes to Brooklyn Prospect from Washington, D.C.,where she spent the past year teaching at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School. The daughter of a veteran, Ms. Toro grew up living all over the United States. Moving from place to place and learning in many different types of schools proved to be very formative experiences, ones that Ms. Toro credits as responsible for her deep interest in working with students of all backgrounds. Prior to teaching, Ms. Toro worked for D.C. Public Schools Office of Special Education, and assisted parents and students as part of a larger effort to reconnect the work of the DC district’s schools to the communities they serve.

Ms. Toro holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Political Science and Psychology from Swarthmore College, and a Master of Arts degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, baking, riding her bright orange bicycle, and exploring the many things that New York has to offer.

Traore, Aicha, OPERATIONS ASSISTANT, Aicha graduated from Thomas Edison State College with a B.A. in Liberal Studies. She then went on to develop a background in business, interning as a Public Relations Assistant at Porter Novelli, and later turning to accounting, administrative and marketing positions with other companies.  Aicha returned to her interest in education after working at Boston Academy of English. Soon after, she began gaining TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification, obtaining New York State Per Diem Teacher Certification and simultaneously teaching as an ESL and General Studies teacher for two years.

Aicha is very excited to apply both her business and educational ​experience to her new position at Brooklyn Prospect. She is currently a M.B.A candidate at the University of Maryland University College, and likes to spend her spare time singing, writing, listening to live music and going dancing with her friends.  

 Vaughan, Kelly, MATH/SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR, 6TH GRADE SCIENCE, majored in Human Biology at Stanford University and has a Masters Degree in Secondary Science Education from Columbia University, Teachers College. After graduating from Stanford, Kelly joined Teach For America and taught middle school science for two years at Community Junior High School 145 in the Bronx. She then joined a team of teachers to found a new small middle school, Mott Hall III Academy in the Bronx, where she served as Sixth Grade Team Leader and Science Department Chair, as well as LEGO Robotics coach, math tutor, and occasionally even PE teacher! In 2006-07, Kelly taught at a private school in Istanbul, Turkey, as part of the Fulbright Teacher Exchange. Following her year of travel, Kelly founded Gotham Schools, a New York City education website, where she researched and wrote articles about New York City public schools.  Recognizing her true passion remained in the classroom, Kelly returned to teaching science in January 2009 at KIPP STAR Charter School in Manhattan. A founding faculty member and department chair at Brooklyn Prospect, Kelly is excited to deliver to her students a very carefully orchestrated, experiential approach to learning about science in their everyday lives and its overlay on the world around them.

When she's not devising engineering challenges or hands-on experiments for her students, Kelly is likely to be found playing soccer, traveling world-wide, taking photographs, or riding her bike around Brooklyn.

Wallace, Suzanne, 7th GRADE ELA, has a B.A. in English and a French minor from Stanford University, and an M.A. in English Education from Columbia University Teachers College. For three summers during college she worked at the Stanford Alumni Association's family summer camp near Lake Tahoe, including one summer as a counselor for 13- and 14-year olds. Immediately following undergrad, she taught English at a high school in rural France for a year, then moved to Napa, California and worked for Francis Ford Coppola's wineries, restaurants and resorts. Suzanne missed being in education, so she left the wine industry to join the KIPP Foundation's Development team in San Francisco and also volunteered at a San Francisco KIPP school. Several years later, having moved to New York, completed her Masters degree and received her credentials, Suzanne is thrilled to be finally back in the classroom.

When not at school, Suzanne enjoys baking, cooking, crossword puzzles, exercising and playing music with friends. 

Walsh, Anita, ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE, has devoted over 15 years to the arts and education.  She has worked with students of all ages in the DC area: elementary, middle, high schools, and adults. Additionally she spent one year in Caracas, Venezuela teaching art at Escuela Camp Alegre, an international school. An Adjunct Teacher at Corcoran College of Art and Design, D.C., where she works with young teens in the Young People's Program, Anita also works as a trainer, designer, and curriculum developer for Whole Foods Market. Working collaboratively, she creates curriculum and training materials to reach people of all learning styles. Inside and out of the classroom, Anita always incorporates both interactive and interdisciplinary teaching/learning strategies. Anita received an M.Ed., with an emphasis on urban education, from George Washington University and a B.F.A. from Parsons School of Design.

Anita’s works are in variety mediums and include her investigation of wrappers-protecting the creative spirit and her yearlong project of 53 drawings that document and honor the handwork of farmers. A favorite was her work with local children and adults on a large bio-degradable sculpture raising both awareness and understanding of landfill issues. Ultimately rain took the sculpture to the ground along with thousands of wild flower seeds which grew wherever they landed. While the materials change, her themes are consistent: collaboration, handwork, beauty, everyday materials, and change over time.

White, Beatrice, ​MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING APPRENTICE, graduated cum laude from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, with a B.A. in Mathematics. While at Carleton, Beatrice took part in both the Carleton College Summer Mathematics Program for Women and the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics for Women in Budapest, Hungary. After graduating, Beatrice became a Math for America Fellow and earned her M.A. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is excited to be joining the BRooklyn Prospect Charter School Community, and loks forward to sharing her passion for learning and mathematics. #

Xuereb, Joanne, SCHOOL COUNSELOR is a New York State licensed school counselor, who comes to Brooklyn Prospect after six years of working in a variety of schools and educational programs. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Spanish from Union College, continued her studies at CUNY Hunter College and obtained a Masters of Science in Education in School Counseling. She has complemented her academic background by working with elementary school students through pre-college freshmen and is extremely thrilled to be joining the Brooklyn Prospect team. Joanne’s philosophy is that through hard work, dedication and proper support, all students are capable of achieving success. A first generation college student, Joanne is extremely passionate about promoting early college awareness. She has experience teaching Success Skills Classes, Early College Awareness and College Transition classes. At Brooklyn Prospect, she looks forward to helping students to obtain skills necessary for success in school and beyond.
A native New Yorker, who currently resides in Queens, Joanne is a Maltese-American and often travels to Malta (a small island south of Sicily) to visit family and enjoy the breathtaking beaches. Additionally, she spends her free time with her family and friends, working out at the gym, and attending concerts. She loves experiencing and learning about new cultures.

 Yu, Richard , FACILITIES & TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR. Prior to joining us, Richard was an Assistant Vice President in the Real Estate Development department of the New York City Economic Development Corporation where he was the lead project manager for numerous real estate transactions in Brooklyn and Staten Island consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial uses.  Previously, Richard was a consultant to the head of commercial leasing providing financial analyses for new tenant leases and renewals.  Richard received his juris doctorate from Brooklyn Law School, a master’s degree in statistics from Columbia University, and a bachelor of arts from Wesleyan University.

In his free time Richard enjoys food and photography.  For him the combination can be double the fun.

VOLUNTEERS:

Caicedo, Virginia, COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEER. We are grateful to Virginia for her generosity of time and frequent contributions to the Brooklyn Prospect Charter School community. Raised in a bilingual family and hailing from a strong professional background in communications, operations, and project management, Virginia supports the outreach of our admissions team and has had an immense impact on our written materials through her assistance with Spanish translation. Her help has allowed us to communicate more effectively with families at Brooklyn Prospect and with prospective families.

Volunteer work is very important to Virginia. She has also served on the Parent Teacher Association at P.S. 321 as the store manager, auction coordinator, and "learning friend" for children with learning disabilities.