Teachers & Staff

List of 42 members.

Khaliah Adams-Joseph

Assistant Head of School & Enrollment Director
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With over 10 years of experience in both the private and public school systems, Khaliah supervises the annual admissions process, family partnership, secondary school placement, and operations teams. Khaliah holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and an MFA in counseling psychology from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Her favorite childhood book is "The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales" by Virginia Hamilton.
Vinya Agbor P'21 & P'23

Dean of Student and Family Life
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Vinya provides guidance and support to students and families throughout their journey at Harlem Academy, from pre-entry to graduation. She supports enrollment and secondary school placement and is the point of contact for the family partnership association. She holds a B.A. in English from Howard University and an A.S. in accessories design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In her free time, Vinya enjoys traveling, baking, yoga, and time with her family. Her favorite children's book is "Where Do Balloons Go?" by Jamie Lee Curtis.
Jasmine Ahmed

3rd Grade Teacher
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Jasmine is the third grade teacher. She holds a B.S. in childhood education from City College. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, reading, and DIY arts and crafts. Her favorite childhood book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
Liz Aponte P'22

Enrollment Coordinator
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Liz oversees the enrollment process, ensuring efficient and timely processing of applications and effective orientation programs for new students and families. Liz is an avid crocheter who also loves baking, spending time with her daughters, and serving in her church. Her favorite childhood book is “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.
Hope Bell P'13

Alumni and Development Coordinator
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Hope coordinates programming for alumni engagement and support, including college and career access, and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. Hope is an entrepreneur and an artist who enjoys volunteering in her community. Her favorite childhood book is Richard Scarry's "Busy, Busy World."
Lauren Bell

Fifth Grade Teacher
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Lauren is the fifth grade lead teacher. Ms. Bell has a master’s in teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education and a bachelor’s in English, African American studies, and women and gender studies from the University of Texas. She brings five years of teaching experience in New York City public charter schools. Lauren aspires to be someone who can watch scary movies… but has never managed to make it through one. In her free time, she enjoys reading, online shopping, and playing with her guinea pigs. Her favorite childhood book is "Junie B. Jones is (almost) a Flower Girl" by Barbara Park.
Mohan Bell

Middle School English Teacher
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Mohan teaches seventh and eighth grade English and is a seventh grade advisor. He holds a B.A. in English with a minor in African American studies from Brooklyn College and an M.A. in American and British literature from Hunter College. When he is not teaching, he loves reading and writing, baking, and watching movies from the 70s. His favorite childhood book is "Frindle" by Andrew Clements.
William Beller

Middle School Director
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As middle school director, Mr. Beller leads the implementation of the middle school program, supervises and coaches middle school teachers, and supports a strong school climate. He holds a B.A. in history and an M.S. in social studies education from Fordham University. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, listening to music, and going on long walks. His favorite childhood book is "Baseball Players Do Amazing Things" by Mel Cebulash.
Susanna Brock

Mathematics Specialist
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Susanna is a part-time mathematics specialist. She has an Ed.D. in 21st century education from Johns Hopkins University, an M.S. in neuroscience and education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an A.B. in history and science from Harvard University. She has held an adjunct faculty position at Johns Hopkins University School of Education as well as teaching and leadership positions at several area independent schools. In her free time, Susanna enjoys playing with her two young daughters in Central Park and reading mystery stories. Her favorite childhood books include "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown, and "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien.
Kristy Castro

Primary & Elementary School Director
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As primary and elementary school director, Kristy leads the implementation of the program, supervises and coaches teachers, and supports a strong school climate. She holds a B.S. from Howard University and an M.A.T. in elementary education from Roger Williams University. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog Bentley. Her favorite childhood book is "Matilda" by Roald Dahl.
Monique Castro

3rd Grade & Elementary P.E. Teacher
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Monique holds a B.A. in communications from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Her hobbies include traveling and spending time with family. Her favorite childhood book is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss.
Pablo Correa

School Counselor
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Pablo holds a B.A. in anthropology from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in school counseling from New York University. In his free time, he enjoys music, movies, and video games. He's currently learning how to sew and also how to speak Russian. His favorite childhood books were all from the "Magic Tree House" series by Mary Pope Osborne.
Vincent Dotoli

Head of School
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Vinny is the founder of and head of school at Harlem Academy. He holds an M.A. in educational administration from Teachers College, Columbia University and a B.S. in psychology from Union College. He loves playing games and reading with his children and is still inspired by John Gunther's "Death Be Not Proud" and S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders," both of which he read in middle school.
Tara Eagan '12

Middle School Math & Science Teacher
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Tara teaches sixth grade math and seventh grade science and is a seventh grade advisor. She holds a B.A. in African and African American studies with a minor in anthropology from The University of Rochester and holds a master’s degree in childhood education at Hunter College. She enjoys traveling, learning about new cultures, and adding to her sneaker collection. Her favorite childhood book is “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton.
Meghan Ebright

1st Grade Teacher
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Meghan graduated from Harding University in 2010 with a B.A. in early childhood education. She has nine years of teaching experience in New York City private schools and two years in the Metropolitan Nashville public schools. As a child, her favorite books were the "Nancy Drew Mystery Stories" and "101 Hopelessly Hilarious Jokes" by Lisa Eisenberg and Katy Hall. When she isn't teaching, Meghan loves spending as much time as she can outdoors, traveling, reading, volunteering, and celebrating every holiday.
Angela Ebron

Communications Director
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Angela leads a strategic communications program that underscores the school's mission and impact to all key constituencies. Angela 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.
Maria Fuentes

Kindergarten Teacher
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Maria holds a B.A. in early childhood education from Almeda University. She loves spending time with her family, especially her mom and sons. Her favorite childhood book is "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor.
Agnes Guillo

Science Teacher
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Agnes teaches science for grades 2-5. She holds an M.P.S. in animal science and a B.S. in animal science, Spanish, and entomology from Cornell University. Outside of teaching, Agnes enjoys spinning yarn, dancing, and spending time with her siblings and friends. Her favorite childhood book is "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf.
Denise Hargrove-Blair

Kindergarten Teacher
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Denise attended Touro College. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, working out, and watching movies with friends. Her favorite childhood book is “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss.
Melissa Hill

Operations Coordinator
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Melissa comes to Harlem Academy with nearly 20 years in school operations and administration and is working toward a bachelor’s degree at Fordham University. Melissa loves traveling and is a foodie who enjoys dining in Harlem and Brooklyn with family and close friends. Her favorite childhood book is “Just Us Women” by Jeannette Caines.
Kai Holmes

1st Grade Teacher
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Kai holds a B.A. in criminal justice from Monroe College. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing, watching movies, and spending time with friends. Kai’s favorite childhood book is “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister.
Melissa Lijo

2nd Grade & Spanish Teacher
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Melissa is the second grade teacher and K-5 Spanish teacher. She holds a B.S. in sport management from Farmingdale State College and an M.S.Ed. in special education from Hunter College. Melissa has played and coached soccer at various levels and comes to Harlem Academy with six years of teaching and coaching experience at a local independent school. During her free time, she enjoys watching sports, especially her favorite basketball team the Los Angeles Lakers and soccer team Real Madrid. Her favorite childhood book is “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.
Caroline Lindley

Senior Development Associate
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Caroline oversees our weekly mentoring program and all volunteer programs, including corporate and individual opportunities, and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. Caroline holds a bachelor's degree from Fordham University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, reading, and gardening. Her favorite childhood book is "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Joffe Numeroff.
Nora Massie

Middle School English Teacher
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Nora teaches sixth grade English and is a sixth grade advisor. She holds a B.A. in English and environmental studies from Yale University. In her free time, she likes reading, dancing, and listening to music. Her favorite childhood book is “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall.
Tim Mentor '12

Technology Coordinator
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Tim oversees the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all technology systems and devices used by students and teachers, ensuring seamless integration into the educational environment. He holds a B.A. in political science from Salve Regina University and an MPA from Columbia University. After a stint as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, he returned to NYC where he worked in technology at Columbia University for three years while he pursued his master’s degree. In his free time, he loves to watch movies with his dog by his side. His favorite childhood book is “The Hobbit, or There and Back Again" by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Indigo Moore '12

Operations Associate & Librarian
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Indigo holds a B.A. in communications and media from Manhattanville College. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading graphic novels and webcomics, and drawing. Her favorite childhood book is “The Golden Compass” by Phillip Pullman.
Nina Moore

Development Associate
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Nina manages development data, photographs the day-to-day life of the school and special events, and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. She is originally from the Bay Area and holds a bachelor’s degree in social justice from Occidental College. She brings 4 years of experience in education and youth development within public elementary schools in California. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, spending time outdoors, and has recently begun learning how to DJ. Her favorite childhood books are the original “Oz” series by L. Frank Baum, which her grandmother gave her after she performed in the musical “The Wizard of Oz.”
Jessica Neumaier

Middle School Science Teacher
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Jessica is a sixth grade science teacher and advisor. She holds a bachelor’s in English and pre-health and a minor in chemistry from New York University. She was a three-sport athlete in high school, played varsity lacrosse in college, and comes from a family of teachers, including her mom. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading in the park, and trying new pizza places around the city! Jessica's favorite childhood books were the "Berenstain Bears" series by Stan and Jan Berenstain.
Abraham "Mr. O" Ocasio P'31

Operations Associate
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Abraham is completing a B.A. in psychology at Gannon University. In his spare time, Abraham enjoys photography, spending time with his two sons, reading historical nonfiction, and watching boxing. His favorite childhood book is “The Spiderwick Chronicles” series by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.
Laila Parker

School Counselor
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Laila holds a B.A. in psychology from Benedict College and a Master of Social Work from Touro College Graduate School of Social Work. She enjoys reading, book browsing at Barnes & Noble, singing karaoke, and family gatherings. Her favorite childhood book is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.
Joseph Rivera '14

2nd Grade & Arts Teacher
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Joseph is currently pursuing his B.A. in graphic design with a minor in art education at City College. In his free time, he is a freelance graphic designer who helps local organizations, including churches and startups, and works on his own brand. His favorite childhood book is “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” by Laura Numeroff.
Vanessa Scanfeld

Strategy Director
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Vanessa supports the school's fundraising, strategic planning, evaluation, and communications. She holds a B.A. in American studies from Cornell University and an MPP from the Kennedy School, 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!
Chanta Scott

4th Grade Teacher
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Chanta holds a B.A. in psychology from The College of New Rochelle and an M.S. from Fordham University in teaching. She has dedicated her life to teaching and working in the Harlem community and has taught in Harlem since 1993. Her favorite childhood book is "Freckle Juice" by Judy Blume.
Saima Sharif

Middle School Science Teacher
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Saima teaches seventh and eighth grade science and is a seventh grade advisor. She completed two years of college in Malaysia and holds a B.S. in biology, health, and society from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Saima is originally from Bangladesh, and her journey has included leadership roles on the basketball court and in a range of academic and volunteer initiatives. In her free time, she likes to play basketball, work out, and try new coffee shops. Her favorite childhood book is "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Jacob Shaz

Middle School Math Teacher
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Jacob teaches seventh and eighth grade math and is a seventh grade advisor. He has a bachelor’s degree in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He brings many years of experience as an overnight camp counselor and likes to play pickup basketball and read novels in his spare time. His favorite childhood book is "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J. K. Rowling.
Earl Simons

Middle School History Teacher
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Earl teaches seventh grade history and is a sixth grade advisor. He holds an M.Ed. in middle school humanities from Lesley University and a B.A. in government with a minor in ethnic studies from Lawrence University. He was an apprentice middle school teacher last year at the Shady Hill School. Earl is a lifelong trumpet player and enjoys spoken word poetry, basketball, and volleyball. His favorite childhood book is "Curls" by Ruth Forman.
Leonard Smith

Finance Director
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Leonard oversees short and long-term financial management, budgeting, and audit oversight. He also takes the lead in working with families to determine appropriate tuition assessments on the school's sliding scale. Outside of work, Leonard enjoys the outdoors (especially skiing), spending time with his family and dog, cooking, and honing his Microsoft Excel skills. Leonard holds a B.A. in finance with a religion minor from the University of Iowa.
Katie Steinbach

Development Director
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Katie is responsible for meeting 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 and is currently pursuing an M.P.A. at Columbia University. Her favorite childhood book is "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle.
Thomas Tegtmeier

Middle School History Teacher
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Thomas teaches sixth and eighth grade history and is a sixth grade advisor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Binghamton University and a master’s in adolescent education for social studies from Hunter College. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys traveling, reading fantasy books, going to the movies, and playing video games. His favorite childhood book is “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan.
Graceley Todd

Senior Development & Communications Associate
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Graceley is responsible for Harlem Academy's social media, website, eblast and print design work, and the Harlem Academy Monthly and supports the development team in meeting the school's annual fundraising goals. Graceley holds a B.A. in advertising from Southern Methodist University and an M.A. in early childhood education from Relay School of Education. Before joining the development team, Graceley taught kindergarten at Rocky Mountain Prep and first grade at Harlem Academy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and doing yoga. Graceley’s favorite childhood book is “Magic Tree House; Dinosaurs Before Dark” by Mary Pope Osborne.
Ouriana Walker P'23

Wellness and Advisory Consultant
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Ouriana is a leadership coach, certified social-emotional learning facilitator, and certified yoga instructor with a bachelor's degree in psychological counseling from Columbia University. In her role, Ouriana advises on social-emotional learning programming, coaches teachers and staff, and supports all constituents in developing healthy habits. In her free time, she loves to read, dance, listen to music, sit in the sun, drive anywhere that has picturesque natural landscapes, and do yoga. Her favorite childhood book was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle.
Lamarc Wigfall

Dean of Co-Curricular Programs
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As dean of co-curricular programs, Mr. Wigfall oversees all enrichment and late-afternoon programs, helps with special events and family partnership, offers additional coaching to students, and serves as an eighth grade adviser. He holds a B.A. in business administration from Lehman College. During his free time, he loves watching sports, listening to music, and playing basketball with his friends and family. His favorite children's book is anything written by Dr. Seuss.

Teachers & Staff

List of 42 members.

Khaliah Adams-Joseph

Vinya Agbor P'21 & P'23

Jasmine Ahmed

Liz Aponte P'22

Hope Bell P'13

Lauren Bell

Mohan Bell

William Beller

Susanna Brock

Kristy Castro

Monique Castro

Pablo Correa

Vincent Dotoli

Tara Eagan '12

Meghan Ebright

Angela Ebron

Maria Fuentes

Agnes Guillo

Denise Hargrove-Blair

Melissa Hill

Kai Holmes

Melissa Lijo

Caroline Lindley

Nora Massie

Tim Mentor '12

Indigo Moore '12

Nina Moore

Jessica Neumaier

Abraham "Mr. O" Ocasio P'31

Laila Parker

Joseph Rivera '14

Vanessa Scanfeld

Chanta Scott

Saima Sharif

Jacob Shaz

Earl Simons

Leonard Smith

Katie Steinbach

Thomas Tegtmeier

Graceley Todd

Ouriana Walker P'23

Lamarc Wigfall