The School's phone number is 718-852-1029. Find any colleague in alphabetical order by last name, or use our Search function.
Name
Title
Extension
Razi Abdur-Rahman
Lower School Head Teacher, 4AHe/Him/His Razi has taught at BFS for over a decade. Before arriving on Pearl Street, following earlier careers as an art handler, photographer, print shop manager, chef, and cooking instructor, Razi taught at a variety of public and private schools. Razi enjoys that every year he works with a new group of students and gets to discover and work with their individual learning styles. When he’s not in the classroom, Razi loves to play basketball, ride his bicycle through the crowded NYC streets, practice Mixed Martial Arts, and cook food for his family and friends. Razi holds a BA from Bard College and a M.Ed from Bank Street.
Felix Alberto
Middle School Spanish Teacherhe/him/his Felix moved to the United States with his family from the Dominican Republic in the early 1980s. Before arriving at BFS in 1997, Felix worked as a collegiate and club volleyball coach. He also enjoys cooking, especially discovering how to create his own recipes based on ingredients and seasonings he thinks might work well together.
Tasfia Ali
Lower School Head Teacher, 4Cshe/her/hers Tasfia has always loved working with young people because they bring so much joy to the spaces they're in, and she is thrilled that she is able to be a role model for them. Tasfia puts her heart in everything that she does and takes great pride in that quality. She has a BS from City College and an MSEd from Hunter College.
Kim Allen
Middle School Spanish Teachershe/her/hers ‘Señora Kim' is the daughter and granddaughter of teachers, and has taught history and Spanish for more than 30 years in New York City. She has worked actively in the field of human rights education with organizations such as Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and Amnesty International. She believes in the sanctity of each child who she teaches, and recognizes the Light within all people. Kim has a BA from Wichita State and an MA from University of Kansas.
Ruthie Allen
Middle School Math and Science TeacherRuthie (she/her) joins us with a Bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a deep passion for working with middle schoolers. Previously, she served as a Middle School Math Teacher and Advisor, LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Staff Advisor, and Summer Programs Coordinator at Carolina Friends School, as well as the Director's Assistant at Peaceful Schools NC, a restorative practices organization. Ruthie believes in the boundless potential of middle schoolers: "They can change the world, find joy everywhere, and succeed through a productive struggle. They are phenomenal!" Outside the classroom, Ruthie is a creative spirit—a seamstress, theatre-maker, movie-lover, and a big fan of Southern comfort food.
Andrew Andrade
Lower School Head Teacher, 2Bhe/him/his Before arriving at BFS, Andrew was a substitute teacher in middle school at Poly Prep. His favorite part about teaching is watching the students grow both socially and academically. He is a very active person outside of work, and enjoys playing sports, working out, and being outside! He received a degree from Gettysburg College.
Magna Antoine
Lower School Collaborating Teacher (4th Grade)she/her/hers Magna has been a preschool educator in the past and thrives on being present with the children—learning with and from them. When she is not teaching at BFS, she is probably watching an old western movie! Magna has a BA and an MS.
Shant Arslanian
In-House IT Specialisthe/him Shant joins us from sunny Southern California, where he worked for nine years as the I.T. Technician at Buena Park High School. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in Business Administration and a focus in Management Information Systems, Shant is sure to keep our tech running smoothly, and is passionate about working as a team to solve IT issues. Fun fact: There’s a special YouTube video close to Shant’s heart—check out the "Buena Park Proposal" for a sweet surprise!
Adam Atherton
All-School Systems Manager and Schedulerhe/him/his Before arriving at BFS, Adam was the Registrar and Assistant Head of Upper School at Hawaii Preparatory Academy on the Big Island of Hawaii. He greatly enjoys being able to work with the entire school community in the charge of creating the best student experience possible. He loves to ride bikes and has a beautiful five year old boy named Aengus. He has a M.Ed from Trinity College in Dublin.
Sam Avis
Lower School Associate Teacher, 3Bshe/her/hers Before joining the Brooklyn Friends School community, Sam worked as a second grade associate teacher at Berkeley Carroll in Park Slope for three years. Sam’s favorite part of being a teacher is the moment when everyone in the room breaks out into laughter. Her simple pleasures are being outside, long walks with her dog, watching basketball, the smell of grass, and being around people that she loves! Sam attended the University of Colorado, Boulder where she received a BA in Art Practices with a Minor in Art History.
Laura Ayam
Middle School Visual Arts TeacherBorn and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Laura holds a BA in Educational Psychology and an MA in Art and Art Education from Columbia University. She’s a founding staff member of Community Roots Charter School, and has led anti-bias education workshops through Roots Connected. Laura believes art rooms are spaces for growth and transformation, where students can discover their creativity and develop their unique artistic voice. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time in parks with her family.
Loreto Barranco
Lower School Spanish Teachershe/her Prior to arriving at BFS, Loreto taught English for more than 10 years in an independent school in Spain, as well as English for Business for different multinationals. Right before joining BFS, she worked as a Spanish instructor at Stony Brook University. In 2021, Loreto became the mother to a wonderful child named Justice. She says that the name is a reflection of all she lives and works for. She received degrees from Universidad de Almería and Stony Brook University.
Caitlin Barry
Upper School English Teachershe/her/hers Caitlin enjoys discussing texts and ideas with students, and genuinely loves when students notice something she hasn't or have a new interpretation. When she is not in the classroom, she loves roller disco on Friday nights in Prospect Park, and spends much of her time upstate exploring, hiking, and swimming in creeks. Caitlin has a BA from Brown and an MA from Columbia.
Matt Batastini
General Counsel and Director of Human ResourcesHe/him/his Before arriving at BFS, Matt was a practicing employment and education attorney working at three different law firms. Matt enjoys that his work is never dull or repetitive, and on his best days, he gets to solve problems for colleagues and make their lives easier. Matt is the father of three young children, and together they enjoy the many outdoor activities where they live - beaches, hiking, skiing, golf. Matt received his JD from Seton Hall School of Law and BA from Middlebury College.
Tyler Bauer
Music Teacherhe/him/his Prior to arriving at BFS, Tyler performed and taught as a professional musician in Arizona, Indiana, and New York. In addition, he has taught instrumental and music composition lessons as well as classes on softwares such as Soundtrap and Logic Pro X. He loves engaging students and colleagues in direct and authentic ways while playing and listening to music. Tyler has degrees from Arizona State and Indiana Universities.
Winston Benons
Middle & Upper School Dance TeacherHe/Him/His Prior to teaching at BFS, Winston worked as a corporate training project manager. He led cross-functional (domestic and international) teams to develop and deliver training of internal financial systems. This included working closely with M&A as both training specialist and change management agent. Winston also worked as the brand manager for a national hair product company. In the classroom, Winton enjoys helping students go from "I can't dance" to finding security and joy in the way they dance in space. Outside of school, Winston really enjoys culinary arts shows and creating dinner menus and signature adult beverages. Winston received his BA in Dance Performance and Pedagogy.
Kevin Bentley
Associate Director of Annual Givinghe/him/his Kevin has worked at nonprofits and higher education institutions, including Everytown for Gun Safety, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia Journalism School. In this work, he loves forming relationships and learning people's stories to understand why they care about specific causes. This connection helps him align them with his vision or reimagine possibilities together. Despite his busy schedule, he reads many books and watches a lot of reality TV and procedural shows. Ask him about any show; he has likely seen it! Kevin received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from Swarthmore College, and a Masters in American Studies from Rutgers University-Newark.
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Madelia Bergeroo
Middle School World Languages Teachershe/her With a DAEFLE (a Foreign Language Teaching Diploma/Certification), BA in Psychology, and MA in Organizational Communication, she brings a wealth of experience, including founding a French immersion school in Queens. Madélia loves creating dynamic, interactive lessons and enjoys nature walks, reading, swimming, and time with family. She’s also the proud mom of a seventh grader.
Katie Bradley
Middle School Science Teachershe/her Before arriving at BFS, Katie taught high school math and science at an independent school in NYC. Before teaching, she taught and did research about sustainable and just food systems. More specifically, she spent over a year as a traveling faculty member for a multi-country study program for college students about food systems and food justice (International Honors Program). She especially loves when she gets to witness a spark going off, a new connection being made, or a student really making their learning their own, either through new inquiry/curiosity or integrating new learning in their life/way of being. When she is not at work, Katie loves the ocean! She as a BA from the University of Pittsburgh, an MS from University of California/Davis, and a PhD from University of California/Davis.
Kristin Brady
Early Childhood Directorshe/her Before joining us at BFS, Kristin served as the Director of Cobble Hill Playschool, a 50+ year old progressive, parent cooperative preschool serving children ages 2-5 in Brooklyn. She was previously a classroom teacher and math specialist at the same school. Kristin has coordinated a suite of children's programs including daycare, nursery school, and school-aged after care and summer programming in Amherst, Massachusetts. She enjoys creating collaborative spaces for play and learning for children, their teachers, and their families. Kristin is passionate about partnering with families as they begin their school journeys! Kristin is a parent to two boys, aged 15 and 17, and one cat, aged 12. She is a lifelong Red Sox fan. She received her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College Graduate School of Education and her Bachelors Degree from Stanford University.
Paul Brauchle
Upper School Science Teacherhe/him Paul holds both a BA and MA in Chemistry from Wesleyan University. With a diverse teaching journey that spans from a small independent school in Boston to an international school in Cairo, and most recently teaching in Minnesota, Paul brings a wealth of experience to Brooklyn Friends School. He’s passionate about guiding students through problem-solving and hands-on lab work—his favorite part of school! Outside of the classroom, you can find Paul enjoying NYC’s beaches, parks, and waterfront runs.
Christian Brown
Director of Athletic Program and VisionHe/His Before arriving at Brooklyn Friends, Christian was the Director of Athletics and a physical education and health teacher at Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools for 15 years. His favorite part of his profession is being in a field that he loves (athletics and sports), while building life-shaping relationships with students at the same time. Christian shares that outside of work, he finds joy from Latin dancing! Christian received his BA from St. Francis College.
Tracy Bucci
Upper School World Languages Teachershe/ her/ hers Tracy has permanent New York State teaching certifications in English, French, Spanish, and Italian. Before coming to BFS, she taught math, reading, and swimming at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos—an orphanage in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Her favorite pastimes include swimming in the Mediterranean with snorkel and mask and generally exploring French and Italian life. Tracy has a BA from Notre Dame, an MA from NYU and another from Middlebury College.
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Stephen Buck
All-School Performing Arts Department Chair, Middle and Upper School Choral Teacher
Stephen Buck
All-School Performing Arts Department Chair, Middle and Upper School Choral Teacherhe/him/his Before arriving at BFS, Stephen taught as a vocal music teacher at The Fessenden School in Massachusetts. Most of his personal and professional life involves singing in choirs, and he has been a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus for the past 11 years singing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Stephen is passionate about traveling and making music, meeting new people, and trying new foods. He has an MM from Boston University.
Tom Buckley
Director of Dining Serviceshe/him/his Tom has worked in restaurants, catering halls, and corporate cafeterias. He loves to see the look on people's faces when they realize how good school food can be when prepared correctly. Tom is a bit of an outdoorsman, and enjoys hiking, backpacking, and fishing. He has a 17-foot canoe named ‘Ol' Scratch’, enjoys reading non-fiction books and loves to create his own hot sauces.
Mark Buenzle
Upper School Visual Arts Teacherhe/him/his Mark has spent his entire career as an educator at BFS, while working as an artist, as well. He loves developing long-lasting relationships with his students and their families based on engagement, curiosity, and appreciation for one another and the world we share. Mark is a licensed psychoanalyst in private practice and serves on the faculties of the New York Graduate School for Psychoanalysis and The Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies. He also loves spending time at the beach. Mark has degrees from Parsons School of Design, Bank Street, and Hunter College.
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Joyce Bullock-Vigdor
Lower School Associate Teacher, 2Cshe/her/hers Before joining the Brooklyn Friends community, Joyce taught English in China and South Korea for over eight years. She enjoys working with young minds and experiencing the joy that they bring into the classroom. In her free time, Joyce enjoys spending time with my two cats, tending to her plants, and exploring different neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Joyce received her BA in Applied Linguistics from Georgia State University and is currently working on an MSEd in Childhood Education from Hunter College.
Frank Cabrera
Director of College Counselinghe/him/his Before joining BFS Frank spent five years as an Associate Director of College Counseling at the Horace Mann School in the Bronx. He loves helping students think about their future and the many ways in which they could become impactful and caring adults. Frank does not hide the fact that he has a deep appreciation for anyone who slips in a reference to ‘The Simpsons’ in any scenario. He has a BA from Skidmore College and an MSEd from Penn.
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Crissy Caceres
Head of SchoolCrissy Cáceres, a 28-year veteran in independent education, is in her sixth year as the proud head of Brooklyn Friends School. Currently, she serves as a Trustee for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Board. She also sits on the Board of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the Caedmon School and is a commissioner on the New York State Association Commission on Accreditation. She was a long-time member of Call to Action, an NAIS think-tank devoted to social justice efforts nationwide, and she is currently on her 17th year as a faculty member at the NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute. Prior to joining the BFS community, Crissy served in several leadership positions within the independent school landscape. She was the Assistant Head of School for Equity and Social Impact at Georgetown Day School (D.C.), and before that she served as Head of Lower School at Abington Friends School (PA). She also held the Assistant Head of Lower School position at Episcopal Academy (PA) where she began her independent school teaching career. Crissy is committed to utilizing her voice within collaborative settings centered on creating socially just and healthy experiences for our schools. Crissy has served as a Middle States Accreditation Commissioner, co-chaired the People of Color Conference in Philadelphia, served on various leadership associations, and has partnered with schools and organizations nation-wide as a consultant, presenter, and facilitator on various topics. Some topics include Conflict and Change Management, Governance, and Strategic Frameworks. A graduate of Wellesley College, Crissy Cáceres then earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. At her core, she embraces the values of a love-based, joyful, and inclusive education for all. Above all, Crissy cherishes her time with her family.
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Alex Cardasis
Middle School English Teachershe/her/hers Alex joined the teaching profession through NYC Teaching Fellows. She has had the pleasure of teaching both elementary and middle school in three of NYC's fabulous boroughs. Prior to joining BFS, Alex worked at Girls Prep Lower East Side Middle School, where she taught 6th and 8th grade English, served as the Department Chair and, in 2018, joined the school leadership team as the Academic Director of Humanities. Alex is excited to return to the classroom, as her passions are reading, discussing, and writing about literature with middle schoolers as they navigate the world and make connections to their own lives. Outside of the classroom, Alex loves to spend time in the woods with her husband, three young kids, and her old dog, Nort. Alex received her BA from the University of Vermont, her MSEd with NYC Teaching Fellows: Mercy College, and participated in the New Leaders: School Leadership Program.
Sharon Carter
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Red RoomSharon is an expert early childhood educator in her 30th year at Brooklyn Friends School. She particularly enjoys crafting nurturing and holistic curriculum ideas, mentoring new teachers, and working to support parents. Sharon is a graduate of Medgar Evers College (CUNY University) in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about social justice and building communities in the classroom and beyond.
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Lyman Casey
Middle and Upper School Math Teacher, 8th Grade Program Coordinator
Lyman Casey
Middle and Upper School Math Teacher, 8th Grade Program Coordinatorhe/him/his Prior to arriving at BFS, Lyman taught math at The Heritage School, Brooklyn Prep, and The Mandell School. He was also an assistant men’s basketball coach at Columbia University. In addition to teaching math, he enjoys helping middle schoolers navigate the famously tough years with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Interesting fact: He is not the tallest person in his family. Lyman has a BS from Santa Clara University and an MA from Columbia Teachers College.
Maman Cisse
Upper School Learning SpecialistShe/Her/Hers Prior to joining BFS, Maman worked at Achievement First Endeavor Middle School as a fifth and sixth grade Science and History Learning Specialist. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a linguist for immigration law firms and courts translating and interpreting documents. She loves having beautiful daily interactions, during which students share about their lives, hobbies, vacations, etc. She speaks five languages. She has degrees from City University and the Relay Graduate School of Education
Catherine Clark
Upper School Theater Teachershe/her/hers Catherine started out as a scenic and costume designer and her work has been seen at SoHo Rep, HERE, FringeNYC, NY Musical Theater Festival, and many off-off Broadway theaters around NYC. Catherine is also passionate about environmental issues, specifically around waste from the garment industry. Not only does she make many of her own clothes, but she loves to teach people to mend and care for their own garments. She received her BA from NYU.
Henry Clark
Middle School Humanities and English Teacher; Head Coach, Boys Middle School Soccer
Henry Clark
Middle School Humanities and English Teacher; Head Coach, Boys Middle School Soccerhe/his Prior to joining us at Brooklyn Friends, Henry taught at Tandem Friends School. Henry shares that he most enjoys learning from the students and community members in his work as a teacher. Outside of teaching, Henry loves being outside, live music, and road trips. Henry holds a Bachelors from Middlebury College and a Masters in Teaching Social Studies from Teachers College.
Chantel Cleckley
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Purple Roomshe/her/hers Chantel has been an early childhood educator for more than a decade. She enjoys getting to watch young children find and gain their confidence for the first time. She has taken several culinary classes in pastry arts and enjoys listening to crime podcasts and reading fantasy novels.
Kathleen Clinchy
Assistant Head of Middle School for 7th & 8th Grades
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Kathleen Clinchy
Assistant Head of Middle School for 7th & 8th GradesExt. #661
Kevin Cooney
Middle School Science Teacher, 7th Grade Program Coordinator
Kevin Cooney
Middle School Science Teacher, 7th Grade Program Coordinatorhe/him/his Before arriving at BFS, Kevin taught at St. Bernard's School, showing young people new ways of exploring and understanding the natural world. He has his BA and MA from Columbia.
Dr. AnaMaria Correa
Director of Diversity, Equity and Belongingshe/her/hers Before arriving at BFS, AnaMaria served as Miami City Ballet’s Chief Community Engagement Officer. In her role, AnaMaria bridged, deepened and cultivated relationships between MCB and the arts, culture, education and local communities ensuring that constituencies have access to, and claim a place for themselves, at MCB. In her role as a “bridge builder” she is also a “conscience raiser,” leading efforts of equity and inclusion practices and competencies for the organization. In her previous role as the director of community engagement and inclusion at Avenues: The World School, she spearheaded the practice of community engagement ethics and program partnerships as well as being the founding DEI practitioner establishing cultural competency strategies for an inclusive school community. At Ballet Hispanico she held a dual role as the senior director of community engagement and the director for their accredited school of dance. As director of community arts programs she conceptualized and implemented community dance education programs in partnership with communities, classrooms and universities. Having a small and mighty part in moving consciousness toward spaces where individuals belong. Being able to serve as a support for colleagues and a mirror for students and families. AnaMaria knows the NYC arts & culture landscape extremely well, and is the co-founder and artistic director of the Performance as Education: Las Memorias Program. When she is not at school, she can teach social dance and knows how to roller-skate. AnaMaria earned her Ph.D in Urban Education from City University of New York, her MFA from Brooklyn College, her BA from Hunter College, and her AA from Queensborough Community College.
Emma Cothren
Assistant Head of Lower School for Academicsshe/her/hers Emma worked at five different independent schools across three states prior to coming to Brooklyn Friends. Most recently, she spent two years as a 3rd grade teacher at Avenues. Emma is a runner who has completed four marathons. She is very close with her parents and her entire family is very important to her. Emma received her BA from Barnard College.
Emily Cowles
Associate Director of Digital Content & School Events Manager
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Emily Cowles
Associate Director of Digital Content & School Events ManagerEmily has worked at Brooklyn Friends since graduating from college. She enjoys getting to visit classrooms and documenting the daily life of our school and working with volunteers who are passionate about supporting our school. When she is not at BFS, Emily loves exploring the City with her husband and daughter, as well as watching movies! She received her BA from Kenyon College.
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Leigh Cross
Upper School English and History Teachershe/her/hers After graduate school, Leigh worked in hospitality for 10 years, and for the past two years she has taught 8th grade History at Achievement First Endeavor Middle School in Brooklyn. She enjoys watching students discover something new and then nerd out about it! She is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. Leigh received degrees from Notre Dame and Teachers College at Columbia.
Jon DeGraff, Ph.D.
Upper School History Teacherhe/him/his Throughout his career, Jon has taught students in grades 8 through the college level. He greatly enjoys learning about students' passions. Jon has a BA from Howard University, an MA from Fordham, and a PhD from Maryland.
Emiel De Jaegher
Middle and Upper School Instrumental Music TeacherEmiel brings an impressive background in both teaching and performance, with a Master of Music from Berklee College of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music. Before joining Brooklyn Friends School, Emiel led music programs for students in Queens and Boston, directed award-winning jazz ensembles, and taught music technology to high schoolers. As a performer, Emiel has played at prestigious venues like The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theater, and the Panama Jazz Festival. Now, he's excited to share his passion for music with our students, helping them discover their own love for playing and performing. When he’s not teaching or performing, you might find Emiel playing or watching basketball (he’s a loyal Chicago fan!), traveling, or hanging out with his cat.
Syntyche Dennis
Lower School Associate Teacher, 1AShe/Her/Hers Fall 2024 represents Syntyche’s eleventh year in the classroom. She has had the opportunity to teach in independent, charter, and public schools in New Jersey, Ohio, and here in New York City. Before joining BFS, Syntyche worked as an Associate Teacher at The School at Columbia University, where she taught third and second grade. When not teaching, she enjoys looking up fashion ideas and trends on Pinterest, learning sewing, cooking, shopping, or reading a picture book. Syntyche received her BA from Rider University and M.Ed in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
Elizabeth Deull
Upper School Visual Arts TeacherShe/Her/Hers After completing her Masters in painting, Elizabeth exhibited in various galleries as a professional artist. During this time, she also worked in two Chelsea galleries where she assisted in curating and running all aspects of artists' exhibitions. Additionally, she became an adjunct professor in the art department at NYU'S Steinhardt School of Education, which piqued her interest in going back to school to become a K-12 Art Educator. She then worked in a variety of educational settings, including many schools through the Studio in a School program. Elizabeth loves working with her IB students and helping to guide them on their artistic journeys. When not at BFS, creating is still a way of life for her, even if it is simply cooking a yummy meal or making a really cool fort "installation" with her kids at home. Elizabeth holds a BFA from School of The Art Institute of Chicago, an MA in Studio Arts from the NYU Steinhardt School of Education, and a Certificate from the Art Education MA program at Brooklyn College.
Carolina DiMello
Upper School World Languages Teachershe/her Carolina brings a dynamic background in Global Business and Educational Leadership, with a Masters in Educational Management from Universidad Espíritu Santo in Ecuador. Her teaching journey has included subjects like Social Studies, English, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Systems, and Biology. Now, she’s excited to focus on her native language, Spanish, and work with our Upper School students. For Carolina, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching her students succeed and being an ambassador for her culture and country. When she's not in the classroom, Carolina enjoys Latin music, R&B, Jazz, and Afrobeats, and she's a big fan of The Walking Dead and Grey's Anatomy. She loves horror movies, Vincent van Gogh's artwork, and diving into books like "Este dolor no es mio", which explores generational trauma. Fun fact: Carolina does everything with music playing in the background!
Beth Duffy
Middle School Learning Specialistshe/her/hers Beth has been teaching at Quaker middle schools since 2006, first at Greene Street Friends School in Philadelphia and then at Mary McDowell Friends School, before coming to Brooklyn Friends. She loves working alongside students to problem-solve and help them realize that they can accomplish more than they ever thought they could. She has a BA from the University of Pittsburgh and an MSEd from Bank Street.
Stephen Eckert
Middle School Drama Teacher and Productions Managerhe/him/they/them Stephen has been a theatre-maker for more than a decade, directing musical theatre, opera, and performance art throughout the U.S. and in London. He most recently founded a middle school Shakespeare program while teaching 8th grade Humanities in New York. When he is not teaching or directing, he is a big Dungeons & Dragons player. He received his BA and BFA degrees from Tulane and an MFA from Carnegie Mellon University.
Jonathan Edmonds
Lower School Math Specialisthe/him/his Prior to arriving at BFS, Jonathan was a reading tutor in Nashville, an English teacher in Nanjing, China, and an elementary student teacher in NYC public schools. He greatly enjoys finding, creating, adapting, teaching, and playing mathematical games with young children. He is always interested in book recommendations! Jonathan received his BA from Oberlin College and MSEd from Bank Street College.
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Vanessa Ehler
Upper School World Languages TeacherPrior to arriving at BFS, Vanessa taught Spanish at a suburban public high school in Connecticut for eight years. Among her favorite parts of her job are lesson planning and storytelling! She received her BA from Indiana University and MA from Middlebury College.
Edson Elcock
Lower School Physical Education Teacherhe/him/his Edson came to Brooklyn Friends School following a professional soccer career. He enjoys watching his students succeed at something that they never thought they could have accomplished. One of his favorite things to do outside of work is listening to music, which he makes sure to do every single day!
Natalie Emery
Lower School Associate Teacher, 1Cshe/her/hers Before arriving at BFS, Natalie worked as a school social worker for the DOE, providing individual and group counseling in all five boroughs. She also tutored children in literacy for 718READ, a nonprofit literacy organization. Outside of school, Natalie loves dancing and nature, and to hike and camp with her husband, kids, and dog Rocket. She received her BA from UMass and her MSW from Fordham.
Hande Erkin-Guler
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Green Roomshe/her/hers Hande was born and raised in Turkey. Before arriving at BFS, Hande was a head teacher in 3s and 4s classes at The International Preschools. Hande is passionate about creating a welcoming classroom community and providing a loving and nurturing environment for children, knowing that they learn best when they feel safe and loved. She loves to share her interests in music, movement, animals and languages with children. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and her cat, going to concerts, traveling, and exploring new places in the city and tasting new food. She holds a Bachelors in Translation/Interpretation in English/French/Turkish from Bilkent University in Ankara, a Masters in Early Childhood from Long Island University, and a Masters in Early Childhood and Special Education from Touro College.
Liz Fernandez
Head of Upper Schoolshe/her/ella With a deep commitment to education and student growth, Liz brings a wealth of experience to her role. She holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Hamilton College, an MA in Social Sciences from Binghamton University, State University of New York, and an EdM in Organization and Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center. Liz’s career in education is both extensive and multifaceted. She has served as the Assistant Head of School at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School (ECFS), and her previous roles include Grade Dean, Department Chair, Ethics/Humanities Teacher, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), and advisor. In addition to her school-based leadership, she has also worked as a consultant for an Organizational Management firm, bringing her expertise in leadership and team-building to broader settings. What drives Liz’s work is her passion for students. She dedicates much of her time to learning from and with them, always striving to create an environment where they can thrive. Collaborating with colleagues, Liz focuses on ensuring that students have a successful, fulfilling academic journey. Outside of her professional life, Liz enjoys rooting for the Mets, traveling, working out, and indulging in ice cream. Interestingly, despite her love for sweet treats, she doesn’t eat chocolate or drink coffee!
Jill Fiengo
Lower School Head Teacher, 1Cshe/her/hers Before teaching first grade at BFS, Jill was a Preschool teacher, creating classroom communities each year and working with colleagues to create engaging learning for young children. When she is not in the classroom she likes to watch good movies. She has a BA from City College and an MS from Bank Street College.
Eric Fingerman
Upper School Math Teacherhe/him/his/they/them/theirs Before arriving at BFS, Eric taught middle-school math in Paramus, New Jersey for eight years. He greatly enjoys connecting with students and watching their abilities in math grow stronger and the lightbulb moments when they make discoveries. He received his BS from Northwestern University and is MA from Montclair State University.
Camille Fobbs
Co-Director, BFX Extended Day & BFS Summer Experienceshe/her/hers Camille begins her sixteenth year at Brooklyn Friends School, and this year marks her second year working in both an administrative and teaching role. Born and raised in Trinidad, Camille has a Masters in Educational Theater from NYU and has developed her own drama curriculum for young children. She has co-presented at WPC (White Privilege Conference) and NYSAIS (New York State Association for Independent Schools) Diversity Conference and developed a “frequently asked questions” guide to talking about differences in early childhood. She is a graduate of The Interschool Leadership Institute and NYSAIS Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice. Camille is a passionate advocate in her Anti-Bias work with young children.
Salvatore D. Fratto, Jr.
ControllerHe/Him The 2023-2024 school year marks Sal's 30th year of professional financial services and 20th within independent schools, where he has served in leadership positions ranging from CFO, Finance Director, Controller, and Business Manager. Before joining BFS in 2016, he served as Controller at Saint Ann's School. Prior to working in independent schools, Sal served 8 years as a Senior Auditor at PKFOD, whose main clients were independent schools, religious organizations and other non-profit entities. Sal says that the most rewarding part of his profession is the successful planning, execution, and completion of financial projects including the annual audit, budgeting, and daily operations. Outside of work, Sal enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid baseball card collector.
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Erika Garcia
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Blue Roomshe/her/hers Erika finds joy in engaging with the many different students, families, and colleagues at BFS each day. Erika holds a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education.
Laleña Garcia
Lower School Head Teacher, KCshe/her/hers Laleña has been teaching 3-6 year olds in New York City since 2000, most recently at Manhattan Country School. In the summer of 2020, she began teaching an online course for adults called Rooted, which offers contextual background and concrete strategies for anti-bias work in ECE. Laleña’s first children’s book, What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Activity Book, was published in 2020. She received her BA from Yale University and MS from Bank Street College of Education.
David Gardella
Director of Athletic Operations & Management; Head Coach, Girls Varsity Softball
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David Gardella
Director of Athletic Operations & Management; Head Coach, Girls Varsity Softballhe/his David has been a key part of the BFS community for more than 25 years. This school year, he transitions into the role of Director of Athletic Operations & Management. In the past, he has been BFS’ Director of Athletics and Physical Education. He also coaches various teams at Brooklyn Friends. During his “free time” David is involved with Division 1 College Basketball and NBA games and serves as a volunteer for the Camp Friendship Youth Basketball Program in Brooklyn, which is one of his personal highlights. He has a B.S. from St. Francis College in Downtown Brooklyn.
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Q Gardere
Lower School Associate Teacher, 2Ashe/her/hers/ella Before arriving at BFS, Q was an elementary ESL teacher in Korea, and then a first grade homeroom teacher at an international school in Colombia. In the classroom, Q really enjoys reading books together and listening to all of the interesting things that first graders have to say. Outside of school, Q enjoys trying new foods and exploring NYC! Q received a BA from The City College of New York in Psychology.
Diana Gerlak
Library AssistantDiana brings a wealth of experience from her time at The New York Public Library and is currently finishing her MS in Library Science at Pratt Institute. With a BA from SUNY Geneseo, Diana is passionate about fostering a love for reading and connecting with students. When she’s not surrounded by books, you can find her enjoying hot yoga and pilates!
Megan Glionna
Lower School Head Teacher, 3Bshe/her/hers Growing up, Megan pursued a career in acting, moved to New York City after college, and acted in many productions. In her mid-twenties, she observed her mom teaching a 5th grade class, which inspired her to go back to school and become a teacher! She loves sharing laughs, stories, dance parties, and deep conversations with third graders. Dancing outside to live music brings her immeasurable joy! She received a BFA from East Carolina University and her MAT from Simmons College.
Zoe Goldberg-Stewart
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Yellow Roomshe/her/hers Zoe spent many years teaching children ages 2 -5 in the Boston Area and in New York City. She stepped away from teaching for 13 years to raise her own three children, before returning to Brooklyn Friends. She is passionate about child development and loves the opportunity to work with families to better understand and support their children's growth and learning. She received a double-major BA from Smith College and an MS from Bank Street College of Education.
Theodore Goodman Sr.
Director of Securityhe/him/his Goody has been a security and safety specialist for decades. He is an emergency medical technician and instructor, a fire safety director, and is an armed security supervisor in NYC. His first love is helping people and keeping everyone safe.
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Gabe Gordon
Middle School History Teacherhe/him/his For several years, Gabe worked with the Center for Urban Pedagogy—a nonprofit organization that uses the power of design and art to increase meaningful civic engagement—particularly among underrepresented communities. As a teaching artist and graphic designer, he got to collaborate on investigative projects, researched, illustrated, and designed with middle and high school students from across the city. He loves to witness students unlock new levels of confidence and curiosity and having lots of fun together along the way. He received his BA from Wesleyan University and is currently working toward his MA at Brooklyn College.
Sarah Gordon
Lower School Head Teacher, 3Ashe/her/hers Sarah has been teaching at BFS since 2006. Before coming to BFS, she did fieldwork at Manhattan School for Children in first and fourth grades and in a literacy clinic. Her favorite part of teaching is helping foster a strong classroom community where kids become empowered learners and great friends. When she is not at BFS, she sings Yiddish music at festivals around the world. She received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and her MA from Bank Street College of Education.
Harmelle Granville
Assistant Director & Administrative Manager of Early Childhood
Harmelle Granville
Assistant Director & Administrative Manager of Early Childhoodshe/her With a Masters in Early Childhood from The City College of New York and 22 years of experience in education, Harmelle has taught nearly all Early Childhood grades. Her career in independent schools has deepened her belief that children should lead their own learning, with teachers following their interests. Harmelle treasures the lasting relationships she builds with students and their families. Outside of school, she’s an interior design enthusiast who could watch HGTV all day long!
Ben Grill
Lower School Associate Teacher, KAhe/him Ben holds a BA from McGill University and recently earned his MSEd in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. Before joining BFS, Ben spent several years as an associate teacher at Downtown Little School, where he worked with 3s and Pre-K students. Ben finds inspiration in the stories children tell and the art they create, and we’re so excited to see that creativity shine in our classrooms! Outside of school, you can find Ben drawing, listening to music, watching old movies, reading, or biking around Prospect Park.
Alex Guzchenko
Director of Facilities Managementhe/him/his Alex has degrees from multiple trade schools and also received his BA in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. Before arriving at BFS, Alex spent many years serving in the military as a radio communications specialist back in his home country. He loves challenges and travel.
Janzen Harding
Health & Wellness/Student Support Specialistshe, her, hers Janzen began her career as a middle and high school Latin and history teacher and basketball coach in central Florida. Since then, she has worked as a teaching fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, as an executive functioning coach for students in middle, high school, and college, and as a D1 student-athlete support specialist in higher education. Janzen enjoys learning from and having fun with her students. She is passionate about supporting students' growth in the classroom, on the court/field, and everywhere in between and beyond! In her free time, Janzen enjoys being active outside and reading books (especially fiction!). Some of her favorite activities include surfing, playing basketball and pickleball, and participating in local trivia events. Janzen received her BA from the University of Florida and Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Liz Heck
Upper School English Teachershe/her/hers After graduating from law school, Liz worked in publishing in the Bay Area and then transitioned to teaching, before moving to Costa Rica to teach middle and high school students. She enjoys a wide range of literature and learning joyfully with students in the classroom. In addition to being a voracious reader, she is a huge fan of theater and museums and always wants to help chaperone everyone's field trips. She received her BA from Bryn Mawr College and JD from Fordham University School of Law.
Beth Horboychuk
Assistant Director of Enrollmentshe/her Beth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology and Education and a Master’s in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). With more than 20 years of experience in the independent school world, Beth’s journey started at Albany Academy in 1998 and eventually led her to NYC, where she has worked at the Berkeley Carroll School, Nightingale Bamford, and Greene Hill School in teaching and admissions roles. Her passion for working with prospective students and families shines through. Outside of work, Beth enjoys photography and weekend baking extravaganzas!
Laurice Hwang
Middle School Science Teacher and Student Activities Coordinator
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Laurice Hwang
Middle School Science Teacher and Student Activities Coordinatorshe/her/hers Laurice taught math and science at the Frederick Douglass Charter School in Boston, before coming to BFS in 2001. She loves helping students develop as whole people, not just intellectually, but also as artists and activists. She enjoys being outdoors and being active, and is an avid runner, swimmer, scuba diver, and martial artist. She received her BA from Brown University and M.Ed. from Lesley University.
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Admir Ivojevic
Physical Education Teacher; Head Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer; Assistant Coach, Girls Varsity Basketball
Admir Ivojevic
Physical Education Teacher; Head Coach, Girls Varsity Soccer; Assistant Coach, Girls Varsity Basketballhe/him Prior to arriving at BFS, Admir worked as a Physical Education teacher at Forte Prep Academy in Queens. He also helped to start a sports program at Forte when he created co-ed Basketball and Soccer teams. Admir enjoys witnessing the joy on his student’s faces in PE class and on the athletic field. Admir immigrated to New York from Bosnia, and he frequently goes back to visit family and friends. Admir also enjoys a good bike ride! He received his BA in Physical Education from Queens College.
Tori James
Lower School Associate Teacher, KCshe/her Tori holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Canton and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Brooklyn College. Tori previously taught toddlers and twos at Bright Horizons for five years and kindergarten at The Spence School. Tori's favorite part of teaching is sharing in the experiences and memories made with her students, especially seeing their curiosity and the excitement in their eyes when they learn something new. Outside of the classroom, Tori is a talented hairstylist for family and friends, loves cooking up new recipes, and is an avid reader with a particular love for thrillers and romance novels
Amelia Jenison
Lower School Music TeacherShe/Her/Hers Amelia grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. Before arriving at BFS, she taught K-8 General Music and Chorus in Massachusetts. She has experience in music directing children's theater productions, as well as serving as a professional cantor and choral singer. Her favorite part of teaching music is experiencing the joy that the children bring to music. Amelia holds a Post Baccalaureate License in Music Education from Gordon College, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from DePauw University.
Uniysha Jones
Lower School Head Teacher, 2Cshe/her/hers Before arriving at BFS, Uniysha was a pre-kindergarten teacher and direct support professional for children with special needs. She shares that she views each day at school as an opportunity to teach as well as be taught in return by her students. Uniysha enjoys traveling, spa dates, and trying new restaurants. She holds an Associate’s Degree in educational studies with a concentration in grades 1-6, a Bachelor's Degree in psychology, and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Uniysha is currently studying at Long Island University to receive her doctorate in education and transformational leadership.
Ellen Kahan
Middle & Upper School Visual Arts Teachershe/her/hers Ellen greatly enjoys teaching students who have never touched clay and guiding them to become passionate about the material. Ellen loves sports and her father used to work for the Harlem Globetrotters. At one point of her life, Ellen lived in France for 19 years. She holds a MA of art education
Christopher Kavanaugh
Lower School Educational Technology Integratorhe/him/his Before coming to BFS, Chris worked at several schools, including Packer Collegiate and Trevor Day School. He enjoys helping teachers and students use technology in the classroom in new creative ways. Chris is also a classically trained pianist. He received his BA from Williams College and his MA from Middlebury College.
Thomas Keasling
Lower School Visual Arts Teacherhe/him/his Thomas returned to teaching full-time in 2013 as a founding art and design teacher in a Brooklyn public charter school. Three years later, he started teaching and loved seeing the surprise and wonder on 5-year-old faces when they realize he is actually going to give them a saw, and trust them to learn to use it. He loves watching his students grow into confident, creative problem solvers. He received his BA from St. Olaf College and his MA from the University of Arizona.
Yvette Kennedy
Lower School Science Teachershe/her/hers Prior to teaching at Brooklyn Friends, Yvette taught science at another independent school. Her favorite part of teaching LS Science is being able to work with—and getting to know—all of the students. Outside of work, she is married to fellow teacher and has two children. She received her BS from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry and her MS.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education.
Natalie Kirch
Lower School Head Teacher, KBshe/her/hers Natalie has experience teaching preschool through 3rd grade, with a primary focus on pre-kindergarten through first grade. She has mostly taken on the role as a classroom teacher in both general and special education settings, but also has experience as an art teacher. Natalie is a self-taught musician. She received her BA from Skidmore College and her MS from Hunter College.
Rachel Kleinman
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Orange Roomshe/her/hers Before arriving on Pearl Street, Rachel taught preschool in Brookline, MA. She shares that she loves that each day in the Preschool is a new and exciting adventure. Rachel loves to read in her free time. Rachel holds a B.A. from Lewis and Clark College as well as an M.S.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education.
Joel Kwabi
Upper School Math TeacherBefore arriving at BFS, Joel worked for seven years as a Math Teacher/Department Chair at EF Academy in Thornwood, NY. Before that, he worked for two years at Morgan Stanley as an Operations Analyst for their FX and derivatives trading desks. Solving hard math problems with students and experiencing their wonder (consternation, frustration, and satisfaction) at the process, is his real passion. He is a Christian, a husband to an amazing wife, and a father to two incredible kids. He received his BS from Haverford College and his MA from Teachers College Columbia University.
Theodore Lane
Upper School Math TeacherHe/Him Prior to arriving at BFS, Teddy worked through Teach For America as an anatomy teacher at Great Oaks Charter School in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Teddy truly enjoys being a part of the academic and professional growth that students experience each day at school. Every student has their niche, and he enjoys listening to them talk about their passions. Outside of work, Teddy likes to stay active by rock climbing and playing soccer in different leagues throughout the City. He also has a very busy life as an artist outside of the classroom. Teddy’s main medium is oil paint, but he likes to dabble in metal work, ceramics, film photography, drawing, and collage. Teddy studied Biology at Amherst College, and enjoys taking classes at School of Visual Arts.
Jaime Lassman
Educational Technology Integratorhe/him/his Jaime has worked as a third and fourth grader teacher, and has served as Director of Technology Integration and Curriculum Mapping, Director of Studies, and Head of Lower School at schools in Delaware, Kentucky, and Ohio. He loves designing curriculum and solving puzzles. He has degrees from the University of Delaware and the University of Kentucky.
Auguste Leach
Middle School History Teacherhe/him/his Auguste taught at a charter school in Bedford-Stuyvesant before coming to BFS in 2019. Creating honest spaces where people can be their whole selves is his true passion. Auguste is a third-generation history teacher. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Auguste is an avid baseball player who practices as often as possible. He received his BA from Wheaton College and his MA from the Relay Graduate School of Education.
Rita Lee
Middle School Administrative Assistantshe/her/hers Rita first worked in publishing following college, but soon left to go to pastry school. After working mostly part-time in bakeries for a couple years, Rita found herself at Poly Prep as an assistant to the college counseling department. Five years later, she arrived at BFS. Her favorite part of Middle School is the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded friends and being an integral part of a student's Middle School experience. Rita is a born and bred Brooklynite and received her BA from Hunter College.
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Sinae Lee
Visual Arts TeacherPrior to arriving at BFS, Sinae taught art at several different colleges in the tristate area, as well as in Denver and Philadelphia. Sinae is a practicing artist, and has exhibited widely, both domestically and abroad. In 2007, she received a Fulbright Fellowship to research and make artwork about gender and human rights issues in the Netherlands. Her favorite part of teaching art is creating a safe outlet for students to express themselves artistically. Sinae loves hiking, running, and swimming. She holds an M.F.A. from University of Pennsylvania, a B.F.A. from the Maryland Institute College of Arts, and attended the Center for Art and Culture, American University, Aix-en-Provence, France.
Nick Lerangis
Lower School Associate Teacher, 3Che/him Before arriving at Brooklyn Friends, Nick spent many years as a performer. He toured with bands, wrote some music that's charted on the Billboard Hot 100, and has been featured on TV and in video games. He spent time working as an actor/musician in regional theater, in productions where the cast and the band were one and the same. If it's a job in music, he's likely done it! In 2021, he enrolled in a Masters in Childhood Education program and worked the 2021-2022 school year as a paraprofessional in a bilingual public school in Sunset Park. Nick shares that his favorite part of his job is when students make a conceptual leap. Nick has a BA in music and is currently working on an MS in childhood education.
Kat Lofstrom-White
Lower School Learning SpecialistBefore joining us, Kat served as a Learning Specialist and Assistant Director of Learning Services at Saint David's School on the Upper East Side. She also held the role of Early Childhood and Lower School Learning Support Coordinator at Leman Manhattan Prep School. With 26 years in education, Kat has taught a range of grades from Pre-K to 7th grade and is passionate about learning and neurodiversity. She’s all about discovering how each student learns best! Outside of work, Kat loves reading fiction and exploring National Parks. Originally from Southern California, her happy place is on a boat with her family. Kat is also a proud mom to Kaya (almost 16) and a golden-doodle puppy named Zoe
David Lunan
5th Grade Humanities and Middle School Teacherhe/him With a BA in American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MA in Teaching Exceptional Learners/Middle Childhood from Relay Graduate School of Education, David brings four years of experience teaching middle school history in the Bronx. His favorite part about teaching? "It's NEVER boring, and the students always challenge me to think about the world and its history in new and interesting ways." David also has a love for all things horror and Halloween! Fun fact: he used to be a “scare actor” at a haunted house!
Peter Mackie
Design, Advancement, and Data Systems SpecialistPeter has seemingly been at BFS for most of his life, attending the school through Middle School and now having worked for various departments for nearly a decade. He attended SUNY Empire State College.
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Mark Malacapay
Upper School CounselorMark joins us with 11 years of experience in school-based mental health, having started his journey as a school social worker at Democracy Prep Harlem High School. After moving to California in 2017, he continued supporting students as a mental health counselor at Aspire Golden State Prep Academy in East Oakland and McKinley Institute of Technology Middle School in Redwood City. Mark is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and is honored to witness their growth as they discover their sense of self, purpose, and passions. He finds it incredibly rewarding to see students take ownership of their stories. Outside of work, Mark is an avid sports fan, always rooting for his Mets, Knicks, Giants, Rangers, and Arsenal — and yes, he believes every season is their season!
Dr. Rachel Maldonado
Lower School Psychologist & All School Well-Being Coordinator
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Dr. Rachel Maldonado
Lower School Psychologist & All School Well-Being Coordinatorshe/her/hers Prior to Rachel’s arrival at BFS in 2015, she worked with children, teens, and families in a variety of settings, including community mental health settings, schools, private practice, and hospitals. She believes in the validation of feelings and capacity for growth in all people—children and adults alike, and approaches mental health and wellbeing from an integrated stance. She received her BS from Brown University, and her MS and PsyD from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
rmaldonado@brooklynfriends.org
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Lucinda Mandel
Lower School Associate Teacher, 3Ashe/they Lucinda is stepping into their first full-time teaching role after being a familiar face at BFS as a 1st–2nd grade BFX guide and regular substitute. With a degree in Radio/TV/Film from Northwestern University, Lucinda brings a creative lens to the classroom, shaped by their experience in production design and documentary archival research. Over the summer, they taught art at a day camp, where they loved reconnecting with many BFS students. In Lucinda’s words, "I love working on creative projects with students and hearing their unique ideas!" Plus, Lucinda recently adopted a sweet orange tabby (still waiting on a name!). Outside of school, you’ll find Lucinda working on film projects or creating illustrations.
Edgar Marshall
Middle School Dean of StudentsHe/Him Before arriving at BFS, Marshall worked at a charter school in East Harlem. At school, he truly enjoys working with children and providing support to them. Outside of school, Marshall loves football. J-E-T-S! JETS! JETS! JETS! Marshall received his MSEd from Long Island University.
Mariah Martens
Health and Human Development Teachershe/her Prior to joining BFS Mariah worked in various NYC public schools as a relationship abuse prevention educator with STEPS to End Family Violence. Her favorite thing about being a Health teacher is—everything! She loves ice cream, the sound of playgrounds, and a good card game. She received her BFA from Cornish College of Arts and MA from NYU.
Suzie Matthews
Assistant Head of Schoolshe/her/hers Before arriving at BFS, Suzie was the Assistant Head of School/Upper School Head at Santa Fe Prep in New Mexico. Prior to that, Suzie was a High School Mathematics Teacher and Department Chair/Chair of Professional Growth and Evaluation at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C. She is passionate about being part of a true learning community, believes that we are all learners at our core, and loves helping others. When not at school, Suzie loves to sing, hike, bake, and solve puzzles (not all at the same time!) She received her BA from Drew University and her MA and MEd from Teachers College Columbia University.
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Stephanie Mayer
Music Teachershe/her/hers Prior to arriving at BFS, Steph taught middle school general music at a public school in Far Rockaway. She feels that the best part of being a music teacher is when her students share their music with her! Whether it's music they listen to, beats they create, or a piece they've been practicing they would like to share—I love listening to all of it. Outside of work Steph loves to read, go running, and of course listen and play music! She received her Bachelors of Music Education from Ball State University, her Bachelors of Clarinet Performance from Ball State University, and is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate for Reimagining Education from Columbia University.
Ruth A. McQuiggan
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Orange Roomshe/her/hers Ruth A. started her career after college working in theater. Soon after, she began working in commercial production as a producer and editor. She eventually directed a documentary about fertility and modern concepts of motherhood. However, Ruth A. shares that her richest experience learning about early childhood came when she stepped away from her professional life to raise her two children. Ruth A. shares that she takes April Fools Day very seriously and looks forward to it each year with much excitement. Ruth A. holds a B.A. in Film from Hampshire College.
Caleb Miller
Middle and Upper School Visual Arts Teacherhe/him/his Caleb has been working in education for 18 years, teaching many age ranges, from Pre-K at Alonzo Daughtry Daycare to high school students at the International Center of Photography. He was a founding teacher at Excellence Boys Charter school, where he taught art to students grades K through 7. At BFS, Caleb has taught many different classes, including: Woodworking, 6th grade Ceramics, 5th grade Art Studio, Digital Photography, Video Production, Sculpture, and US Studio Art. When he is not at school, Caleb enjoys spending time outdoors. He received his BA from Oberlin College and MA from Hunter College.
Kate Minear
Lower School Math Specialist (Grades 3-4)she/her/hers After graduating from Swarthmore College, Kate spent one year teaching first and fourth graders at City and Country School. The following year, she started at Brooklyn Friends—and says that this is where she has really grown as a teacher. She loves listening to third and fourth graders talk about math and believes that everyone has important math ideas, and every year hears new, creative ideas. Kate grew up in Portland, Oregon and still considers the Pacific Northwest her second home. Reading and theater are two of her favorite hobbies. In addition to receiving her BA from Swarthmore, she earned her MS from Bank Street College of Education.
Haven Mitchell-Rose
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Purple Roomshe/her Haven holds a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Theatre from NYU and a Dual Master's Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education. With a decade of experience as an Early Childhood educator in NYC, Haven has taught at institutions like Dorothy Day Early Childhood Center, All Souls School, and the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at Temple Israel. Her teaching practice is deeply influenced by the Reggio Emilia Philosophy, Emergent Curriculum, and the Project Approach.Haven has worked with children from ages 2-5, fostering discovery and growth at each developmental stage. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her students and creating learning experiences that reflect their unique interests. Fun fact: Haven loves theater! She incorporates elements of this art form into her classroom through games, storytelling, and imaginative activities.
Jazelyn Montanez '98
Preschool Associate Teacher, Green RoomJazz is a singer and dancer who loves to promote an environment of artistic and holistic exploration. She has worked in the Brooklyn Friends School Preschool, Afterschool, and Camps. A marathon runner, she organized the Brooklyn Friends School Community Running Team in 2014, in sponsorship of our Student Financial Aid Fund. Jazz is an anti-bias education leader and has worked as a facilitator for our Upper School Latinx and The Youth Action Project of WPC (White Privilege Conference) student groups. She is an alumna of Brooklyn Friends, graduating in the class of 1998.
Jamie Morrissey
Physical Education TeacherShe/Her/Hers Jamie ran professionally from 2018-2022, with her main event being the 1500 meter run. She has been coaching runners ranging from middle school athletes to first-time marathoners in their 50s since graduation from college. Jamie truly enjoys spending her free time sharing her passion for running. She is a true believer that movement should be fun, and hopes to instill that value in her students. Outside of coaching and teaching, Jamie enjoys live music, ice cream, and dogs! She earned her B.S. in Kinesiology and B.A. in Germanic Studies from the University of Michigan.
Kahtia Moyotl
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Yellow Roomshe/her With a BA in Sociology and Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies from Oberlin College, Kahtia brings a wealth of experience from her time at Trinity School and Williamsburg Northside. She is dedicated to fostering independence and strong social-emotional skills in her students, while also weaving anti-bias work and diversity into the curriculum. Outside of the classroom, Kahtia enjoys being an artist and spending quality time with loved ones.
Hannah Munger
Lower School Head Teacher, 2Ashe/her/hers Before arriving at BFS, Hannah enjoyed working for arts organizations and artists in New York, India, and Germany. She pursued a master's degree in museum education which happily led her to classroom teaching. Before Brooklyn Friends, she taught at two nearby Brooklyn elementary schools. When not at school, Hannah loves to eat, cook, and explore different neighborhoods with her family! She received her BA from Barnard College and her MS from Bank Street College of Education.
Kevin Murungi
Director of Global Social ImpactHe/Him/His Before arriving at BFS, Kevin was the Director of Global Extensions at Avenues The World School. He deeply enjoys working with young people to activate their global citizenship and develop the core competencies that will enable them to actively, thoughtfully, critically, and ethically engage with the world around them and help make it a more just and sustainable place. He was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and encourages everyone to visit Kenya. He loves to travel and is a big fan of football (or what's referred to as soccer in these parts). He received his BA from Middlebury College and his MA from American University.
Neha Nascimento
Social Justice Programs Coordinatorshe/her Before joining BFS, Neha received her Master of Arts from Wesleyan University where she composed a thesis exploring the lasting impact of COVID-19 on students of color. This background propels her desire to intersect her passion of DEIB work with the real lived experience of students in the aftermath of COVID. She loves how DEIB programming facilitates connection across people. The ability to collaborate and form bonds that transcend identity is what makes her feel inspired to do this work. Neha is passionate about the arts, and believes that storytelling through performing and visual arts is an extremely powerful process. Neha is excited to take opportunities to intersect the arts with DEIB work at Brooklyn Friends.
Jason Novak
Head of Lower Schoolhe/him/his Prior to arriving at Brooklyn Friends School, Jason served as the Director of Primary School, K-5 at the Lowell School in Washington, D.C. He has served school populations in Nevada, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. in both public and independent school settings. In addition to his roles as school administrator, and formerly as music educator and choral director, Jason worked closely with educational and child advocacy groups, including the National Association for Independent Schools, the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, the Human Rights Campaign, the Friends Council on Education, and local and national chapters of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. Jason also has facilitated work in the areas of white identity, white affinity, diversity, and inclusion, and has served as a member of the faculty for the NAIS School Leadership Institute. Jason enjoys spending time outdoors in nature, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. He received his BS in Music Education, K-12, from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and his MA in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.
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Megan Nuxoll
Chief of Staffshe/her/hers Prior to arriving at BFS, Megan worked at The Field School in Washington, D.C., where she taught ninth grade English. She loves the opportunity to build bridges across people, departments, and divisions. Working at an independent school is a labor of love for Megan. Megan is a native Midwesterner whose family is regularly surprised she has found herself in Brooklyn. Her two enormous dogs feel similarly. She received her BA from Earlham College and earned her Masters in Private School Leadership from Teachers College at Columbia University.
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Ana Oropeza-Parra
Early Childhood and Lower School LibrarianShe/her/hers Ana was a head classroom teacher for grades K-6 for many years. After completing her second MA, she worked as a reading specialist and started her own learning services practice. She also teaches children’s yoga and mindfulness as well social and emotional learning. She joined BFS in the spring of 2022 in a part time capacity as library assistant. Ana shares that her favorite parts of her work are empowering students, witnessing the world through their perspectives, and getting to see their evolution. Ana shares that outside of work, she loves a good road trip (short or long distance) and playing DJ! Ana holds a BA in Psychology and Family Studies from the University of Arizona, an M. ED in Bilingual multicultural education from Northern Arizona University, and an M.A as a Reading Specialist from Teachers College/Columbia University.
Jacqueline Ortiz
All Early Childhood Assistant Teachershe/her/hers Jackie has been teaching at BFS for 20 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Jackie works as an All Preschool Assistant Teacher in the Preschool and was previously Head Teacher in the Afterschool program, and will be teaching in the new BFX Extended Day program launching in September 2021. Jackie has taught in both Threes and Fours classes. She has a talent for promoting a calm, nurturing and caring environment for children. Additionally, Jackie is very creative and loves to sit with the kids to create arts and crafts. She loves to listen to the creative stories the children come up with and nurtures their love for reading and storytelling. Over the years Jackie has worked one-on-one with children with medical conditions and other special requirements. Outside of school her interests are staying indoors curled up with a good novel, and she's also passionate about writing.
Danielle Perkins
Middle School English Teachershe/her/hers Danielle has been teaching for 12 years, in both public and charter schools. Her passion has always been working with middle school students, and she also loves curriculum writing. These two passions opened doors for her to write curriculum for several national organizations, including the National Summer School Initiative and MicroSociety. Danielle shares that she loves talking with students about their big ideas, and that hearing the way that they make connections and explore the content is truly the most wonderful part of her job. Outside of the workday, Danielle loves storytelling and has dabbled in writing poetry and short stories. Danielle has a Master’s in Secondary Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education, a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri St. Louis, and a Bachelor’s Degree from The King’s College.
Jamie Pine
Associate Director of Admissions and RetentionBefore arriving at Brooklyn Friends, Jamie served as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Middlesex School in Concord, MA. While there, she also worked in social media, communications, and marketing, coached tennis and squash, taught a global studies class, and was a dorm parent. About her work at Brooklyn Friends, Jamie shares that she enjoys meeting prospective BFS families and sharing all that is special about our community. She also appreciates getting to know current BFS students through her work! Outside of work, she loves playing tennis, reading, and finding any excuse to talk about her home state of Rhode Island! Jamie received her B.A. in American Studies and Education from Colby College, and M.S.Ed in School Leadership from University of Pennsylvania.
Alyssa Postman Putzel
Lower School Learning Specialistshe/her/hers Prior to arriving at BFS, Alyssa taught elementary special education for 10 years, initially in charter schools and most recently for seven years at Mary McDowell Friends School. She greatly enjoys watching students grow, not only in academics, but in their confidence over the course of each year, and as they realize greater access to all the doors that literacy can open! Alyssa’s favorite places in NYC are the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Governor's Island. She has a B.S. from Northwestern University and an MAT from National Louis University.
Matthew Presto
Middle School Math Teacherthey/them Prior to coming to BFS, Matt worked as a baker and a cook. They enjoy imparting their passion for mathematics to children. Outside of work, they recently took up rock climbing and skateboarding, and they enjoy playing board games. They received their BA from Oberlin College and their MS.Ed. from Bank Street College of Education.
Michael Rae-Grant
Lower School Head Teacher, 1Ahe/him/his Before arriving on Pearl Street, Michael taught 1st and 2nd grade in Brooklyn for 11 years and then taught Master’s courses at Teachers College, Columbia University, worked as a staff developer supporting several schools in growing their K-2 literacy practices, and designed a line of "decodable" books for early readers. Michael shares that he loves helping students learn together, laugh together, and grow into the citizenry our democracy needs. He also enjoys learning about New York City history. Michael holds a BA in English from Yale University, an MSEd in Childhood Education from Hunter College, and is working toward an EdD in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Mariana Ranz
Lower and Middle School Dance Teachershe/her With an M.A. in Dance Education from NYU and more than a decade of experience teaching movement in both public and private schools, Mariana is passionate about creating inclusive, accessible spaces for students to explore the joy of dance. Her impressive journey includes leading K-12 school residencies at Ballet Hispánico and designing creative movement programs at Hunter College Elementary School. Mariana brings creativity, community building, and a love for dance that empowers students to find their voice and build confidence. When she's not teaching, you can find her traveling with family and enjoying the great outdoors.
Joy Roberts
Co-Director, BFX Extended Day & BFS Summer Experienceshe/her/hers Joy has been part of the BFS community since 2014. This is her third year co-managing the BFX Extended Day program. Before coming to Brooklyn Friends, Joy spent many years in healthcare as an educator and advocate, and is also a licensed acupuncturist. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from Hunter College, and a Masters in Chinese Medicine from the NY College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Joy loves writing, watercolor painting, the outdoors, and hanging out at home in Westchester with her sweet kitty Gracie!
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Doris Rodriguez-Graber
Lower School Visual Arts Teachershe/her Prior to arriving at Brooklyn Friends, Doris worked in a variety of educational programs including the New York public schools through the Studio in a School Program, the Miami Dade County Public School system, and the Classical Charter Schools in the South Bronx. She is a passionate art educator and artist. In her classroom, she strives to create an atmosphere conducive to inquiry, skill development, collaboration, and creativity. She has exhibited internationally and participated in artist in residence programs in Miami and Abu Dhabi. She painted murals in Harlem and the Lower East Side, working with an arts coalition to uplift communities through art. She also illustrated several children’s books. Doris received her MS in Arts Education from Florida International University and her BFA in Illustration from Parsons School of Design.
Brandon Roth
Philosophy, Religion and Ethics and Theory of Knowledge Teacher
Brandon Roth
Philosophy, Religion and Ethics and Theory of Knowledge Teacherhe/him/his Before arriving at BFS, Brandon taught introductory philosophy courses at Stony Brook University and at William Paterson University. He also worked on an organic vegetable farm for two years. He enjoys when students express wonder at questions or perspectives they had never considered before. Outside of school, he likes to do Crossfit and to listen to the music of Bob Dylan—but not usually at the same time. He received his BA from Swarthmore College and a Ph.D. from Stony Brook University.
M'Balia Rubie - Miller
Middle School Learning Specialist & All School Learning Support Coordinator
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M'Balia Rubie - Miller
Middle School Learning Specialist & All School Learning Support Coordinatorshe/her/hers Prior to Brooklyn Friends, M'Balia worked at charter and public schools, in both middle and elementary levels as a classroom teacher and as a coordinator of academic support. Learning specialists often have the opportunity to work with students for more than one year and she finds it extremely rewarding to witness the progress and growth that happens over multiple years. She is a proud native New Yorker! She received a BA in Psychology and an MSEd in Special Education.
mrubiemiller@brooklynfriends.org
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Charlie Russell
Assistant Controllerhe/him/his Prior to arriving at BFS, Charlie worked in educational finances as the business manager of a preschool for several years. He also served as a financial consultant for a firm supporting charter schools in the New York City area. When he is not at school, Charlie loves basketball and has played in a Thursday night game religiously for at least 25 years. He received his BA from Drew University and his MA from Rutgers. He also has a Certificate in Accounting from City University of New York.
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Katie Ryan
Lower & Middle School Librarianshe/her/hers Before coming to BFS, Katie worked for six years as an elementary and middle school librarian in Franklin Park, Illinois. The favorite part of her job is sharing books and stories with children and young people. Katie has an identical twin sister who also lives in Brooklyn. If you say hello to someone you think is her and they look confused, it's probably her! She received her BA from Elmhurst University and her MLIS from Dominican University.
Shaneez Sackroolar
Lower School Associate Teacher, 2Bshe/her Shaneez graduated from New Jersey City University with a degree in Business Management, but her passion for teaching led her to earn her TEFL certification in 2021 and start her teaching journey. Before joining Brooklyn Friends School, she gained experience in both independent all-boys and progressive educational settings. Shaneez loves seeing the world through the curious eyes of young learners—it’s a constant reminder of the joy of discovery. Outside of the classroom, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, getting lost in a good book, or exploring new music.
Maria Sanchez
Middle School Math Teachershe/her/hers Maria loves working with middle school students, having taught 5th through 8th grade throughout her career. She is passionate about math. However, in addition to teaching content, she believes that students need to be empowered to view themselves as mathematicians. One of her goals in every class is to foster a growth mindset by encouraging students to take risks, embrace mistakes, and continue to challenge themselves. Maria lives in Queens with her son and enjoys reading, dancing, working out, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. Maria holds a BS in Computer Science and an MS in Mathematics Education from Brooklyn College.
Mayank Sarika
Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) and Creativity, Activity, & Service (CAS) Coordinator
Mayank Sarika
Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) and Creativity, Activity, & Service (CAS) Coordinator
Graham Schneider
Upper School History Teacher and Department Chairhe/him Graham finds joy in working with students, appreciating their honesty, humor, ambition, and open-mindedness—qualities that keep him optimistic in a cynical world. Graham holds a BA from Carleton College and an MEd from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His teaching journey has taken him to Yangon, Myanmar, where he taught world religions and history, with a focus on experiential education and college counseling. Most recently, he spent six years at Brooklyn Prospect High School, teaching IB History and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and leading the 12th grade as Head of Class. Fun fact: Graham grew up on a former Christmas tree farm on an island!
Raymond Shay
Director of Technologyhe/him With more than 20 years of experience in independent school education, Ray comes to BFS from Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, where he served as Director of Technology and Assistant Head of School. He began his career at La Salle College High School, teaching digital arts and computer science, while also becoming an Adobe Certified Educator. Beyond tech, Ray is a dedicated Speech & Debate coach, earning numerous accolades, including the 2022 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Arts Education and the 2023 Outstanding Speech & Debate Educator for New Jersey. Ray says, “I love that technology touches every facet of school life, which means I get to work with and support all members of our community in varied ways." Outside of work, Ray lives in Jersey City with his partner Cory, their five children, and four pets—all loyal Philadelphia sports fans!
Tammy Small
Assistant Director of Enrollmentshe/her/hers Tammy began her career serving as a counselor for boarding school students. This role gave her an opportunity to visit some incredible learning institutions while supporting students on their academic journeys. This experience inspired her career in recruitment and admissions, primarily at organizations that prepared students for independent schools, and most recently at a charter school network. Tammy has also managed after-school and summer camp teen travel programs across New York City. In her work, she truly enjoys connecting families and students to new educational opportunities and supporting their academic journeys through adulthood. Tammy was born in Guyana and loves Caribbean culture.
Ryan Smith
Director of Advancementhe/him/his Prior to joining us at BFS, Ryan spent the last two decades working in advancement and alumni relations at independent schools in New York and Connecticut, most recently as the Director of Advancement at New Canaan Country School in New Canaan, CT. In this work, Ryan enjoys building relationships with people, listening to their stories, and helping to keep community members connected to each other and to the school. Outside of school, Ryan enjoys cooking, eating, reading, fishing, and traveling. He loves to spend time with his kids and loved ones. Ryan is originally from Maryland and is a diehard fan of the Baltimore Orioles. Ryan received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Mary Washington.
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Angel Soba
Social Justice Programs Coordinatorthey/he Prior to arriving at BFS, Angel did activist work centered around youth engagement, community development, and food justice. Angel worked on a Meal Resources Project locating free meals for students K-12 during the pandemic, and did curriculum writing focused on food justice for a nonprofit as part of a social entrepreneurship program for high schoolers. Angel is passionate about amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals and communities. They believe that the answers to our most pressing societal issues often already exist and have been imagined within the affected populations. Providing tools and infrastructure for these visions and solutions is what Angel is most excited to do. Outside of school, Angel enjoys trying new foods and exploring new cuisines. They also see food as not only a resource, but as a political tool and a cultural and societal element that strengthens community bonds! Angel received a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from University of Chicago where they majored in Environmental and Urban Studies and minored in Spanish.
Tony Soll
Early Childhood Sing TeacherTony has had many jobs in addition to being a music specialist at BFS, including in childrens’ book production, as a professional bass player, and as a teacher at Bank Street School for Children, the Brooklyn New School, and, of course BFS. He received his BA from City College and his MS from Bank Street College of Education.
Cam Solomon-Clarke
Upper School Deanshe/they Prior to arriving at BFS, Cam taught middle and upper school history for six years in various NYC independent schools. In those school communities, she also helped to build the DEIB programs. She truly enjoys building connections, and spaces of safety for all in school communities. Cam is a huge foodie and shares that she will always be down to try out some new foods! Cam received a BA in Human Rights and a BA in Philosophy from Trinity College, and an MSEd from the Independent School Teaching Residency Program at UPenn Graduate School of Education.
Brian Sullivan
Assistant Head of Upper School for AcademicsHe/Him/His Before arriving at Brooklyn Friends, Brian taught at several independent schools in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He also spent years working with young people in summer camps as well as delivering pizza for Dominos (very well, he adds!) Brian holds an M.A. in the Teaching of Social Studies and a B.A. in History and Political Science.
Thomas Talty
Physical Education Teacherhe/him/his Before arriving at Brooklyn Friends, Tommy taught Kindergarten and 1st grade at KIPP: THRIVE Academy. Tommy loves getting to witness the growth of his students and student-athletes over time. In his free time, Tommy is an avid golf and softball player. He received a B.A. in Economics from The University of Connecticut and is currently enrolled in an M.Ed. program in Sports Administration at The University of Miami.
Sharesa Thomas
Athletic Trainershe/her Before Brooklyn Friends, Sharesa worked at Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy 1, working with high school and middle school basketball players as they competed at summer basketball tournaments throughout Harlem. Prior to that, she worked as an athletic trainer with professional athletes, student athletes, and older adults at many different organizations. She shares that her work as an athletic trainer doesn't feel like work at all. Outside of Brooklyn Friends, Sharesa is an avid plant mom as well as human mom. Sharesa holds a BA in sociology from Stony Brook University and an MS in Athletic Training from Seton Hall University.
Emma Thompson
Lower School Associate Teacher, 1Bshe/her Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and brings a wealth of experience from her time in a Montessori setting, where she embraced the value of curiosity and self-direction. Emma loves unleashing her creativity in the classroom, keeping learning lively and engaging for her students. Outside of school, she enjoys exploring new adventures—whether it's trying out new recipes, reading, or camping upstate. Emma is excited to create meaningful experiences with the BFS community.
Ethan Timmins-Schiffman
Middle School English and History Teacher
Ethan Timmins-Schiffman
Middle School English and History Teacherhe/him Ethan joins us with a rich background in education, having taught at North Shore Country Day School and Columbia Grammar and Prep, with experience as a substitute teacher and coach at The Bush School in Seattle. He also brings a global perspective from his time serving in the Peace Corps in Guinea and Mali. With degrees in English from Williams College and African Studies from Yale University, Ethan is passionate about helping students pursue their creative passions. Outside the classroom, you’ll find him tending his garden—he especially loves growing beans!
Jamie Tomik
Lower School Head Teacher, 1Bshe/ her/ hers Jamie graduated from James Madison University, majoring in interdisciplinary liberal studies and minoring both in elementary education and photography. She received her masters in teaching from the same school. Prior to BFS, Jamie worked at Sidwell Friends School in DC for five years. In addition to co-teaching, Jamie was the lower school's service learning clerk. Prior to working at Sidwell, Jamie worked in public school in general education inclusion classrooms, collaborating with special education teachers. When Jamie is not at school, you can find her road tripping/ visiting roadside attractions, attending concerts, crafting, reading, and hiking/camping.
Brett Topel
Director of Communications & Marketinghe/him/his Prior to arriving at Brooklyn Friends School, Brett was the Director of Communications at Buckley Country Day School on Long Island for seven years. He enjoys being able to collaborate with many different people who all have the same goal—doing what's right for the students. He has written five books about baseball—four of which are about the New York Mets. He also loves Peking Duck and the Filet-o-Fish sandwich! He received his BA from Hofstra University.
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Brian Tridgell
Upper School History Teacherhe/him/his Before arriving at Brooklyn Friends, Brian taught IB economics, IGCSE Global Perspectives, and ESL Geography at an international boarding school in Westchester County, New York. Prior to that he taught IB economics and Social Studies at an international school in Abu Dhabi in the UAE. Brian loves to share his passion for current events, economics, and history with his students. He received a BA from the University of Minnesota and an M.Ed in Teaching Social Studies.
Cicely Upham
Associate Director of Alumni & Major Giftsshe/her/hers Cicely joins Brooklyn Friends School from Miss Porter's School in Farmington, CT, where she served as the Director of Alumnae and Parent Engagement for three years. In this role, Cicely fostered a strong sense of community among parents and alumni by cultivating relationships, leading committees, organizing both on- and off-campus events, and launching new initiatives strategically designed to enhance community engagement. Prior to her tenure at Miss Porter’s, she held fundraising roles at Riverdale Country School in New York and the Episcopal School of Knoxville in Tennessee. Cicely is enthusiastic about building relationships and immersing herself in communities dedicated to educational excellence. Outside of her professional life, Cicely enjoys challenging her creativity. She is currently working on jewelry making, but her creative pursuits have also included sewing clothes and writing comedy sketches. Cicely received a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes College.
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Julieta Varela
Lower School Associate Teacher, KBShe, her, hers She, her, hers Julieta attended Hunter College and received a double major BA in Studio Art and Art History. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree at CCNY in Early Childhood Education. Julieta spent the last three years teaching at Little Red Elizabeth Irwin, as a Kindergarten, First, and Third Grade Teacher. Before that she worked for 5 years as an art teacher in public schools across all of the five boroughs, for preschool through high school students. Julieta's favorite part of teaching is getting to collaborate with many creative, caring, and playful people, of all ages. She loves adventuring throughout the city for good friends, art and music.
Linda E. Villamarin
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Red Roomshe/her/hers Prior to arriving at BFS, Linda volunteered at PS 64. She loves observing children, asking questions, and developing relationships with them on a deeper level. When she is not at school, Linda enjoys spending time with her family, reading books, and listening to music. She received her BA from Brooklyn College, he AS from Borough Manhattan Community College and also attended the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador.
Bina Vora
All Early Childhood Assistant TeacherBefore arriving at BFS, Bina worked with elementary age students with challenging behaviors and provided support for them to meet all curriculum learning. Working with young children brings Bina pure joy! She likes to enjoy all aspects of life, especially engaging in conversations of positivity and where she gets to learn something new. Bina also enjoys Indian vegetarian cooking! She received her B.A. in Psychology.
Trish Walkin
Lower School Administrative Assistantshe/her/hers Prior to arriving at BFS, Trish worked at the Plymouth Church School in Brooklyn Heights. She also worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. She enjoys being a part of the BFS community and working with “inspiring, extraordinary, and committed colleagues.” Trish’s daughter, Sarah, was a BFS “Lifer” and a member of the Class of 2011. Her passions include cooking, sports, Fantasy Football, manatees, and music. She is an avid Bruce Springsteen fan, having seen him in concert well over 150 times! Trish received her AAS in Business Technology from Nassau Community College.
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Kaila Warner-Haakmat
Middle School Counselorshe/her/hers Kaila began her career doing prison re-entry and bail reform work in Brooklyn. She has done extensive work connecting court-involved people to community resources and providing mental health support. Just before arriving at BFS, Kaila served as a middle school counselor at another independent school in Brooklyn and is passionate about working with people, understanding that everyone has unique and complex identities that impact how they interact with the world. She loves traveling, baking, organizing, and spending time with loved ones in her free time. Kaila received her BS from the University of Delaware & LMSW from Hunter College, Silberman School of Social Work.
Eva Warren
Lower School Head Teacher, 4Bshe/her/hers Before arriving at BFS, Eva taught third grade at a small progressive school in Red Hook, NJ, as well as at a special education school on the Upper West Side called Gateway. Her favorite part of teaching is making connections with students and learning from them. When she is not at school, Eva loves spending time outdoors with her puppy, Roo. She received her BA from Sarah Lawrence College and her MSEd from Bank Street College of Education.
Eva Wolfson
BFX Extended Day GuideEva is thrilled to be joining the BFS community as an Extended Day Guide! Eva studied Theatre and Psychology at Williams College, focusing on LGBTQ+ psychology and development, and is passionate about mental health advocacy. In her free time, Eva enjoys making ice cream, reading fantasy books, singing, and baking challah. At BFX, Eva enjoys drawing with the students and chatting during snack time.
Dr. Tiffany Wright
Assistant Head of Upper School for Student Lifeshe/her/hers Dr. Tiffany Wright arrived at BFS prior to the 2021–2022 school year and brings a great deal of experience to the role of Middle School English Teacher. When she is not working with students in the classroom, she loves to travel. Dr. Tiffany received her BA from SUNY Albany, an MS from the College of Saint Rose, and an Ed.D from the University of San Francisco.
Lin Yang
Associate Director of College Counselingshe/her/hers Spending a year teaching physical sciences at Astrocamp in Idyllwild, California confirmed Lin’s love for education. It also motivated her to help create more equitable access to education. Before joining the BFS College Counseling Team, Lin worked at the Harvey Mudd College Office of Admissions, as well as the St. Mark's School (MA) College Counseling Office. Lin shares that she believes that it's a privilege to be a part of a student’s college search, which is a very personal decision-making and transition process. She feels like she really gets to know the students through helping them move towards their goals. Outside of BFS, Lin enjoys being outside. She also enjoys spicy food, fruits, and noodles! Lin received her B.S. in Applied Physics from Harvey Mudd College.
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Nitya York
Head of Middle Schoolshe/her/hers The majority of Nitya’s professional years have been in education and administration. Before arriving at BFS, she was most recently the Dean of Students for 7th & 8th grades at The Packer Collegiate Institute. Nitya is an English teacher at heart and a huge fan of Young Adult Fiction. She is an avid biker and can be seen zipping around the streets of Brooklyn (and sometimes Manhattan) on her Surly—very often with her daughter, Harlow, in tow. She received her BS from SUNY Fredonia, her MS from SUNY Fredonia, and her MS.Ed from Teachers College Columbia University.
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Joanna Zischang
Nurseshe/her Joanna brings a wealth of experience from hospitals, schools, and the arts, enriching our community with her expertise and passion. Outside of work, Joanna is a theater enthusiast and loves spending afternoons enjoying tea.
Chantel Cleckley
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Purple Room
Chantel Cleckley
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, Purple Roomshe/her/hers Chantel has been an early childhood educator for more than a decade. She enjoys getting to watch young children find and gain their confidence for the first time. She has taken several culinary classes in pastry arts and enjoys listening to crime podcasts and reading fantasy novels.
Danielle Perkins
Middle School English Teacher
Danielle Perkins
Middle School English Teachershe/her/hers Danielle has been teaching for 12 years, in both public and charter schools. Her passion has always been working with middle school students, and she also loves curriculum writing. These two passions opened doors for her to write curriculum for several national organizations, including the National Summer School Initiative and MicroSociety. Danielle shares that she loves talking with students about their big ideas, and that hearing the way that they make connections and explore the content is truly the most wonderful part of her job. Outside of the workday, Danielle loves storytelling and has dabbled in writing poetry and short stories. Danielle has a Master’s in Secondary Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education, a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri St. Louis, and a Bachelor’s Degree from The King’s College.
Hande Erkin-Guler
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Green Room
Hande Erkin-Guler
Early Childhood Head Teacher, Green Roomshe/her/hers Hande was born and raised in Turkey. Before arriving at BFS, Hande was a head teacher in 3s and 4s classes at The International Preschools. Hande is passionate about creating a welcoming classroom community and providing a loving and nurturing environment for children, knowing that they learn best when they feel safe and loved. She loves to share her interests in music, movement, animals and languages with children. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and her cat, going to concerts, traveling, and exploring new places in the city and tasting new food. She holds a Bachelors in Translation/Interpretation in English/French/Turkish from Bilkent University in Ankara, a Masters in Early Childhood from Long Island University, and a Masters in Early Childhood and Special Education from Touro College.
Joel Kwabi
Upper School Math Teacher
Joel Kwabi
Upper School Math TeacherBefore arriving at BFS, Joel worked for seven years as a Math Teacher/Department Chair at EF Academy in Thornwood, NY. Before that, he worked for two years at Morgan Stanley as an Operations Analyst for their FX and derivatives trading desks. Solving hard math problems with students and experiencing their wonder (consternation, frustration, and satisfaction) at the process, is his real passion. He is a Christian, a husband to an amazing wife, and a father to two incredible kids. He received his BS from Haverford College and his MA from Teachers College Columbia University.
Q Gardere
Lower School Associate Teacher, 2A
Q Gardere
Lower School Associate Teacher, 2Ashe/her/hers/ella Before arriving at BFS, Q was an elementary ESL teacher in Korea, and then a first grade homeroom teacher at an international school in Colombia. In the classroom, Q really enjoys reading books together and listening to all of the interesting things that first graders have to say. Outside of school, Q enjoys trying new foods and exploring NYC! Q received a BA from The City College of New York in Psychology.
Ruthie Allen
Middle School Math and Science Teacher
Ruthie Allen
Middle School Math and Science TeacherRuthie (she/her) joins us with a Bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a deep passion for working with middle schoolers. Previously, she served as a Middle School Math Teacher and Advisor, LGBTQ+ Affinity Group Staff Advisor, and Summer Programs Coordinator at Carolina Friends School, as well as the Director's Assistant at Peaceful Schools NC, a restorative practices organization. Ruthie believes in the boundless potential of middle schoolers: "They can change the world, find joy everywhere, and succeed through a productive struggle. They are phenomenal!" Outside the classroom, Ruthie is a creative spirit—a seamstress, theatre-maker, movie-lover, and a big fan of Southern comfort food.
Razi Abdur-Rahman
Lower School Head Teacher, 4A
Razi Abdur-Rahman
Lower School Head Teacher, 4AHe/Him/His Razi has taught at BFS for over a decade. Before arriving on Pearl Street, following earlier careers as an art handler, photographer, print shop manager, chef, and cooking instructor, Razi taught at a variety of public and private schools. Razi enjoys that every year he works with a new group of students and gets to discover and work with their individual learning styles. When he’s not in the classroom, Razi loves to play basketball, ride his bicycle through the crowded NYC streets, practice Mixed Martial Arts, and cook food for his family and friends. Razi holds a BA from Bard College and a M.Ed from Bank Street.
