![Benna with Seedlings Red in the backyard](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Benna%20with%20Seedlings%20Red%20in%20the%20backyard.webp?width=300&name=Benna%20with%20Seedlings%20Red%20in%20the%20backyard.webp)
Faculty and Staff
Faculty Expertise
All Corlears faculty have a baseline in training that extends well beyond their graduate degrees. All teachers take part in training related to the core programs and approaches at their respective age levels. Teachers have engaged in a variety of PD offerings through NYSAIS, including but not limited to the following organizations:
- Metamorphosis Learning
- ReimaginED
- TERC
- Orton-Gillingham
- Bank Street Infancy Institute
- Center for Racial Justice
- Conscious Discipline
- Responsive Classroom
We are a professional learning community that engages one another in bringing theory to practice as we meet during weekly staff meetings and on professional development days dedicated to teacher training and development in various areas. Leadership within the educational program is provided through our Assistant Head of School, Division Directors, and Student Success Team in partnership with coaches, specialists, service providers and psychologists.
Experience and Qualifications
All Head Teachers hold Master's degrees in early childhood or elementary education. Associate Teachers interested in becoming Head Teachers are often working toward — or are enrolled in — Master's degree programs. Many teachers have additional, dual, or advanced degrees and certifications.
We Don’t Just Teach Subjects — We Teach Students
Every student brings with them different talents, interests, abilities, and learning styles. At Corlears, we go beyond the classroom to ensure children receives individualized attention.
In fact, all teachers partner with families to learn about children’s personal interests as they begin to build a bridge between home and school, then incorporate aspects of the children’s home life into their studies and spaces.
This extra effort is what makes learning more meaningful and effective, and is just one small part of what makes Corlears different from the rest.
Corlears School's Collaborative Environment
As children get older and develop emotionally and cognitively, we work with the whole child and challenge them academically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers partner with each other and families to help each child be their best. Collaboration across disciplines is also common, as teachers design a specific curricula based upon the developmental stages of children as well as their particular needs.
Every teacher is an expert in their field, with a solid and well-rounded understanding of child development. We create classrooms where students are able to take risks and embark upon challenges that help them learn deeply, and make meaning beyond memorization. In addition, partnerships with families are forged through regular communication and sharing of the learning process.
Meet the Team
Our full staff directory is below, sorted alphabetically by first name. Click on the photos to learn more about these members of our vibrant and inclusive community.
- Faculty
- Administrative Staff
![Alicia Chevoor, Seedlings Associate Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Alicia%20Chevoor%2c%20Gentle%20Separation%20Roots%20Teacher.jpg?width=300&name=Alicia%20Chevoor%2c%20Gentle%20Separation%20Roots%20Teacher.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2020
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Alyssa Rudolf, Elementary Learning Specialist](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Alyssa%20Rudolf.jpg?width=300&name=Alyssa%20Rudolf.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2017
At Corlears since: 2023
Read full bio![Ariel Grossman, Roots Head Teacher (1)](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Ariel%20Grossman%2c%20Roots%20Head%20Teacher%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=Ariel%20Grossman%2c%20Roots%20Head%20Teacher%20(1).jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2006
At Corlears since: 2018
Read full bio![Benna Cheung, Seedlings Head Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20553749/Benna%20Cheung%2c%20Seedlings%20Head%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2010
At Corlears since: 2017
Read full bio![Betty Baez, Seedlings Classroom Teaching Assistant](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20553749/Betty%20Baez%2c%20Seedlings%20Associate%20Teacher.webp)
Teaching since: 1989
At Corlears since: 1989
Read full bio![Emily Billig, Kindergarten Associate Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Emily%20Billig-1.jpg?width=300&name=Emily%20Billig-1.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2018
At Corlears since: 2023
Read full bio![Francesca Lawless, Elementry Associate Teacher (1)](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Francesca%20Lawless%2c%20Elementry%20Associate%20Teacher%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=Francesca%20Lawless%2c%20Elementry%20Associate%20Teacher%20(1).jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Irene Jiang, Fourth Grade Head Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Irene%20Jiang.jpg?width=300&name=Irene%20Jiang.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2020
At Corlears since: 2023
Read full bio![Istoda Mulladjanova, Classroom Teaching Assistant](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Istoda%20Mulladjanova%2c%20Classroom%20Teaching%20Assistant.jpg?width=300&name=Istoda%20Mulladjanova%2c%20Classroom%20Teaching%20Assistant.jpg)
![Jameel Johnson, Elementary Associate Teacher (2)](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Jameel%20Johnson%2c%20Elementary%20Associate%20Teacher%20(2).jpg?width=300&name=Jameel%20Johnson%2c%20Elementary%20Associate%20Teacher%20(2).jpg)
Pronouns: He/him
Teaching since: 2005
At Corlears since: 2020
Read full bio![Jasmyn Green, Educational Program Assistant](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Jasmyn%20Green.jpg?width=300&name=Jasmyn%20Green.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2012
At Corlears since: 2023
Read full bio![Jennifer Florez, Music Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Jennifer%20Florez%2c%20Music%20Teacher.webp?width=300&name=Jennifer%20Florez%2c%20Music%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 1996
At Corlears since: 2021
Read full bio![Jessica Ciosek, Classroom Teaching Assistant](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Jessica%20Ciosek%2c%20Classroom%20Teaching%20Assistant.jpg?width=300&name=Jessica%20Ciosek%2c%20Classroom%20Teaching%20Assistant.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 1994
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Joshua Penn, Fifth Grade Head Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20553749/Joshua%20Penn%2c%20Fifth%20Grade%20Head%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: He/him
Teaching since: 2016
At Corlears since: 2017
Read full bio![Maureen Mervil, First Grade Head Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Maureen%20Mervil.jpg?width=300&name=Maureen%20Mervil.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2011
At Corlears since: 2023
Read full bio![Michelle Malakoff, PreK Head Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Michelle%20Malakoff%2c%20EC%20Head%20Teacher.webp?width=300&name=Michelle%20Malakoff%2c%20EC%20Head%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2010
At Corlears since: 2016
Read full bio![Nyesha Hunt, Seedlings Associate Teacher (1)](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Nyesha%20Hunt%2c%20Seedlings%20Associate%20Teacher%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=Nyesha%20Hunt%2c%20Seedlings%20Associate%20Teacher%20(1).jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2015
At Corlears since: 2016
Read full bio![Olympia Hamlor, Elementary Head Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Olympia%20Hamlor%2c%20Elementary%20Head%20Teacher.jpg?width=300&name=Olympia%20Hamlor%2c%20Elementary%20Head%20Teacher.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2013
At Corlears since: 2018
Read full bio![Samantha Campbell](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/image_6487327.jpg?width=300&name=image_6487327.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2012
At Corlears since: 2012
Read full bio![Sandra Lewin, PE Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Sandra%20Lewin%2c%20PE%20Teacher.webp?width=300&name=Sandra%20Lewin%2c%20PE%20Teacher.webp)
![Sara Nixon, Studio Art Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Sara%20Nixon%2c%20Studio%20Art%20Teacher.webp?width=300&name=Sara%20Nixon%2c%20Studio%20Art%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2011
At Corlears since: 2018
Read full bio![Sasha Krantz, Seedlings Head Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Sasha%20Krantz%2c%20Elementary%20Associate%20Teacher.webp?width=300&name=Sasha%20Krantz%2c%20Elementary%20Associate%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2018
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Shanna Scott](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Shanna%20Scott%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=Shanna%20Scott%20(1).jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2000
At Corlears since: 2020
Read full bio![Silvia Castillo, Spanish Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Silvia%20Castillo%2c%20Spanish%20Teacher.webp?width=300&name=Silvia%20Castillo%2c%20Spanish%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2004
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Susan From, Roots Associate Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Susan%20From%2c%20Roots%20Classroom%20Teaching%20Assistant.webp?width=300&name=Susan%20From%2c%20Roots%20Classroom%20Teaching%20Assistant.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2003
At Corlears since: 2021
Read full bio![Sylvia Jane Sackheim, Seedlings Associate Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Sylvia%20Jane%20Sackheim%2c%20Seedlings%20Classroom%20Teacher.webp?width=300&name=Sylvia%20Jane%20Sackheim%2c%20Seedlings%20Classroom%20Teacher.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2022
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Trevor Allen, Librarian](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Trevor%20Allen%2c%20Librarian-1.webp?width=300&name=Trevor%20Allen%2c%20Librarian-1.webp)
Pronouns: He/him
Teaching since: 2012
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Zachary Brewer, Technology Teacher](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Zachary%20Brewer%2c%20Technology%20Teacher%20(1).webp?width=300&name=Zachary%20Brewer%2c%20Technology%20Teacher%20(1).webp)
Teaching since: 2005
At Corlears since: 2012
Read full bio![Alex Gelman, Director of Program Operations](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Alex%20Gelman%2c%20Director%20of%20Program%20Operations.webp?width=300&name=Alex%20Gelman%2c%20Director%20of%20Program%20Operations.webp)
![Amanda M. Steiner, Director of Marketing & Engagement (1)](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Amanda%20M.%20Steiner%2c%20Director%20of%20Marketing%20&%20Engagement%20%20(1).jpg?width=300&name=Amanda%20M.%20Steiner%2c%20Director%20of%20Marketing%20&%20Engagement%20%20(1).jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
At Corlears since: 2021
Read full bio![Amanda Quinn Banks, Admissions Associate](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Amanda-Quinn-Banks_-Admissions-Associate.webp?width=300&name=Amanda-Quinn-Banks_-Admissions-Associate.webp)
![Avery Bonner, School Psychologist](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Avery%20Bonner.jpg?width=300&name=Avery%20Bonner.jpg)
![Brenda A. Daniels](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Brenda-Daniels_-Elementary-Division-Director.webp?width=300&name=Brenda-Daniels_-Elementary-Division-Director.webp)
Teaching since: 2005
At Corlears since: 2022
Read full bio![Brenndon Knox, After-School Program Coordinator](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Brenndon%20Knox-1.jpg?width=300&name=Brenndon%20Knox-1.jpg)
Pronouns: He/him
Teaching since: 2016
At Corlears since: 2023
Read full bio![Brian Jailall,Technology Systems Manager](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20553749/Brian%20Jailall%2c%20Computer%20Support.webp)
![Charles Butler](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Charles%20Butler.jpg?width=300&name=Charles%20Butler.jpg)
![Colleen Goddard, Early Childhood Division Director](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Colleen%20Goddard%2c%20Early%20Childhood%20Division%20Director.webp?width=300&name=Colleen%20Goddard%2c%20Early%20Childhood%20Division%20Director.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 1994
At Corlears since: 2021
Read full bio![David Egolf, Head of School](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/David%20Egolf%2c%20Head%20of%20School%20(1)-1.jpg?width=300&name=David%20Egolf%2c%20Head%20of%20School%20(1)-1.jpg)
Pronouns: He/him
Teaching since: 1993
At Corlears since: 2014
Read full bio![Debora Everett-Jones, School Receptionist](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Debora%20Everett-Jones.jpg?width=300&name=Debora%20Everett-Jones.jpg)
![Elliot Davila, Facilities Support](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20553749/Elliot%20Davila%2c%20Facilities%20Support.webp)
![Kelvin DeSilva, Facilities Director](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Kelvin%20DeSilva%2c%20Facilities%20Director.webp?width=300&name=Kelvin%20DeSilva%2c%20Facilities%20Director.webp)
![Mansi Vasa, Assistant Head of School, Director of Equity & Inclusion (1)-1](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Mansi%20Vasa%2c%20Assistant%20Head%20of%20School%2c%20Director%20of%20Equity%20&%20Inclusion%20(1)-1.jpg?width=300&name=Mansi%20Vasa%2c%20Assistant%20Head%20of%20School%2c%20Director%20of%20Equity%20&%20Inclusion%20(1)-1.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching since: 2004
At Corlears since: 2019
Read full bio![Megan Guttersohn, Communications Director](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Megan%20Guttersohn%2c%20Communications%20Director.webp?width=300&name=Megan%20Guttersohn%2c%20Communications%20Director.webp)
![Nashali Castillo](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Nashali%20Castillo.jpg?width=300&name=Nashali%20Castillo.jpg)
![Nyasha Quinones, Employee Relations Manager, HR Associate](https://20553749.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20553749/hubfs/Nyasha%20Quinones%2c%20Employee%20Relations%20Manager%2c%20HR%20Associate.webp?width=300&name=Nyasha%20Quinones%2c%20Employee%20Relations%20Manager%2c%20HR%20Associate.webp)
Pronouns: She/her
At Corlears since: 2016
Read full bio![Ramya Annam (1)-1-1](https://www.corlearsschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Ramya%20Annam%20(1)-1-1.jpg?width=300&name=Ramya%20Annam%20(1)-1-1.jpg)
Pronouns: She/her
At Corlears since: 2024
Read full bio![Paper plane divider element Paper plane divider element](https://www.corlearsschool.org/hubfs/paper%20plane.png)