Faculty and
Staff Bios
Trevor Allen
School Librarian
Pronouns: He/him
Credentials:
Baldwin Wallace University, Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance
Hunter College, Masters in Elementary Education
Teaching Since: 2012
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: Corlears is a wonderful community of children, teachers, and families, all working together to make a great school.
Ramya Annam
Admissions and Outplacement Director
Credentials:
University of Southern California, Bachelor of Arts
Boston University, Master of Science
At Corlears Since: 2024
What I love about Corlears: What I love the most about Corlears is the emphasis on community. I am excited to work in a place so kind and warm, and I look forward to our journey together.
Eunice Armstrong
Director of Finance and Business Operations
Betty Baez
Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s/3s
Credentials:
Pan American School, Associate Degree
Teaching Since: 1989
At Corlears Since: 1989
What I love about Corlears: Everything! The community, teachers, and most of all, the children and seeing their growth.
Alyssa Bianca-Pavley
Development and Communications Associate
Credentials:
New York University, Bachelor of Arts in Art History
The New School, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
At Corlears Since: 2024
What I love about Corlears: The welcoming community and core values!
Emily Billig
Third Grade Associate Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
The University of Albany, Bachelor of Arts in Music and Theater
Grand Canyon University, Masters in Elementary Education
Teaching Since: 2018
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: The welcoming community!
Avery Bonner, Ed.M., NCSP
School Psychologist
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
New York University, Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology & Gender and Sexuality Studies
Teachers College, Columbia University, Master of Education in Applied Developmental Learning Psychology and Master of Arts in Educational Psychology
At Corlears since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: I am so excited to work in a school with such a meaningful and genuine emphasis on whole-child development. My personal responsibility and passion for supporting the psychological, social, emotional, and learning needs of every student is made possible by the shared commitment and vision of the entire school community.
Zachary Brewer
Educational Technology Specialist
Credentials:
Connecticut College, Bachelor of Arts
Columbia University Teacher's College, Master of Arts
Teaching Since: 2005
At Corlears Since: 2012
What I love about Corlears: Helping kids use technology to express their creativity!
Charles Butler
Facilities Support
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: The friendly staff!
Samantha Campbell
Seedlings Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
CUNY Hunter College, Master of Science in Early Childhood Education
CUNY Hunter College, Master of Science in Literacy Studies
SUNY New Paltz, Bachelor of Arts
Teaching Since: 2012
At Corlears Since: 2012
What I love about Corlears: Corlears in truly a second home to me. It is a place where you feel love, belonging and community. I am proud to be a part of our ongoing journey.
Gena Camoosa, M.A.
Early Childhood Learning Specialist
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Rutgers University, Bachelor of Arts in Art History
Teachers College, Columbia University, Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education
Teaching Since: 2001
At Corlears Since: 2024
What I love about Corlears: Corlears offers a safe space of belonging and community and an educational culture that values inclusion, curiosity, compassion, and joy.
Nashali Castillo, RN, BSN
School Nurse
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University at Buffalo, Social Science Interdisciplinary - concentration in Early Childhood
SUNY Downstate, Bachelors of Science in Nursing
At Corlears Since: 2022
Silvia Castillo
Spanish Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
King's College London, Masters in International Education
Teaching Since: 2004
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I love the sense of kindness, appreciation, and belonging that Corlears provides its community.
Katie Cheek, M.S.Ed.
Science Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Pratt Institute, BFA Creative Writing
Hunter College, M.S.Ed
Teaching Since: 2004
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I am excited beyond measure to join Corlears — a haven of authentic community building, connections, and joy — because I am able to teach and be a part of the community teaching confidently as my authentic self.
Benna Cheung
Early Childhood Head Teacher, 2s/3s
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Bachelor of Arts
University of Cambridge, Master of Education
Bank Street College of Education, Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Teaching Since: 2010
At Corlears Since: 2017
What I love about Corlears: Corlears has always felt like a warm and welcoming place from the moment I walked through the door! The small community means that I've had the time and opportunity to build close relationships with my colleagues, students, and families. I'm always excited to be at work with my work family!
Alicia Chevoor
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s/3s
Pronouns: She/her
Teaching Since: 2020
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I love that Corlears is a student-centered learning environment! It's an institution that cares for every student by meeting them where they are in their learning journey. I love our small school community made up of incredibly talented and hardworking people!
Brenda A. Daniels
Elementary Division Director
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Columbia University, Bachelor of Arts
Brooklyn College, MSEd
Bank Street College, EdM
Teaching since: 2005
At Corlears since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I love the small tight-knit community, our focus on the whole child, and our commitment to social justice.
Elliot Davila
Facilities Support
At Corlears Since: 2019
What I love about Corlears: The whole staff has been friendly and welcoming since day one. It makes me feel like I've been here for longer.
Kelvin DeSilva
Facilities Director
Credentials:
Connecticut College, BS in Ethnobotany and Environmental Studies
What I love about Corlears: I love working with bright and talented people who are passionate about improving the education experience of our city's children. I love how welcoming this community has been, how incredible (and funny) the students are, and how driven the staff is.
David Egolf
Head of School
Pronouns: He/him
Credentials:
Pratt Institute, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fordham University, Master of Science in Education
Teaching Since: 1993
At Corlears Since: 2014
What I love about Corlears: I love watching the children grow into young leaders, and it is a true pleasure to work with such a thoughtful, dedicated, and passionate staff.
Debora Everett-Jones
School Receptionist
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
The City College of New York, BS in Elementary Education
Teaching Since: 1990
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: I have been welcomed into a warm, helpful community.
Jennifer Florez
Music Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of North Texas, Bachelor of Music
University of North Texas, Master of Music Education
Orff certification, Levels I, II, III
Teaching Since: 1996
At Corlears Since: 2021
What I love about Corlears: I am thrilled to be part of such a vibrant community where the Arts are valued as an integral part of children’s education.
Susan From
Roots Associate Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Hunter College, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Early Childhood Education
Teaching Since: 2008
At Corlears Since: 2021
What I love about Corlears: The collegiality--the warm relationship people have to each other.
Alex Gelman
Director of Program Operations
Pronouns: He/him
Credentials:
Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science
Teaching Since: 2009
At Corlears Since: 2016
What I love about Corlears: The loving community of children, teachers, and families.
Colleen Goddard, Ph.D.
Early Childhood Division Director
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Empire State College, Bachelor of Arts & Education
Pacific Oaks College, Master of Arts, Human Development with a Specialization in Early Childhood Studies
Fielding Graduate University, Master of Arts, Organizational & Human Development
Fielding Graduate University, PhD, Human & Child Development
Adjunct Faculty, Brooklyn College, Hunter College, Touro College & NYU
New York State Certification in Childhood Education
Teaching Since: 1994
At Corlears Since: 2021
What I love about Corlears: It’s a place of wonderment, joy, compassion, and generosity of spirit.
Jasmyn Green
Educational Program Floating Assistant
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Film Studies
Teaching Since: 2012
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: I love the overall warm feeling of support, engagement, and community.
Ariel Grossman
Roots Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Bank Street College of Education, Master in Early Childhood General Education
New York State and New Jersey State Teaching Certification
Artistic/Executive Director Ariel Rivka Dance
Teaching Since: 2006
At Corlears Since: 2018
What I love about Corlears: Children are the most honest humans around and the community at Corlears is supportive, educational, and helping to change the world!
Megan Guttersohn
Communications Director
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Wayne State University, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
At Corlears Since: 2019
What I love about Corlears: I love the sense of commitment we all have to a common mission that is supporting children in finding themselves and growing their own values.
Olympia Hamlor, M.S.Ed.
Kindergarten Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Utica College, Bachelor of Science
Walden College, Master of Science in Early Childhood Education
Teaching Since: 2013
At Corlears Since: 2018
What I love about Corlears: I love the sense of belonging that Corlears provides to all community members. It's the place where everyone knows your name.
Nyesha Hunt
Early Childhood Head Teacher, 3s
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Lincoln University, Bachelor of Science
Grand Canyon University, Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Teaching Since: 2015
At Corlears Since: 2017
What I love about Corlears: I love that I can make a difference in the lives of children as an educator of color.
Brian Jailall
Technology Systems Manager
At Corlears Since: 2015
What I love about Corlears: The community.
Irene Jiang, M.S.Ed.
Fourth Grade Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University at Buffalo, Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services with minors in Counseling and Education
CUNY Hunter College, Master of Science in Education
Teaching Since: 2020
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: We're a community truly dedicated to progressive education that is inclusive and relevant. Our friendly and welcoming community that cares about making a positive difference!
Jameel Johnson
PreK Associate Teacher
Pronouns: He/him
Credentials:
Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Child Development
Teaching Since: 2009
At Corlears Since: 2020
What I love about Corlears: I love the feeling that I'm trusted with the freedom/autonomy to use my knowledge and skills in the best interest of our students.
Brenndon Knox
Auxiliary Programs Coordinator
Pronouns: He/him
Credentials:
University of Chicago
Teaching Since: 2018
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: I love the warmth of the Corlears community, and its commitment to integrity.
Sasha Krantz
Early Childhood Head Teacher, 4s/5s
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Muhlenberg College, Bachelor of Science
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science
Teaching Since: 2018
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I love that at Corlears we are all able to collaborate with one another! The Corlears community's warmth and support allow for educators and students to feel at home and be there best selves!
Sandy Lewin
Physical Education Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Brooklyn College, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and PE
Teaching Since: 1997
At Corlears Since: 1997
What I love about Corlears: Our community and core values.
Michelle Malakoff
PreK Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of Delaware, Bachelor of Arts
Hunter College, CUNY, Master of Arts in Education
Teaching Since: 2010
At Corlears Since: 2016
What I love about Corlears: Our wonderful community.
Maureen Mervil, M.S.Ed.
First Grade Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Hunter College, CUNY, Bachelor of Language Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science in Early Childhood and Childhood General Education
Teaching since: 2011
At Corlears since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: The community wide commitment to social justice.
Istoda Mulladjanova
Seedlings Classroom Teaching Assistant
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Sara Nixon
Studio Art Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Middle Tennessee State University, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science
Teaching Since: 2011
At Corlears Since: 2018
What I love about Corlears: The wonderful community!
Yris Osoria
Facilities Support
Joshua Penn
Fifth Grade Head Teacher
Pronouns: He/him
Credentials:
Northeastern University, Bachelor of Science
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science in Education
Teaching Since: 2016
At Corlears Since: 2017
What I love about Corlears: Getting to work with such a warm and friendly community, and of course, our absolutely amazing students!
CJ Perrine
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 3s
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Lewis & Clark College, Bachelor of Arts
At Corlears Since: 2024
What I love about Corlears: I love the emphasis on community and social justice. I also love watching the children grow into their best selves!
Ryan Piccininni
Kindergarten Associate Teacher
Nicole Pierides
First Grade Associate Teacher
Nyasha Quinones, SHRM-CP
Employee Relations Manager, Human Resources Associate
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Adelphi University, Bachelor of Arts
At Corlears Since: 2016
What I love about Corlears: I enjoy seeing the bright smiles of our students and staff, and the warmth I feel when entering our doors.
Amanda Quinn Banks
Admissions and Outplacement Associate
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Auburn University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Hunter College, Master of Science in Education
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: Being around a vibrant community of open and passionate educators.
Leah Rice
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 4s/5s
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of Connecticut, Bachelor of Arts
Teaching Since: 2020
At Corlears Since: 2024
What I love about Corlears: I look forward to working with such an inclusive and collaborative community.
Sylvia Jane Sackheim
Early Childhood Associate Teacher, 2s
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Lewis & Clark College, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Teaching Since: 2022
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I have never felt so respected and appreciated in a work environment as I do at Corlears.
Sheila Sarma
Third Grade Head Teacher
Shanna Scott, Ed.S.
Second Grade Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of Georgia, BSED Early Childhood Education
Piedmont College, MAT Early Childhood Education
Piedmont College, EdS Curriculum and Instruction
Certified NYS Early Childhood Birth to Grade 2 and Childhood 1-6
Teaching Since: 2000
At Corlears Since: 2020
What I love about Corlears: I love the sense of community that Corlears embodies, not only from a teacher's perspective, but also from a parent perspective, as two of my children attend Corlears!
Khadijah Smith
Early Childhood Classroom Teaching Assistant, 2s
Lucy Smith
Corlears Plus Group Leader
Amanda Steiner
Director of Marketing and Engagement
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
McGill University, B.A. Psychology
At Corlears Since: 2021
What I love about Corlears: I’m so grateful to work in a child-centered, nonprofit environment that places a heavy emphasis on social justice, equality, and inclusion. The community has been beyond welcoming, and it’s heartening that my work will help prospective (and current!) families see the magic in our special school.
Kendra Torres
Auxiliary Activities Teacher
Mansi Vasa
Associate Head of School and Director of Equity and Inclusion
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Barnard College, Columbia University, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Arts
New York State Certification in Childhood Education
New York State Certification in Teaching Literacy
Teaching Since: 2004
At Corlears Since: 2019
What I love about Corlears: Being in spaces that foster kindness, creativity, courage, and community!