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.
Betty Baez
Roots Classroom Teaching Assistant
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.
Emily Billig
Kindergarten 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!
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.
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.
Benna Cheung
Seedlings Head Teacher
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
Seedlings Associate Teacher
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!
Jessica Ciosek
Roots Associate Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Michigan State University, Bachelor of Arts
Teaching since: 1994
At Corlears since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I love Corlears because it's warm, open-minded and progressive in its approach to both teaching and community. I feel fortunate to be a part of such a sensitive and supportive environment and enjoy fostering the same with our youngest students, their families, and my colleagues.
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.
Robert Fantauzzi
Director of Business, Finance & Human Resources
Credentials:
College of St. Rose, Bachelor of Science
SUNY Albany, Master of Arts
Excelsior College, Master of Business Administration
SHRM-Senior Certified Professional
At Corlears Since: 2007
What I love about Corlears: Everyone is so friendly!
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 Educational 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.
Hillary Goldman, M.S.Ed.
Early Childhood Specialist
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of Rochester, Bachelor of Science
CUNY Brooklyn College, Masters of Science in Education
Teaching since: 2016
At Corlears since: January 2022... and has returned in 2023!
What I love about Corlears: I love Bun Bun, learning from young children and collaborating with my dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
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
Seedlings Head Teacher
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.
Alexandra Katchis
Fourth Grade Associate Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Johns Hopkins University, Bachelor of Arts
Currently earning her Masters in General and Special Education at Bank Street College of Education
Teaching Since: 2022
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: The people! Nothing is better than feeling a sense of community, belonging, and warmth when joining a new school, and this is something that comes immediately when entering the halls of Corlears!
Amy Kiplok
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
The Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Arts
At Corlears since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: I love the community! We are kind, inclusive, and fun!
Dara Kleinman
Seedlings Classroom Teaching Assistant
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of Delaware, Bachelor of Science in Human Services
Hunter College, Master of Science in Early Childhood Education
Teaching Since: 2021
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: Being in spaces that foster kindness, creativity, courage, and community!
Brenndon Knox
After School Program 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
Seedlings Head Teacher
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!
Francesca Lawless, M.S.Ed.
Third Grade Head Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
SUNY Oneonta, Bachelor of Science
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Science
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: The community supports one another to grow in ways that are inclusive, welcoming, and celebratory for all.
Theresa Law
Science Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University at Buffalo, BS in Biological Sciences and Masters of Education in Biology Education
Teaching Since: 2020
At Corlears Since: 2017
What I love about Corlears: I love working with children and see the excitement to see natural science phenomena. I enjoy sharing the wonders of the science world and explaining how the things around us work!
Abby Lawrence
Development & Communications Associate
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Macalester College, Bachelor of Arts, English and Educational Studies
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: We are a community rooted in creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and kindness!
Sandra 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!
Meredith Orloff
Admissions Director and Enrollment Relations
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
Union College, Bachelor of Arts
At Corlears Since: 2017
What I love about Corlears: I love representing the Corlears community as one of the first points of contact for our prospective families.
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!
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 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.
Dr. Keba M. Rogers
Director of Psychological Services
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University at Buffalo, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Community Mental Health, Masters of Arts in School Psychology, and Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology
Teaching Since: 2003
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I love the energy at Corlears! There is a lot of joy, excitement, and curiosity that is palpable in the building. I also love the strong sense of self that is instilled in the children. Lastly, I enjoy getting to know my colleagues and watching them bring creativity and excitement into their classrooms.
Alyssa Rudolf, M.S.ED.
Elementary Learning Specialist
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
St. Joseph's University, Bachelors of Arts
The College of Mount Saint Vincent, TESOL Certification
Hunter College, Master of Science in Education
Teaching Since: 2017
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: I love the inclusive environment, freedom of expression, and love of learning!
Sylvia Jane Sackheim
Seedlings Associate Teacher
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.
Sabrina Scattoni
Seedlings Associate Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
New York University, Bachelor of Arts in Italian Studies
Teaching since: 2021
At Corlears Since: 2021
What I love about Corlears: I enjoy working at Corlears because I am an advocate of play-based learning and because I love our close-knit community.
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!
Ilana Sherman
Second Grade Associate Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
University of Maryland, Bachelor of Science
Teaching Since: 2021
At Corlears Since: 2022
What I love about Corlears: I love the kind and welcoming community and being able to work with amazing students every day!
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.
Rosa Tejada
Seedlings Associate Teacher
Pronouns: She/her
Credentials:
New York University, Master’s Degree in Latin American Art (MA)
Currently earning her Masters Degree in Dual/Bilingual Language in General Education at Bank Street College of Education
Teaching Since: 1992
At Corlears Since: 2023
What I love about Corlears: I get to collaborate with dedicated teachers and students. The intimate and nurturing space of the school creates a unique environment that fosters genuine connections and a love for learning.
Janil Tejada
Outplacement Consultant
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Mansi Vasa
Assistant 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!
Peter Ziemkiewicz
First Grade Associate Teacher
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!