Faculty and Staff Bios
Trevor Allen
School Librarian
Trevor Allen is the Librarian at Corlears School. He holds a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Trevor has a passion for exploring the connections between books and art forms that have a basis in literature, like the dramatic arts and music. He loves working on projects with students that allow them to use the Library as a tool and create something that is uniquely theirs.
Jacqueline Alpern
PreK Associate Teacher
Jacque is an associate teacher in the PreK classroom. She has worked at public and specialized schools as a one-on-one for neurodivergent children and as an associate teacher. She is devoted to helping every child learn in a way that is comfortable for them. Nature and projects play an essential role in her teaching style. She loves assisting children in discovering and learning about their wonderings.
Alyssa Anker
Second Grade Head Teacher
Credentials:
Bowdoin College, Bachelor of Arts
Bank Street College of Education, Master of Arts
Teaching Since: 2012
At Corlears Since: 2014
What I love about Corlears: The community of teachers.
Betty Baez
Seedlings Associate Teacher
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.
Lauren Baker
Administrative Support and Reception
Brian Billings
PreK Head Teacher
Credentials:
Crane School of Music, SUNY, Bachelor of Arts
Manhattanville College, Masters of Professional Studies
Henna Billings
PreK Associate Teacher
Henna Billings is a PreK teacher at Corlears School. She holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching for Early Childhood Education. Henna loves using music, felt stories, books and games in the classroom. She also enjoys being a parent to two young children of her own.
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
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: How lucky I am to be in a job I so deeply love.
Nashali Castillo, RN, BSN
School Nurse
Credentials:
University at Buffalo, Social Science Interdisciplinary - concentration in Early Childhood
SUNY Downstate, Bachelors of Science in Nursing
At Corlears Since: 2022
Silvia Castillo
Silvia Castillo is the Spanish Teacher at Corlears School. She holds a Bachelors in Social Communications and a Masters in International Education. Originally from Peru, Silvia believes that children learn a language best in a fun, interactive, and achievable way, while learning about the culture of the language allows them to develop their intercultural communicative skills.
Benna Cheung
Seedlings Head Teacher
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: The amazing curiosity and sense of wonder that young children have as they explore and discover the world around them. The warmth, friendliness, and camaraderie of a small school community.
Jessica Ciosek
Jessica Ciosek is an Assistant Teacher in the Roots program. She holds a bachelors degree from Michigan State University. Jessica loves viewing the world through the eyes of toddlers for whom all is new and wonderful. When not singing Wheels on the Bus or making worms with homemade play-doh, Jessica also writes adult novels.
Chelsea Coussens
Math Coach
Credentials:
Michigan State University, Bachelor of Arts
Michigan State University, P-B T.C.I.P.
New York University, Steinhardt School of Education, Master of Science
Teaching Since: 2006
At Corlears Since: 2008
What I love about Corlears: I have always loved the connection and community at Corlears. The experiences here are driven by our collective passions, interests, and needs. It's so special to be part of an intimate community within and surrounded by all of NYC.
Brenda A. Daniels
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
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.
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
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
Credentials:
Hunter College, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology and Early Childhood Education
At Corlears Since: 2021
What I love about Corlears: The genuine, positive feeling towards each other. The support and respect it brings to the community. The collegiate environment.
Alex Gelman
Director of Educational Program Operations
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
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.
Ariel Grossman
Roots Head Teacher
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
Credentials:
Wayne State University, Bachelor of Arts, Journalism
At Corlears Since: 2019
What I love about Corlears: Corlears is such a warm and welcoming community! It's inspiring to watch the children of Corlears learn and grow.
Olympia Hamlor
Kindergarten Head Teacher
Credentials:
Utica College, Bachelor of Science
Walden College, Master of Science in Education
Teaching Since: 2013
At Corlears Since: 2018
What I love about Corlears: Inspiring children to be creative!
Lindsay Higgins
Learning Specialist and Literacy Coach
Credentials:
Gettysburg College, Bachelor of Arts
New York University, Master in Childhood Education & Special Education
Orton-Gillingham Level 1 Certified
Teaching Since: 2011
At Corlears Since: 2018
What I love about Corlears: I love the warm, tight-knit community of parents, staff, and children!
Nyesha Hunt
Seedlings Associate Teacher
Credentials:
Bachelor of Science
Teaching Since: 2015
At Corlears Since: 2016
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
Computer Support Specialist
At Corlears Since: 2015
What I love about Corlears: The community.
Jameel Johnson
First Grade Associate Teacher
Credentials:
Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Teaching Since: 2005
At Corlears Since: 2020
What I love about Corlears: That could be a LONG list, but I truly enjoy guiding students to “EUREKA!” moments of discovery, awe, and understanding. Nothing brings me more joy than helping a child discover something new!
Amy Kiplok
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Sasha Krantz
Kindergarten Associate Teacher
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Francesca Lawless
Francesca Lawless is the Third Grade Associate Teacher at Corlears School. Francesca holds a Bachelors in Early Childhood & Childhood Education and is now pursuing her Masters in General Education & Literacy at Bank Street. Francesca encourages students to discover their unique strengths as learners and individuals. She is passionate about students becoming advocates for themselves and others, within the Corlears community, and beyond.
Theresa Law
Science Teacher
Theresa has experience with our 2s through 10s as a substitute teacher, an after-school teacher, a Camp Corlears Counselor for 4s-6s, and as the former Corlears Plus STEAM Teacher for 7s-10s. Theresa looks forward to focusing on the health and wellness of our students while connecting concepts from Science class to everyday life through observations and experiments that spark children’s natural curiosities.
Sandra Lewin
Physical Education Teacher
Credentials:
Brooklyn College, Bachelor of Arts
Teaching Since: 1997
At Corlears Since: 1997
What I love about Corlears: Our community and core values.
Lena Lin
Seedlings Associate Teacher
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Michelle Malakoff
Seedlings Head Teacher
Credentials:
University of Delaware, Bachelor of Arts
Hunter College, CUNY, Master of Science
Teaching Since: 2010
At Corlears Since: 2016
What I love about Corlears: Our wonderful community.
Istoda Mulladjanova
Seedlings Assistant Teacher
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Sara Nixon
Studio Art Teacher
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
Credentials:
Union College, Bachelor of Arts
At Corlears Since: 2017
What I love about Corlears: I love welcoming people into our vibrant community!
Yris Osoria
Facilities Support
Joshua Penn
Fifth Grade Head Teacher
Credentials:
Northeastern University, Bachelor of Science
Master of Science in Education
Teaching Since: 2017
At Corlears Since: 2016
What I love about Corlears: Getting to work with such a warm and friendly community, and of course, our absolutely amazing students!
Denise Prieto
School Psychology Intern
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Nyasha Quinones
Employee Relations Manager, Human Resources Associate
Credentials:
Adelphi University, Bachelor of Arts
At Corlears Since: 2016
What I love about Corlears: The smiles I see every day!
Amanda Quinn Banks
Admissions Associate
This page is under construction; bio coming soon!
Dr. Keba M. Rogers
School Psychologist and Leading Community Life Team
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Sylvia Jane Sackheim
Seedlings Assistant Teacher
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Sabrina Scattoni
Sabrina Scattoni is an Associate Teacher for the Red Seedlings. She has a Bachelor's in Italian Studies and has been working in the childcare field since 2015. Sabrina enjoys working with young children and helping them grow to be the best versions of themselves they can be!
Shanna Scott
Third Grade Head Teacher
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: The thing I love most about being a teacher is my students! Building relationships and creating communities of learners is the best part of teaching!
Ilana Sherman
Ilana Sherman is currently the Second Grade Associate Teacher at Corlears School. She holds a Bachelors in Marketing and is obtaining her Master’s degree in both Childhood Education and Special Education. She is focusing on Learning Disabilities and obtaining her Masters through Hunter College. She is dedicated to providing a learning environment in where every child feel successful.
Rachel Sherman
First Grade Head Teacher
Credentials:
Hofstra University, Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (with a concentration in Linguistics)
Hunter College, Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
New York State Early Childhood Certification
Teaching Since: 2015
At Corlears Since: 2019
What I love about Corlears: The small and warm community.
Amanda Steiner
Director of Marketing and Engagement
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.
Janil Tejada
Outplacement Consultant
This page is under construction. Bio coming soon!
Mansi Vasa
Assistant Head of School and Director of Equity and Inclusion
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!