Meet Our Team
Administration
A native New Yorker, I was raised in Brooklyn on Clinton Avenue, a few blocks from Fort Greene Park and Pratt Institute. I grew up speaking Spanish and am also fluent in Catalán. My family and neighbors instilled in me a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around me. An alumna of the Hotchkiss School, I attended Duke University. I graduated in three years with a double major in History and Spanish Language & Literature and a minor in Art History. It was at Duke that I discovered that my true calling was in the classroom. I began my career in independent schools in the early 90s, teaching, coaching, and doing admissions work at boarding schools, including Phillips Exeter Academy and Milton Academy. Before moving abroad, I taught Spanish and History at La Jolla Country Day School and was the founding Lower School Spanish teacher at Greenwich Academy. During my over a decade in Europe, I taught every grade from first through twelfth and taught English courses for medical professionals at the Universitat d’Andorra. I was also the world language chair and head of the lower school at the Agora International School in the Principality of Andorra. At the American International School in Cyprus, I served as the Social Studies department chair. Since returning to the U.S. in 2012, I have enjoyed being both an educator and a student. I was the recipient of a Klingenstein Fellowship at Columbia’s Teacher College, and in 2020 I began the Ed.M program in School Leadership at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. A Ph.D. may be in my future post-pandemic. Before joining Northside as head of school in 2017, I was a founding faculty member at Avenues: The World School’s NYC campus, where I held various roles, including head of grades 6 and 7, director of middle and upper school admissions, and dean of students. I currently live with my family in Fort Greene, a few blocks away from my childhood home. We have two Cypriot cats, Luna and Iker Casillas, and a Boston terrier named Priscilla. When I’m not at school, you can usually find me in my backyard or binge-watching a series on the sofa. I love the Nets and March Madness. I also love movies, going for walks, sharing great meals with friends, and the Arts. Traveling, though, is my absolute favorite thing to do. My suitcase is always ready.
Born and raised on Long Island, I’ve spent most of my adult life living in Manhattan and Queens. I graduated from Cornell University many moons ago and have completed graduate course work in special education from Hunter College. My husband and I have 5 kids between us- so we always have someone around! I started my career as a stay at home mom shuffling my kids between different schools and volunteering on the Parents’ Associations at each school. When I decided to return to the workforce, I knew I had to work in a school. I’ve spent the past 15 years in different roles in schools- but my favorite is in Operations. In my free time, I am an avid Peloton rider and can talk your ear off about #boocrew. I also love reading and going to an actual B &N store is one of my favorite activities. I’m super excited to be a part of this community!
Interim Head of K-8 / Director of Teaching & Learning
Shiva McClellan
Email: smcclellan@willnorth.org
Born and raised in Pittsburgh. At the start of Middle School, my family moved to NJ and I have lived on the east coast ever since. My fondest memories as a student were during my elementary school years in Mt. Lebanon, PA. My teachers and school principal instilled a love of learning during these formative years and inspired me to become an educator. However, due to parental guidance, I did not follow my passion for teaching during my undergraduate studies. Instead, I studied Business Marketing during my undergraduate years at Montclair State University and worked in the Advertising Industry in NYC for four years. After a short-lived career in advertising, I knew that I needed to follow my passion and pursue a career as an educator. I attended Johns Hopkins University and obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education. Upon graduation, I began my teaching career as a 5th grade teacher and attended Seton Hall University to obtain a post-Master degree in educational leadership, management, and policy supervision. I have nearly 20 years’ experience in education. My experiences include 11 years independent school administrative experience, 12 years elementary and middle school teaching experience, and experience in co-ed, single sex, parochial, and public schools. Northside’s motto: Aude Quaerere (Dare to Ask), reminds me of my decision to change my career and follow my dream of becoming an educator. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors, running, yoga, traveling, the arts, and spending time with family and friends.
Born and raised on Long Island, I currently reside in Huntington with my wife and partner of 21 years and our twin girls (9). I started my career at Williamsburg Northside School over 20 years ago as a Head Teacher in the Preschool 2s program. Over these past two decades at Northside I have worn many hats, including working in Admissions for over 10 years (currently my title is Director of Enrollment and Administration for our Preschool 2s, 3s and PK program). I began my Early Childhood Education studies while in Santa Cruz California in 1995. This experience further cemented my desire to move back to New York and continue my work with young children. I have a strong passion for teaching and making sure every child’s needs are met, respected and validated. I have dedicated a huge portion of my life to working with preschool children and creating a sense of community for the families we serve here at Williamsburg Northside. I am a proud Owl!
Born and raised in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint area, I'm thrilled to be part of a community that brings me back home. From an elementary student at P.S. 31 to a middle school student at M.S. 577 (back when the school was a trailer attached to P.S. 132), I always knew that I was passionate about education and people. I graduated from Long Island University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. I've spent the last five years in admissions and enrollment, building relationships with families and helping them discover exceptional schools for their children to grow, explore, create, and learn, such as Northside. I currently live in Queens with my husband, and we are proud dog parents to Mimi, a loveable toy poodle. In my free time, I enjoy a great Netflix series, trying new restaurants, heading to a Mets game, and all things personal finance. I am a natural-born minimalist, and I love the winter because there are no bugs.
I am the youngest of nine siblings and as a family we loved traveling and creating new experiences together, so we moved around a lot when I was younger. While I currently reside in New Jersey, I grew up living all over the country and experienced many different cultures and lifestyles. My family and I went from living on a farm on the Shenandoah river in West Virginia, to the suburbs of Potomac and Bethesda, to a tent in the northern wilderness of Idaho, to a ranch in Colorado and Missouri, and ultimately to the deserts of Arizona. While I attended film school in hopes of getting into the movie business, life led me in another direction where I ended up becoming a Firefighter. Then, after a back injury forced me to retire early from the fire service, I attended Arizona State University where I majored in Computer Science. While working as computer programmer after college, I rediscovered my passion for the arts and became a freelance photographer and videographer. During that time I also built websites, designed and coded enterprise software, and ran the marketing and communications for a company in my old home town of Jerome, Arizona. I love film and photography, disc golf, and almost all things nature and outdoors. After spending so much of my childhood on farms and in the wilderness, nature is my ultimate form of therapy and relaxation; especially after dealing with NY traffic :)
Executive Administrative Assistant & Afterschool Coordinator
Erika Soler
Email: esoler@willnorth.org
I was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and am proud of it. I graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology, where I majored in Electronics and minored in Management. Project management, Education, and Operations are my passion. I love helping everyone succeed, and working at WNS since 2017 has been so rewarding in my life. I started as a receptionist at the ITC (Infant Toddler Center). Shortly after, I moved on to the Lower School as the Executive Administrative Assistant and Afterschool Coordinator, which has become another passion/interest. I love when I walk through the floors and the children call out my name; I feel like I'm doing my job. My twins say; Mom, you're the mom at WILLNORTH. I am a summer baby, so I love the beach, outside activities, and amusement parks. My favorite foods are pizza and guacamole!
I was born in the sunny Dominican Republic, a Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches, lakes, rivers and mountains. I am the only child to a college professor/businessman and a brilliant mathematician. I am a Computer Engineer by degree and a teacher by heart. I have two Master’s degrees in Telecommunications and Education; and I obtained my Orton-Gillingam certification here in NYC two years ago. Next year marks my 20th year as an educator. I have taught every age group at this point, the youngest group being the one year olds, the oldest, college students. I have had many roles within the school setting (technology facilitator, library head & media coordinator, interventionist) during this time but the one closest to my heart is helping students in their learning journey, one I’ve had for the past eight years. My favorite place in the world is, you guessed it, the beach. I love to read (historical fiction novels the most) and learn new things!
Bio coming soon!
Head of Maintenance
Ramon Valle
PRESCHOOL FACULTY
Preschool Head Teachers
I am a Native Yorker from Brooklyn. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education/ child psychology. I Recently also earned my Master’s degree in early childhood education/curriculum and instruction. I’ve been with the Williamsburg Northside community since 2013 starting as a student teacher then a floater, assistant teacher and currently a head teacher. Prior to Williamsburg Northside I worked as an assistant teacher in SUNY Downstate child center for children with special needs. My teaching philosophy is that all children have an innate desire to be curious. The curiosity that children possess will guide them as they develop socially, cognitively, and physically. All children are capable and willing to learn with the proper guidance. I enjoy my spare time cycling and enjoying time with my family and my 3 year old daughter (who is also a part of the Northside family) exploring all that New York has to offer.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and still here! I graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education B- grade 6and a Masters degree in Special Education B-Grade 6. From the age of 14 I started babysitting and working at different camps that I used to attend as a child, which is where I found my love for early childhood education. I have been working here at Northside for six years, three as an assistant teacher and three years as a head teacher with 2’s. My overall experiences working in both 2’s and 3’s classrooms as well as after school and extended learning has helped me to understand the importance of exploration in play in the overall development of a child. I am a lover of great stories such as “The Color Monster”, or “The Book With No Pictures” where I can become all of the characters with the students. As a kinesthetic and auditory learner you will always find me getting my hands messy with shaving cream or paint as well as singing along to some of my favorite songs. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy getting lost in a good book, catching up on my favorite shows, having picnics in Prospect Park and attending my favorite sporting events (Go Mets!)
I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY. I have been an early childhood educator for the past 16 years. I earned my Masters Degree in early childhood education from City College. Over the years I have taught children from the ages of 2-7 years old. I have remained in early childhood because I believe that all children need a solid foundation rooted in critical thinking skills, self love, love for others and a passion for learning new things their way. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my son, traveling, shopping and learning about interior design.
I came to Brooklyn from Connecticut after graduating from college. I’d known Brooklyn since my early childhood and am happy and proud of the life I’ve made for myself in Williamsburg! Soon after moving here I uncovered my interest in early childhood education and discovered Williamsburg Northside Preschool. My first teaching job ever was as an assistant teacher in the Sea Lions 3s class. Since then I have earned an MA in Early Childhood and Childhood General Education, taught in a variety of different aged classrooms around NYC, and landed back at WNP as a head 3s teacher and, this year, as a PK teacher, once again with the Sea Lions! I love the circular nature of my teaching journey, and am grateful to Northside for giving me a home in children’s education.
I was born and raised in Barbados, WI. I love island life; sitting on the beach and drinking coconut water directly from the coconut. Going on island safari rides, but most of all I love spending time with my family. I migrated to the USA as a teen and lived in Brooklyn NY ever since. I am an adventurous person. I love to travel and explore new things. Here is a little bit about my teaching and education background. My decision to enter the educational field was a direct result of having inspirational teachers throughout my own early education. I have been co-teaching for a total of seven years, and this will be my fourth year teaching at Williamsburg Northside School. I began my time at Northside as a Pre-kindergarten co-teacher, first as a Narwhal, and then as a Penguin. This past school year I gained even more experience as a co-teacher, moving up to Kindergarten. I especially love working with this young age group because I enjoy finding new and fun ways to help children learn. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education, and also a degree in Children's Studies & Child Psychology from Brooklyn College.
I am a lead prekindergarten teacher at Williamsburg Northside Preschool. I have been a part of the Northside family since the 2019-2020 school year. I have been a New Yorker all my life and it has effectively shaped my attitude, self-expression, passion and love for a vibrant mix of world influences. I am Caribbean American and enjoy celebrating the history, culture and traditions of my ancestors. My husband, Marcus and I live in Brooklyn with our son and daughter and the newest member of our tribe, “Brooklyn”, our mini English Bulldog puppy. I prefer to teach Early Childhood Education because, well, I enjoy playing! "Play activates a child's own desire to learn." - Maria Montessori. I am a “Master” educator not solely because persons with degrees are uniformly assigned this title but because I understand that education is anything but a linear process, instead, a collaborative process for students and educators. My teaching philosophy is rooted in my belief that education should be an equal and equitable child-centered experience that involves interactions between developing people, the environment and the culture in which they live. It is also my life’s work to provide a culturally responsive environment that emits fairness and inclusion that is visible and unmistakably felt by the community. As an educator it is my hope that after getting to know me, when you see me, you see you.
Preschool Assistant Teachers
I was born in the Dominican Republic, from Williamsburg Brooklyn. I am certified Child Development Associate (CDA). Prior to joining WNS I worked as a Home Health Aide. Teaching is my passion and admire the ability of each child to discover their own way of learning. Now I work in the 3s,Squids class at WNP. Over the years I have taught children from the ages 9 months -5 years old. Love traveling and getting to know different cultures, I also enjoy spending time with my parents and family.
I was born and raised in New York and reside in Queens. I currently hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English education and have been working with children ranging from infant to 3K for about three years, in locations in both Woodside Queens and Manhattan New York. I earned my Bachelor’s degree at Queens College and will be returning for my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Hunter in Spring of 2022. I now work as an assistant for WNS in the sea turtles classroom! I am very passionate about providing a quality education for children as well as encouraging a safe and fun environment for them to thrive in. Outside of school I enjoy jogging, traveling and discovering new food places around New York City to eat.
I am a proud, queer, first generation Filipinx-American. I was born in Rockland County, NY and lived there for most of my life but have always loved the city. I studied at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx and graduated with my B.A. in sociology. I started working at a preschool soon after as an assistant teacher. Through that job I found my passion for early childhood education and my love for teaching. After that I worked as a co-teacher in a Montessori classroom. I now live in Brooklyn upon joining the WNS family. I love early childhood education because people are at the peak of their curiosity and exploration. I enjoy watching children grow into their fullest selves and helping them out along the way. I believe in teaching honesty, inclusion, and compassion through nurturing the mind, body, and soul. I am very excited for what my time at WNS has in store.
Bio coming soon!
Preschool Art & Music Teachers
I grew up on the Upper West Side, and moved to Williamsburg in 1996. From age 8 through middle school I performed with a children's theater company; a truly formative experience. I began studying music as a vocal major at LaGuardia HS, and majored in Theater at SUNY Binghamton. I have at least 25 years experience teaching theater and music to children of all ages in camps, afterschool programs, and schools. I have also worked extensively in intergenerational theater, bringing senior citizens and teens together to create plays based on personal shared stories.I believe that all people, no matter their age, have creative impulses that are worthy of nurture and attention. I aim to create an atmosphere of joy where children can explore the full range of their natural musical abilities, and take pride in mastering new skills.
I was born and raised in Westchester, NY and am now pushing my 7th year living in Brooklyn. I started at Northside in 2015 as an Assistant Teacher, moved on to head teach for three years until finally, my dreams came true and I became our in-house Preschool Art Teacher. I graduated from Saint John’s with a degree in Graphic Design but after realizing I did not want to spend all of my time in front of a computer, I decided to return to school to get my masters in what combines two of my biggest passions: Art and Children. My other passions include my rescue-pup, Gator and my sleepaway camp which I have been associated with since 2001 and currently serve as the Assistant Director. I strive to make the Art Studio a place for ANY child to feel welcome and safe, to be creative, to explore and to get messy!
K-8 FACULTY
Lower School Teachers
A proud New Yorker, I grew up in Brooklyn where I continue to reside with my husband and two children. I studied psychology at Amherst College, where I discovered a passion for working with young children. After graduating, I returned to New York and went on to study Early Childhood Leadership at Bank Street School of Education. My teaching career spans fourteen years of teaching at progressive, independent educational institutions. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and exploring the ever-changing neighborhoods of New York City. I also love photography, music, dance, and am a bit of a foodie. I have found true joy in teaching Kindergarten - a year that is always filled with wonder, discovery, and tremendous growth!
I’m a Brooklynite, born and raised, and there is nowhere I’d rather be. I’m in the middle of earning my Undergraduate degree in Education with a minor in Child’s Studies. The majority of my professional experience is at Brooklyn Game Lab, an afterschool that focused on teaching through gaming, which I worked at for six years. At Brooklyn Game Lab I taught and facilitated countless board games, ran interactive storytelling games, assisted children as young as 5 with creating or modifying their own games, and ran huge in-class discussions about game mechanics. I have a huge passion for games, particularly Dungeons & Dragons, and in general I have a soft spot in my heart for anything traditionally labeled as “nerdy”. I also am an avid Rubik’s Cube “speed solver” with an average time of 22 seconds. I believe in teaching children to love learning first- and with every step moving forward with empathy and compassion for young minds.
I was born in Guyana but migrated to the U.S when I was a child. I travel back there every chance I get to relax, refuel and enjoy the delicious cuisine. I earned my B.A. at Long Island University. I started working with younger kids when I was in high school and I've enjoyed it ever since. My favorite thing to do is to travel to various countries and experience each place from a local perspective. I'm a collector of teacups and have one from every place I've visited. I'm an avid tea drinker but not a fan of coffee. I enjoy playing tennis, fishing, and gardening. In March I was blessed with my
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, I grew up immersed in the performing arts and eventually went on to teach dance to children on Oahu. I later moved to New York City to attend New York University where I received a BFA in Drama and double majored in Economics. There I was a three year member of the NYU Dance Team and an active participant in NYU Lamplighters theatre for young audiences and city kids mentorship program. After graduating I taught Preschool and Play & Learn classes at Gymboree Play & Music in Manhattan. If I’m not in the classroom or on stage, you’ll probably find me baking a cake, running a half marathon, or buried in a good book. I’m so excited to be a new team member of the WNS family and can’t wait to explore, ask questions, and discover with my Kindergarteners in and out of the classroom.
I was born and raised in Chelsea and have spent a lot of time on Long Island. I graduated from SUNY Purchase with a degree in Sociology in Education. It was there I found my passion for teaching young children. I graduated from Bank Street College of Education with a dual Masters in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. Before coming to Northside, I taught in various progressive schools in Manhattan. I live in the East Village with my husband Jason and our two rescue cats Cooper and Milo. I love documentaries, baking, and walking around the city!
I was born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and continue to reside in this borough that I am proud to call my home. When I am not in the classroom, I am traveling to Puerto Rico, where my parents are from, going on road trips, listening to music, or playing 80s video games. Several years ago, I made the right choice to change my career from banking to education. I am a graduate of Brooklyn College with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education & Special Needs and a second Bachelor’s degree in Children and Youth Studies. While pursuing my college degrees, I taught infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at an Early Head Start school in Brooklyn. Prior to teaching in Early Head Start I was a Jumpstart Corps Member where I helped Pre-K students develop the necessary skills to become Kindergarten ready. I started my teaching journey at Williamsburg Northside as a student teacher, then became an assistant teacher. Today, I am a proud owl teaching First Grade!
I grew up in the Bronx after my parents migrated from the amazing island of Jamaica in the 80s. I have also called Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Brooklyn home as well. I graduated from the Collegiate School, then studied American Studies with a concentration in Africana studies at Williams College. After spending some time at a tech startup and doing freelance writing, I began my teaching career, and have since taught at Grace Church School, Dalton, Bank Street School for Children (where I completed my Master’s in General and Special Education) and Speyer Legacy School, working with grades K-4 and developing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion learning and practices at each stop. I am super happy to be an Owl and a part of this wonderful Williamsburg Northside community!
I was born and raised in Stamford, CT by parents who migrated there from the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan in the 80s. I am a proud graduate of Stamford Public Schools and went on to attend the University of Connecticut where I received my BS in Allied Health Science. After some soul-searching, I pursued my Masters in Education from the University of Bridgeport and taught first and third grades at Strawberry Hill School, a K-8 International Baccalaureate in Stamford. I recently got married and moved to Forest Hills, NY with my husband. I feel so fortunate to join the staff and students at Williamsburg Northside, where I hope to continue fostering a nurturing community of learners who are celebrated each day!
Jennifer joins the WNS family from the DoE, where she taught Special Education and, most recently, Gifted and Talented classes. She’s a native New Yorker, who grew up in Queens and attended New York University to study journalism. Following graduation, she took 12 driving lessons, bought a car, and moved to Atlanta. There, she worked at CNN International as a Producer. After a short stint in Boston and Charlotte, Jennifer returned home to be a Writer at CNN, and later, an Assistant News Editor at the Financial Times. Jennifer reinvented herself in 2009 when she went back to NYU and got a MA in Childhood Education, following in her mother’s footsteps. She currently lives in Manhattan and shares her home with rescue animals. She volunteered at the city animal shelter for a decade and has fostered kittens and puppies.
I am originally from New York City, but grew up mostly in Morris County, New Jersey. Currently I live in Prospect Heights. I received a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education. Before coming to Northside for the 2020-2021 school year, I worked for five years as a fifth grade math teacher in Bed-Stuy. I encourage students to take ownership of their learning by finding topics and skills they enjoy, and also by leaning into more challenging or less approachable material. Outside of work, I love reading, live music, running, cooking and playing chess.
I am a born and raised New Yorker, who has also lived in Ranomafana, Madagascar researching local wildlife. I earned my Bachelors in Science in Biology, specializing in Ecology and Evolution, from Stony Brook University. My teaching career began at The American Museum of Natural History and extended to teaching elementary science at Rodeph Sholom School on the Upper West Side, Manhattan. I have a soft spot for animals and paleontology. I would often spend summers volunteering at The Wild Bird Fund, a wildlife rehabilitation center in NYC, helping injured birds from around the city. Sometimes I can also be found digging through the sands at beaches or the rocks of the grand canyon looking for organisms and fossils to observe. I’m passionate about making science education accessible, equitable, and enjoyable. I aim to have my classroom filled with smiles, laughter, and wonder!
Middle School Teachers
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, I recently travelled across the world to relocate to the US in 2020. A ‘new’ New Yorker, I am thrilled to be part of the Williamsburg Northside community. I obtained my Master of Teaching degree at the University of Melbourne, before taking on the incredible opportunity to travel Europe and teach in London. Afterwards, I established my teaching career in Melbourne, teaching Grade 1-6. In my free time I love to explore my new found home of New York City, chill out with a good book and spend time with family. I am passionate about building a supportive classroom community that is full of laughter and empowering students to achieve their goals. If anyone has any tips to help this Australian survive New York winter, let me know!
I grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, where I forged a love for music, movies, and language. At Oberlin College, I studied Spanish and education. I loved my classes and professors at Oberlin, but my favorite part were the opportunities to teach in town. During my time there, I taught Spanish to grades K-3, coached at an afterschool program that integrated math and sports, and served as director of the Big Parade, a community outreach initiative (I built an enormous Rubik’s Cube out of cardboard boxes!). From Ohio I moved to NYC and went on to teach in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades at Berkeley Carroll. I received my Master’s in Childhood Education from Bank Street. I strive to educate with a sense of joy, humor, and collaboration, and to foster in my classroom a commitment to critical inquiry and social justice. In my free time, I love to read, paint, cook, watch movies, and DJ!
Originally from north Texas, I moved to NYC four years ago. I received my Bachelor’s degree in History and my Master of Education from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Before coming to Northside, I taught middle school social studies for four years in Texas and two years at Lawrence Woodmere Academy in Long Island. I am a firm believer in teaching students how to be engaged in the world around them and how to be active citizens in a digital age. Outside of school, I enjoy finding a good book from the Strand and other small bookstores, gaming with friends, and taking advantage of the parks in the city.
I joined Northside as a proud founding member of the Middle School faculty in 2019. Prior, I taught at a local elementary school and also practiced law in New York for six years. I’m originally from Michigan and moved to the East Coast to attend law school at Georgetown University. Switching to a career in education has given me the opportunity to put values like community, collaboration, and creativity at the forefront of my professional life. I encourage students to explore new worlds through reading and find their own voice through writing, for both personal and academic growth. New York City is my favorite place, and I love running and biking around the boroughs.
Born and raised on Long Island, I attended Adelphi University where I majored in Math receiving a Bachelors of Science, as well as a Masters of Arts in Education. Being that I am New York State certified to teach 5th through 12th grade, I have played an active role in both middle school and high school math classes over the past several years. In 2018, I proudly joined the Northside community as a founding member of the Middle School faculty. I believe that math is best learned through activities that allow students to explore, understand and derive the material on their own. By offering multiple methods when solving problems, all students are capable of succeeding and establishing a strong mathematical foundation. In my free time I love going to the beach, spending time with family and friends and traveling all over the world!
Originally from Chicago, I moved to Brooklyn this year to start teaching at Northside. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Duke University and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Before coming to Northside I taught middle school science at the Bernard Zell school in Chicago and the Ramaz School in New York. For the past two years I was working for Medicare as a data analyst. In my view, middle school is an important and unique time of life for students to grow their critical thinking skills and to begin to develop a true sense of self. Outside of school you can find me riding around on a Citibike exploring new neighborhoods and trying delicious foods.
Music
Born and raised in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, I am a second-generation master percussionist, an arts educator, lecturer, and traditional spiritual-health counselor. I am a GRAMMY® Award-winning musician and the Founder/CEO of THE FADARA GROUP, a multi-faceted organization that intertwines music, culture, and spirituality within our educational programming and international social justice initiatives. As a graduate of The Dalton School and Wesleyan University, my B.A. studies in Music and M.A. studies in Ethnomusicology (both at Wesleyan) aided in solidifying my multicultural teaching style. I intentionally center African and African Diasporic cultures and traditions, while promoting development of global perspectives. In recognition of this chosen commitment to uplift traditional African culture, I was installed as a chief in Osogbo, Nigeria by a council of elders. In addition to instructing at WNS, I regularly accept invitations to present African-centered programs to progressive independent and public educational facilities, universities, cultural institutions, and corporations nationwide.
I grew up in Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Connecticut. I lived in a few places around the US, settling in Park Slope, and now, Windsor Terrace, with my wife, a violinist, and our 3 sons. After studying writing at Skidmore, I received a Masters in guitar from USC. I am involved in many independent schools in New York City, as well as music schools instructing guitar, ensembles, and improvisation, with additional work in performance, composition, and production. I crave the outdoors, particularly climbing, hiking, running, and biking, and visiting parks, gardens, and zoos with my family. My teaching philosophy seeks joy through focus and mastery via many musical styles. Decades in, I remain awed by the guitar’s breadth and ability to carry music in so many directions, and love to share that with our Owls.
I grew up in North Macedonia where I studied Viola Performance and earned my Master's degree in Culture and Arts Management. I went to Brazil as a volunteer teaching string ensembles, performing and recording and then came to New York, went back to school and received my Master’s in Education (Music) from Teachers College, Columbia University. My experience working in independent schools began at City and Country, Friends Seminary (strings & orchestra, and early childhood music teacher), and Bank Street School for Children (recorders). For the last three years I was teaching music at Brearley School utilizing Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk methodologies which integrate music, movement, speech and drama as a way to develop children’s musicianship and music literacy skills. I enjoy reading short stories, collecting children's picture books, and biking by Hudson River. I am passionate about ethnomusicology and discovering the music traditions of different world cultures. Apart from singing, playing instruments, and making music I love doing creative art projects with younger students too. I'm looking forward to being part of the Williamsburg talented and vibrant community. I'm happy that I discovered the NYC ferry!
Art
I was born in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, and moved to the United States when I was in the 5th grade. I studied fine arts (emphasis of study in drawing and painting) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and earned my Master’s in Arts and Art Education in Teachers College, Columbia University. After graduating, I have taught art for middle schoolers at a charter school and elementary school students at a New York City public school. As an art teacher, my goal is to support children with positive learning where young artists are encouraged to experiment, create, and present their ideas and artistic experiences. Outside of school I enjoy viewing artworks through exploring art exhibitions in galleries and museums.
World Languages
Born and raised in Galicia, Spain. I just moved to New York a month ago and am excited to be a part of the WNS community as their Spanish teacher for MS. My field of knowledge is education, psychology, social sciences and language teaching. I have a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and two master’s degrees in Education (sexual-affective, counseling & teaching sciences). My certifications include teaching in Spain all through 5th grade to 12th grade and also a camp counselor certification for summer camps. My professional backgrounds begins in 2016 and it has taken all around the globe (London, Madrid, Bilbao, Canada and now NY) as an English teacher, psychology teacher, sex education teacher and camp counselor in English language. Apart from that, I am fluent in three languages (Galician, Spanish & English). Outside of my professional life, I am a very extroverted person who likes to meet new people and learn about new cultures and lifestyles. Also, I enjoy video games, hip hop dancing, music, martial arts, and basically anything that has to do with computers and learning new things about human behavior.
I was born in Wuhan, China and spent most of my childhood and youth there until coming to the U.S. to pursue my graduate degree. I earned my master degree in Teaching Languages Other Than English and English as a Second Language in Hofstra University. After graduation, I worked in different Chinese language schools and immersion programs to teach Chinese Mandarin to students from elementary school students to adults. As an immigrant and a world language teacher, I like to use engaging activities and authentic tasks to have students experience and appreciate the beauty of various languages and cultures in the world. When I am free, I like to explore the neighborhood of New York City with my friends.
Athletics
I was born and raised in Astoria, Queens. I attended college at St. Francis College in downtown Brooklyn. Throughout my college career, I had various coaching jobs that included gymnastics, baseball, soccer, basketball for elementary school students. After completion of my B.S. in Physical Education from SFC, I taught P.E. and gymnastics at LREI for 1st-4th grade. Prior to joining WNS I was teaching P.E. at Léman Manhattan Preparatory School for grades 6th-12th. As a physical educator, I believe that a “sound mind in a sound body” is the key to success. I learned that at an early age and hold it to be true still. Outside of school and work I enjoy playing sports in recreational leagues or attending sporting events throughout the city.
Born and raised in Astoria, NY. I have just graduated from Queens college with a Bachelors in Physical Education. I started volunteering at 13 years old at a gymnastics organization in Astoria called D.A Sokol. To this day I still volunteer there and it is how I realized I wanted to be a Physical Education teacher. Last semester I had the opportunity to student teach at a High School and Elementary School. I had a great experience at both schools and knew I was on the right path. I have coached many other sports over the years as well. In my spare time, I love watching movies, trying new restaurants, and going hiking!