6th Grade Science/Social Studies
nicole.bailey@equalitycharterschool.org
Ms. Bailey graduated from Iona College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Minor in History. She recently graduated with her Masters in Literacy and Special Education and is now continuing her education at Stony Brook University. Ms. Bailey strongly believes in the success and individuality of each and every student.

7th/8th Grade Science TA
anthony.barker@equalitycharterschool.org
Anthony has his Masters in Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati. He is currently working on his Masters with the focus on Math and Science at Hunter College. He has 19 years working with children of all ages. His hobbies are Martial Arts, Reading, and Sports. Anthony’s goal for his students at Equality is prepare them for life and to provide them with tools necessary in achieving their goals.

Life & Literacy
amanda.bub@equalitycharterschool.org
Ms. Bub graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Minor in English Language Arts. She also graduated with her Masters in Literacy and Special Education. Ms. Bub strongly believes in the premise that all students can learn in an environment that is safe, rigorous and educationally stimulating to all learners.

8th Grade Math (SPED)
cathy.butler@equalitycharterschool.org
In 2004, Ms. Butler graduated from Iona College with a finance degree. After college, I worked as a personal financial advisor. Several years later I realized that my true passion was in education and children. In 2009, I graduated from Manhattanville College with a master's degree in mathematics education.

7th Grade Math
tracy.charles@equalitycharterschool.org
Before switching careers, I worked in the consumer products industry as a financial analyst. Through the New York City Fellows Program, I began teaching in 2005. I earned my Master of Education in Middle School Math from City College and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Baruch College. I have a passion for teaching and empowering young people to believe in themselves and do their best.

6th Grade Science/Social Studies (SPED)
vito.dimatteo@equalitycharterschool.org
Mr. Dimatteo graduated from Manhattanville College with a Masters Degree in Elementary Education with an extension in Special Education. After working as a recruiter in Manhattan for 2 years, Mr. Dimatteo realized that his true passion was to teach. Last Year Mr. Dimatteo taught 5th grade in the Mount Vernon, and he also helped teach ESL scholars from Spain during a summer program.

8th Grade ELA
caitlin.duross@equalitycharterschool.org
Caitlin earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and in Adolescent Education from Siena College. After graduating from Siena she went on to attain her Students with Special Disabilities Certification for grades 5th through 12th. Currently she is furthering her education by working on obtaining her master’s degree at Stony Brook University. Prior to joining Equality, Caitlin taught English for two years at the middle and high school level in a public school on Long Island. Through her experiences in the field of education she has developed the belief that all children have the ability to thrive in a positive educational atmosphere. This year she is very excited to have the opportunity to begin her journey with the remarkable staff and students at Equality!

8th Grade Dean
maya.echols@equalitycharterschool.org
Maya Echols is the 8th grade dean at Equality Charter School. This is her 11th year in the field of education working with youth. She has her Master’s of Science in Adolescent education English Language Arts Special education grades 7-12 and a Bachelor of Science in English from Mercy College. She has been with Equality since they opened up their doors 4 years ago.

6th Grade Math (SPED)
aiesha.edwards@equalitycharterschool.org
In 2005, Aiesha graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature with a minor in Japanese Culture and began teaching at a private school in S.C. She entered the New York City Teaching Fellows in 2006 and earned a Master's in Urban Education from Mercy College. She is certified in Special Education from 5th - 9th grade with a General Education extension. Aiesha passionately believes that all children deserve the best education possible to prepare them for the people. 

Physical Education/Health/Athletic Director
amanda.farrison@equalitycharterschool.org
Amanda Farrison was born and raised in Moro, Arkansas. She attended Long Island University where she played softball and basketball. While she was there she also received her bachelor’s of Science in "Physical Education in an Urban Setting". From there she was a Division 1 Basketball coach for 7 years at Iona College where she received her Master’s in Business Administration. She has been at Equality since it opened in 2009 teaching PE, Health and is also the Athletic Director. She is married with a son.

Principal
caitlin.franco@equalitycharterschool.org
Caitlin earned a Masters of Education in Educational Policy from Harvard University and a Bachelors Degree in Secondary English Education and Advanced Leadership Certificate from Stony Brook University. She also completed an intensive English literature program abroad at the University of Westminster in London, England and is a certified trainer in Data Teams, Data-Driven Decision Making, and Common Formative Assessments from Dr. Douglas Reeves' The Leadership and Learning Center located in Denver, Colorado. Caitlin has taught both middle and high school students in Harlem and the Bronx. She holds NYS Professional Certification in English and NYS School Building Level and School District Level Administrator's Certification.

6th Grade ELA (SPED)
kristen.greco@equalitycharterschool.org
Kristen Greco graduated from Adelphi University attaining a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Masters Degree in Childhood Education with an extension in Special Education and Adolescent Education. Kristen has taught Read 180 and System 44 at Equality Charter School for two years. This year she will be educating 6th grade ELA scholars.  She is very excited to embark on her third year teaching at Equality Charter School where she can empower children to be the best individuals they can grow into.

Operations Manager
tracee.helton@equalitycharterschool.org
Tracee Helton joined Equality Charter School in August 2010 after 10+ years of working in Corporate America. She is very excited to be in a field now working directly with children. Tracee is a mom of 3 so she knows the importance of a good education. Tracee is looking forward to a great year and years to come with Equality!

7th Grade Math (SPED)
scott.hendrie@equalitycharterschool.org
Scott graduated Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Science in both Finance and Accounting. After a couple of years in the financial world, he returned to Pace University to get his Masters in Science and Teaching. He has spent the past 7 years teaching math at the high school level and is excited to begin working with children at the middle school level. He has recently earned his special education certification, and is also coach soccer and golf and various levels during his spare time.

Director of Instruction & RTI
amanda.huza@equalitycharterschool.org
Amanda Huza is a Bronx native. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development from Manhattan College and has her Master’s of Science in Education with a concentration in Reading and Literacy. She is currently pursuing her degree in School Building Leadership at Mercy College and looks forward to using the insight gained throughout her studies to provide instructional support for the ELA, Electives and Social Studies Departments. Her experiences span across elementary, middle and high school. She is a strong believer in the power of developing oneself as a life-long learner, and strives to cultivate this same belief among her family, and the staff and scholars at Equality . Her teaching philosophy has been shaped by each educational experience, including her work as the PBIS Internal Coach and RtI Specialist at Equality.

7th Grade Dean
reginald.jay@equalitycharterschool.org
Mr. Jay graduated from South Carolina St. University with a B.A. in Sociology. Before coming to E.C.S., he was the Director for The Young Achievers After-School Program located inside of P.S. 160. Mr. Jay is a strong advocate for higher education, and believes all children have the potential to succeed in life, as long as they have the proper guidance.

8th Grade Math
marija.kero@equalitycharterschool.org
Marija Kero earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics & Adolescent Education from Pace University in New York City. Prior to joining Equality, Marija taught high school Math in the NYC Public School System. She is very excited to be part of a staff that shares her passion and belief that EVERY student can succeed if we set high goals for them, and help them achieve those goals through high academic rigor and engagement in our classrooms. Ms.Kero is also the ECS Eagles Cheerleading Coach for the 2011-2012 season.

Social Worker
kate.lederer@equalitycharterschool.org
Kate Lederer holds a Bachelors Degree from Colgate University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Educational Studies. She also holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University. Kate spent four years as an inpatient social worker at Jacobi Medical Center before coming to Equality Charter School. She is excited to begin her second year working collaboratively with ECS staff to support students in their academic achievement.

Director of Development Officer
nichole.martini@equalitycharterschool.org
Nichole Martini graduated from NYU with a masters of science in fundraising and philanthropy and holds a bachelors of arts in music from Furman University in Greenville, SC. She has been a professional sales, marketing, and fundraising professional in various companies and non-profits in New York City throughout her entire career. Nichole is delighted to be at Equality Charter School which combines her passion for education and social justice and looks forward to supporting the mission through the high school expansion.

8th Grade ELA (SPED)
marie.mcmanus@equalitycharterschool.org
Mrs. McManus, a.k.a. “Ms. Mack”, holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She has worked in education for over 25 years, having recently been a High School Director of Athletics and Physical Education. She is also currently an Adjunct Professor in Special Education at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Marie is married with two grown children and lives in Rockland County, NY. She is excited to be a part of the positive culture and community of Equality Charter School and is looking forward to great success for all of her scholars!

School Secretary
yvette.miranda@equalitycharterschool.org
Yvette Miranda has been with Equality since they opened their doors and has 19 years experience working in the corporate industry, 16 years of that being at The McGraw-Hill Companies in the Platt's, Engineering News Record Construction Magazine and Classified Ads Department. Her work experience also includes 4 years working for the U.S. Coast Guard as a government contractor for the merchant marine document regional exam center. Yvette was born, raised and still lives in the Bronx and brings to Equality exceptional customer service skills, good work ethics, courteousness, a strong loyal commitment to the success of our school and goes the extra mile regardless of how small or large the task is, and also has a good rapport with staff, parents, ECS students whom she loves and has a caring and warm relationship with.

Head of Discipline & Guidance
errol.olton@equalitycharterschool.org
Mr. Olton has been a dedicated educator here at Equality since its first opening days. He has roots in the Caribbean and is a local Bronx resident. Mr. Olton has attended both the University of Central Florida and one of the City University of New York institutions. He passionately believes that a positive behavior rewards system and a consistent disciplined approach can aid in excelling every student’s academic ability. Working with students in and out of the classroom in Equality, he encourages students to take advantage of the wonderful education before them.

DFO
gabriel.park@equalitycharterschool.org
Gabriel Park has over 10 years experience in nonprofit finance, operations and administration. He studied law at Washington University in St. Louis, after completing his Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies at New College of Florida. Gabriel lives in Brooklyn with his wife, two children and two cats.

Director of Special Education Services
kelley.parker@equalitycharterschool.org
Kelley Parker is currently from Long Island. She has a Master's Degree in Childhood Education and Special Education and has previously worked in a self-contained room with Autistic and Down-syndrome children. Kelley is a dedicated teacher who thrives on the success of the students. She is honored to be part of the Equality team. Kelley is entering her second year at Equality Charter School.

Associate Principal
favrol.philemy@equalitycharterschool.org
Favrol Philemy is a lifelong educator who is passionate about making a difference in children’s lives. Following his tenure as a Mathematics teacher in NYC for more than 10 years, he transitioned into his role as Associate Principal at Equality Charter School in 2011. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from CCNY and a Master of Science in Administration from Touro College. Favrol subscribes, faithfully, to the philosophy that high expectations coupled with academic rigor and the right instructional approaches in a safe, respectful and nurturing environment will always lead to student achievement. As such, he empowers staff on a daily basis, enabling them to challenge students while equipping them with the necessary tools in order to help them make a successful transition into secondary and post-secondary education/careers.

Facilities & Purchasing Manager
patrick.pierre@equalitycharterschool.org
Patrick a Bronx resident and a seasoned professional graduated from CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College with a B.B.A – Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in finance. Patrick’s very diverse background includes years of experience in Pharmaceutical sales as a sales representative and as a purchasing agent. Patrick also worked for years as a substitute teacher at Lincoln Hall one of the state’s largest juvenile delinquency detention centers for teenage boys. During his free time, he enjoys taken part in mentoring young men from his neighborhood.

Art Teacher
kim.polinsky@equalitycharterschool.org
Kim Polinsky received her Bachelor’s degree in Photography from the School of Visual Arts and soon after received her Master’s degree in Art Education from Manhattanville College. During that time Kim’s artwork was in a number of group gallery shows, one of which was located in Chelsea. Her passion in the arts is to motivate and challenge her students through various mediums by utilizing art history as her inspiration.

Director of Instruction
sheri.prendergast@equalitycharterschool.org
Sheri Prendergast (formally Wenzel) l earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Penn State University. After graduation, she joined Teach For America and began working as a middle school math teacher in the South Bronx while simultaneously earning a Master’s of Science in Teaching from Pace University. Sheri earned a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership at Manhattan College and would like to one day become a School Building Leader. Sheri's teaching philosophy stems from the belief that all students can achieve academically if you hold them to high expectations.

donyella.ramsey@equalitycharterschool.org
Donyella Ramsey is in her second year at Equality Charter School. Prior to working at ECS, she worked as a teacher's Assistant for Gloria Wise day care center. As a native New Yorker, Donyella obtained her education from Walton high school and LaGuardia Community College. She is a devoted parent who is actively engaged in her children's education; one of whom attends ECS. Spending time with family, traveling, and cooking are a few of her favorite pastimes.

7th/8th Grade Social Studies
anthony.reed@equalitycharterschool.org
Anthony Reed has been teaching Social Studies and American History since 2007. 2011 will be his second year at ECS. Anthony graduated from Michigan State University and is preparing to obtain his Masters in Education from MSU as well.

7th/8th Grade/Teaching Assistant
michael.reyes@equalitycharterschool.org
Michael Reyes has worked with children since the age of 15. He quickly realized that he has a passion for encouraging, motivating, and educating children. Mr. Reyes devotion to inspire growth and transformation has resulted in others attaining commendable levels of achievement. Mr. Reyes gives back to his community by teaching Sunday School at his local church to inner-city children. There, he helps many children whom have emotional and academic deficits to dream big and persevere. Mr. Reyes has won awards such as the Model Youth Employee Award for 2002 and 2003 for his extensive work with adolescents.

6th Grade Math
victoria.rezckalla@equalitycharterschool.org
Victoria is a native New Yorker who graduated from City College of the City University of New York with a Bachelors of Science in Childhood Education with minor concentration areas in mathematics and science as well as a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She previously worked in various settings with elementary and middle school students for almost a decade. She has experience working with the diverse population of the New York City public schools as well as schools in Westchester County. Her passion is bringing academic content to life to help ALL students become successful and experience a great education. Victoria’s favorite subjects have always been math and science and she is delighted to be teaching the 6th grade math class here at ECS.

8th Grade Electives: Life & Literacy, PE/Heath, Art (SPED)
naeemah.ricketts@equalitycharterschool.org
Naeemah Ricketts graduated from Iona College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Minor in Biology. In 2011, she received a Dual Masters degree in Special Education and Literacy. Prior to working at Equality, she was the Academic Advisor of all athletes at Iona College from 2009-2012. Additionally, since 2010, she has been working for the New Rochelle School District as an In-Home Applied Behavior Analyst, working with autistic children who varied across the Spectrum. Naeemah believes that each of our students has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. It is a wonderful privilege being a teacher as it affords her with the opportunity to impact students’ lives in a positive way.

Administrative Assistant
yvonne.rodriguez@equalitycharterschool.org
Yvonne Rodriguez is employed as an Administrative Assistant at Equality Charter School. She performs the administrative functions for the school. Ms. Rodriguez, as well as other office staff is responsible for handling most of the communications between parents, the community, and teachers and administrators who work at the school. As such, she is detailed in registering students, immunizations, lunch fees and/or forms as well as metro cards and bus schedules. Yvonne has over 15 years experience in the Human Service field and enjoys working towards the growth of Equality Charter School students, our future leaders.

6th Grade ELA
meaghan.rogers@equalitycharterschool.org
Meaghan Rogers graduated from Manhattan College in 2011 with a Bachelors of Science degree in both Special Education and Childhood Education. At Manhattan, She concentrated on English and history. Meaghan is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Special Education at Touro College. Previously, Meaghan worked with younger children with special needs.  She is so excited to begin teaching 6th grade ELA at Equality!

7th/8th Grade Science
katrina.scherben@equalitycharterschool.org
Ms. Scherben hails from Rhode Island and now calls New York City her home. She graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience, and a Masters from Mercy College in Adolescent Education. Proudly, she has taught in the Bronx for five years and has mentored middle school students for over 10 years. Ms. Scherben is also a consultant for several education companies and a tutor. This year at Equality, she is really excited to expose scholars to real life issues and guide them to effective solutions rooted in scientific thinking.

7th Grade ELA
susan.scott@equalitycharterschool.org
Susan Scott has been teaching middle school English Language Arts for over ten years. Her undergraduate degree is from Temple University, and she holds a Master's Degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College. Ms. Scott is passionate about reading and continually stresses the importance of reading everyday. She firmly believes that all scholars can be readers with the help of the right book.

Executive Assistant
marisela.vazquez@equalitycharterschool.org
Marisela joined Equality Charter School in July of this year as an Executive Assistant for Caitlin Franco, Principal. She obtained her education at Herbert H. Lehman College in Business Administration. She worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. She is a Notary Public and is fluent in Spanish and English. She is a Bronx resident. She has a daughter, a son and is a devoted mother and grandmother. Marisela is looking forward to a great future at Equality and working with a great team of individuals!

College & Career Guidance Counselor
lisa.winter@equalitycharterschool.org
Lisa Winter is our school’s Guidance Counselor. She received her BA in Psychology from Hofstra University and received her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Long Island University. This is Mrs. Winter’s fourth year at Equality and is happy to be part of an actively growing and prospering school. Mrs. Winter’s favorite part about Equality is the family-like environment and unique learning styles offered to each scholar. She is looking forward to meeting the new Equality parents and scholars, as well as reconnecting with all that are returning!