6th Grade Science (SPED)
nicole.bailey@equalitycharterschool.org
Ms. Bailey Graduated from Iona College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Minor in History. She is dually certified (B-6) and working on her middle school extension. Moreover, she is continuing her education, graduating in May with a double Masters in Literacy and Special Education. Ms. Bailey strongly believes in the success and individuality of each and every student.

Special Education Coordinator
twanna.bolden@equalitycharterschool.org
My name is Twanna Bolden. I am the Special Education Coordinator at Equality. I am very passionate about serving Students with Disabilities. I have a MS degree in Middle Grades Special and General Education.

7th Grade Math (SPED)
cathy.carvalho@equalitycharterschool.org
In 2004, 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.

7th/8th Grade Dean
maya.echols@equalitycharterschool.org
Maya Echols is the 7th and 8th grade dean at Equality Charter School. This is her 10th 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 3 years ago.

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 from Stony Brook University. She also completed an intensive English literature program abroad for one year 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 holds NYS Professional Certification in English and has taught both middle and high school students in Harlem and the Bronx.

READ 180 (SPED)
kristen.greco@equalitycharterschool.org
Kristen Greco graduated from Adelphi University attaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, as well as a Masters Degree in Childhood Education with an extension in Special Education. She has worked in Long Island, NY teaching diverse groups of students, such as children with special needs and English Language Learners. Kristen is very excited to embark on her second year teaching at Equality Charter School where she can empower children to be the best individuals they can grow into.

7th Grade ELA
lynn.harrison@equalitycharterschool.org
Ms. Harrison was born and raised in the Bronx, and has been affiliated with the Co-op City community for many years. Ms. Harrison earned her B.S. from Concordia College in Bronxville, and her M.A.T. from Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y. Ms. Harrison comes to the ECS community after having taught high school students at a charter school located in the South Bronx.

Instructional Coach/RtI Specialist/PBIS Internal Coach
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 and Social Studies Department. This is her seventh year as an educator and 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 instill this same belief in the scholars at Equality and all with whom she works. Her teaching philosophy has been shaped by each educational experience, including her work as the PBIS Internal Coach and RtI Specialist at Equality. Before taking on the role of Instructional Coach, Mrs. Huza worked in the Read 180 classroom as a Reading Intervention Specialist.

Data Manager
borna.jabbarpour@equalitycharterschool.org
After completing his Bachelors Degree at California Polytechnic, Borna developed his Data Management and Programming skills for over 4 years as an Actuarial Analyst in the insurance industry. At the same time Borna founded and was the Director of SLO Tours, a charity fundraiser for After-School programs in the San Luis Obispo community. Upon entering the workforce, Borna maintained his support of community involvement by working part-time as an Instructor/Staff Member for the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco. Currently, Borna is earning his Masters Degree in Statistics at Columbia University in New York and will be using his background in education and technology to support Equality in measuring & evaluating each student’s academic progress throughout the years.

6th Grade Social Studies/Science-Teaching Assistant
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.kretschmann@equalitycharterschool.org
Kate Kretschmann 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 work collaboratively with ECS staff to support students in their academic achievement.

7th Grade ELA
megan.lasky@equalitycharterschool.org
Ms. Lasky graduated from Wagner College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English, Early Childhood & Special Education. She was a member of the Wagner College Women's Soccer team as well. Ms. Lasky is excited to join Equality Charter School and combine all of her unique academic, athletic, and life experiences to create a model education program dedicated to bringing out the best in every scholar.

Home & Careers
mary.martin@equalitycharterschool.org
Mary Martin is originally from up the road in Rye, New York. She went to Emerson College in Boston for her undergrad work in communications. From Boston she moved down to St Thomas in the Virgin Islands to work in food and beverage. From the Virgin Island, she moved to South Florida and obtained a master's of education with NOVA Southeastern University. She worked at the Middle School Team Leader, Parent Liaison and Middle School Social Studies Teacher. At ECS she has been teaching Home and Careers for all Middle School students.

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.

Physical Education/Health
shaun.mullen@equalitycharterschool.org
Mr. Mullen has a B.S. in Physical Education from Brooklyn College and is currently working on his Masters degree in Special Education at City College. He has been active in sports his whole life, coaching sports such as football, lacrosse and skiing, and hopes to pass on his love of physical activity and a healthy active lifestyle to his students and the entire Equality community.

7th/8th Grade Science/Teaching Assistant
nivar.lahaisia@equalitycharterschool.org
My name is Lahaisia Nivar and I am a college graduate of Plattsburgh State University. I have a Bachelors degree in TV Production/Broadcasting and editing video is 2nd nature to me. I have worked within the school system for 2 years and gaining experience with kids in education is valuable to my success in life. I love every aspect of helping kids grow into mature, responsible, and accomplished young adults.

6th Grade Dean
errol.olton@equalitycharterschool.org
Errol has been a dedicated educator here at Equality since its first opening days. Mr. Olton has attended both the University of Central Florida and a one of the City University of New York institutions. He passionately believes that a positive behavior rewards system and a consistent discipline 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. Mr. Olton has roots in the Caribbean and is a local Bronx resident.

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.

6th Grade Math (SPED)
kelley.parker@equalitycharterschool.org
Kelley Parker is currently from Long Island. She is Co-Teaching in the Math Department with Victoria Rezckalla. 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 ECS team.

Associate Principal
favrol.philemy@equalitycharterschool.org
Favrol Philemy is a lifelong educator who is passionate about making a difference in children’s lives. He has been a mathematics teacher/instructor in NYC for over 10 years and is permanently certified in the subject area (NYS 7-12). He earned a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from CCNY and a Master’s 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 and respectful environment will always lead to student achievement. As such, he challenges scholars constantly in order to help them prepare to make a successful transition into secondary and higher education.

Facilities & Purchasing Manager
patrick.pierre@equalitycharterschool.org
Patrick is a native New Yorker and a seasoned professional graduated from CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College with a B.B.A – Bachelor of Business Administration. 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.

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 is CPR certified, and has won awards such as the model youth employee award for 2002 and 2003 for his extensive work with adolescents. Mr. Reyes is Auto-Cad certify, graduated BMCC and will attend Lehman College to further pursue his career in education.

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.

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.

8th Grade ELA
ajith.satya@equalitycharterschool.org
Ajith Satya is in his second year at Equality Charter School and this is his sixth year teaching overall. He earned his B.A in Sociology from the University of Michigan and earned his M.A in English from Columbia University Teachers College. Ajith was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, Africa from 2003-2005 which inspired him to become an educator and his love of travel.

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.

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/8th Grade Science
katrina.scherben@equalitycharterschool.org
Ms. Scherben graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in Behavioral Neuroscience. She has taught in the Bronx for four years and has worked with middle school students for over 10 years. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and exploring the city.

6th Grade ELA (SPED)
jesse.steinberg@equalitycharterschool.org
This is my first year at Equality Charter School and my third year of teaching. I am a trained learning specialist and am certified in both special education and general education. I received my master’s degree from the College of New Rochelle, and my bachelors in psychology from NYU.

Instructional Coach
sheri.wenzel@equalitycharterschool.org
Sheri Wenzel 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. Currently, Sheri is pursuing a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership at Manhattan College with ambition of one day becoming a School Building Leader. She has taught both 6th and 8th grade math for the past seven years and is excited for her new position as a Math and Science Instructional Coach. Sheri's teaching philosophy stems from the belief that all students can achieve academically if you hold them to high expectations. Additionally, she feels that it is important to educate the whole student and therefore has organized many after school activities over the years including drama club, yearbook and junior varsity baseball.

College & Career Guidance Counselor
lisa.winter@equalitycharterschool.org
Lisa Winter is our school’s Guidance Counselor. This is Mrs. Winter’s third year at Equality and is happy to be part of an actively growing school. Mrs. Winter’s favorite part about Equality is the family-like environment and unique learning styles offered to each student. She is looking forward to meeting the new Equality parents and students, as well as reconnecting with our returning students and parents!

8th Grade Math (SPED)
jim.noboa@equalitycharterschool.org
I was raised in New York but moved to North Carolina for college. I attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and received a B.S. in Business Administration. I then attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and received a B.A. in Psychology. Soon after, I moved back to New York and received my Masters degree in Education from City College of New York. I was a Math tutor throughout my High School and College career, and for the last three years I have taught at a Public High School in the South Bronx.

6th Grade ELA
jessica.stebbins@equalitycharterschool.org
Jessica Stebbins is in her second year at Equality. She comes from Maryland, where she spent nine years teaching in the Montgomery County Public Schools system. She taught 3rd and 5th grade previous to this year, and just earned her National Board Certification for teaching in November 2009. Jessica attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education in 2000, and a master’s degree in the area of Education, Curriculum, and Instruction in 2005.