Executive Superintendent

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I am very fortunate in that I was an undergraduate special education major in the 1970s. My whole career has paralleled IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). I became an assistant principal of special education on Rikers Island and then eventually became the principal of that school. In 1998, I was asked to become a deputy superintendent and I have worked in the district office since then, eventually becoming superintendent.
What is the happiest moment of your career?
I think the happiest moments are always the graduations. It's the best time of the year as you get to see students and their families so happy and excited about the next steps in their lives.
Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
The most influential person in my career would have to be Steve Philips. He was the first superintendent of District 79 which was the first alternative school district in the nation that started in 1983. I learned so much from Steve as far as instructional and organizational leadership.
Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
I think it's important to find what you are passionate about and go after that goal. Don’t let anyone steer your career!
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
I am a big fan of the book Good to Great by Jim Collins, it has really helped me in my leadership. It's a book I strongly recommend.
What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I was a bouncer in the Hamptons when I was younger.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I think it's about how we identify inequities throughout the school systems and fill them with quality schools and programs.

Director for Special Education

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I went to college and was planning to be a theatre agent and eventually a Broadway Producer. In my final semester of college, while directing and stage designing a one act play, I decided that the business side of theatre was not what would satisfy me. I decided to use my love of theatre and drama to help high school students connect to the literature they were reading and become an English teacher. While teaching high school English and being a dean at James Madison High School, I was asked to take on a 12th grade special class, because the teacher had suddenly left. That was my entree into special education and I never looked back.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
I don't know that I had a "happiest moment". Any time I saw a lightbulb go off in a student's brain or a student came in excited about what they read I knew I was doing something right.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?

My mother. From an early age, my mother taught me how to be a strong independent woman. She worked long hours and took on extra responsibilities at the school she worked in. She was someone that students, teachers, and even administrators did not mess with because they knew she knew her stuff. She taught me, not by using words but by her actions, that I could be whatever I wanted to be and that being a woman would not stand in my way.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?

Don't give up on yourself. There are always obstacles put on our path. Figure it out. Don't give up. Ask for help, advocate for yourself, and you can do it!! Whatever it is.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?

I don't know that there is a book I think everyone should read. I just think people should read. Whatever genre you like, go for it. There is so much to gain from reading. But not everyone has the same taste. I am currently very into historical fiction, specifically World War 2 France. Some of the books I have really enjoyed are The Paris Architect, The Alice Network, and the Book of Lost Names.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?

Hmm...I'm pretty much an open book, but you may not know that I can do cartwheels.

What do you want your legacy to be?

My team and I work very hard to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are not just met, but that school staff members are thinking about how to be as inclusive as possible. I would love to see all schools planning for each student and removing barriers so that all students can participate in general education. This is what I will continue to work towards until I retire...I have some time...

Director of State and Federal Program Implementation (DFSP)

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
Holding a Master's Degree in Business Education, I started my career working in Industry before entering Education as a Business Education teacher for an Alternative High School as the Coordinator of the Virtual Enterprise Program. With support of mentors, I graduated with a second Master's degree in Administration and Supervision which opened up opportunities to work as a Sr. Accountability Data and Support Specialist before working in my current role for the past 10 years supporting schools as a Director of State and Federal Program Implementation (DSFP).
What is the happiest moment of your career?
Sharing my business experience with students and participating in the yearly Virtual Enterprise trade show at the Armory in NYC. More importantly, assisting them during classroom discussions and navigating them through the process to experience college and career opportunities for future learning.
What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Data Specialist training that was done collaboratively with colleagues in support of the Bronx schools on the NYS Accountability System.
Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My father who lost his battle with cancer at an early age always made an effort to instill in me that life is a journey and encouraged me to just try through the good and bad times. Which brings me to a quote that I keep close. "Life is like a camera...Focus on what is important, Capture the good times, Develop from the negatives, And if things don't work out, Take another shot."
Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Be a good person, cope with failure and learn from your mistakes!

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Alchemist-Paulo Coelho

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I collect baseball cards

What do you want your legacy to be?
Fun, energetic, caring person that accepts a challenge that may not always win.

Senior Director for School Improvement (Supporting Cheng (Cons, INPS, NYCOB) schools)

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?

I guess when I left behind engineering for French, linguistics, and math ed in undergrad… inspired by years of helping friends w/schoolwork and a year host-family high school exchange in France. After a semester in college, I knew I needed to make a change. Taught for a semester at an alt HS in Ann Arbor before doing 3+ years w/Peace Corps in Guinea (West Africa)… teaching Math (in French) and later supporting a local NGO for girls ed. Ended up in NYC (after road tripping until my $ ran out post-Peace Corps), mostly because Teachers College offers a subsidized MA for returned Peace Corps volunteers in TESOL (which didn’t exist as a cert in the state of Michigan when I was in undergrad;) Ended up teaching math at Internationals within months of moving here, and moved from around Columbia U to Central Harlem 3 years later. Never expected to be in the city this long, but finding community with people from other places, languages, and cultures at work and in the neighborhood… 18 years later, here I still am;)

What is the happiest moment of your career?

April Fools pranking back Crotona’s first senior class (that might require a story though, so otherwise it would be Crotona’s first soccer game;)

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?

Opening Crotona IHS

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?

Professionally, definitely my student teaching mentor in undergrad. She was an amazing support with so many things. The two things that stuck with me the most as a student teacher were… (1) You doing your job requires the kids be in the room. If you’re at the point you’ve sent them out, you can’t do your job anymore. And. (2) Everybody stops what they are doing and goes into classrooms second period. Everybody.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?

Be kind. Ask questions. Listen. Speak up.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?

Whatever they enjoy. Reading for yourself (for inspiration, to escape, for laughs, to connect, for fun…) is the best kind!

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?

I'm not sure. That I love scuba diving? That I graduated HS at 16? That I make a full Thanksgiving meal for 10-20 people every year by myself, but that other than that day (well, those two days;), I hate cooking?

What do you want your legacy to be?

That I helped make your life a little easier or better in some way:)

BCO School Social Worker

What is the happiest moment of your career?

I'm happiest when school communities are safe and all students have opportunities to genuinely participate.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?

My high school PE teacher showed me the value of social emotional learning. He made me want to be a social worker. Thank you Mr. Pauldine.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?

Aim high. You are a work in progress! Be patient but persistent in your pursuit of skills and social supports. We're here for you.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?

The Growth Mindset

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?

I'm a vegetarian.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I want to increase graduation rates and employment outcomes for our most unique learners.

Academic Policy, Performance and Assessment Lead

You can contact me for:
Anything
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I majored in history after a very brief attempt to become a computer programmer. I thought about becoming a history professor or a lawyer but time and cost commitment was just too much at the time (I did go back to school and got my doctorate very recently, not in history though). I was a social studies teacher, assistant principal and a principal. I also teach graduate school leadership courses for a couple of local colleges.

What is the happiest moment of your career?

Attending graduation ceremonies each year and seeing the smile on my students' face. And more recently, receiving news from my students landing their first administrative jobs.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
My years serving as a YABC supervisor. And more recently, my CDOS work.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My AP when I was a student teacher.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
“There was no harm in taking aim, even if the target was a dream.” ― John Knowles, A Separate Peace

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
All the Light We Cannot See / Anthony Doerr

Outlander / Diana Gabldon

Where the Crawdads Sing / Delia Owens

The Glass Castle / Jeannette Walls

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

The Stranger by Albert Camus

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I minored in Africana Studies. Also I have a pretty accurate hook shot and that's helpful when playing HORSE with my friends and family.

What do you want your legacy to be?
Being remembered for making a difference in my students' lives.

Director of Special Projects

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I am a Native New Yorker, born and raised in the borough of Queens and have spent all of my life in this amazing city. Although I have tried to venture out and look for opportunities outside of New York, life has kept me here and I have embarked on many adventures both personally and professionally. Teaching was never something I dreamed of doing as a career, it almost feels like it chose me. My personal story is a classic example of the old saying “Man plans and god laughs”. Over 15 years ago I was an art major at Queens College, CUNY and my focus was on becoming a graphic designer, not a teacher. I loved art, minored in art history and dedicated my time working on my craft. After college I went to Parsons School of Design to pursue a Graduate Degree in Multimedia Design in their new Design and Technology Program. My thesis field-work opened a door into the world of education and gave me my first experience in the classroom and working with kids. Through my new connections, I was offered an opportunity to teach digital photography to after school kids and it was at this point where life was taking me down another path. I initially did not want to take the job because I felt like I would be veering too far off course but I took a chance and did it anyway. I have no regrets! Soon after I decided to pursue teaching full time and worked on getting the credits I needed to become a fully licensed teacher. One thing led to another and I worked in an elementary school while pursuing a second Masters at NYIT in Instructional Technology. I later worked in a middle school in Flushing Queens, transitioned to an achievement coach position with a CFN, moved on to working with Magnet Grants and now I am here at ACCESS. Not too shabby!
What is the happiest moment of your career?
I don't think I can pinpoint a specific moment to be honest. My happiest moments in my career are when I work with/for amazingly talented, kind, super smart people! Luckily, that has been most of my career!
What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Working with Magnet Schools is something I am very proud of. We were able to offer students living in low income neighborhoods a variety of innovative programs, opportunities and resources that opened up the world to them. In many ways, I thought it was similar to service work, we were really giving back to the communities. Working at ACCESS has the same vibe and I am grateful to be working with this team now!
Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
Too many to mention but I would have to say my first principal who opened the door to teaching for me and my parents who always supported me and never got in my way professionally. They always encouraged me and never questioned my decisions, as long as I was happy, nothing else mattered. There aren't many parents who would support their kid getting not 1 but 2 fine art degrees so that makes them pretty special. LOL
Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Be Impeccable With Your Word. Don't Take Anything Personally. Don't Make Assumptions. Always Do Your Best.
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho (Take away: Fear is a bigger obstacle than the obstacle itself, keep pushing forward!)
The Four Agreements - Don Miguel Ruiz (Great habits to incorporate into your life!)
The Hundred Foot Journey - Richard C. Morais (Great book about Food and Family)
Going to Read - The 1619 Project - Nikole Hannah-Jones
What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I am a foodie and I am the weirdo who photographs everything they eat and puts it on instagram!
I am a mix of Thai/Chinese/Persian ethnicity.
I think cilantro is disgusting and I love an ice cold can of Pepsi or Coke. Not the DIET stuff!
I can eat Chinese Food every day and not get sick of it.
What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was a kind person who was willing to help anyone in need. For whatever reason, kindness is an undervalued personality trait… For me, it's usually the first thing I look for in a person/colleague/leader/friend.

Instructional Lead - D79

You can contact me for: Teaching and Learning, HSE Curriculum, and encouragement!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
My gap year after a quick year of community college brought me through a few different states and early career choices. My undergraduate degree is from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. On the day of graduation, I began my first day of teaching by way of the Teaching Fellows and Queens College. Middle school special education was my first love of education. A number of years later, I wanted to support the adults who made teaching come to life for students, so I went through the CITE program for the admin certifications and ended up pursuing a Doctorate from Dowling College. I'm celebrating my 8th year in my current role.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Recently, a former student of mine reached out to me. He is publishing his first book this year and wanted to share that I was the one who believed in him when he first started his pathway into art. I was his teacher in 7th grade and the encouragement that he felt stayed with him into adulthood. Words matter. Kindness matters. People matter.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
I've been involved with many projects and assignments over the course of my educational career. I am proud of our team who develops the HSE Curriculum, providing equity and access to all learners.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
I have been blessed with amazing professors, mentors, and colleagues over the years.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
You can do it. Whatever it is that you set out to do, know that you can. It might take time. It might take more than one attempt. But you CAN do it!

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?

"The Monster at the End of This Book" by Jon Stone (Powerful lesson on being an overcomer!)

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?

I love traveling and crafting! I also enjoy learning new instruments - most recently, I've been learning to play the ukulele.

What do you want your legacy to be?

My legacy is to be a light in darkness and provide encouragement where ever it is needed.

Student Services Manager A.C.C.E.S.S

You can contact me for: Various Crisis and De-escalation Trainings, Respect For All, OORS Issues and any support that you may need.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I have worked as Special Education Teacher and Coach as well as a Middle and High School Dean. I look forward to applying my myriad of experiences in supporting teachers in a manner that positively impacts the lives of students and parents in the A.C.C.E.S.S Community.
What is the happiest moment of your career?
The happiest moments in my career is when a participant from one of my trainings tells me that have used some of the strategies and they work!
What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Conducting various Crisis and De-escalation Trainings, that help adults help students.
Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My father, for developing my work ethic.
Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.
Have a vision and a plan.
Don't let obstacles become a roadblock.
A roadblock is an opportunity that you have not thought of.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Poetry of Robert Frost

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I have been around the world twice.

What do you want your legacy to be?
Everyday is a new day.

Superintendent

You can contact me for: Motorcycle Driving Instruction

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
Teacher - High School Social Studies

Assistant Principal - Supervision

Site Teacher - New York City Vocational Training Center

Evening High School Teacher - Social Studies

Evening High School Site Supervisor

Principal - Cascade High School

Superintendent of Citywide Transfer Schools

What is the happiest moment of your career?
There are many, but among them was the first day I taught and the first graduation I had the privilege of presiding over - handing a student the diploma that they earned was such a rewarding moment!!!

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Helping children succeed

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My dad who taught me how to be an honorable man

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Never stop learning and remember its nice to be important but more important to be nice!

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Alchemist

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I am a certified scuba diver and worked as a US Custom's Inspector and NYC EMT for years while I was first teaching.

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was a good husband, father and teacher...

Health Director

You can contact me for: Any health related issues and accommodations or for any advice.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
Taking a huge leap in accepting a management position at a trauma level 1 Hospital with very little clinical experience at the time.
What is the happiest moment of your career?
One happy moment was when I was recognized by the Healthfirst health system as the first outstanding NYC DOE health Administrator.
What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
I Helped develop the DOE school HIV curriculum.
Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
It Just happens to be my mom.
Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Perform at least one good deed a day and spend 5 quiet minute with yourself a day.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
All I really need to know, I learned in kindergarten.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
Military education

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was a respectful and caring man and that I demanded and expected the same from others.

Advance Lead ACCESS

You can contact me for: All things instructional!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I was a graphic artist in a previous life! Then I was fortunate enough to get to teach middle and high school students in English and Social Studies for 14 years. I served the NYCDOE as a literacy coach in 2 separate high schools for 2 years and then went into administration, serving in roles such as Assistant Principal, Principal and Education Administrator.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
My years in the classroom.
What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
As a Principal I was able to coordinate several successful events at our school... one of which was an outstanding Career Day!
Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
I have 2: My Principal and a literacy coach that was assigned to me when I was teaching.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Press your teachers for the relevance!
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Making Thinking Visible.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I rode a motorcycle for 10 years!

What do you want your legacy to be?
Growing and developing teachers to do their best work!

Executive Director of Citywide Support

You can contact me for: Leadership support, DOE policies / procedures, commendations or concerns regarding the ACCESS BCO ... as well as Star Wars, independent bookstores, opera.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I was a career changer. Came to NYC after college and worked at an investment management firm until a twist of fate led me to enroll in Hunter’s “consultant teacher” training program that led to a substitute teacher position at School of the Future. Still thinking I would return to Wall Street, I unwittingly fell in love with teaching and was able to obtain an ESL license while I completed my masters at Hunter for special education - learning disabilities. My principal at SOF, as all great leaders do, not only saw in me something I didn’t know existed, but she nurtured what she saw into reality. When she left, I became the middle school teacher director. When Chancellor Klein created the Empowerment Zone in 2006, I was recruited as an achievement coach, then as a network leader to pilot the Children First Initiative. Chancellor Farina gave me the tremendous opportunity to the Manhattan “Field Support Centers” which became the Borough Office. When Executive Supt Lisante asked me to join the exciting work of co-creating the ACCESS BCO, I could not resist. I am privileged every day that I get to support the work of advancing life outcomes for our most disenfranchised students and families.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Attending college graduation for a student who defied all the odds.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Opening and leading regional enrichment centers during the height of the COVID pandemic to provide school and care for the children of essential workers.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
In education, Kathy Rehfield Pelles, first and foremost among so many gurus and allies I have been blessed with ... and Egypt Calier - a student who challenged all assumptions, defied all odds, and taught me everything I know about perseverance and lines in the sand.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Pursue what intrigues you. Ask for help and accept it when it is offered. Life is an adventure and you must rise to meet it. It’s OK to have not-OK days, reach out! There are guides and helpers all around.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Education / Leadership - Leadership on the Line, Focus, The Art of Jazz
In general - The Little Prince, Winter’s Tale, the Hero’s Journey.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I'm the first in my family to have any formal schooling. My parents grew up as orphans during WW2 in Hong Kong and had no choice but work.

What do you want your legacy to be?
An army of amazing, dedicated people to continue serving the children of NYC.

Deputy Superintendent

You can contact me for: All things D79

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
In senior year of high school I read the book Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol and knew from that moment on I would dedicate my life to education. I started my teaching career through Teach for America in one of their earliest cohorts and am still here! I taught at every level K-12 in both public and charter schools before becoming the proud founding principal of the Bronx Writing Academy. I joined District 79 as an Executive Principal to lead Passages Academy and then was asked to found East River Academy the following year. In 2014 I moved to a district based role and in 2019 became Deputy Superintendent.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
I have loved every job I have had so that’s hard to choose! But I would say supervising a Regional Enrichment Center during the height of Covid, being able to serve the children of our first responders, was the greatest honor of my career.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Right now I am most proud that I worked with an amazing team to develop high school equivalency curriculum. I equally love supporting principals and assistant principals with coaching feedback for teachers.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
I have been blessed with too many amazing mentors to list!

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Every single person can work hard to get smart. There is no cap on learning.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Skillful Teacher by John Saphier

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I am a trained line cook!

What do you want your legacy to be?
Clear curriculum and effective feedback for teachers.

Academic Policy, Performance and Assessment Lead

You can contact me for: Academic Policy, Programming, School Performance or a home improvement question.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I studied computer science in college and after a few years working as a technologist, I realized that I wanted to help people directly and not virtually. I loved math and thought that if I could teach technology (real or virtual) I could help students to shape their futures. As both of my parents taught in the public schools, I realized I grew up in a community of learners and wanted to continue growing and learning in schools as long as I can. I became better aware of the implications of our current educational systems after teaching and leading schools in Philadelphia and New York City, and am ready to help redesign for all our futures.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
I like to think of all the moments. The first and last days of new and continuing adventures are amazing moments. I remember walking into my first classroom for the first time and handing diplomas to my advisees at their graduation.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
As an assistant principal, I worked with the school community to implement personalized programming based on student preferences, teacher-created curriculum, and family interest that culminated in single course deeper learning exploration.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My wife. She helps me see opportunities to make the world a better place.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
As change is our only constant, if you listen to others about where changes will happen, you can anticipate some of them.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Way Things Work Now - David Macaulay

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
Growing up, I learned how to remodel homes with my dad.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be a good son/husband/father and help our community keep growing.

Director of Student Services

You can contact me for: All Student Services Related Matters

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
The scope of my experience is centered on student services, from counseling and curriculum development to program administration. I have served as a Career Specialist to high school students with The Police Athletic League, an Associate and Middle School Counselor with New York City’s Department of Education and Mentoring Supervisor with The Institute for Student Achievement, where I designed and implemented the Metropolitan Corporate Academy Peer Mentoring Program. As a graduate student at NYU, I was a Program Assistant for The Wasserman Center for Career Development and was an Adjunct lecturer for the Psychology of Adjustment course in the NYC College of Technology’s College Now Program. Fluent in both English and Spanish, I transitioned into the role of Bilingual School Counselor in which I worked directly with children for 10 years, helping them fulfill their dreams of outstanding academic excellence. I have also worked for The Princeton Review, Touro College and Adelphi University and continue working as an adjunct professor. I am a proud graduate of Binghamton University, where I earned a B.S. in Applied Social Science and an M.A. in Social Science. I also have an M.A. in Counseling, and Guidance from New York University.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
One of my top 10 moments was during my tenure as a School Counselor/WBL Coordinator at an Early College High School program where I sustained a college access program while working with four different administrations!

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
I put together the First Annual Post-secondary CHOICES Conference for students and families at the Early College High School I worked at. The goal of this event is for students and families to gain a greater understanding of their various post-secondary choices after attending an Early College & Career high school.

More about the CHOICES Conference Colleges and CBO’s were invited to participate in a panel on one of the following topics:

•STEM Education: Understanding of STEM Pathways in college and prerequisites needed to ensure success
•Making it Work: Careers in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management
•Applying to College: General overview of application and financial aid deadlines
•So you want to go to an IVY?: Tips For Ivy League Admission (By Invitation Only Session)

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My mother Gloria. She is resilient and has an amazing work ethic which she instilled in all of her children.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Ask for help...You will be surprised who shows up for you.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I don't know...I'm an open book :)

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was fair, kind, and honest.

Academic Policy Performance Assessment Systems Lead

You can contact me for: Alignment of school practices to academic policy, analysis of performance data, assessment implementation and logistics, trouble shooting systems, strategic planning for scheduling

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today? Avid Chess Player, Bachelors Degree in Computer Science. Been in a supportive position in the Department of Education since 2005 at the Regional Operations Centers in the Bronx, Integrated Supported Centers in Brooklyn and Queens, Children First Networks for School through out the city, Field Support Centers in Manhattan last but not least ACCESS Borough and Citywide Office.

What is the happiest moment of your career? Every day I am able to make a positive outcome by supporting schools which turn keys to positive support to students.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Various tools that help streamline processes for school and school support.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
Not sure have not met him or her yet.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Go beyond the boundaries set in front of you.
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Biography of Gengis Chan.
What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you? I am an introvert.

What do you want your legacy to be?
Reshaped how learning was approached and implemented.

MLL Services Administrator

You can contact me for: Any ENL Compliance or Instructional support

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I'm the first in my family to graduate from college. I was very lucky to have my family's support in continuing my studies. I received both of my degrees from Queens College with a major in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, and my graduate degree in Early Childhood Education. After this, I decided to continue my education at Adephi where received my TESOL license and finally finished up my studies with School Building & District Educational Leadership at Long Island University.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Most of my work has centered around supporting Multilingual Learners and there really is no happier feeling than knowing that I've helped so many students and their families move towards their goals of learning the English language and pursuing their educational dreams.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
During my time in the school as an ENL Teacher, with the help of my students, we created a puzzle piece that represented where each of us came from and something we were proud to share. It meant so much to the students to share a little bit of what makes them so special and unique.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My grandparents are the most influential people in my life. Without them, I would not be here with the opportunities that I have. They taught me so much about the importance of culture, hard work and perseverance. I was lucky to have them around until I was well into my 30s.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Travel as much as you can and find ways to learn and expose yourself to new experiences as often as you can.
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it"
What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
My car is stick shift.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my daughter to be proud of me. I want her to know that I loved helping students find their wings to fly.

BCO Social Work Lead

You can contact me for: ACCESS BCO Student Services

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice, and didn't know exactly wanted to do, but I did know I wanted to work with the younger population. Soon after I went on to work in a high school in Kansas in multiple roles and realized I wanted to become a agent of change and I was able to do that by becoming a social worker. I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and while there and after I worked with a few city hospitals in Women's Health and I worked with a Non-Profit by the name of Partnership with Children. Partnership with Children is where I came into my true passion working with students. I then begin my work as the 9x9 Program Director under YMI and the Mayors Initiative, this program helped serve overage 8th graders in District 9, that transitioned into Transfer High Schools, to assist them with catching up with their academics. Being able to give our youth hope, and assist with directing them in a positive path became my passion and I knew then that I was doing the work I supposed to be doing.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
I have had many happy moments in my career. But the ones that stick out is being able to see the students in my 9x9 Program go from having no hope and feeling like failures because they were overage, to seeing them graduate from high school and applying for college, knowing that they never gave up.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Helping build the 9x9 Program and seeing the success of the students

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My mother was the most influential person in my life. She taught me to be positive, strong, humble, and most importantly to never give up. I am who I am because of her and all that I am or hope to be, I owe it to her.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Never Give Up!!! Be Humble, Ask Questions, Be Courageous, Be Yourself!!!
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
To Kill a Mockingbird
What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
That my favorite color is pink, and I love giraffes and zebras.

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was intentional, kind and purposeful in my actions and that I was caring, kind and always wanted the best for those around me.

BCO Social Worker

You can contact me for: ACCESS Student Services Team

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
As someone who was raised in the coast of Ecuador, my work is heavily influenced by my experiences as an immgrant student in the United States. I'm a licensed bilingual (Spanish/English) social worker, circles facilitator, and trainer with over 18+ years of experience supporting public schools transform into restorative, equitable, and culturally affirming learning and working environments. Through the years, I have guided schools in implementing anti-racist and restorative practices, as well as healing centered modalities and spaces that break the cycles of violence that push primarily youth of color/recent immigrant students out of schools.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
The happiest moment of my career is when I was fresh out of Social Work school, and was offered a job at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice (one of our ACCESS schools!) back in 2003. I did my graduation research project on el Puente Academy, and fell in love with their work, particularly around popular education and portfolio based assessments. It was a dream come true to join their school community!

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Introducing, spearheading, implementing and expanding restorative justice and culturally affirming SEL efforts at my previous workplace (The Flushing International HS, another ACCESS school!)

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My parents, who are both retired teachers.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Find mentors and safe spaces that will affirm you and celebrate your strengths.
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire.
What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I'm a trained herbalist.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to leave behind a legacy of healing justice in schools. I believe that schools are better and more effective learning spaces when our students are seen for their full humanity.

M/EL Services Administrator

You can contact me for: All M/EL instruction and policy needs.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I would play “teacher” with my stuffed animals as a child..only child - no opportunity to mandate a sibling to attend my “school”..and when it came time to enroll in college I knew what do – become a teacher! I attended Manhattan College in the Bronx under the Secondary Education program with a Social Studies focus, did my student teaching at DeWitt Clinton, and enrolled at St. John’s in Jamaica for my Masters in TESOL. Before I graduated from MC, Prof. Hartman told all of the English and Social Studies majors to get an additional degree in Special Education to TESOL if we wanted to get hired, and I chose TESOL for a variety of reasons, many near and dear to my heart that I can share with you another time.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Field trips! Undeniably stressful, but such a privilege to bring students to something they would not necessarily chose themselves and being a part of the rich conversations afterwards. Some of the best I have been on are a private tour of the Stock Exchange trading floor during business hours, in-depth tour of the United Nations, bringing my Film Studies class to Angelika Film Center to view the Shape of Water, and Lincoln Center to see My Fair Lady.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Early in my career I developed a PBL unit on ancient India, the first time this particular school covered an ancient Asian civilization.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Your past does not define you.
What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Children of the Alley by Naguib Mahfouz, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Bellevue: Three Centuries Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital by David Oshinsky, and the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
That's a hard one! I LOVE antiques - estate sales, auctions, antiquarian book fairs - most proud of my 19th century ram's head chair I acquired and reupholstered.

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was helpful and understanding to whomever reached out.

Related Service Administrator

You can contact me for: Related Service Administrative Support - ACCESS Site Citywide Locations

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I started in the Cooperative Education Program here at the DOE in 1983 and have been working here ever since. I attended NYC Technical College and worked in several departments over the years. I landed this job during COVID shutdown in July 2020. I currently work with amazing people in the ACCESS program and a dynamic range of school sites and programs throughout the city. Our student range in age from 5 to 22 years of age. There a number of complexities involved in serving most of our students due to their intricate special education needs. With the support of my colleagues in this department my role/responsibilities are endless and present a positive outlook for my future here in this department. I am very grateful and pleased to know these people.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
My happiest moment of my career is when I successfully form alliances/connections between contracted agencies/providers and schools/families throughout the city. As my role of Related Service Administrator that can be a challenging feat to execute. Have just one school or even one student successfully assigned a provider and be fruitfully supported during the school year is a great accomplishment to me.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
I was once given a task to ensure a provider be monetarily compensated for services to several students during COVID who was not properly paid. It involved a lot of paperwork and communications electronically during a time when we were all remotely connecting. The provider had given up hope and was willing to walk away from the process. I encouraged them to stick it out and trust me to see the process through to the end. Together, we achieved that goal and he was very appreciative for my support.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
You don't have to dream BIG...just have dreams. Don't entertain negativity in any form or fashion. Be your own person. Love yourself before you aspire to love anyone or anything. Be kind to people who cross your path; you will have many to cross. Get an education of any kind; there are many paths to consider. Don't be afraid to ask for help...there are many resources available to all in this country.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My mother was my biggest support/role model and fan. She taught me the importance of being educated, well rounded and socially balanced. To be patient with people who have deficits of all types and to be genuinely kind to people while they walk the earth. I grew up economically challenged but watching my parents thrive to support my dreams gave me the incentive to over-achieve at everything I did just to show them my appreciation.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Bible

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
My colleagues would never guess that I really don't enjoy eating....I do it mostly out of boredom.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be that I made a big/lasting impact on as many people as I could in this world.

Mandated Counseling Compliance Coordinator

You can contact me for: Just about anything

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
After graduating with my Masters Degree in Business Administration, I immediately joined the corporate world as a temp for the Department of Education. I started at the Finance Service Center and now have moved up to the ACCESS BCO team. Along this journey, I had help from colleagues, close friends and family.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
The happiest moment of my career was being able to join the ACCESS team. I wanted to be more involved with supporting the students in the DOE and I felt that this position was the perfect fit.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of joining the ACCESS team and immediately taking action with the compliance report. I have been able to see the numbers on the compliance report downsize tremendously which means I am doing something right. It feels good to know you are doing what is expected of you.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
The most influential person in my life/career would have to be my closest friend Hayley. She is more like a big sister to me. She has guided me in my career and taught me how to level up in the work force.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
My advice to students today is to go with your gut. Choose the life that you want. If your dreams do not scare you, you are not dreaming big enough. Hard work, consistency, and dedication is a promise to yourself that whatever it is you set your mind to, you will accomplish.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
My colleagues would never guess that I am shy and nervous at all times.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I would want my legacy to be my family, business, and land.

Senior Director of Continuous Improvement

You can contact me for:
*Strategies for school improvement

*How to make sense of the accountability system

*Methods for helping schools and those who support them to analyze data and turn it towards improvement (such as Improvement Science and DataWise)

*Academic assessment and interventions

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I taught Social Studies and Technology in District 15 and in the early days at School of the Future. I went on to graduate school to complete a doctorate in the Harvard Urban Superintendents Program, with included practical internships alongside the academic component. After that, I was off to Houston, TX and had two amazing daughters, so I spent the next 10 years as a professor, researcher, and policy advocate at Rice University while they were very young. Returning to NYC in 2008, I served as Principal of Hunter College High School (run by CUNY) and helped to found a charter school (at Tweed Courthouse!) based on a Swedish model that emphasized building students' agency for guiding their own education. In 2015 I joined the NYC School Renewal Program as Executive Director for High Schools, then in 2019, with the cancellation of that program, began working as a Director of School Improvement, first at the Affinity BCO and now at ACCESS.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Realizing that the Renewal program managed to improve high school graduation rates by 20 percentage points over 4 years! Also, rolling back to the beginning, taking my students on field trips to places they'd never been, like museums, boats, and parks. That was a blast!

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
I greatly enjoyed our ACCESS book club on Learning to Improve, by Tony Bryk et al. It was fun to learn about that with colleagues and continue to apply Improvement Science to our work. It's been fun and productive!

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
That's a tough one - there have been many. Examples that come to mind are: Paolo Freire, Ted Sizer, Debbie Meier, Maxine Greene, Jerome Bruner, Richard Elmore, Bob Peterkin, David Hornbeck, Linda McNeil.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Stay in school: this ensures you can build a stable life. Find your passion and purpose and what gives you joy, then go live them!

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Landscapes of Learning by Maxine Greene

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I own a church!

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was a leader who made a difference in the lives of the students I served. That I changed some futures for the better.

Instructional Lead

You can contact me for: Instructional supports from coaching to developing professional development for teachers and school leaders.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I went to undergrad at the University of Rhode Island; majoring in English and Women's Studies. I had an inspirational Woman's Studies professor that inspired me to go into education. She created an inclusive classroom environment that was engaging and empowering--something I had never experienced before in my own schooling. I landed my first teaching job as an ELA teacher in the middle school in which I student taught. From there I went on to teach high school English where I continued to develop my pedagogical and leadership skills. I was ready to affect change in new ways, and wanted to facilitate adult learning at the BCO level in order to support a wider range of schools and students in the DOE.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
The happiest moments of my career always came from the experiences with my students, whether it was seeing them engage in an exciting lesson I had planned, supporting their journey’s towards college and career, or just enjoying time together during school celebrations.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
As an instructional lead, I facilitated professional development for two cohorts of teacher leaders.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
In my life, I would say both my parents helped to instill a strong work ethic. In my career, colleagues who have pushed my thinking and encouraged me to take risks.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Manifest your destiny. Envision the life you want to have, and identify the steps you need to take to get there. Dream big, there is no limit to your success.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I played Eponine in a summer camp production of Les Miserables.

What do you want your legacy to be?
A wife, mother, and educator that nurtured passions and inspired others to do the same.

Administrator of Special Education (ASE)

You can contact me for: All things related to Special Education!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
This is my 31st year in my exciting career in education! I am a graduate of NYC public schools (shout out to John Dewey HS!), Syracuse University (B.S. in Elementary and Special Education), SUNY Brockport (M.S. in Bilingual Education) and Teachers College, Columbia University (Ed.M. in Educational Administration). I have been blessed to hold various teaching and education administration positions, which have allowed me to teach in monolingual and bilingual special education programs, conduct bilingual educational evaluations, supervise special education personnel, facilitate Wilson, Schools Attuned (SA) and special education PLs. Prior to becoming an Administrator of Special Education (ASE), I was the city-wide Director of Bilingual Special Education Programs in community schools. My family taught me that education is a gift, can never be taken away from you and opens many doors of opportunity.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
The happiest moments of my career is when my students with IEPs, who were previously labeled as non-readers, learned how to read in my class. When you teach someone to read, not only can they access a lifetime of knowledge and learning, research states that you change their brain!

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
During my second year of teaching in the Syracuse City Public School System, I was asked to open the first bilingual (Spanish) special education class and work on a curriculum to support our bilingual students with disabilities (at least was what I was told!). It was extremely challenging since I had a very wide age-range of students and bilingual materials were scarce at that time, but it was the most gratifying experience. I really enjoyed teaching in two languages.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
The most influential person in my life, hands down, is my mother who has raised my sisters and me to be resilient, independent, have and be rooted in faith and treat others with kindness and respect.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Smiles and compassion cost nothing and can be given endlessly and freely. Use words wisely, as they have the power to build or tear down.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Oh goodness, there are so many wonderful books!

Here are the ones that come to mind (someone please stop me!):

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Narrative of Sojourner Truth by Sojourner Truth

My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

Becoming by Michelle Obama

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Waterlily by Ella Cara Deloria

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

No Greater Love by Mother Teresa

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I was fervently pursued and almost recruited to join the FBI during a career fair in college. I actually have a hidden talent for solving popular television mysteries and crime shows to the point of almost spoiling them for my family within the first few minutes. They cannot believe that 95% of the time my predictions are spot on!

What do you want your legacy to be?
I would hope my legacy is that I positively impacted not just the minds, but the hearts of those I have learned and journeyed with (from my family/friends to former students to teachers to fellow administrators) so they know they can accomplish anything with diligence and perseverance.

Administrator of Special Education

You can contact me for: Questions pertaining to special education services, policy, and systems

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
My third grade teacher, Mrs. Johnson, told my mother I was a natural teacher. My gifts were speaking for me before I knew what they were. While working for the American Heart Association, doing Jump Rope for Heart fundraising, Ms. Adrienne Berger, AP at P4 @ Peck Ave asked me if I would be interested in being a sub teacher. My career started working in D75. From a 6:1:1 teacher in D75, to Instructional Support Specialist in Region 9, to the Brooklyn ISC, to CFN 211 as an Adminstrator of Special Education, to Manhattan FSC and finally ACCESS. I have earned a BA in Dance, MS.Ed in Special Education, Masters in Supervision and Administration, Masters of Divinty, and workign towards my Doctorate in Ministry.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Planning events that help students, teachers, and parents see above their limitations and look towards the future with more possiblities than they could imagine.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
The ACCESS College and Career Transition fair where I was able to connect with Chris Gardner and secure him for our event

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My mom and dad. Always pushing me to become the best version of myself.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Dream big, take baby steps, move forward in faith.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Heart of the Soul by Gary Zukav

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I actually started off as a pre-med major in college

What do you want your legacy to be?
That Ms. Mitchell believed when no one else would

Education Administrator

You can contact me for: Any support that you need

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
Beginning year 20 in my DOE journey. SS teacher, dean, AP then landed dream job in D79

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Birth of my children

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
D79 Summer Youth

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My Mother

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Pursue a career that you are passionate about and work becomes a pleasure

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Autobiography of Malcolm X

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I am petrified of squirrels

What do you want your legacy to be?
Gave my all to make things better for my students.

Procurement Specialist

You can contact me for: Procurement

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
Where would I begin?

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Seeing the students that I mentored through the years grow and become successful agents of change in society.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Youth Roundtable initiative. Partnered with a non-profit organization to service at-risk youth in the Bronx for 4 consecutive years.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
I honestly can not narrow it down to one individual.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Stay resilient and persistent. Keep moving forward to grab your dreams and make them a reality.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I am a Founder and CEO of my own corporation.

What do you want your legacy to be?
In the face of adversity a man who inspired others to achieve greatness through his actions.

ACCESS D79 Director for School Safety and Culture

You can contact me for:
Safety concerns/incidents, OORS, Chancellor's Regulations, Suspensions, Safety plans, Building Response Team/General Response Protocol trainings, school culture initiatives,, NYPD School safety agent related issues.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
Assistant Dean and Dean for Student Affairs in Higher Education

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Serving as the ACCESS D79 Director for school safety and culture.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
District 79 training new school safety agents recruits at the Police academy about our Portfolio.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My Mother and Father

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today? Take your time growing up and have fun. Don't advance your years by making uninformed decisions.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Man's Search for Meaning, Dr. Viktor Frankl

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
My husband and I are Youth leaders in our Church.

What do you want your legacy to be?
Developing school communities that are invested in creating safe, supportive, happy, learning working environments.

EA- Specialized Student Support Lead

You can contact me for:
Special Education, Transition, Behavior, CDOS

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I was the quintessential neighborhood babysitter, camp counselor and after school tutor. Fast forward to college graduate with a teaching certificate where I taught in inner city neighborhoods of Newark and Paterson NJ, and helped set up a community-based school and library for the children of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. Fast forward again to a graduate degree in counseling and my career as a therapist and clinical coordinator in a private mental health practice in NYC for 12 years. I was a career changer and having worked for many years with adults, I realized it was time for me to work with young people. I went back to school to get the certifications I needed and began my journey as a Special Education teacher. Mainly colleagues and professors I met along the way encouraged me to continue my education pathway which brought me to where I am today.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
When I was a teacher, I taught an after school class on organization and time management strategies. Unbeknownst to me, one of my students created a Public Service Announcement Video and encouraged his peers to sign up for my class. In the video, he gave a testimonial about his experience and said being more organized was "transformational".

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
The project I am most proud of recently is the informational website I created for special education teachers. The website references guidance documents and samples that come in handy for managing and preparing IEPs and family and student meetings. It was an endeavor that I was inspired to create last year when I was working in a school supporting special education teachers. I look back on this achievement most fondly because it consolidates a lot of different information into one useful platform. I was also happy to learn that we are bringing this site to the attention of the Special Education Liaisons that work with us. The impact this website has, continues to motivate me to strive with continuing to support our teachers and students.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
I would say my elementary school music teacher was one of the most influential persons in my life. She was the only music teacher for a K-6 elementary school. I recall learning through my grades how to play the autoharp, recorder and harmonica. She played the piano and hosted grade-wide assemblies where we sang songs from Christmas Carols and Broadway classics to folk songs. We had lessons in the cafeteria where local concert players would bring their instruments to show us and explain how an orchestra works. We went Carnegie Hall to hear Virgil Fox. The most amazing thing was that Mr. Fox had a Q&A with us. We also sang along with a song (O'Canada!) he played having practiced it before we went on the trip. I know another trip to Lincoln Center involved a famous conductor who also had a conversation with us. Of course, she was the music director for the many musicals we put on. To date, I can tell you the words (you definitely don't want to hear me sing) from a few songs from the Mikado and HMS Pinafore. I still have the ditto sheets of music and lyrics that we used in our music assemblies. While I cannot carry a tune for the life of me, she instilled a love for music and taught me how music makes the world more beautiful -- lessons I would not have gotten anywhere else during that time in my life.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
I like the quote - "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants." because it reminds me that anyone we encounter can teach us something new.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Anything by Bill Bryson who writes about travel and science and makes me laugh.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I was a Certified US Archery Level 1 Instructor.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to remind people not to think about how you will find the strength; instead, just keep moving and the strength will come.

Budget Director

You can contact me for:
All budget related needs

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I graduated from Rutgers University in the spring of 2000 with my B. A. in Political Science (I once had grand plans of becoming the next Johnny Cochran...don't ask). My first job, fresh out of school, was as Management Trainee for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. While there, I studied in the ancient arts of Customer Service, washing cars in minus 15 degree weather, and changing tires on the side of a busy highway in 100 degree weather, all while wearing a shirt and tie. Fun times. My mother must have been so proud that all the money she spent to send me to college was being put to such good use. After that marvelous experience, in 2005, I switched careers and accepted a position with Banfield, The Pet Hospital as a Practice Consultant, which required me to relocate to Portland, Oregon. I spent 18 months in the Pacific Northwest learning all about the veterinary industry, indulging in countless donuts from Voodoo Donut (if you ever find yourself in Portland, make sure you stop by) and exploring the land of Crocs and socks (seriously, everyone in Portland wears some combination of Crocs/Birkenstocks and socks. It's wild...) I returned to the East Coast in early 2007, switched career paths again (I sense a pattern here) and joined Bank of America as a Branch Manager. All was going well until the financial crisis of 2008. Once this happened, the market I was working in was dissolved and realigned under a new Area Manager who promptly laid off everyone in Spring 2009. So I did what every responsible, unemployed individual would do and......rented a beach house in Point Pleasant, NJ with 4 of my closest friends. It was a glorious summer, some of which I can't remember. I then began my career with the DOE in 2009 as a School Business Manager for Jonas Bronck Academy and PAIHS at Monroe. In 2016, I transitioned into a Procurement Analyst position with the Affinity Field Support Center and after two years, I was presented with the opportunity to join District 79 (which later became a part of the ACCESS BCO) where I currently serve as a Budget Director.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Watching students be the first generation in their families to graduate from High School. Knowing that I played a small part in helping a student change their opportunities in life, is incredibly rewarding.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Let me think about that one. I'll get back to you.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My children. They teach me everyday and make me strive to be the best version of myself.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Life is not always fair but it's how you react in those moments of adversity, that will make or break you.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
In college, I was part of an acapella group.

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I was always willing to help.

Field Language Access Coordinator

You can contact me for:
Assistance with Language Access services for engaging families who prefer a language other than English. Questions or concerns with services provided by the DOE Translations & Interpretation Unit, DOE-approved translation & interpretation vendors.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I come from an extended family of educators but what initially motivated me towards a career in education was the school shooting at Columbine HS in 1999. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. I got my BA in History/Secondary Education and started as a Social Studies Teacher at DeWitt Clinton High School (the same HS I graduated from). As a teacher, I had the opportunity to work with at-risk students, bilingual students and realized the need for additional education to better serve the population of students I worked with. After receiving my Masters in Mental Health Counseling, I ended up working as a College & Career Counselor at Murray Hill Academy. My experience working with transfer students and families was challenging and rewarding. In the last few years, I found myself providing language assistance services to help our families with understanding the post-secondary world and to engage them in their students academic/career journey. Now as a Language Access Coordinator, I get to support our schools and programs with the tools needed to engage parents and families who prefer a language other than English.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Alumni Days at Murray Hill Academy - it was during these days that our students would return and share their successes, challenges and advise for future graduates of MHA. I loved learning about how far they have gone and that I got a chance to play a small role in their lives.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Most recently I am most proud of learning how to prep, QC and upload translated IEPs for our schools. Doing this has allowed our schools to have a quicker turnaround time in obtaining translated IEPs for parents.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
Anita Manninen-Felix - She has been one of my biggest supporters, advocates and pushed me to achieve more than I would have on my own.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Viktor Frankl

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I volunteer as the Director of Youth Programs at a church in NJ

What do you want your legacy to be?
I've made a positive impact in the next generation.

Director of Afterschool Tutoring Program

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
My Career was long I received a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA). I worked in a hospital for eighteen years and was blessed to be promoted five times. I was volunteering as a teacher teaching CCD classes and that's what made me change careers. I went back to school to get a license in teaching. I taught for seven years and then I went back to school and received a Master's Degree in Education. My principal promoted me to Assistant Principal and I went on to receive a Doctorate Degree in Education. I was a teacher, promoted to Special Ed coordinator, promoted to Assistant Principal and now I am the Director of the After School Tutoring Academy. I have over twenty-five years of experience with the Department of Education, specifically with Dist.79. I have worked collaboratively with Principals, overseeing a Juvenile Detention Center, Non-Secure Detention Center and an Alternative to Detention Center. Oh! I am also a New York State Certified Author.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
The happiest moment of my career was the day I graduated as the stress that I was under was over. Now, my happiest moments are when our students graduate.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
My work involves working closely with the Department Administration for Children Services, Managers/Directors of fifty-two different sites, and hospital staff in the different institutions In order to do this work we must work closely together and have the same goal in mind. In this program we are not an Island where we can work alone. We must all have the same attributes be passionate about the work we do, be ambitions driven and be persistent. The success of our students depends on how well the different entities work together. I have found that the ability to communicate effectively with different entities makes a tremendous impact on how well people work with you to accomplish your mission. This is what I am mostly proud of because if we all have one goal we can help all students succeed.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My mother I would have to talk a little about myself first. My mother who had ten children taught us that material things were not important. She taught us that if you give up what you want so that another person can have what they need it will give a sense of purpose in your life. So, although I retired I could not forget the students I left behind. The students that needed to be nurtured, cared for and that needed one person to just believe in them. I looked at myself in the mirror one morning and thought “what is my purpose in this life” I had no knowledge that Dist.79, was going to pick up a program where children reside in group homes. Children who have been neglected /abandoned/ or parent dies. I received a call and was asked if I was interested in coming back to help put a program together. I remembered my mother’s words “give up what you want so that another person can have what they need.” At this point I decided to return back to work. Six years later I am still doing the same work and have had countless success stories “OH MY I found my purpose in life.”

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Never Give up believe in yourself no matter how people put you down.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Thorn-birds I love this book and the movie too.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I am an Author and I play golf

What do you want your legacy to be?
That am honorable and will do anything to help students succeed.

Academic Response Specialist

You can contact me for: Comprehensive School Support | Teacher Coaching & Development

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I started with the NYC Department of Education as a substitute paraprofessional in 2008 and quickly transitioned to becoming a Special Education teacher a few months later in Far Rockaway, Queens. The next step in my journey too be to East New York Brooklyn where I served at teacher of the Gifted and Talented for four years after which I supported the opening of The Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island and served as Math educator, Dean of Students and then Assistant Principal. Since 2019 I have been working with the ACCESS BCO as an Academic Response Specialist where I provide comprehensive school support to schools across the city.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Seeing the impact of my work and a legacy left behind in places I have worked even after moving on.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
The first ACCESS Teacher Leadership PLC that launched during the pandemic and my most recent redeployment to a school in Brooklyn - it's always great to be around the students!

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My parents! They have been a constant source of support and encouragement from as long as I can remember!

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
It's never too early to come up with a plan, and find at least one person who is able to guide and mentor you.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Cultivating Genius - Dr. Gholdy E. Muhammad

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I can make a slamming Jerk Chicken & Rasta Pasta... (100% Jamaican)

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as a Champion for Children

Superintendent - District 79

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I am a product of the New York City public school system as are my two adult children. I started my career as a special education teacher in Brooklyn in the late 80’s and from there I have moved up each step. I was a teacher, became an assistant principal, then principal, moved up to deputy superintendent and superintendent in the Fall of 2019.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
The moment I stand at graduation and I see the sea of blue gowns and the faces of the graduates and their families. Those consist of my happiest memories.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
There was a social studies teacher that I had in high school that peaked my interest in history. I had him as a student at Lafayette High School and he was very influential. There was also a girl I hung out with in college who inspired me to work with kids. I still had not found my path and she influenced me to become a teacher.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Never lose your heart or sense of humanity in anything that you do.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
There is a book called "Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. It's about power, change, adapting to change, it's not just a book for leaders. I also recommend anything by Malcom Gladwell.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
That I am not always as sure of myself as I might appear to be.

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I had a listening ear and that I always focused on what I thought was best for students.

Deputy Superintendent - District 79

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I have been a part of the DOE for 33 years. I started as a computer teacher at District 75 and at the same school I became a unit coordinator, assistant principal and principal. I spent over 30 years of my career servicing students with emotional and mental impairments. As far as education is concerned, I received my BA in psychology from St. John's University, my Masters in special education from st. Johns University, my Masters of Educational Leadership from Queens College and I am a few months shy from my doctorate degree in educational leadership. I have a background in ministry as I simultaneously went to seminary school during my educational studies. A large part of what I have learned in seminary has helped me in playing a supportive role in the district. As a deputy superintendent, I manage the support teams as well as the social emotional and equity needs of the district.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Every part of my career is the happiest moment. It is a blessing to wake up every morning and to love what you do. Not many people can say that. My job is my call and I am happy to go to work every day. Not many people can say that and I will do whatever is necessary to make it work.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
I would have to say my parents. My father gave me an amazing example of what it means to have a strong work ethic. I was raised to see the importance of a strong work ethic through him.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
I often tell many of the students that it is important to pick a career that you love. You have to find your purpose in life and make your career that purpose. It will give you satisfaction everyday. That is why I can say that every day is a happy day for me because I believe I have found my purpose and I am doing what I have been called to do.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
I have been reading a book to all my students called “What Do You Do With a Chance?” By Kobi Yamada. I keep this book in my car and office and share it with those who need to hear the message.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
Im an open book. I aspire to do public speaking around the world. I do a lot with women's empowerment work outside of my work as deputy superintendent. I hope to continue to travel and inspire and motivate others.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I am writing several books because I do believe in leaving a legacy and you can do that by writing and publishing books. My legacy would be to know that lives have been changed by something that I have said or done.

Director of School Improvement

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
We are what we value, the activities we engage in and the people we share our lives with. I am a husband, a father of four, a Talmudic student, and an outdoorsman who finds his center in the solitude of austere landscapes and mountaintops. I am a career changer first by necessity and then by choice, a soldier, a chef/restaurateur, an academic, and an educator, whose internal compass led him to leave his PhD program in Yale to become an alternative entry middle school teacher. I've had the opportunity to design and open two innovative schools and currently I get to support our district by partnering schools to improve outcomes for students.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
In the classroom, as a teacher I'm thrilled every time I see a child have a breakthrough moment, you know that instant when they hear the "bells" or see the "lightbulb." As a School Improvement Specialist, my most rewarding moments were watching seven schools in my portfolio transform themselves by moving from receivership to good standing.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
I am always excited about my current project, so today I am excited about partner with principals and school instructional teams to design and implement cycles of improvement. However, reflecting across my career, I am most proud of my work during the height of the Pandemic leading one of the City's Regional Education Center (REC). As part of the largest non-wartime mobilization in history, the RECs were a critical component of the City's Covid response. The RECs were responsible for caring and educating the children of first responders. Without the RECs, essential services like, Police, Fire, Sanitation and Health-care would have shutdown. The opportunity to step into the breach, and serve the children and families of New York will be an experience I will always cherish.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My father taught me to lead a mission driven life, my mother to follow my passions, my wife to believe in myself, and my children remind me daily that I can and need to be a better person tomorrow than I am today

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
We are each a mosaic of our experiences, every encounter both the big and the small fill in the outlines of lives. Each experience, a shard of tiles or shiny glass that give texture and color to the portrait of our lives. The more varied our experiences the more vibrant our life mosaic. With this in mind be fearless, expose yourself to the different, the novel, and the new. Pursue as much education as you can, travel, meet people not from your tribe and let new ideas challenge your accepted wisdoms. In other words, always keep learning.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Hobbit taught me everything I know about internal courage, transformational growth, real friendship, and the importance of a true moral compass.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
Before I was a Yale Fellow and finished multiple degrees in Philosophy, Religious studies and educational leadership, I struggled with my undergraduate education and dropped out of college. As a dyslexic who grew up in the 1980's, high school did not prepare me for college or career. It was my years of struggle and perseverance that tempered my resolve to work in school design and improvement.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I hope to leave this world and our school system in a little better shape than how I found it.

School/Program: Access/ Transfer schools

What is your role?
ELL Services Administrator

What do you love about your current job?
Seeing how this largest system of schooling works from behind the scenes to make every student in this huge city progress. Contributing to this amazing machine that changes human lives.

How did you get your current job?
I have always been interested in working with teachers and indirectly supporting students by impacting the adults they encounter in their learning journeys.

What other jobs do you hold / have you held?
I have been a DOE teacher and a TESOL graduate program adjunct lecturer. I used to work as an interpreter and a translator, as well as a tour guide.

Where did you attend high school? college? post-grad?
I went to HS in Poland, I did my MA in English in Poland. My MA in French happened at Hunter College, so did my MSED in ADSUP. Hunter is an amazing place for students who seek education (not just college experience), the academics are very solid and degrees desirable. It is still a well kept secret of NYC.

What challenges have you faced in college and/or career? How have you overcome them?
I have come to all my jobs as a newbie, there were cultural differences that might have been perceived as difficulties, but I try to adapt and go with the flow.

Who has helped you along the way whom you wish to thank?
Colleagues and supervisors who saw my value helped me the most. They appreciated my work ethics and made it easier for me to advance.

What advice do you have for students newly entering the workforce?
Be humble, learn, listen, respect yourself and others, and never judge.

What is your favorite Quote?
I don’t have an exact quote, but I would always tell my students that if they know another language and know another culture, they have an extra life, extra soul, they are special and they should cherish this wealth!

Director of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development Partnerships

You can contact me for:
All things CTE & workforce development!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
I grew up in NJ and made my way to NYC via North Carolina (studying psychology at Davidson College) and Texas (teaching with Teach for America and University of Houston for grad school). I first worked with students interning as a behavior technician at an alternative program during undergrad which sparked an interest in learning more about educational inequity. I first started in the NYCDOE in 2011 at D79's East River Academy on Rikers Island, largely supporting students' reentry into school programs after leaving ERA. Since then I've spent time with several DOE central teams (Office of Renewal Schools, 3-K/Pre-K for All expansion, Chief Operating Officer's team) supporting a wide variety of projects. The hardest job I ever had was as a teacher--go out and thank a teacher today!

What is the happiest moment of your career?
When former students reach out with happy memories of taking a class with me years after they've left. It leaves you awestruck to see firsthand the type of lasting impression teachers are making on their students everyday!

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Helping to coordinate the opening of school-based vaccine clinics that vaccinated more than 50,000 students during the pandemic.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
Not one person, but students. Hearing the stories of students and wanting to find ways to do more to help open doors for them.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
The world is so hectic and there are so many competing priorities. I've found that a helpful way to ground myself and focus on what's really important is to figure out how I need to live now so that I can (hopefully) have fewer regrets later on. It may sound morbid, but there are lots of resources (such as here, here, or here!) on the top regrets of the dying and how we can learn from them to live a more fulfilling life. Of course, the younger we/students are, the less likely we may be to think about the end of our lives, but we all only have one shot at life, and it often passes us by quicker than we think.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
Two books: "The Victoria in My Head" and "Analee, in Real Life" -- because my good friend wrote them and she/they are fabulous. : ) Perfect books for students! Recommend them to your teacher friends.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
Growing up I was a huge musical theater geek--I was in more than a dozen shows before graduating high school! My favorite roles were probably as Princess Winnifred in "Once Upon a Mattress" and Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes."

What do you want your legacy to be?
Leaving a wake of happiness in my little corner of the world.

Instructional Lead for Special Populations

You can contact me for:
All things instruction and SWD's or just to say...hey!!!!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
As a little girl from the beautiful island of La Española also known as The Dominican Republic (well half of it), I knew at an early age from my parents that getting a degree was not an option. I started with a bachelor/masters in psychology, then a master's in education, and the leadership academy. Their determination and commitment towards my academic achievement were such a loud force in my life, making education the only option and here I am today. I love what I do. All things teaching and learning are my passion. I lead with my love for the work and my mantra is "Education is the only way out, the great equalizer"

What is the happiest moment of your career?
To see my students grow up and become amazing humans. To be able to see it and celebrate them. So many success stories and I am blessed to be a witness of them and to have offered any insight or support. It is by far one of my biggest blessings.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
Engaging my students and my daughters in service projects and raising awareness for the importance of giving back. Knowing that being a human does not mean that you act with humanity and empathy.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
My grandmother was a restaurant owner who without formal education ran an extremely successful business. She knew that all of her kids would obtain the education she never had. As her oldest granddaughter, she empowered me with a constant reminder that hard work and dedication matter. She used to say "Be whatever you want but, be the best at it. Let your work speak for you"

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Without a doubt, I would tell them what my grandma used to say "Be whatever you want but, be the best at it. Let your work speak for you" and I would add this twist, the world is yours and it is up to you to have the best life. 4 L's Live, Love and Laugh and always LEARN!

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are –by Brené Brown

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
I used to be a Resident Mental Health and Marriage Counselor.

What do you want your legacy to be?
That I have done this work with humility and that I always believed that all my student could learn and succeed. For my girls to know that they are my inspiration to be the best version of myself.

Attendance Supervisor

You can contact me for:
Any attendance related needs.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey. What pathway did you take to get you to where you are today?
Education is a second career in my journey. I started in Finance and decided to make a switch early on in my career. I taught in South Jamaica, Queens for 7 years. From there I was a HS Assistant principal and eventually a principal in East Harlem, NY. I found my way to ACCESS a year ago and could not be happier. ACCESS supports some of the most incredible schools in the city. The team I work with has become a second family.

What is the happiest moment of your career?
Coming to ACCESS has to be the happiest moment of my career. My team is incredibly support, loving and has become my second family. We get to work with schools that are built with individuals who go way above and beyond for the communities they serve. It feels amazing to come to work everyday and see a difference in what I am doing.

What is a Project/Assignment you have worked on that you are most proud of?
When I was a principal, I worked started a club to teach young students how to solve a rubik's cube. It was profound to watch children do something they felt was impossible.

Who was the most influential person in your life/career?
In my life, I have had the opportunity to work under the leadership of inspiring women. These women have taught me strength, resilience and allowed me to grow. It is because of these women that I am able to lead with compassion and integrity.

Based on your own life experiences, what advice would you give students today?
Be your champion. Push yourself further than you think you can go.

What book would you recommend for everyone to read?
The Alchemist.

What’s something your colleagues would never guess about you?
That I am an extremely competitive person.

What do you want your legacy to be?
I want people to remember me for how I made them feel. I want them to be able to say I made a positive impact on their lives.