James Arangio is an Instructional Lead on the New York City Mathematics Collaborative, where he designs and facilitates professional learning experiences for teachers, administrators and district math leads. James also collaborates with superintendent teams to strategize curriculum adaptation and improvements to teacher practice on the District level as well as with external curriculum developers and professional learning companies to coordinate resources and support for NYC schools. Prior to his current role, James worked as an Instructional Lead with the Algebra for All Initiative and as a middle school math teacher and coach in District 23.

James is a life-long New Yorker and a proud graduate of the NYCPS system, attending from Kindergarten through High School. James holds a Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and a Master’s degree in Education from Brooklyn College.

Amanda Bueno-Rene is a Mathematics Instructional Lead for New York City Public Schools, where she supports administrators and educators in the successful implementation of high-quality mathematics curricula. Her work focuses on fostering effective instructional practices, providing professional development, and supporting leaders and teachers to enhance student achievement in mathematics. With a background in bilingual education, curriculum design, and educational leadership, Amanda brings a wealth of experience in both supporting teachers' growth and advancing systemic educational goals.

Amanda holds advanced degrees in Bilingual Education and School Administration, which further inform her commitment to equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education for all students. She is deeply committed to promoting equity and excellence in mathematics education across the city and brings with her a wide range of experience, having previously served as a Dual Language teacher, Borough Instructional Lead, and Dual Language Principal. 

Robert Burton is an Instructional Lead on the New York City Mathematics Team, focusing on supporting educators in providing rigorous instruction using a problem-based approach. Prior to joining the team, Bob began his career as a New York City Teaching Fellow. He taught high school mathematics and computer science for more than sixteen years, mostly at Explorations Academy in the Bronx. There, he served as a Peer Collaborative Teacher, Model Teacher, math department chair, and new teacher mentor. Bob is a three-time recipient of the Math for America Master Teacher fellowship.

Bob holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Rutgers University, an M.A. in Mathematics Education from CUNY City College, and an M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from The College of Saint Rose. He additionally became certified as a special education teacher through the NYC STEP program. Currently, Bob is pursuing a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement from Concordia University Wisconsin.

Alexa Goldstrom is an Instructional Lead for the New York City Mathematics Team, focusing on designing and facilitating professional learning for teachers and administrators on implementing mathematics curricula and strong pedagogical practices that allow all students equitable access to rigorous mathematics. Over 20 years of experience in education Alexa has worked as an AVID tutor and instructional assistant, a bilingual middle school math teacher in District 6, an ML math teacher at a dual language middle school in District 3, a Math Instructional Lead for the Affinity network, and as the High School Instructional Lead for Algebra for All, a mayoral Equity and Excellence Initiative.

Alexa holds a Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Mills College and a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from the City College of New York. She has also earned certificates in Project-Based Learning from the New York Institute of Technology, and in Bilingual Education from the City College of New York, and has participated in a Research Experience for Teachers at NYU Poly on Technology and Entrepreneurship.

Kathy Grandchamps is an Instructional Lead on the New York City Mathematics Team, where she develops and facilitates professional learning for administrators and teachers to promote equitable engagement with rigorous mathematics for all learning communities. Kathy also collaborates with superintendents to develop District Learning Labs where intervisitations are facilitated to identify puzzles of practice, discuss possible root cause, calibrate high leverage practice, elicit feedback from critical friends, and create implementation plans. Prior to her current role, Kathy served as an Assistant Principal at York Early College Academy where she developed and supervised the data-driven instruction initiative that emphasized a systemized approach to how the school analyzed quantitative and qualitative metrics to improve student learning outcomes across all demographics. Kathy also served as a high school math teacher for nine years where she developed strong relationships with students by leveraging their cultural context to create relevant learning experiences for every student served. 

Kathy holds a Master’s in Teaching from Pace University and a Master’s Degree of Education in School Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Wynta K. Nivens, EdD, is the Director of Literacy Interventions, Math Interventions, and Access with the Special Education Office (SEO) in the NYCDOE Division of Specialized Instruction and Student Support (DSISS). Wynta, qualified to provide support in dyslexia and dyscalculia, serves as a member of a team that supports, develops, and provides evidence-based professional learning opportunities in reading & literacy and mathematics for NYC DOE community schools across all five boroughs. Wynta has supported schools in developing Data-Based Individualization (DBI) structures in reading and mathematics. In addition, she has supported the Centrally Funded IEP Teacher Initiative since its 2016 inception at both the elementary and secondary levels. Currently, she supports Secondary CF IEP Teachers in providing interventions in mathematics. Formerly, Wynta served as a Lead Instructional Mentor (LIM) and Teacher Development Specialist (TDS) with a School Support Organization and as a classroom teacher and Literacy Coach in District 27.

Wynta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CUNY Bernard N. Baruch, a Master’s in Elementary Education from Mercy College, a Post Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration from CUNY Queens College, a Master’s in Instructional Technology and Multimedia Design from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Reading and Literacy from Capella University. 

Lisa Parziale is an Instructional Lead for the NYCPS STEM team, focusing on supporting educators in engaging students in rigorous, inclusive, and strengths-based STEM learning. With over twenty-five years in education, she brings extensive experience in educator development, strategic planning, and the implementation of system-wide academic initiatives.

Lisa spent nearly 15 years teaching and coaching mathematics and science for grades 5-12, working in both general and special education settings. During her time in the classroom she consistently achieved results for all learners by innovating through the development of project & problem based learning materials and the incorporation of technology to blend learning.  Since 2013, she has served in various central instructional and leadership roles, including CFN Achievement Coach, Manhattan Borough Instructional Lead, Director of Instructional Programs & Professional Learning, Director of Digital Learning & Innovation, and most recently, Lighthouse Collaborative Director.In these roles, she served as a leader and advisor contributing to the development of key initiatives like the Digital Learning initiative, Summer Rising, Academic Recovery, and curation of hundreds of resources and materials for the Teach Hub during remote learning.

Lisa holds an MsEd in Science Education (K-8) from Lesley University and MS in Educational Leadership & Administration from Western Governors University, an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Special Education from the College of St. Rose, and Graduate Certificate in Mathematics from Converse College.

Lenise Rogers is an Instructional Lead for the New York City Mathematics Team, with a strong commitment to the New York Public School system. As an Instructional Lead, Lenise designs and facilitates professional learning for teachers and administrators with a focus on planning and implementing strengths-based, cognitively engaging, and inclusive instruction to improve outcomes for all students. Lenise began her career with New York City Public Schools in 2008, serving as a Special Education teacher and teacher leader in Brooklyn. She has also worked as a Borough Instructional Lead, supporting schools in Queens South, and  as an Assistant Principal in the Bronx.

Lenise holds a Bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University, a Master’s in Adolescent Education from Long Island University, and a Post Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership from CUNY Queens College. Lenise is also a proud product of New York City public schools.

Nicola Vitale is an Instructional Lead for the New York City Mathematics Team, focusing on supporting educators in engaging students in rigorous, inclusive, and strengths-based mathematics learning. Nic began his career with the NYCDOE more than 20 years ago at Banana Kelly High School in District 8, teaching mathematics and science, leading content teams, mentoring teachers and student teachers, and supporting colleagues as a Master Teacher. He led the development of an innovative integrated mathematics and science course which included fieldwork at the Bronx River and led implementation of student-centered math/science notebooks across the school. Nic has served in an instructional leadership role at central since 2012, designing and facilitating mathematics and STEM professional learning. Throughout his career he has led professional learning communities ranging from school-based (Common Core Lab and Learning Labs) to citywide (Mathematics Seminar - a professional learning community of math leaders across the city), and he had a key role in Algebra for All.

Nic holds a B.S. in Physics from SUNY Albany, an M.S.Ed. from CUNY Lehman College, and is a graduate of NYCDOE’s LEAP program. Nic is honored to have received the 2009 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching and a Math for America Master Teacher Fellowship.

Beth Lev Wehner  is the Senior Director for Math and Science for the STEM team. She has been working for central since 2013 and has served in various capacities including: advising the Executive Directors of STEM; serving as Director of Algebra for All, a mayoral Equity and Excellence Initiative; serving as a member of the leadership team guiding the transition to remote mathematics teaching and learning in response to the pandemic; and supporting the selection and implementation of mathematics core curriculum at all grade levels, including the development of a teacher-leadership program. Before joining the central team, Beth spent 16 years as a high school mathematics teacher at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. She also served as a Mathematics Instructional Coach for Children’s First Network 101 and an Assistant Principal at El Puente Academy. 

Beth holds a Master’s in Mathematics Leadership from Bank Street College of Education.

Nicole Williams is the Executive Director of STEM.  She oversees the development and implementation of key initiatives within Mathematics, Science, Technology, and STEM and acts with significant discretion as an advisor to the Chief of Curriculum and Instruction. Nicole provides leadership and coordination to develop K-12 interdisciplinary approaches to STEM Education as well as develop K-12 evidence-based approaches to Mathematics and Science Education.  She works closely with her team to develop, maintain, and ensure a rigorous and equitable educational experience across all schools in Mathematics, Science, and STEM. Nicole is working with her team to implement high-quality curriculum and re-think student experiences in STEM.

Before joining the central team, Nicole worked as a Mathematics Instructional Specialist, serving schools across the city.  She served as a building leader for many years, as an Assistant Principal and Principal in District 26. 

Nicole holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College at Columbia University and a Master's from NYU Steinhardt in Educational Leadership.