Faculty & Staff Bios
Leadership
Ms. Emily Shu, Principal
M.S.Ed. Leadership in the Arts, Bank Street College of Education; MAT Art and Design Education, Rhode Island School of Design; BA Art and History, Swarthmore College
Ms. Shu, a photographer and former art teacher, has worked for the New York City public schools since 2003. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students to stretch their thinking, be creative, and find opportunities within the school community and beyond.
Ms. Angel Bookal, Assistant Principal
M.S. Ed. Educational Leadership, Bank Street College, M.S. Urban and Multicultural Education with a Specialization in Instructional Technology, B.S. Biology, Guilford College
Ms. Bookal commenced her career as an educator in 1996 as a science and math teacher for an alternative/transfer high school in Queens and later taught Living Environment at a high school in the Bronx. In 2006, she became an assistant principal at a high school in the South Bronx and is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to work for the betterment of our community. She looks forward to collaborating with our students, faculty, staff, parents and partners to bring rich and meaningful experiences, which will promote college and career readiness.
Mr. Jonathan Clayton, Assistant Principal
M.S Ed. Educational Leadership, College at Saint Rose; M.A English Literature, NYS Advanced Certification English 7-12, NYS Advanced Certification Teaching Students With Disabilities 7-12, City College of New York; B.A English Literature, University at Buffalo.
Mr. Clayton began his career as a writing instructor, first at the undergraduate level, then at the graduate level. Eventually, he transitioned to teaching English at the middle school level in both Brooklyn and Harlem, before teaching for several years as a High School English and Special Education instructor in the South Bronx. He looks forward to bringing his leadership, knowledge and passion to the BEA community, building lasting relationships and creating a culture of excellence.
Guidance & Administration
Ms. Alanna Cheyney, LCSW, School Social Worker
MSW, New York University; BA, Manhattan College; CHHC, Institute of Integrative Nutrition
NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NYS Certified Public School Social Worker, Certified Health Coach
Ms. Cheyney, who is a therapist, educator, artist and yogi, has been working with the NYC Department of Education since 2004. Since receiving her license to practice social work, she has worked with children of all different ages and abilities in a number of different therapeutic and educational settings. Ms. Cheyney is currently studying holistic nutrition and yoga, and is dedicated to helping young people integrate healthy choices into their lives.
Ms. Carmelina Gomez, Dean
MA Spanish Literature with concentration on Baroque and Renaissance Period, Hunter College
MPA Metropolitan College of New York
BA Spanish Literature and Classical Studies, Hunter College
Ms. Gomez has worked for the Department of Education since 1999, working with students from pre-K through twelfth grade. Ms. Gomez has taught Spanish on the middle school and high school levels and has worked as a Dean since 2001.
Ms. Gina Marie Jones, College Bound Initiative Director of College Counseling
M.S. - Guidance and Counseling, The College of New Rochelle
B.S. - The College of New Rochelle
Bank Street College of Education - Completed School Counseling certification requirements
NYS, Certification in School Counseling
Ms. Jones has over a decade worth of experience in the college access field. Born and raised in the Bronx and having been a first generation student herself, Ms. Jones wants to empower students to overcome barriers and help increase college entrance and graduation statistics. Having been brought up in the Puerto Rican culture, Ms. Jones is able to communicate with families in Spanish. She is excited to connect each senior class with the many opportunities and resources that the higher education field has to offer.
Ms. Gloria Toscano, SAPIS Counselor
M.S. Art Therapy and Counseling, College of New Rochelle
B.A. Liberal Arts Psychology, City College (CUNY)
Ms. Toscano has been working as a SAPIS for the New York City Public High Schools in the Bronx since December of 1999. The drug prevention program offers leadership skills, involving students in conversations about drug use and teaching students factual information about drugs. It also engages students to develop communication and decision-making skills to help guide them to live a healthy lifestyle. Ms. Toscano is very passionate about supporting and empowering our teens.
Instructional Faculty
Ms. Abbee Bourret, Visual Art & Graphic Design Teacher
Masters of Art in Teaching, School of Visual Arts
BA in Graphic Design, School of Visual Arts
Ms. Bourret has been working as a Visual Arts teacher for New York City Department Of Education since 2005. She believes in creating a learning environment that fosters each student’s individual growth as an artist and a person.
Ms. Antonette Brown Whittick, Humanities Teacher
M.S. Ed.- Special Education- Grades 7-12- The City College of New York
B.A. Liberal Arts- with Social Science Concentration- The College of New Rochelle
After a 15 year career in social services, Ms. Whittick chose to follow her passion for education and become a teacher. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and educated in the NYC Public School System, Ms. Whittick believes that all students in NYC Public Schools deserve and can receive a quality education. Ms. Whittick carries this belief with her into her classroom and uses it as motivation to teach and advocate for her students. Ms. Whittick considers herself to be a life-long learner and hopes to instill this passion for learning and education in her students. Ms. Whittick enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.
Mr. Daniel Burke, ESL/Team Teacher
M.S. ED. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Touro College
B.S. Marketing, Manhattan College
Joining the teaching profession after a brief career in pharmaceutical advertising, Mr. Burke is excited to bring his knowledge of second language acquisition into the classroom. Mr. Burke is also an active musician and studies with a number of well-known drummers in the New York City area. Going into his tenth year as an educator; he is an avid believer of lifelong learning and its importance inside and outside of the classroom.
Ms. Dana Cardona, Math/Team Teacher
M.S. in Adolescent Special Education with a Concentration In Behavioral Disorders, Hunter College
B.S. Criminology with Law Minor, John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
After working in the juvenile justice field for years, Ms. C decided to pursue a career in teaching based on her passion for working with youth. As a special education teacher, Ms. C dedicates her days to assuring students’ academic, social and emotional needs are met. She believes in building growth mindset in her students. She wants youth to know their mindset can guide them to their success in life. In addition to teaching, Ms. C enjoys making a difference in her community by volunteering and mentoring with various organizations.
Ms. Christine Catalano, Dance Teacher
M.A. Dance Education, NYU Steinhardt
B.A. General and Special Education, St. Joseph’s College
Ms. Cat believes all students should have the opportunity to experience dance as a personal expression as well as be encouraged to create, explore and discover new ideas through dance making. She has designed BEA’s dance program to assist students in the creative process and encourages personal exploration through individual movement ideas while applying knowledge of dance skill and technique. Ms. Cat also holds NYS certification in special education, early childhood, childhood, visual art and as a generalist. Ms. Cat has been teaching in New York City since 2009.
Mr. Alex Corigliano, ELA Team Teacher, Varsity Baseball Coach
MAT Relay Graduate School of Education, June 2021; BA SUNY New Paltz, Social Studies & Public Relations
Mr. Corigliano has been teaching in the Bronx since 2019. Before teaching, Mr. Corigliano worked in a variety of different settings including in Non-profits, warehouses, and hospitality which he feels helped him gain the perspective needed to truly help people. Mr. Corigliano considers himself a lifelong learner, and wants to foster that same passion for learning into his students.
Ms. Anna Gonzalez, Spanish Teacher
MSW, Mercy College; MS Early Childhood Education, BA Psychology
Ms. Gonzalez has worked with the Department of Education since 2007. Before working in New York City, she was a teacher in Rockland County. Ms. Gonzalez began as an elementary school teacher but quickly realized high school was where she felt at home. She believes in creating a positive environment where students can grow academically, socially, and mentally. Ensuring family involvement in students' education will promote self determination in our youth which will lead to the overall success of students.
Ms. Ravin Joseph, Global History Teacher
MS.Ed. in Educational Leadership at The College of Saint Rose
BA in Secondary Education and Social Studies at SUNY Cortland
Along with her teaching experience Ms. Joseph, is a proud member of her community. She runs a nonprofit mentoring young women, as well as supports the initiatives for her local NAACP chapter and Community Board.
Ms. Felia Joseph-Henry, Chemistry Teacher
MA in Science Teaching at Brooklyn College
BA Chemistry Teaching, Brooklyn College
Certificate/AS in Secondary Education from Commonwealth of Dominica State College.
Ms. Joseph-Henry has taught science for 12 years in the Commonwealth of Dominica and is excited to be part of the BEA team. She enjoys teaching, motivating and engaging students.
Ms. Petrina Kidd, Mathematics Teacher
MA in Math Education, Lehman College
BA in Psychology, State University of New York at Albany
Ms. Kidd started her career in teaching in 2015 in South Korea, where she spent 2 years teaching students from K-12 English language through different subjects. Upon returning to the states, Ms. Kidd completed her Masters in Math Education at Lehman College. Ms. Kidd now teaches mathematics to our ninth graders here at BEA. She enjoys working with each of her students whether in a full class, small groups or individually to ensure great academic success.
Mr. George Ludovici, Mathematics & Computer Science Teacher
M.S.Ed. Public School Building Leadership, Columbia–Teachers College, M.S. Mathematics Education, CUNY Lehman College, M.S. Computer and Information Science, Syracuse University, B.A. Computer Science, SUNY Oswego.
Mr. Ludovici has taught in public schools in the Bronx since 2004. He enjoys discussing and presenting math in ways that make it easy to relate to and understand as well as working with students to find harder problems that develop deeper thinking and more persistent effort. Mr. Ludovici also teaches AP computer science after working in IT for many years. He has four children and four grandchildren, he likes time with family, running, skiing and tennis. Mr. Ludovici once rode a motorcycle 12,000 miles across the US and Canada.
Ms. Joann Mariani, English Language Arts Teacher
M.S. in Education, Empire State University
B.A. in English Literature and Communications, Sacred Heart University
Ms. Mariani has been teaching ELA, AP Literature and Composition, and Film Studies for ten years in New York City. Beyond academic success and preparing students for college and career, her mission as a teacher is helping young people recognize themselves as agents of change in their communities and providing them with the tools to make that change. She believes that literature is a powerful medium to help us understand our world, and enjoys teaching English in ways that help students make connections between fiction and their own lives. She enjoys traveling, reading all kinds of fiction, and theater.
Ms. Eduvigen Mella, Math & Science Team Teacher
M.S. in Adolescent Special Education with a Bilingual Extension, City College.
B.A. in Behavioral Science, Mercy College.
Ms. Mella fosters students’ identity and heritage to create a nurturing environment that embraces students’ culture and experience to accomplish academic success. She has been working for the New York City Department of Education since 2008. Ms. Mella has helped students to be academically successful by providing educational, emotional, and behavioral support to linguistically diverse students. She joined the faculty at Bronx Envision Academy to continue making a difference in the lives of the students of New York City.
Ms. Danielle Moore, Humanities Team Teacher
M.S. in Adolescent Special Education with English Extension, St. John’s University
B.A. in Creative Writing, Minor-Cultural Anthropology, CUNY Lehman College
After being in the Social Work/Human Services field for several years, Ms. Moore joined the NYC Teaching Fellows program to pursue her love for education. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Ms. Moore wanted to become an educator to give back to her community and is excited to be a part of the Bronx Envision Academy team. Ms. Moore is looking forward to bringing her passion for education, and experience with working with youths to support students and bring them to their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. Ms. Moore believes that all students deserve a quality education and is fortunate to be a part of a school community that shares that same value.
Ms. Daria Pennington, English & AP Art History Teacher
M.A. Arts Administration, Teachers College, Columbia University
B.A., Art History, University of California, Santa Cruz
Ms. Pennington taught English in the San Francisco Bay Area for 8 years before moving to New York. Prior to joining the faculty at Bronx Envision Academy in 2012, Ms. Pennington worked in the arts education and nonprofit sectors in New York and as a writing tutor. She is excited to incorporate the artistic process into her teaching and support students in expanding their worldview through literature and self-expression. Ms. Pennington received her teaching certification in English at San Francisco State University.
Ms. Xiomara Pescador, English as a New Language Teacher
B.A. English Education, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, M.A. Teacher Leadership, University of Phoenix-Fairfield, Connecticut.
Ms. Pescador started teaching English as a Second/New Language in 2001 in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico and still loves it today. Teaching language and helping her students reach their goals is what keeps her going every day. She loves trying new strategies that will engage and facilitate language learning for all her students. She also loves learning other languages, customs and cultures from all her students and incorporating them in the classrooms.
Ms. Precious Picart
MAT Relay Graduate School of Education (Anticipated, June 2023); BA SUNY Potsdam, Criminal Justice and Sociology
Ms. Picart is entering her second year here at BEA. Born and raised in the Bronx, her goal is to make sure every student is seen, heard, and protected. After COVID hit, she was unsure of what to do. She knew she wanted to give back to the community and soon after she received an offer to join NYC Teaching Fellows. She looks forward to working with all students and getting to know you all. She will be teaching Math and Science. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and exploring new places in her city.
Ms. Siby Phillips, English Teacher
M.A. English Education, Teacher’s College, Columbia University, B.A. English and History, State University at Albany, New York
Born and raised in New York, Ms. Phillips has been an educator in New York City schools since 2003. She started her career at a portfolio assessment school in Manhattan and also taught at another ISA school in Brooklyn. She has been teaching at BEA since 2014 and appreciates that this school values inquiry and project-based learning. She is a passionate reader and hopes to share the interest with her students. She also enjoys baking, snorkeling and traveling.
Mr. Julian Rondón Rivera, Living Environment Teacher
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers-Newark University
M.S. in Teaching Science, Pace University
M.S. Biology, Rutgers-Newark University
B.A. Biology, Rutgers-Newark University
NYC Teaching Fellow
Mr. Rondón is excited to return to Bronx Envision Academy. During these past years as a Ph.D. candidate, Mr. Rondón worked with high school students in a Science intensive program. Through this program, Mr. Rondón gained the desire to teach Science at the secondary level, bringing with him content knowledge that he hopes will spark in his students a greater appreciation for the biological sciences.
Mr. Daniel Roldán, Physical Education Teacher
M.A. Physical Education, Manhattanville College, B.S. English, Binghamton University
Mr. Roldán has taught Physical Education in the New York City public schools since 2006. He shares his enthusiasm and passion for sports and physical activity with his students. Mr. Roldán believes that Physical Education is an integral part of each student’s education. He looks forward to a fun and exciting school year.
Ms. Michele Roth, Advanced Placement Biology and Forensics Teacher
M.S.Ed Secondary Science, Lehman College
B.S. Biology and Chemistry, College of New Rochelle
Ms. Roth has been teaching science since 2004 and joined the Bronx Envision Academy family in 2014. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher. Ms. Roth’s decision to be a science teacher came about from her own high school Biology teacher who made her see science as fun and as an important part of everyday life. Ms. Roth hopes to help her students appreciate science not only in school but in the world around them. She wants her students to see that even the idea that they can send a text message is a scientific concept.
Mr. Jim Roumeles, Music and Theater Teacher
M.S. in Educational Theatre, CCNY
B.M. in Music Education, Ithaca College
Mr. Roumeles gladly joined the BEA team after spending over a decade teaching music and drama to students at various levels. In addition to teaching, Mr. Roumeles is also an actor, singer and theater director. He enjoys bringing his passion for the arts into the classroom and helping students to identify and develop their own unique talents.
Mr. Tyrike Saunders, English Teacher
M.A. In English, Queens College
Advanced Initial Certificate in English Education, Queens College
Mr. Saunders has been teaching since January 2014 and has been at Bronx Envision Academy since September 2020. He is dedicated to helping students become independent thinkers and learners, while aiding them in gaining and maintaining a deep appreciation for literature.
Ms. Ana Tavarez Perez, Physical Education Teacher
M.A. Educational Technology, Mercy College
B.S. Physical Education, SUNY CORTLAND
Ms. Tavarez-Perez has worked for the NYC public schools as a high school physical education instructor for over 24 years. She has served as an Athletic Director, and she joined the faculty at BEA in the spring of 2016. She believes all students should have the opportunity to experience a quality physical education program in which students are exposed to various sports activities as well as fitness-related activities in the hope that physical activity becomes part of their lifestyles. Ms. Tavarez-Perez has also coached for the NYC Public School Athletic League (PSAL) in various sports: Boys & Girls JV/Varsity Volleyball, Boys Varsity Tennis, Softball, and Girls Gymnastics 2003-present). She’s currently coaching our Campus’s Girls Varsity Volleyball Team.
Mr. Michael Thomas, English as a New Language Teacher
M.A. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, City College
B.A. Rhetoric, Bates College
Mr. Thomas has been teaching since 2016 and has been at Bronx Envision Academy since January 2018. He teaches AP English Language, AP US History, 12th Grade English, and 12th Grade Social Studies at BEA. He loves talking about movies, books, and history.
Mr. Anthony Trabucco, History and English Team Teacher
M.S. in Special Education, Long Island University - Brooklyn
B.A. in History, Fordham University
Mr. Trabucco has been teaching at BEA since 2017. A former teaching fellow, you can find Mr. Trabucco in 11th grade ELA or US history classes, or working with the special education department to ensure that all students have access to the curriculum.
Mrs. Sandra Vega-Diaz, Earth Science Teacher
M.S. in Science Education, City College, B.A. in Anthropology, Union College
Ms. Vega has taught Regents Earth Science in New York City public schools since 2008. She is a native of the Bronx and attributes her accomplishments to the inspirational teachers at Christopher Columbus High School. Ms. Vega’s goals in the classroom are to show students how the Earth works and to inspire students to observe the natural world that exists in their urban neighborhoods.
Mr. Aleksis Visners, Humanities Team Teacher
M.A. in Special Education, Relay Graduate School of Education
B.S. Behavioral Science, Mercy College
A.A. Arts, Communication, Dean College
Mr. V has been working for the New York City Department of Education since 2011. Born in Michigan and transplanted to the Bronx, N.Y. at an early age, Mr. Visners was a Varsity Football Letterman at Mount St. Michael Academy and in College. Syndicated and Published International Artist, Mr. Visners continues to establish his creative direction in Film, Music Production and Special Education. Mr. Visners is dedicated to positive reinforcement and helping all students to reach their short and long term goals at Bronx Envision Academy.
Ms. Sheena Wilson, Mathematics Teacher
M.S. in Education, The City College School of Education
Ms. Wilson has worked with a variety of student learners in the Bronx since 2004. She loves mathematics and looks forward to encouraging each students’ love and comprehension of the subject throughout the new year.
Mr. Jian Xiao, History Teacher
M.S in Secondary Education in Social Studies, City College
B.A in History, City College
Mr. Xiao started teaching in the Bronx in 2016 and has been teaching at BEA since 2020. He has taught Global History, US History and Government/Economics. He also helped create the Anime Club at BEA. In his spare time he likes to read science fiction, fantasy and historical biographies. He’s excited to share his love of history with his students.
Biographies Coming Soon…
Mr. Schemel Andrews, Humanities Teacher
Ms. Lourdes Bonilla, Spanish Teacher
Mr. Ernest Buonocore, Global History Teacher
Ms. Yirlin Delgado, School Secretary
Ms. Kathleen Enright, English Teacher
Ms. Erika Hall, Social Worker
Ms. Aja Hanna, School Psychologist
Ms. Tara Horton, School Secretary
Ms. Michelle McLaggon-Clarke, School Secretary
Ms. Jessica Rosen, Speech Teacher
Ms. Jillian Silva, Teaching Assistant
Mr. Ronald Thomas, School Aide
Ms. Ariella Torres, Bilingual Guidance Counselor
Mr. Daniel Valladares, School Aide
Ms. Tanesha Vaughn, Team Teacher
Ms. Crystal Vitaliano, Teaching Assistant
