Faculty

With over 30 years of dedicated service as a school administrator specializing in safety and security, Michael Ammirati brings a wealth of expertise in creating safe, supportive, and well-structured learning environments. Throughout his distinguished career, he led comprehensive safety initiatives, crisis response planning, and school-wide security protocols, earning a reputation for proactive leadership and strategic planning in K–12 educational settings.

Kayode Ayetiwa  is a native New Yorker who has worked for New York City Public Schools as a teacher, vice principal, and principal. Notable achievements include designation as Master Principal, as a high performing school leader.  He has served as a principal coach for current and aspiring leaders and was selected as a finalist nominee to the U.S. Secretary of Education’s Governing Board. Kayode served as Cahn Fellow for Distinguished Principals (Columbia University) and a Gray Fellow for Principal Excellence(Hunter College- CUNY). Kayode holds graduate and post graduate degrees in Public Health and Education Administration. He is an adjunct at Touro University and City University of New York. Kayode is also a Columbia University certified Executive Coach.

Alysha Brown is an adjunct faculty member with GradMasters, LLC. Ms. Brown is a dedicated educator with Masters  Degrees in Special Education and in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for inclusive learning. With a decade of teaching experience, specializing in special education and literacy, she now serves as an instructional coach, guiding new teachers through the challenges of the classroom. Additionally , Ms. Brown works with the central New York City Department of Education Teaching Fellows Program to provide expert site-based mentoring to newly admitted program participants during their first summer instructional experiences as first year teachers prior to their inaugural Fall term assignments.

Naima J. Cook, has over 15 years of experience in education leadership, specializes in school improvement, instructional quality, and equitable student outcomes. As the Director of Continuous Improvement for Bronx High School Districts #7, #9, and #12, she leads initiatives to boost graduation rates, Regents exam performance, attendance, and college readiness. Previously, as principal of Murry Bergtraum High School, she drove a 48% increase in graduation rates over four years, while improving attendance and reducing disciplinary incidents. Ms. Cook also has served as a Special Education Teacher and Director of Learning Support at Bronx Lab School, where she led compliance efforts and developed data-informed strategies to support diverse learners. Her corporate experience at Ann Taylor, Coach, Inc., and Bloomingdale’s enhances her skills in planning, analysis, and team leadership. Ms. Cook holds advanced degrees in Leadership in Special Education and Urban Education from Bank Street College and Mercy College. She is certified in School District Leadership, School Building Leadership, and Special Education. Ms. Cook brings a wealth of expertise to her profession.

Chavone L. Crespo, MS, LMHC, LPC, CDBT, ACS, is a licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience supporting adults through life’s complex emotional, personal, and social challenges. As the founder of Somatic Counseling Services, PLLC, she provides trauma-informed, inclusive care with a specialization in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Chavone is a certified DBT therapist and an Approved Clinical Supervisor, with a passion for mentoring new clinicians and advancing culturally sensitive therapeutic practices. Her clinical work centers diverse populations, particularly those navigating issues of racial identity, gender expression, and emotional regulation.

Efua Hagan is an experienced educator with 18 years of service in the New York City Public School System. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from St. John’s University, a Master’s in Special Education from Queens College, and a School Building Leadership Certificate from the College of St. Rose. Committed to both education and community, Efua is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she dedicates her time to volunteering at community fridges, local hospitals, and organizing various fundraising initiatives. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Efua enjoys spending quality time with her 13-year-old daughter, as well as her family and friends.

With over 16 years of experience in education, Yeslan Hernandez-Gomez specializes in creating real-world learning opportunities, student engagement, and fostering academic success. As a school leader, she has designed innovative curricula that connect classroom learning to practical ones, developed school-wide initiatives, and created programs that provided students with internships and leadership experiences to prepare them for life beyond school while cultivating critical thinking. Ms. Hernandez has led grade teams in leadership roles. As a Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA), Ms. Hernandez played a key role in developing a school culture that actively engaged students, driving community involvement, and fostering a positive learning environment. Her focus has always been on creating intellectually engaging spaces that encourage students to think critically and see the relevance of their education in the real world. Yeslan Hernandez-Gomez holds a master's in Teaching from SUNY Empire and Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose. She is certified in School District Leadership, School Building Leadership, and Spanish. With a deep commitment to preparing students for academic, professional, and personal success, Ms. Hernandez inspires the next generation of educators to create lasting change in their communities.

Dr. Marlin Hoggard, born and raised in the Bronx, NY. Dr. Hoggard is a product of the New York City public school system, he has dedicated over 20 years meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities in NYC’s special education district. Dr. Hoggard began his career as a paraprofessional in special education classrooms and worked his way to Borough Field Liaison before becoming Deputy Superintendent for NYC Public Schools, special education District.

Roxanne Jordan is a lifetime Educator.  She earned her B.S. in Psychology at St. Francis College, M.S. in Guidance & Counseling at Long Island University, M.S. in Reading at Adelphi University, and an Advance Certificate in School Administration & Supervision at Brooklyn College.  In 1985 she began her career in education with the NYC Public Schools System. During her 34 years of service in NYC Public Schools, she served as a Teacher (recognized as Teacher of the Year), Reading Coach, Guidance Counselor (recognized as Guidance Counselor of the Year),  Assistant Principal, and lastly, as Director of Enrollment before her retirement in 2019.

Dr. Key holds a B.A. in Adolescence Education: Social Studies from SUNY Old Westbury, an M.A. in Childhood and Special Education from Touro University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Technology from Adelphi University, and a Certificate in District Leadership and Administration from The City College of New York. She is a passionate advocate for equity, student voice, and whole-child development. Throughout her career, Dr. Key has been committed to fostering inquiry-based learning, building strong school cultures, and improving outcomes for historically underserved populations. Her leadership has resulted in measurable gains in attendance, New York State exam performance, and graduation rates. Prior to her current role, as Principal of George Washington Carver HS for the Sciences, she served as Principal of The Metropolitan High School, where she successfully led the school off the New York State Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) list through targeted instruction, professional development, and strategic systems redesign.

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Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Cassandre Pomero is a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with over 11 years of experience as a substance abuse counselor. As a proud first-generation American, born to immigrant parents, Cassandre brings a culturally responsive lens to their work and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities. Fluent in three languages, she has a unique ability to connect with individuals and families across linguistic and cultural lines. Driven by a passion for youth advocacy and educational equity, Cassandre recently earned a Master's degree in School Counseling, expanding their mission to support students’ academic, social-emotional, and personal development. With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and behavioral health, she is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where students and families feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Gillian Smith recently retired after an esteemed 34-year career with the New York City Department of Education, culminating in her role as Director of the Office of Youth Development (OSYD). Her journey through the educational system is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and leadership—beginning as a paraprofessional and rising through the ranks as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, network leader, and ultimately a citywide director. Throughout her career, Smith championed equity, student voice, and whole-child development, consistently advocating for programs that supported the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral well-being of New York City’s most vulnerable youth. As Director of OSYD, she oversaw initiatives including restorative practices, school climate improvement, attendance interventions, and youth leadership programs, impacting hundreds of thousands of students across the city.

With 15 years of experience in NYC Public Schools, Elizabeth L. Soto is dedicated to driving student success through data-driven improvement and effective instructional practices. As a committed educator, she has worked inside and outside the classroom to foster academic and personal growth for all students. Skilled in analyzing school data and streamlining processes, Elizabeth is key in advancing school communities toward realizing their mission and vision. Throughout her career, she has honed her communication, time management, and boundary-setting skills, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment for students and colleagues. Elizabeth L. Soto holds master's degrees in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose and Secondary Special Education from Lehman College. She is certified in School District Leadership, School Building Leadership, Mathematics, and Special Education. Her dedication to empowering students and nurturing their intellectual and emotional development makes her an invaluable asset to the educational community, driving positive change and opening doors for young people.

In her 15 years in education, Danielle’s teaching experience includes the history curriculum, college level writing courses, and multiple Advanced Placement courses. She has experience with leading instructional teams, mentoring teachers, and working closely with school leaders to shift instruction and write curriculum. She has created and led multiple Professional Development initiatives to support teachers in their teaching journeys. Danielle received her Bachelor of Science from Marist College, her Master of Education degree from Hofstra University, and her Certificate of Advanced Study and School Building Leadership qualifications from the College of St. Rose.