Faculty/Staff

Brenda joined UAI in 2017.  She provides strong academic and social-emotional support throughout the day for our middle school students who need extra help in achieving academic success.  This year, Brenda continues her work with the middles school students.  

My given name is Davira Jiménez. I prefer to be called Dai, however. Ya know, like toDAY. I am a proud Brooklynite, born to parents of Afro-Caribbean descent. And, I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work within a Brooklyn community.I am excited to be joining UAI as the School Business Manager. Before UAI, I worked in other schools as an Operations professional and Culture advocate. As a result of my time in schools I have become more in touch with the importance of prioritizing the safety and care of the communities I work with. I believe wholeheartedly in the learning, the understanding and the restoring of faith in our communities. Not just the ones I come from directly. Needless to say, I look forward to sharing the learning with all of you. Thank you for having me. Now, let's make it a great yea

Damaris joins UAI this school year as our school secretary.  With many years of experience, Damaris comes to UAI to a deep knowledge of DOE systems and will be very able to support teachers and staff in getting whatever they need to excel in their own roles.

Juelle joined UAI nearly 10 years ago as a classroom paraprofessional. Juelle provides calm and persistent support for our most struggling students.  With her individualized support they access learning in the classroom.  With her help, our students have pathways to academic success. This year Juelle will be working with our high school students.

Liza was born in the snow-covered land of Buffalo, NY, and raised in sunny Auburn, AL, After attending The College of Wooster and graduating with a B.A. in Geology and Chemistry, she attended the American Museum of Natural History's Richard Guilder Graduate School and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Earth Science education.  Liza joins UAI this year to bring Chemistry back to the science program.  Liza is particularly invested in data literacy as a way of encouraging students to be engaged in both local and global issues. She anticipates that exposing students to exciting science will encourage more, particularly young ladies such as those she teachers, to pursue science as a calling.

Martine joined UAI almost 10 years ago as a Special Education teacher.  Martine later left the classroom to support students in the role of dean and later as a college counselor.  After several years of childcare leave, Martine returns to her classroom role, joining the US History classes.

Paula joins UAI this year as a reading intervention teacher and general substitute teacher and main office support.  Pauline has been teaching for many years and first came to UAI as a substitute teacher.  We are thrilled to bring her on full time to join our staff for the 2019-20 school year.

Born and raised in the South Bronx, I relocated to Long Island as a teenager.  I received my BA from Stony Brook University and my MA in Education from Hunter College. In NYC, I saw first hand how different the “quality” of education was for those who grew up in the same conditions I had versus others children living in the same city. Not solely because of  the lack tangible resources but more so the lack excitement, desire and simple care the teachers bring into the classroom. Being at UAI has allowed me an opportunity to be the teacher I wish I had as a child . It has given me a chance to expose my girls to literature that forces them to widen horizons, change perspectives, as well explore their own identity with the goal of them being well equipped to carve their place in this world.