Faculty/Staff

Room 145 - ext. 14553; aishah@uainstitute.org

Aisha first joined UAI as a paraprofessional and last year became our parent coordinator.  Throughout all of her roles at UAI, Aisha has always stepped up to do whatever it takes to make sure our students and families are supported and get what they need to thrive!

  RM B45, ext. 84511 - alisong@uainstitute.org

Alison began teaching in NYC public schools over 13 years ago.  Five years into teaching, Alison joined UAI as a middle school math and science teacher.  Over the years, Alison has served a mentor and coach for the NYCDOE teaching fellows program, and she now brings that expertise to UAI as a peer instructional coach.  Her work with her fellow teachers has elevated practice in the classrooms and improved learning experiences for students beyond her own classroom.  Alison brings a wealth of resources and experiences in math education to our school, our students, and their families..

brendap@uainstitute.org

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.  

RM 409, ext. 40911 -  cassandrag@uainstitute.org

Cassandra is obsessed with reading mystery books, writing (bad) stories and sharing them with anyone who would listen. Naturally, this transferred to her life as a digital magazine editor and as an ELA teacher. Cassandra began teaching at UAI in 2016.  She earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Secondary Education from St. Joseph’s College where she dedicated her thesis to Edgar Allan Poe’s writing influence on the modern world, and her M.A. in English from Brooklyn College where she argued about the Sherlock Holmes series’ existence as a feminist text. Mention the words dance, mystery and feminism to her and she will talk to you for hours. As the 9th SEL teacher, Cassandra is dedicated to supporting her students’ social-emotional skills necessary to thrive in high school and beyond.

RM 511, ext. 51111 - cherryr@uainstitute.org

Cherry C. Reid began teaching in 2010 and in 2016, joined UAI. She earned her BA in Accounting at SUNY Albany in 2004. She later earned a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Brooklyn College in 2009. After working a year as a pre-K teacher and a middle school math tutor, Cherry returned to Brooklyn College to earn a Masters Degree in Mathematics 5-9 in 2012. She entered the NYC Department of Education in 2012 as a middle school Math teacher. When she isn’t assisting children in developing an understanding of and removing the “fear” out of math, Cherry enjoys jigsaw puzzles and reading the work of Nora Roberts.

Rm 315 & 415, ext. 31511 or 41511 - claireg@uainstitute.org

Claire (pronouns: she/her) is a teacher, geneticist, singer, yogi, and overall optimist. Claire grew up in Houston, Texas. After earning a B.S. in Environmental Studies at Yale University, she researched fish genetics in Maine and then the immune system at NYU. Claire is passionate about using science as a tool for social change, which led her to complete a Masters in teaching high school Biology and Special Education at Teachers College, Columbia. She is excited to build scientific communities with her students and colleagues.  - P.S. Claire thinks in the language of music. If you ever break out into song, she'll join you in a heartbeat! 

Rm 201, ext. 20111 - daij@uainstitute.org

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

Room 145, ext. 14552 - damarisg@uainstitute.org 

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.

Room 145 - ext. 14542; daniellei@uainstitute.org

RM 405, ext 40511 - daniellero@uainstitute.org

Danielle began as a student teacher at UAI in 2012 and is going into her 6th year teaching at UAI.  Danielle quickly adapted UAI’s learning formats to maximize student engagement and access into complex math concepts.  She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Math Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s of Science in Special Education from CUNY Hunter.  As a peer instructional coach, Danielle works with her colleagues to develop practice and pedagogy so all students at UAI have stronger and more engaging classroom learning experiences. Focusing energy on problem-solving and bringing the logical thinking and reasoning we learn through studying math to overcome adversities our girls face being young minority women in today’s society.

 

Room 145 - ext. 14542; dorist@uainstitute.org

Doris joined UAI as a dean in 2011. Currently, Doris is part of our college counseling team to provide added support for our seniors and their families in choosing and preparing for college.  Ms. Doris is the proud mother of her own teenage daughter, giving her perspective on her daily work. Combining empathy with high expectations, Ms. Doris supports our young women to consistently make positive, pro-social decisions that lead to academic success

RM 405, ext. 40511 - jamier@uainstitute.org)

Jamie is going into her 8th year of teaching at UAI. She began at UAI as a student teacher and transitioned into a full time teacher the following year. She holds a BS in Math Education from SUNY Fredonia and a MS in Educational Technology from SUNY Oneonta. She is going back to school again through an online Doctoral program in Curriculum and Instruction at the University at Buffalo. Jamie is excited to learn as much as possible from her students and upcoming studies. She enjoys teaching our young women how mathematics plays a part in their lives and how they can use mathematical practices everyday.

RM 509/507, ext. 507/911 - jenettar@uainstitute.org

My name is Jenetta Rosangel. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I am a first-generation college graduate. I attended Brooklyn College for my undergraduate degree. I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I recently graduated from Hunter College with my Masters in Adolescent Special Education. I have several years of experience teaching and mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. For me, the purpose of education is to liberate human potential. I enjoy being an educator because it is more than just teaching, it is a political statement. When I am not teaching, I am hiking with my daughter or eating at a fancy restaurant because I am a huge foodie. 

RM 307, ext. 30711 -  joeyo@uainstitute.org

A New York native, Joey O’Connor attended the State University of New York: College at Geneseo, where he completed majors in English Literature and Adolescence Education as well as a minor in Women’s & Gender Studies.  Currently, Joey is pursuing his Master of Arts in Teaching at Columbia University to further hone his passion for designing learning experiences that are joyous, rigorous, data-driven, culturally relevant, and empowering. As a fierce advocate for intersectional feminism and social justice, Joey is excited to be part of  the UAI team! Joey invites students to not only collaborate in their close analysis of the craft of diverse authors, but to write their own pointed stories. He is thrilled to work with our young women and support them in cultivating the skills necessary to open doors of opportunity to college and beyond!

juellew@uainstitute.org

Juelle joined UAI nearly 8 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.

RM 315, ext. 31511 - kristinac@uainstitute.org

Originally from Brockton, Massachusetts, Kristina moved to New York City in 2012 to pursue a career in education. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Stonehill College in 2009 and her Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education from Pace University in 2015. While working on her degree at Pace, Kristina came across a unique opportunity to teach abroad and moved to Seoul, South Korea, to teach English as a Foreign Language for a year. One of her greatest hobbies is travelling! She has travelled all over Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, and the United States. When she isn’t teaching, Kristina also enjoys running, reading, and playing her guitar. Kristina is excited to be teaching at UAI!

Room 415, ext 41511 - lizab@uainstitute.org

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.

Room 311, ext 31111 - martinem@uainstitute.org

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.

RM B57, , ext. 85711 -  matthewt@uainstitute.org).

Matthew began teaching in the Bronx in 2014.  Matthew has a passion for helping our youngest learners develop their excitement about math.  He is dedicated to improving his practice, implementing feedback and advice that he actively seeks out from peers. Matthew also works in our after school program with Girls Inc training our middle school students how to become young engineers via Lego Robotics. 

Rm B45, ext B4511 - nicaw@uainstitute.org

Nica is entering her sixth year teaching Math in Brooklyn, NY and first year teaching at UAI. She has her Masters in teaching from Relay GSE and Bachelors in Psychology from McGill University. Having both loved and feared math as a student herself, Nica is passionate about mathematics instruction as it relates to confidence, social mobility, and especially the development of young women. Nica has also held roles of special education teacher, instructional coach, and grade team leader in her five years of teaching. Her free time often includes baking, rock climbing, and fostering kittens.

RM 311, ext. 31111 - olympias@uainstitute.org

Hello, my name is Olympia Scott and I am honored to be starting off my life as a teacher here at UAI! I am a writer, poet and essayist with a passion for literacy and creative writing. Born and bred in lovely Brooklyn, I am a first generation American with proud roots from the Caribbean and Deep South. I am proud to Black and Black to be proud! After graduating Medgar Evers College with my degree in English, I was blessed enough to be a part of the 2021 Teaching Fellows Cohort, where teacher preparation and empowerment are paramount to the program's aim. I look forward to building relationships with my fellow teachers and students and growing professionally and personally as a member of the UAI family.

Room 145 - ext. 14552; paulad@uainstitute.org

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.

Room B42, ext 84211 - philb@uainstitute.org

Phil joined the Adams Campus in the Spring of 2019.  He has extensive experience in both finance and technology.  Whenever you need something, email him or submit a technology request form.  He wil be sure to get what you need.  He really loves fractals and watching the peaceful waves of the Mediterranean off the Italian Coast of Capri.

RM 307, ext. 30711 - rebeccac@uainstitute.org

My name is Rebecca Candela and I am originally from Michigan. All of my life I have enjoyed working with children and have work with kids since I was 16 years old.  When trying to figure out my career I knew I wanted to help others and work with kids, so naturally I gravitated towards teaching

I moved to NYC after receiving my Bachelors of Science in Education from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.  I earned my Masters in Literacy Acquisition at City College of New York during my first few years of teaching. I will be starting my 14th year teaching in NYC and my 7th year at UAI.  I will be teaching 9th grade English and AP Language and Composition this year. I love being an English teacher because I love reading. I understand the importance of getting students to love reading, too.  Whenever a student says to me, “I don’t like reading,” my response is, “you just haven’t found the right book.” I especially love working at UAI because it gives me the opportunity to empower young women and guide them in realizing their true potential.  I feel honored that I am able to work with such brilliant young ladies that will shape the future of our country. I believe education is paramount to addressing the many social justice issues in our country. Therefore, my pedagogy is centered on addressing social injustice and this passion is reflected in the curricula I create. 

This year I am excited about my new role as the AP for All Peer Collaborative Teacher Leader.  I’m eager to guide the staff and students at UAI as we work towards creating a strong AP program to ensure that all of our students are college ready.  

RM B53 & B43, ext. 84311 - phillang@uainstitute.org

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.

RM 315, ext. 31511 - shanam@uainstitute.org

 

My name is Shana McCallum. I was born and raised in South Africa where I worked as a Marine researcher before becoming a biology teacher and school leader. I attended Rhodes University in South Africa where I received a BSc in Zoology/Microbiology and later received a MSc in marine science. I fell in love with the beauty of South African natural spaces at a very young age. I am passionate about natural sciences as a way to explore and appreciate the natural world which has been so negatively impacted by human activity. My work in research allowed me to see first-hand the need for representation in science and the challenges women face in STEM fields. I see teaching as a way of supporting young women by nurturing their interests and curiosity about the world and empowering them to advocate for themselves, others, and the environment. I hold the words of Nelson Mandela close to me – “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. 

RM 309, ext. 30911 -  tiffanyr@uainstitute.org

Tiffany began teaching in Brooklyn in 2013 and joined UAI in the fall of 2016.  As a special education provider, Tiffany is committed to supporting our students who have the biggest learning difficulties. She helps them face new challenges and overcome obstacles through her nurturing approach paired with high expectations.  Perseverance and grit are her go-to resources for both herself and her students.