Meet Mr. Phillip Andrews, Mathematics
p.andrews@unmslearns.net
I believe that all students have the ability to learn, when given the proper resources. Since all students have different needs and ability levels, a class must be highly differentiated in order to ensure that all students are able to progress. I was an undergraduate at NYU where I received a Bachelor's degree in Music. I went to City College for a Master's degree in Special Education. While studying at NYU, I worked part-time as a tutor in several public schools. While doing that, I experienced what it is like to help at-risk students succeed, and also observed the acute lack of resources in these schools, especially lack of human resources, and particularly in mathematics. I became a teacher to help students.
I have been playing the piano for 20 years. I'm a big sports fan,
especially basketball. I grew up
in Portland, Oregon.
Meet Ms. Kellen Atkinson, Humanities
k.atkinson@unmslearns.net
Hi my name is Ms. Atkinson and I love being a teacher. I think the best part is getting to know my students every year and seeing their hard work turn into success! Every year goes so fast I have to remind my self to slow down and enjoy the process. I believe that education is a matter of social justice and that every student deserves a quality individualized education with dedicated and creative teachers. The best work a teacher can do is to help her students engage critically with their world, embrace their creativity and be fearless to take on the challenges this world will surely throw their way.
Before teaching Humanities at UNMS, I taught
Yoga and Art to students K-8. I received my bachelor’s degree at the University
of Oregon and my Masters degree here in New York City at Teachers College. Yo viví
en Ecuador por dos años y también hablo Español. I have
also spent time in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. I love language and I
love to travel! I have met inspirational people all over this world and hold
those friendships very close to my heart
I am proud to now be a part of the UNMS family
of learners, thinkers and change makers.
Remember, “there is no better death for a book
than being read too much and by too many.”
Meet Ms. Cindy Bloom, Mathematics
c.bloom@unmslearns.net
Ms. Bloom believes that all students have the ability to learn and during the middle school years the students are at a critical age for developing good work and study habits. She became a teacher because she thinks educating young adults is a truly rewarding profession. "It's those "ah-ha" moments that the kids have every day that constantly remind you why you chose to be an educator." She provides the students with a respectful learning environment that is hands-on and fun. She keeps students interested in the content by associating the skills they learn with real-life applications. She makes sure to commend students for their achievements and strives to show children what they can accomplish if they work hard for what they want.
Ms. Bloom received her teaching certificate in Secondary Mathematics
from Queens College in Flushing, NY. She also has a bachelor's degree in
Computer Science from Buffalo State University, and she is currently working
towards her master’s degree in Special Education from Queens College. She does volunteer work with the museum
of mathematics at local math midway events
in NYC.
Meet Mr. Anthony Chianese, Assistant Principal
a.chianese@unmslearns.net
It is an amazing experience to be an educator. We get to live in the past, present, and future. So much of what we plan is based on a combination of what we know to be true and what we know needs to be true. We work in the present because school is an environment that needs constant attention and adjusting. However, what drives us is our determination to make a mark on the future, to help others gain the knowledge and skills to make meaning of their lives and to make meaningful decisions to live their lives for the better.
I work with a phenomenal group of people. Individually
and together we strive to push past boundaries that cloud success, to uncover
and explore the difficult issues that permeate throughout our globe, and to
persist in making the positive more alive and more relevant each day. Visit our classrooms. Talk to our
children. Learn from them how much we care and how important each of them is to
each one of us.
Meet Ms. Alexandra Collazo-Baker, English as a Second Language
Meet Ms. Alexandra Collazo-Baker, English as a Second Language
a.collazo@unmslearns.net
Hi! My name is Alexandra Collazo-Baker. I am a native New Yorker and a proud product of the New York City Public School System. I still hold many warm memories and experiences from my middle school/ high school. I wants to give my students the same experiences and opportunities I have been able to enjoy!
I received my bachelor's degree from Binghamton University and my master's from NYU Steinhardt. My journey to become an ESL teacher stems from my love for travel and my love for other cultures. I travelled and lived in other countries and experienced the culture shock of being a new language learner in a new environment. In the same way my host families created a safe home for me to learn, it is my classroom goal to create a safe and comfortable learning environment for my students so we can grow together as learners.
Meet Ms. Wanda Cook, SAPIS Counselor
w.cook@unmslearns.net
Greetings! My name is Wanda M Cook and I am a SAPIS counselor at UMNS. I graduated from Audrey Cohen college and Metropolitan College. I have a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and specialized in Social Services Counseling. My master's degree is in Public Administration. I am a founding parent at UNMS. My daughter is a member of the graduating class of 2006. I also served as the PTA president for two years at UMNS. I have served children as a counselor for over 25 years. Children are precious gifts and you have to take care of them as special cargo. I provide classroom presentation, group counseling, individualized services, and facilitate a wonderful peer leadership group. These services prepare middle school students for high school and beyond. Many of our alumni return and serve their communities. I love being part of the CARES team at UNMS. I also love that our students enjoy being part of our community.
Meet Ms. Michele Diaz, Administrative
Support Staff
m.diaz@unmslearns.net
Hi! My name is Michele Rene Clyburn Diaz. I've lived and grew up on the Lower East Side all of my life. I attended elementary school at P.S. 2 and then attended Corlears J.H.S. 56. I graduated from Norman Thomas H.S. I'm married to a wonderful man for 18+ yrs and we have three beautiful daughters whom also attended middle school at the Corlears complex located at 220 Henry Street.
Growing up
on the Lower Side was exciting back in my days because there was always
something to do or somewhere to go, so each day was a new adventure. I enjoy
spending time with family and friends, going to the movies, out to dinner and
riding with my husband on his motorcycle during the summer months. I have worked as a School Aide for the
New York City Department of Education for 14+ yrs. The experiences that I have encountered over the years have
made me a stronger person and a better parent.
Meet Ms. Juli Duran, Spanish and English as a Second Language
j.duran@unmslearns.net
A proud teacher and aunt.
I believe that “A true
teacher nurtures the child’s mind, heart, and stomach" - the three
faculties of the human soul, according to Miguel de Unamuno.” I completed my
master’s degree in Secondary Education in 2008 from CUNY- Queens College and
currently working on my TESOL certificate. I am a passionate teacher and
learner. The curiosity and
willingness I see in my students eyes is contiguous. They have the power to
melt my heart.
In my spare time, I enjoy
taking pictures, reading Spanish literature, listening to music, and spending
time with family. My nieces and nephews are essential in my life!!
Meet Ms. Lauren Errico, Science
l.errico@unmslearns.net
Ms. Errico has been a classroom teacher for the Department of Education for the past 7 years. She has a master’s degree in Science Education from New York University. Ms. Errico joined the UMNS team over the summer and has enjoyed every moment of the transition. She looks forward to what the school year brings and is determined to provide an enjoyable Science experience for her students. Ms. Errico wants students to look at the world around them and say, “I know this... And this … is why it happens”.
When Ms. Errico is not teaching
she enjoys a good workout at the gym or a relaxing day at the beach with her
family and friends. Growing up her favorite subject in school was Math, and
Science was a close second. Some other interesting facts about her: She is left-handed,
believes that nothing is
impossible (it's just need more attention), and she was baton twirler when she
was in middle school.
Meet Ms. Australia Goris, Administrative Support Staff
a.goris@unmslearns.net
Meet Ms. Rachel Grater, Project Arts
r.grater@unmslearns.net
Ms. Grater holds an MA in Science Education from New York University's Steinhardt School of Education, an MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois; Urbana-Champaign, and a BA in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from Sonoma State University. Ms. Grater has been an educator in the arts and sciences for over 14 years, as a Teaching Associate at the University of Illinois and as a teacher for the NYCDOE. Ms. Grater is not only an educator but also a performing artist. She has performed throughout the United States, as well as, internationally in Israel, Spain, and Argentina. Ms. Grater has created and developed the curriculum for Project Arts at UNMS. Her core instructional belief, that students learn best when motivated by an engaging curriculum is illustrated in the work her students create. In Project Arts at UNMS, students are immersed in an interdisciplinary curriculum which weaves the investigation of humanities (historical and current), mathematics, and the physical sciences with the visual and performing arts.
Meet
Ms. Hannah Kirschner, Parent Coordinator
h.kirschner@unmslearns.net
Ms. Hannah is a native New Yorker, born in the Bronx and raised in Corona, Queens, where her abuelita still lives (she's 91!). Ms. Hannah is a resident of the Lower East Side for 28 years, where she raised two spunky daughters, who are attended CUNY. They are both graduates of District 1 elementary and middle schools, and New York City Public High Schools. Ms. Hannah has been a Parent Coordinator for 10 years, in District 1 schools, and has been at UNMS for 8 years. She loves to run along the East River at night, where she often meets students and families she’s come to know over her years as a PC. She’s very pleased to contribute to school spirit, and last year she helped launch the Knitting Club.
Meet Mr. Michael Locker, Humanities
mlocker@unmslearns.net
Mr. Locker was born over a hundred years ago in a tiny fort in Brooklyn, New York. After just one year his family relocated to the then forested suburbs of Staten Island and finally to the true suburbs of central New Jersey when he was ten. Mr. Locker was a good student, a great student in fact, and his favorite subjects were history and math. He attended college at Brandeis University, which is outside of Boston, Massachusetts where he majored in English and American Literature and minored in Economics. Mr. Locker says that college is fun and everyone should try it.
Even though Mr. L. kinda always knew he wanted to be a teacher he
avoided it at first and worked as an editor on social studies textbooks for a
couple of years. But desks were not his thing. When he moved back to New York
he decided to go to NYU to get a master’s in teaching and since then he's never
looked back.
Mr. Locker is now in his tenth year at UNMS and was here for the
school's very first year when it only had one class and four teachers. He
started, and still co-advises, the UNMS Student Council and the UNMS Film Club.
Meet Ms. Natalie Patrizio-Tully, Math
n.patrizio-tully@unmslearns.net
Hi! I am Natalie Patrizio-Tully and am the seventh and eighth grade mathematics teacher. I am from Long Island, New York and moved to the Lower East Side in 2010. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from New York University. While at New York University I was a tutor at UNMS for about two years and knew that UNMS’s vision and goals were aligned with my own personal beliefs. I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was five years old and have never considered any other profession. I believe in impacting the lives of my students through mathematics and mentoring.
I also work for the YMCA
teen center program on Saturday nights where teens can get involved in
productive extra curricular activities including regents prep, SAT prep,
sports, and healthy lifestyle habits. I am a firm believer in helping teens
improve their lives through nutrition and exercise.
Meet Mr. Daniel Pena, Dean & Physical Education
Meet Mr. Daniel Pena, Dean & Physical Education
d.pena@unmslearns.net
Hello! My name is Daniel Peña. I am the Dean and the Physical Education teacher UNMS. I am a strong believer of the saying, “it takes a village to raise/educate a child.” With that being said, I believe that in order for our students to be successful, we have a responsibility to establish a nurturing, safe, cooperative and supportive learning environment.
I became a teacher because I love working with our youth. Every student has unique skills and talents. Learning is successful when students can
relate and make meaning of what they’re intending to learn. We need to develop independent learners and critical
thinkers.
In High School I ranked 4th in the city in the 110 M high
hurdles and 400 intermediate hurdles events. I graduated from City College of
New York and UNPHU University. I am married with 3 children (all boys).
Meet Ms. Laura Peynado-Castro,
Meet Ms. Laura Peynado-Castro,
lpeynado@unmslearns.net
¡Hola! I am Ms. P and I am the principal at UNMS. Originally from the Dominican Republic, I migrated to the United States at age 12 and was enrolled in the New York City public school system. After attending the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, I returned to the New York City DOE as a Science teacher in the Bronx. In 2007, I became an assistant principal at UNMS and was appointed principal in August 2008.
¡Hola! I am Ms. P and I am the principal at UNMS. Originally from the Dominican Republic, I migrated to the United States at age 12 and was enrolled in the New York City public school system. After attending the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, I returned to the New York City DOE as a Science teacher in the Bronx. In 2007, I became an assistant principal at UNMS and was appointed principal in August 2008.
I believe education plays a crucial role in the academic, emotional, and
physical development of every child. As a former New York City public school
student, I was taught and inspired by an amazing group of educators who
instilled in me a passion for learning and a commitment to make a difference.
Like you, I am committed to work relentlessly to support a learning environment
where each child is cared for and valued. I am committed to providing
opportunities that promote collaboration between our UNMS community members
because together WE make the difference!
I earned a Master of Arts and a Master of Education degree from Teachers
College, Columbia University.
I also served as an instructor at Teachers College for three
semesters. I am happily
married to Dr. Angelo Mastropasqua, my friend, college classmate, and confidant
since 1998. I enjoy reading,
travelling, sports, and running, especially when it involves raising awareness
for a good cause.
Meet Ms. Fatima Rodriguez, Secretary
f.rodriguez@unmslearns.net
My name is Fatima Rodriguez, aka Ms. Cookie. I was born in Puerto Rico and was raised in the Lower East Side most of my life. My education has primarily come from local schools like PS 2, Corlears JHS 56, Washington Irving HS and Seward Park HS Annex (currently known as University Neighborhood HS).
I graduated from NYC Technical College across the Brooklyn Bridge. My daughter and husband have also attended schools in the Lower East Side. Now I work with middle school students at UNMS as the school secretary. It is never a dull moment here at UNMS. I work with students, teachers, staff, parents and meet people from all walks of life. Serving the public is something that comes natural to me and I love doing it. Coming from a large family and from a mother who was a social worker has definitely prepared me to work with children. Like the great Pablo Picasso said “When You Enjoy What You Do, It’s Not Work.” His words make a lot of sense and send us excellent counsel on how we should guide our children.
Meet
Ms. Nichole Rowe-Small, Guidance
Counselor
n.rowe@unmslearns.net
Hi! My name is Nichole Rowe
Small. I am the school counselor
at UNMS. I am a graduate of City
College University as well as Columbia University. I have two Master's degrees in Counseling Psychology, one
specifically in educational counseling. I am a wife and a mother of a child who
attends UNMS. I love travelling
the world with my family and friends. I enjoy new experiences and
cultures. I have served children
in many capacities throughout my career.
I was a K-8 family Living teacher, I was also an Elementary dance
teacher and finally a 3rd grade Collaborative team teacher. I believe in taking care of the whole
child. I want to hear every
child's story, hopes, dreams as well as what makes them angry and anxious. I
also like being the advisor of the Community Awareness Club here where we raise
monies and food for Breast Cancer, St Jude, City Harvest, Keep-A-Child-Alive
and AIDS awareness, The Multiple Sclerosis Walk and looking forward to the
March of Dimes this year. We
encourage empathy, philanthropy and giving back I want students to understand that others contributed in
order for them to be here and they have to pay it forward. I also like engaging
my students in community building activities such as participation in the
United Nations talks against social ills around the world, Career Day, our
school garden, International Women's Day, poetry and poster contests.
Meet
Mr. Charles Testagrossa, Humanities
c.testagrossa@unmslearns.net
Public education is the cornerstone of democracy. It is our responsibility as a society to provide every student with the knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed and participate in our public life. At UNMS, it is our responsibility to provide every student with the preparation to be successful in higher education or the workforce. Every student has the ability to learn and achieve academically, and it is my responsibility to create opportunities for learning and push my students to perform to their fullest potential. I love to watch children learn and grow. Being a witness to their improved skills in reading, writing, and speaking is profoundly satisfying. There is no greater feeling than creating an opportunity for a student's epiphany.
I graduated from SUNY Stony Brook.
I love snowboarding and being outdoors.
Meet
Mr. Binh Thai, Humanities
Bthai@unmslearns.net
As the son of immigrant parents, life was tough. As I grew older, I appreciated more and more the promise of an education, not only as a means of fulfilling the spirit, but as a tool to enable people like me, people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the opportunity to break free from the cycle of poverty. I always wanted to work in public service and thought that teaching would be the best way for me to give back.
I earned my Bachelor's Degree and Master of Public Administration from
the George Washington University in Washington, DC. I earned my
Master of Science in Education at the City University of New York, City
College. I earned my Education
Administrative license from Baruch College.
I travel. A lot. I have visited over 30 countries and
nearly every U.S. state. I've climbed volcanoes; explored ancient ruins;
whitewater rafted raging rivers; fished a frozen lake in the Arctic; and along
the way, made lifelong friends. I
speak four languages English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and am slowly learning to
appreciate the intricacies of Finnish.
Meet
Ms. Lily Cai, Paraprofessional
l.cai@unmslearns.net
Ms. Cai was born and raised in Tiangin, China. She speaks English and Mandarin Chinese. Ms. Cai received her associate degree in adult education from Nan Kai University in China. She has been married for 32 years and has one son who recently graduated in Cornell University.
Ms. Cai has been working at UNMS for the past 9 years.
She enjoys working with students and has been working for the New York City
Department of Education for 15 years.
Meet Ms. Dana Turner, Paraprofessional
d.turner@unmslearns.net
Ms. Turner was born and raised in Harlem. Ms. Turner was raised by two strong African American women, her mother and her grandma. She has been married for 20 years and has three beautiful and smart daughters, and a grandson. Ms. Turner’s daughters are currently attending college and a vocational academic program. Ms. Turner worked in Food Services for 10 years. After pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree, she became a paraprofessional in 2007. Ms. Turner has been working for the Department of Education for the last 15 years and enjoys working with middle school children.
