New Visions for Public Schools Staff Profiles

Senior Management Team

Robert L. Hughes
President

Robert L. Hughes was appointed president of New Visions in September 2000. Under his leadership, New Visions has created 99 public schools in New York City, provided mentoring services to hundreds of new principals, developed school-based certification programs for teachers and principals, and created an inquiry process now in use in 1,500 New York City public schools.

Hughes, an attorney, has worked on public education issues for his entire career. He served as co-counsel in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity v. The State of New York, challenging the constitutionality of the New York State’s educational finance system. Plaintiffs prevailed and secured a $5 billion remedial decree for operating aid and a $13.5 billion decree for capital construction for the New York City public school system.

Hughes received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his law degree from Stanford Law School where he was a Skadden Fellow. He clerked for the Hon. Shirley Abrahamson, chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He has authored articles on public education for The New York Times, the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the Yale Law & Policy Review, and the Connecticut Law Review. He served as chair of the Committee on Education and the Law at the Association of the Bar of City of New York and chair of the board for Advocates for Children of New York, where he was previously deputy director. He currently serves on the boards of Urban Teacher Residency United, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity and the Fund For Teachers.

Ronald Chaluisan
Vice President, Charter Schools

Ronald Chaluisan joined New Visions in 2002. He currently heads the Charter School unit which will open two schools in September 2011. Previously he served as the vice president of Programs where he led the development, implementation and assessment of programs in new school development, teaching and learning, and leadership development. As director of small schools, he oversaw the New Century High Schools Initiative, a comprehensive school-creation process, and designed a wide range of supports for existing small schools throughout New York City. He was the co-founder and principal of the New York City Museum School, a New Visions small-school collaboration among Community School District 2 and the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the South Street Seaport Museum. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a Master’s in educational leadership from Bank Street College of Education.

Beverly Donohue
Vice President, Policy and Research

Beverly Donohue joined New Visions in 2003. She leads the Policy and Research Department in formulating and advocating policies to support the improvement of public education in New York City, including the systemic reform of secondary education. Donohue brings extensive experience from New York City government, where she held positions as chief financial officer for the New York City public school system and deputy director of the New York City Office of Management and Budget. She is a nationally recognized expert on school budgets and funding in support of educational reform. Donohue holds a B.A. from Radcliffe College and a M.Ed. from Harvard University.

Jaime Greenberg
Vice President, External Affairs

Jaime Greenberg rejoined New Visions in 2010 where she oversees the development and communications teams. She previously served as Director of Development in 1998-99. Her previous experience includes Chief Development Officer for Montefiore Medical Center, Vice President of Philanthropic Development for Sesame Workshop, and Director of Development for Thirteen/WNET. She holds an M.A. from Columbia University.

Stacy J. Martin
Chief Operating Officer

Stacy J. Martin joined New Visions in 2003. She currently manages all internal strategic and operational initiatives, and services as head of the Operations department. Her previous responsilibites included the role of chief financial officer. Her previous experience includes controller for Sportsvision, Inc. and as senior adviser at the New York City Department of Education, where she managed school-based budgeting and negotiations with the mayor’s office on interagency financial and service delivery issues. She also served as assistant director in the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget and as director of operations for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. She holds a B.S. in business administration from Long Island University.

Chad Vignola
Vice President, Partnership Support Organization

Chad Vignola joined New Visions in 2007. He currently heads the Partnership Support Organization, which provides instructional and operational support to schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization (PSO) contract. Vignola’s PSO work has included both organizational knowledge management and the Model Staffing Initiative, a partnership between New Visions and The New Teacher Project. Vignola was previously the chief operating officer for New Leaders for New Schools; prior to that he was vice president of K-12 Services at Princeton Review. He has served as general counsel and executive director for six central office departments in the New York City Department of Education under three Chancellors. He holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and has completed coursework toward his Ed.D. at New York University.

Staff

Sarba Aguda
Program Officer, Urban Teacher Residency Program

Sarba Aguda joined New Visions in 2010. She provides professional development support to the teacher-training program that integrates residents’ graduate coursework with hands-on experiences in public schools. Aguda previously served as Academic Director of Harlem Village Academy High School. She holds a M.A. in Secondary English from John Hopkins University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College.

Jamie Alter
Program Coordinator, Policy and Research

Jamie Alter joined New Visions in July 2010. She provides project and administrative support to the Vice President of the Policy and Research Department as well as the Data/Applied Research team. Alter previously served as a research assistant at RMC Research, an education consulting company, and as a policy intern at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.Ed. in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Valyn Alviar
Program Assistant, Development

Valyn Alviar joined New Visions in 2011. She provides administrative and project support to the Development team, and contributes towards furthering the team's goals. Alviar's previous employers include: the NY Chinese Cultural Center, Asia Society, American Museum of the Moving Image, and Huguenot Historical Society. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology from the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Vanessa Arriola
Program Coordinator, Charter

Vanessa Arriola joined New Visions in 2011. She provides administrative and project support for Community Engagement and Operations in the Charter School Unit. Prior to joining New Visions, she worked as a college counselor in the Bronx, NY and taught middle school humanities in Los Angeles, CA. Vanessa holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Masters in Education from UCLA.

Sarah Balistreri
Program Associate, Partnership Support Organization

Sarah is responsible for providing administrative and program support to the VP while working with members of the Leadership Development Facilitators (LDF), the Children's First Network (CFN) school operational team, and Community Engagement staff through a collaborative approach. She previously served as researcher with the College Board and in the Department of International Education at NYU, and she has taught English as a second language in Chile, China, and Mexico. She holds an M.A. in International Education from New York University.

Yolanda Basora
Receptionist, Administration

Yolanda Basora joined New Visions in 2008. She provides front-desk, facilities and office services support. Her experience includes three years with Project Renewal, where she served as an administrative assistant in the outreach department. Basora previously worked at OPS Inc.’s T&E department as an administrative consultant and receptionist and as an administrative assistant and account clerk for HSBC Bank in the mortgage accounting department.

Fatime Bicaj
Staff Accountant, Finance

Fatime is working with the Finance team on an interim basis. She has several years of Accounting experience and most recently worked at Marc Jacobs International. She holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Albania.

Linda Williams Bowie
Senior Program Officer, Libraries and Literacy

Linda Williams Bowie joined New Visions in 2005. She oversees the libraries and literacy initiatives in the teaching and learning unit. Her experience includes positions as library media specialist in public and private schools in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Mich.; Montgomery County, Md.; Montclair, N.J., and New York City. Bowie holds a Master’s in library science from Wayne State University and completed her doctoral coursework in school library media at Columbia University.

Lorraine Boyhan
Leadership Development Facilitator, Brooklyn/Staten Island PSO Network

Lorraine Boyhan joined New Visions in 2010. She provides instructional leadership and professional development to the schools in the network. Boyhan previously served as Director of Curriculum and Accountability for District 75 and as a Local Instructional Superintendent in the NYC Department of Education. She holds a M.A. in Special Education from Brooklyn College.

Michelle Brochu
ELA Instructional Specialist, Charter

Michelle Brochu joined New Visions in 2008. She is responsible for developing the English Language Arts curriculum and lesson plans aligned with the Common Core standards for both charter and PSO schools. She was co-founder and co-director of the Bronx Lab School and served as an assistant principal at the Henry Street School for International Studies. As an AUSSIE literary consultant, she provided professional development to middle and high schools throughout New York City and Harrisburg, Pa. She holds a B.A. in English from University of New Hampshire and an M.S. in education from Baruch College, where she also received her S.A.S. certification.

Corey Brown
Program Officer for Network & Support, Information Technology

Corey Brown joined New Visions in 2009. He manages network and user support services across the organization. Prior to joining New Visions, Brown worked as a technology coordinator for Como Park Senior High School in St. Paul, Minn., and as a help-desk technician with Decision One, a company that provides IT outsourcing. He holds a B.A. from the University of Minnesota.

Moraima Campanella
Office Manager, Administration

Moraima Campanella joined New Visions in 2004. She is responsible for managing office services, supervising the front-desk staff and planning organizational events. Prior to joining New Visions, she managed tenant services for Vornado Realty Trust and brings 15 years of experience in office administration and support.

Romina Carrillo Gutierrez, Ed. D.
Leadership Development Facilitator, Bronx PSO Network

Romina Carrillo Gutierrez joined New Visions in 2005. She provides instructional leadership and professional development to the schools in the network and previously served as director of the New Century High Schools Initiative. Prior to joining New Visions, she served as a bilingual teacher, trainer and assistant superintendent in urban school districts, and has taught teacher education and educational leadership programs at Brown University, Mills College and Harvard University. She holds an Ed.D. from Harvard University.

Ernest Lydell Carter
Senior Program Officer, College-Career Pathways and Community Engagement

Ernest Lydell Carter joined New Visions in 1999. He provides professional and technical expertise to parents and other stakeholders in schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract He previously served as a Leadership Development Facilitator in the PSO network and led the Charter School Assistance Center. Prior to joining New Visions, he served as director of the educational talent search at Aspira of New York and deputy director of the “I Have a Dream” Foundation. He holds a B.A. from SUNY Binghamton.

Jana Chandler
Program Officer, College-Career Pathways and Community Engagement

Jana Chandler joined New Visions since 200. She supports New Visions network high schools by providing professional development training, program development and capacity building services in the areas of early college awareness and college access specifically around the college application, financial aid and post-secondary transition process. Prior to joining New Visions, she worked as a elementary ESL teacher as a New York City Teaching Fellow. She holds a B.A. in Policy Studies and an M.P.A. in Public and Non-Profit Management from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University and a certificate in College Access Counseling from the OPTIONS College Access Professional Development Institute.

Natalie Cruz
Program Coordinator, College-Career Pathways and Community Engagement

Natalie Cruz joined New Visions as a Program Coordinator within our College-Career Pathways and Community Engagement units in 2011. She provides advanced administrative and program support to these two units, playing a key role in helping them increase the percentage of students that are prepared to enter and succeed in college and careers upon graduation from high school. She previously served as a Project Coordinator of the Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College, Columbia University. Natalie earned her B.A. in Sociology from Ithaca College and her M.A. in Sociology and Education from Teachers College.

Genevieve de Gaillande
Business Manager, Charter Schools

Genevieve de Gaillande joined New Visions in 2005. She currently manages the operations start-up process for New Visions charter schools. She previously provided administrative and program support to the vice president. . She also volunteers with community-based organizations centered on arts advocacy for youth. She holds a B.A. in sociology from the University of California at San Diego.

Nadine Dillon
Program Officer, Communications

Nadine is responsible for supporting web and print publications, marketing, media relations, public and community engagement, advocacy efforts, branding and positioning. She previously served as Communications and Development Manager with the Beginning with Children Foundation, and provided communications services to a charter school and faith-based organization in Brooklyn. She holds a B.A. from Fordham University.

Kate Duguid
Assistant to President

Kate Duguid joined New Visions in 2011 where she supports president, Bob Hughes and manages the organization’s scholarship funds. She has previously worked for The School Administrator magazine, the French Ministry of Education, the Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Mission to NATO. Kate holds a B.A. in Philosophy and French from Bryn Mawr College.

Debrann Dukes
Receptionist, Administration

Debrann Dukes joined New Visions in 1992. She provides front-desk, facilities and office services support. Prior to joining New Visions, she worked at CNA Insurance Company as an underwriting assistant.

Jeanne Eng
Director of Technology

Jeanne Eng joined New Visions in 2004. She manages daily technology needs and is responsible for the administration, maintenance and management of the computer and telecom infrastructure. Prior to joining New Visions, Eng managed a technology program that focused on assisting the nonprofit sector to plan and implement strategic and programmatic use of technology. She holds a B.S. in business administration from SUNY Buffalo.

Susan Fairchild
Director, Data Analysis and Applied Research

Susan Fairchild, PhD, MPH, joined New Visions for Public Schools in 2009. She supervises the development of results reports designed to convey student performance data to a wide variety of audiences; and, she oversees the implementation of a state-of-the art student information platform in 76 NYC schools to help facilitate school responsiveness to student need and regulatory requirements. Prior to joining New visions, she served as a program director at The Epsilon Group, an international healthcare consulting organization. She holds a Masters degree from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and a Ph.D. from New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development with a focus on teacher workforce issues and survey methods.

Timothy Farrell
Director of Communications

Tim Farrell joined New Visions in 2011. He is responsible for coordinating media relations, web and print publications, and communications activities as they relate to public and community engagement, advocacy efforts, and branding and positioning. He most recently served as a public affairs officer at New York University, handling public and media relations for a range of university clients. He holds a B.A. from Brown University and an M.P.A. from New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Scott Feltzin
Leadership Development Facilitator, Brooklyn/Staten Island PSO and EPO Networks

Scott Feltzin joined New Visions in 2010. He provides instructional leadership and professional development to the schools in the networks. Feltzin previously served as Principal of the High School for Art and Design and as an assistant principal at Jamaica High School. He holds an M.A. in English Education from New York University

Barbara A. Gambino
Network Leader, Bronx PSO Network

Barbara A. Gambino joined New Visions in 2007. She provides leadership and supervision for the Bronx PSO network team. Prior to joining New Visions, she served as a teacher, supervisor of special education, principal, deputy superintendent, community superintendent, and local instructional superintendent within the New York City Department of Education. She has also served as mentor to new principals, consultant to the San Diego Unified School District, member of advisory panels for Wright Group/McGraw Hill Publishing Company and Bellevue Hospital‘s Pediatric Resource Center, and a member of the distinguished faculty of the Center for Recruitment and Professional Development at the NYC Department of Education. She holds a B.A. from Marymount Manhattan College and Master’s degrees from Pace University and Hunter College.

Carol Geron
Controller, Finance

Carol Geron joined New Visions in 1996. She is responsible for managing accounting, grants and budgeting. Previously, she was the fiscal manager of New York Networks for School Renewal. Geron was also founder and chief financial officer of a design company and accounting supervisor and human resources coordinator for the Museum of Television and Radio. She was a founding member of the Hudson Valley Children’s Museum and a member of its board of directors. She holds an M.B.A. from Pace University.

Leonard Greher
Program Officer, Government Relations

Leonard Greher joined New Visions in 2003. He provides support on legislative and policy issues. He brought seventeen years of experience as a New York City principal, an assistant to the superintendent and as a grievance hearing officer for the New York City Department of Education. He holds an M.A. from Fairfield University Graduate School of Education.

Pooran (Ron) Gurcharan
Accounts Payable Specialist, Finance

Ron Gurcharan joined New Visions in 1995. He processes accounts payable and other accounting disbursements. Prior to joining New Visions, Gurcharan worked as the accounting clerk at Worldwide Water Technologies.

Marisa Harford
Senior Program Officer, Urban Teacher Residency

Marisa Harford joined New Visions in 2008. She is responsible for developing and managing the UTR program. Her previous experience included secondary-level teaching experience from the Riverdale-Kingsbridge Academy, the School for Community Research and the Rafael Hernandez Dual Language Magnet School. She was also an adjunct lecturer in English education methods at Lehman College. She holds an M.S. in secondary English education from Lehman College.

Andrew Hsiao
Senior Program Officer, Data Analysis and Applied Research

Andrew Hsiao joined New Visions in 2010. He is responsible for data management quality standards, and builds and maintains the infrastructure to support new and ongoing research and data products. He previously worked for the New York City Department of Education’s Division of Assessment & Accountability. He holds a Ph.D in experimental psychology from CUNY’s Graduate School and University Center.

Rosalind Huddleston
Program Associate, Communications

Rosalind Huddleston joined New Visions in 2009. She started as a Program Assistant before taking on the role of Program Associate providing editorial, administrative and program support to the communications team. She worked previously as an intern for the corporate communications department of The New York Times. She also served as a tutor and writing mentor for the WORD Studio, the writing center at St. Lawerence University, where Huddleston received her B.A. in English Literature and Fine Arts with Honors.

Steffon Isaac
Systems Analyst, Information Technology

Steffon Isaac joined New Visions in 2010. He develops and integrates the Salesforce system with other platforms and implements new technology systems. Isaac previously served as a Salesforce consultant and administrator at TekServe and the Council on Accreditation. He is currently pursuing his B.A. in Computer Science from the College of Staten Island.

Lakita Jackson
Program Assistant, Manhattan/Queens PSO Network

Lakita Jackson joined New Visions in 2011. She assists Leadership Development Facilitators (LDF), the Children's First Network (CFN) school operational team, and Community Engagement staff on a daily basis through a collaborative approach. Her previous employers include: Tremor Media, a digital video technology company where she served as an Officer Manager; Harlem Day Charter School where she served as a Youth Development Officer; and AMAC Alert/H-Link Medical Call Center as a Telecommunications Operator. Lakita earned her B.A. in Fine Arts with a heavy concentration in Liberal Arts and Creative Writing from The New School University.

Raymond S. Johnson
Program Officer, College-Career Pathways and Community Engagement

Raymond S. Johnson joined New Visions in 2003. He provides professional and technical expertise to parents and other stakeholders in schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract. Johnson previously served as director of the Isaacs Center Beacon Program for the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center Inc. Founder of the IMPACT Repertory Theatre, he serves as artistic director. He holds an M.S.W. from Yeshiva University.

Rob Kantner
Program Coordinator, Charter

Rob Kantner joined New Visions in 2011. He provides program support to the Director of Instruction and outside partners to facilitate the work of the C4 working groups and participating schools. Prior to joining New Visions, he taught Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics as well as Economics for four years at a New York City charter high school while also serving as a school data specialist. He is a Teach for America alumnus and holds a B.S. in political science from the University of Michigan M.A. from George Washington University.

Peter Karp
Science Instructional Specialist, Charter

Peter is responsible for developing a science curriculum and lesson plans aligned with the Common Core standards for both charter and PSO schools. He previously worked at the Institute for Collaborative Education in NYC, where he served as a teacher, professional development coordinator and head of the science department. He holds an M.A. from Bank Street College of Education and a B.A. from New York University.

Leonard Kassan
Leadership Development Facilitator, Brooklyn/Staten Island PSO Network

Leonard Kassan joined New Visions in 2011. He provides instructional leadership and professional development to the schools in the network. He previously served as principal of the High School for Service and Learning on the Erasmus Hall campus. He holds Masters' degrees from the College of Staten Island and Brooklyn College, and a B.S. from Brooklyn College.

Jessica Knevals
Program Officer, Data Analysis and Applied Research

Jessica Knevals joined New Visions in 2008. She currently works with schools to increase the data capacity of key personnel within the PSO schools and New Visions staff using the DATACATION platform. She previously served as senior research assistant at the Academy for Educational Development and development intern at Boys and Girls Clubs of America. She holds an M.P.A. in public and nonprofit management and policy New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Sarah Kelly
Program Officer, Development

Sarah Kelly joined New Visions in 2011. She is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with New Visions’ individual and foundation donors. She previously worked in development at Boston Teacher Residency, a nonprofit education reform organization, managing their fundraising and communications processes. A New York City Teaching Fellow, she has taught English/Language Arts at Flushing High School and Long Island City High School in Queens. Sarah earned her B.A. in English from Colgate University and her M.Ed. in Secondary English from CUNY Queens College.

Nicole Kotch
Program Coordinator, Urban Teacher Residency

Nicole Kotch joined New Visions in 2010. She facilitates the recruitment and admissions process for UTR residents and provides general administrative support for the UTR program. She has an M.P.A in public/nonprofit policy and management from New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Darren Latanick
Resident Researcher

Darren joined New Visions in 2011. He is responsible for conducting qualitative and quantitative research and analysis to help New Visions understand and answer key questions in the development of education policies and programmatic initiatives. He previously served as Adult ESL Instructor/GED Instructor for Intergenerational Learning Center. He is currently working towards his M.P.A. in Public and Non Profit Management/Policy Specialization at New York University's Wagner School of Public Service.

Kami Lewis Levin
Social Studies Instructional Specialist, Charter

Kami Lewis Levin joined New Visions in 2011. She currently develops a social studies curriculum and lesson plans aligned with the Common Core standards for both charter and PSO schools. She previously taught at Satellite Academy High School, a second chance school for at-risk teens, and has served as a mentor for new teacher induction for the NYCDOE and as a literacy coach with the New York City Writing Project. Most recently, she worked for the Cambridge Public Schools as their district-wide social studies coach. She holds a B.A. from Barnard College and an M.A. from New York University's Steinhardt School of Education.

Gavin Linkens
User and Systems Support Associate, Information Technology

Gavin Linkens has joined New Visions' Technology unit to provide network and user support services across the organization. Previously, he worked for an educaitonal agency that delivered services to 22 public school districts in Lancaster and Lenanon counties (PA). Gavin holds an Associate degree in Specialized Business-Computer Systems Specialist from York Career Institute in PA.

Heidi Dien Ludwig
Leadership Development Facilitator, Bronx PSO Network

Heidi Dien Ludwig joined New Visions in 2006. She provides leadership and professional development to schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract. She previously provided guidance to schools under the New Century High Schools Initiative. Before joining New Visions, Ludwig served as the local instructional superintendent in Region 2 and as the middle school liaison to the New York City Department of Education. During nearly four decades working in public education, she has been a teacher, administrator, trainer and facilitator, and was named a Title I Distinguished Educator in 1998. She holds an M.A. in educational psychology from New York University and a certificate of advanced study in educational administration and leadership.

Carole McGowan
Leadership Development Facilitator, Bronx PSO Network

Carole McGowan joined New Visions in 2007. She provides leadership and professional development to schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract. With more than 35 years of experience in education, McGowan has provided professional development to teachers and administrators, technical assistance to failing schools, literacy coach for Region 1 high/middle schools and achievement manager for the New York City Department of Education. She holds an M.A. from SUNY Stony Brook.

Dolores (Lori) Mei, Ph.D.
Director of Operations, Charter

Lori Mei joined New Visions in 2011. She is responsible for developing and managing the operations infrastructure of our emerging Charter School Initiative that will support its rapid growth over the next five years. In collaboration with the Charter Leadership and NV Management Teams, she provides leadership to build and maintain this fast-growing network (up to 18 schools over the next 5 years). She most recently served as Senior Vice-President & Chief Academic Officer at Edison Learning, Inc. Her other employers included: The College Board where she served as Executive Director, Research & Accountability, College Readiness Systems and the NYC Department of Education’s Division of Accountability where she served many roles ( Director, Deputy Executive Director, Executive Director and Senior Instructional Manager). Lori earned her B.A. in Psychology from Smith College, her M.A. in Psychology from Teachers College, her M.Phil. from Teachers College and her Ph.D in Social Psychology from Teachers College.

Hewette Moore
Program Associate, Brooklyn/Staten Island PSO Network

Hewette Moore joined New Visions in 2011. She assists Leadership Development Facilitators (LDF), the Children's First Network (CFN) school operational team, and Community Engagement staff on a daily basis through a collaborative approach. Prior to joining New VIsions, she was project manager at Poke New York, a marketing company. She holds a B.A. from Boston College.

Omar Morris
Program Officer, College-Career Pathways and Community Engagement

Omar Morris joined New Visions in 2006. Before working in the college and career pathways unit, he managed the Citi College Bound program. He brought 13 years of experience in educational service programs, previously serving as assistant director of educational services with Federation Employment and Guidance Services. Morris has also held college preparatory and guidance positions with Bronx Community College, the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, the Jackie Robinson Center of Physical Culture and the Institute for Community Development. He holds a M.S. in urban affairs from Hunter College.

Jill Myers
Leadership Development Facilitator, Manhattan-Queens PSO Network

Jill Myers joined New Visions in 2008. She provides leadership and professional development to schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract. Previously she served as a Leadership Development Facilitator herself where she provided leadership and professional development to her assigned schools. Prior to joining New Visions, Myers brought 30 years of experience as a public school educator, including teaching special-needs students, director of the Clinton School for Writers and Artists, founding principal of Baruch College Campus High School and local instructional superintendent of the New York City Department of Education’s Region 9. She an M.A. in special education from Columbia Teachers College and a M.Ed. in educational leadership from Bank Street College of Education.

Tara Mia Paone
Chief Financial Officer

Tara Mia Paone joined New Visions in 2011. She is responsible for the organization's overall financial functions, including accounting, grants and budgeting. Prior to joining New visions, she served as Chief Financial Officer with the Fund for Public Education, the DOE’s fundraising arm for its education reform initiatives. In that role, she was responsible for the agency’s $20M budget, 50 individual grant programs and serving as fiscal agent for over 200 public schools. Tara brings 20+ years of financial management experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors, and holds an MPA degree from New York University.

Alexis Penzell
Network Leader, Brooklyn-Staten Island PSO Network

Alexis Penzell joined New Visions in 2009. She provides leadership and supervision for the Brooklyn-Staten Island PSO network team. She has served as a superintendent and local instructional superintendent for the New York City Board of Education, principal of Wagner Middle School #167, and founding director of The Salk School of Science. She holds an M.A. in education from Northeastern Illinois University and a M.S. in supervision and administration from The Principal’s Institute at the Bank Street College of Education.

Sugeni Perez-Sadler
Program Officer, College-Career Readiness and Parent Engagement

Sugeni Perez-Sadler joined New Visions in 2008. She is responsible for providing support to deepen the organization’s community engagement agenda. She previously served as youth development specialist at the Office of Youth Development through the New York City Department of Education, community and family engagement director at Agenda for Children Tomorrow, assistant director of constituent affairs at the Council of the City of New York, and family paraprofessional at the New York City Board of Education. She holds a M.P.A. in urban and regional planning from Princeton University.

Janet Price
Director of Instruction, Charter

Janet Price returned to New Visions in 2010. She oversees instruction for our Charter schools, and also works with many PSO schools, on integrating the Common Core State Standards into their classroom practice, facilitating a sharing of best practice among all New Vision schools, whether Charter or PSO. She previously worked at New Visions from 1989 to 1997 as Executive Vice President for Programs and served as Founding Principal of Brooklyn Preparatory High School. She holds a B.A. from Barnard College, a M.A. from Columbia University and a J.D. from New York University Law School.

Patrick Rimassa
Program Coordinator, Bronx PSO Network and Fund for Teachers

Patrick Rimassa joined New Visions in 2009. He provides program and administrative support to the network leader and team of the Bronx PSO network. He also manages the Fund for Teachers grant program. He previously worked as a substitute teacher and provided administrative support at New York University and Columbia University's Teachers College. He holds a M.A. from New York University Steinhardt School of Education.

Vicki Sittenfeld
Subject Matter Expert, PSO Network

Vicki Sittenfeld joined New Visions in 2007. She provides professional and technical expertise on school operations and budget issues to schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract . Prior to joining New Visions, she served as assistant director of Galaxy operations for the New York City Department of Education, and held senior budget and analyst positions with the DOE, Office of Management and Budget, and the NYC Comptroller’s office. She holds a M.A. in public administration from Columbia University

Derek Smith
Network Leader, Manhattan/Queens PSO Network

Derek Smith joined New Visions as the director of the School Support Center in 2008. He provides leadership and supervision for the Manhattan/Queens PSO network team. He previously served as executive director of sales and executive director of program management with Princeton Review K-12 services, as test-prep center manager with Kaplan Services, and as an educational consultant for school districts in the Southeast. He holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College.

Jennie Soler-McIntosh
Director, Charter Schools Community Engagment

Jennie Soler-McIntosh joined New Visions in 2001. She heads community engagement for the charter school unit and previously served on the new school creation team. Prior to joining New Visions, she was assistant commissioner for the Beacon Programs at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development and brought over fourteen years of experience working with community-based organizations. She holds a M.A. in public administration from Baruch College and graduated from their National Urban Fellows Program.

Andrew Stillman
Program Officer, Digital Instruction

Andrew Stillman joined New Visions in 2011. He provides instructional design, technology support, project management, planning services, and execution support for implementing blended learning strategies (online and in class curriculum) across multiple schools. He supports school administrators and teaching staff in the redesign of schools’ instructional models and selection of high caliber online curriculum. He most recently served as the Co-Founder, Assistant Principal, Director of Technology and Information Systems and Teacher of Middle School Math and Engineering at Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science & Engineering. His other employers included: Open Educator, Inc. (Founder and President), The Humanities Preparatory Academy, The Beacon School, The School for Legal Studies, North Clackamas Educational Services District in OR, “Not Too Square” Physics and Math Tutoring, Northwest Youth Corps and Croton Sailing Schools. Andrew earned his B.S. with honors in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Oregon and his M.A. in Secondary Science Education from The City College of New York.

Barbara Taveras
Director, College-Career Pathways and Community Engagement

Barbara Taveras joined New Visions in 2006. She oversees services provided to community stakeholders, including parent networks, and the college and career pathways unit. Prior to joining New Visions, she served as president of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation, policy analyst of K-12 education for the New York City mayor’s office and various positions in international and community development. Taveras holds an M.A. in Latin American studies from Georgetown University.

Roberta Trachtman
Director, Teacher Certification

Roberta Trachtman joined New Visions in 2005. She manages a team of educators who create, implement and sustain collaborations to support teachers’ development as learners and leaders. Driven by experiences as an urban secondary school Spanish teacher and community interpreter, Trachtman has spent her career engaging with school- and university-based educators to change teacher and administrator preparation and practice. Prior to joining New Visions, she headed an educational consulting company and has served on the faculty of graduate education programs at the New School for Social Research, Fordham University and Queens College. She has been widely published and is a nationally recognized educational leader. She holds an Ed.D. from Hofstra University.

Nancy Ulman
Leadership Development Facilitator, Bronx PSO Network

Nancy Ulman joined New Visions in 2010. She provides instructional leadership and professional development to the schools in the network. Ulman previously served as Curriculum, Instruction and Quality Review Specialist and as Regional Director of Intervention Services for Secondary Schools with the New York City Department of Education. She holds an M.S. from Lehman College.

Ralph Vacca
Digital Innovation Coordinator

Ralph Vacca joined New Visions in 2011. Working within the Innovation Unit, he is supporting the development of The Digital Teacher Corps. Ralph is Co-Founder of Kognito Interactive (www.kognito.com <http://www.kognito.com> ), a learning simulation design company in New York City. He earned a Masters in Educational Leadership New York University and was a NYU Reynolds Fellow in Social Entrepreneurship. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Communications & Technology at NYU, focusing on Interactive Media for Social Justice Education.

Rachelle Verdier
Program Officer, Urban Teacher Residency

Rachelle Verdier joined New Visions in 2011. She provides professional development support to the teacher-training program that integrates residents’ graduate coursework with hands-on experiences in public schools. Rachelle has over 10 years of experience as a NYC Science teacher, including 6 years as a Staff Developer. Previously she served as a 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher/ 7th Grade Technology Teacher at I.S. 68 (Isaac Bildersee Intermediate School) in Brooklyn. Her other employers included: The YMCA of New York where she served as a Program Specialist and After School Teacher, and Boston University’s Institute of Race and Social Division where she served as an Administrative Associate. Rachelle earned her B.A. in Environmental Science from Boston University and her M.A. in Secondary Science Education from Brooklyn College.

Oana Vicol
Budget Analyst, Finance

Oana Vicol joined New Visions in 2003. She provides finance and budget support services in Operations unit. Prior to joining New Visions, she worked as an accounting assistant at SportsVision, as administrative assistant at ZBI and in employee relations at Sears. Vicol holds a B.A. from Polytechnic University in Romania.

Eduardo M. Villalta
Legal and Regulatory Research Intern

Eduardo is responsible for providing legal and regulatory research and writing in support of New Visions' strategic plans. He previously served as Legal and Executive Assistant at Durkin & Villalta Partners Engineering. Eduardo holds a J.D. from New York University Law School where his thesis topic was Local Knowledge, Local "Lebensform": The Wittgensteinian Project in Geertz' Philosophy of Law.

Joan Walrond
Director of Human Resources and Administration

Joan Walrond joined New Visions in 2002. She manages human resources and facilities services. Prior to New Visions, she served for 10 years as head of human resources and administration for Action Technologies, a software development company in Alameda, Calif. Her other nonprofit experience includes positions with Special Libraries Association and the Association of Episcopal Colleges. Walrond holds an M.B.A. from New York University.

Carl-Anthony Watson
Program Coordinator, Scaffolded Apprenticeship Model and EPO Programs

Carl-Anthony Watson joined New Visions in 2010. He provides program administration for SAM and supports the EPO program. Prior to joining New Visions, Carl served as Summer Bridge Program Director at Calvin Coolidge Senior High School in Washington, DC and as Curriculum Specialist with the NYC Leadership Academy. As a certified English instructor, he has experience designing standards-based curriculum and teaching ELA on the secondary level. Carl earned his B.A. in English (magna cum laude) from Temple University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy at New York University.

Hsing Wei
Senior Innovation Officer

Hsing leads New Visions' efforts to research, develop, pilot and diffuse innovative tools and partnership projects. She is guiding the development of EDesign, a collaborative R&D lab of individuals and institutions across the country, that aims to draw multiple disciplines into problem-solving for education and spur new ways of thinking about improving student outcomes. Her experiences span from digital games and interactive media, to venture philanthropy, product development and strategy consulting for Fortune 500 companies. Hsing studied at MIT and holds a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.A. from Harvard University.

Russell West Jr
Math Instructional Specialist, Charter

Russell West Jr joined New Visions in 2011. He is responsible for further developing the math curriculum while helping teachers in both charter and PSO schools create lesson plans aligned to the Common Core standards. He came to New Visions after serving three years as the Director of the Humanities College Preparatory, a small learning community at Hillcrest High School in Queens, New York. At Hillcrest since 2004, West Jr taught Mathematics 9-12, English, Humanities and College Composition. West is an alumnus of both the New York Teaching Fellows and the New Visions/Baruch College SAM program. He holds degress in History, English, Law, Mathematics and Educational Leadership.

Sandra Yark
Leadership Development Facilitator, EPO Network

Sandy Yark joined New Visions in 2006. She currently provides instructional leadership and professional development to the schools in the network.She previously assisted high schools in implementing a leadership development program called the Scaffolded Apprenticeship Model (SAM). Prior to joining New Visions, she served as an elementary and middle school principal and developed expertise in the areas of literacy, math and social studies. She holds an M.S. in elementary education and a professional diploma in supervision and administration, both from Bank Street College of Education.

Alice Young
Leadership Development Facilitator, Manhattan/Queens PSO Network

Alice Young joined New Visions in 2007. She provides leadership and professional development to schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract. Prior to joining New Visions, she was a community school district superintendent, local instructional, and a middle school principal. Her work in literacy education for English language learners and professional development models for school change is highlighted in Danling Fu’s book, An Island of English, and received the Title 1 Distinguished Educator Award and was recipient of the Council of Supervisors and Administrators Supervisor of the Year award. Young holds an M.A. in elementary education from Brooklyn College.

Iris D. Zucker
Leadership Development Facilitator, Bronx PSO Network

Iris D. Zucker joined New Visions in 2007. She provides leadership and professional development to schools covered by New Visions’ Partnership Support Organization contract. Zucker founded the Marble Hill High School for International Studies and also served as a mentor principal through the Department of Education Leadership Academy. She holds an M.S. in bilingual education from City College of New York and an M.A. in TESOL from Hunter College.