Spanish

Spanish Department Coordinator

Bio

Señora Wiesner was born and raised in Panamá, making her 100% Panamanian, until she got married and moved to New York. She studied English for one year at Hostos Community College, after which she received her Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences as a member of the Teacher Academy Program. She later attended Queens College of CUNY, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Mathematics and Hispanic Languages and Literature. During her studies, she received the Faculty Prize and was elected to the Sigma Delta Pi, Spanish Honor Society. While at Queens College, she was part of the CUNY Service Corps, which allowed her to work on a research project at Columbia University called the YPAR program, or "Youth Participatory Action Research." As part of her research, she collaborated with the Cyphers for Justice team, including hip-hop artist and educator Mikal Lee, who ignited her passion for rap and poetry. An interesting fact about Señora Wiesner is that over the last 10 years, she has taught every grade from kindergarten through high school across Queens, Brooklyn, and The Bronx. She also stands out as the only Mets fan in her entire family, including her kids, husband, cousins, siblings, and even her dog.

Student Support Team

Director of Student Supports

Bio

Ms. Polanco is part of the Instructional Leadership Team at MESA and was born in Brooklyn, NY, but was raised in Lawrence, MA. She attended Umass Dartmouth and earned a BA in Sociology and a minor in African American studies and has Master of Education from Umass Boston. In her free time she enjoys sharing spoilers to her friends and family. Let just say they do not appreciate it. She is a dog mom to 2 pups Milo & Chaos. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new foods and exploring the city. Her goal is to travel through all of Central and South America by 2025.

Science

Science Teacher & 9th Grade Team Lead

Bio

Ms. Mowatt is from a small town in the Poconos where she grew up being surrounded by family. She then went on to study Secondary Education with a focus in Biology at Penn State in State College, PA. After graduation, Ms. Mowatt taught at the Milton Hershey School for one year before finding out about MESA! She recently moved to NYC and is so excited to continue exploring our community. In her spare time she loves to listen to music, cook with friends, and tend to her collection of houseplants.

Operations

Senior Manager of Operations

Bio

Ms. Diaz was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She moved to New York in 2016. She earned a B.A. in Business Administration from UASD University and a Postgraduate in Human Resources from APEC University. She is passionate about doing community service and helping others, that's why she is an active volunteer teaching for children every Sunday at St. Brigid Formation Program. Ms. Diaz is a fluent Spanish speaker. She is married and a proud mom of two beautiful daughters which are her world!. In her free time she enjoys spending quality time with family, also loves dancing and exercising with zumba and yoga!

Social Studies

Social Studies Department Leader

Bio

Ms. Rubbins is a Vermont native but since leaving home has lived in Argentina, Canada and most recently New Orleans, Louisiana. She received her bachelor's degree in urban geography and communication studies from McGill University and a masters in education from the University of Vermont. Ms. Rubbins moved to New York City from New Orleans where she taught US History and IB History of the Americas. In her free time, she loves spending time with her three sisters, two of whom are also teachers! She is excited to explore her new home and is trying to visit every museum in the city!

Math

Math Department Leader

Bio

Jocelyn Peña is a Brooklyn Native. She was born and raised in the humble streets of Bushwick. She is a proud Puerto Rican who strives to educate generations to come. Ms. Peña, a first-generation college student, received her Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the City College of New York. Upon receiving her bachelor's, she dived into the rewarding world of teaching. She taught in an all-boys school in Bed-Stuy from 2018 to 2022. In the summer of 2022, Ms. Peña received her Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in mathematics. She is currently teaching Algebra 1 at MESA. If not found in the classroom, Ms. Peña can be found traveling the world, cooking something special in the kitchen, or singing along to the greatest artist of all time, Bad Bunny. This proud Latina is a co-founder of Educators for Justice, an organization that works towards creating a brighter future for the youth.

Essentials

Athletic Director, PE Teacher, & PE Department Coordinator

Bio

Coach Seymore was born and raised in New York City and has lived in both Harlem and the South Bronx. He graduated from Lehman College with his Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Education and graduated from Emporia State University with his Master's Degree in Physical Education. He has been working in the school system as a basketball coach and teacher for over a decade. He enjoys playing and watching sports, and has a great passion for fitness. Coach Seymore strives to be the best at his craft and to be a positive role model for the youth in the inner-city.

English Language Arts

ELL Coordinator & ELA Department Leader

Bio

Mr. A holds a degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University and a Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University. A proud New Yorker for more than a decade now, Mr. A previously worked in television news and edited comic books! He is an avid soccer and football fan (GO BUFFALO!) and enjoys spending his spare time with his wife, his cat Gus, and his two godchildren.

Dean

Dean of Students

Bio

Mr. Velez was born in Brooklyn, NY. At the age of 17 he graduated from Dorchester High School in Massachusetts and enlisted in the Marine Corps just three weeks later. At the end of his military career, he moved back to New York and set his sights on the education field. He earned his Associates's degree in Liberal Arts and Science from Queensborough Community College. Mr. Velez secretly writes poetry, trains in mixed martial arts, loves Motown music, and is fascinated with astronomy.

Culture, DEI, and Family Engagement

Director of DEI, Culture, and Family Engagement

Bio

Ms. Kante holds her Masters of Social Work through the lens of advanced generalist practice and programming from Columbia University. Before Columbia, she spent years working within the social service fields such as mental health, women's rights, and international education. Mariame has held multiple titles within urban education: elementary school teacher, grade team leader, dean of students, and most recently, director of DEI. Mariame has a special place in her heart for urban students and has a special interest in creating access to world-class education and experiences for marginalized populations. Her core belief is that working within a social justice lens is the key to reshaping the narrative for marginalized populations. She has a deep belief in radical education and the power it brings to each student's story, ultimately creating an accepting space for them in society. Mariame earned a B.A. in Social Science with a Psychology concentration from Touro College in New York.

Counseling

Head of Student Counseling and Wellness

Bio

Ms. Lagombra was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn. She witnessed her mother working with older adults and she realized she wanted to help others as well. She attended Stony Brook University where she graduated with a degree in Psychology and Sociology then went on to get an MSW degree from Fordham University School of Social Service. She has been working with youths and their families ever since in various social service agencies throughout NY. She believes that adolescents have a voice that needs to be heard and empowered and hopes to provide a space where students feel comfortable in discussing their feelings, concerns and goals while realizing their potential and strength. She loves trying different foods, arts and crafts, and hiking.

College and Career Counseling

Director of College and Career Counseling

Bio

Ms. Lewis is originally from Stamford, Connecticut and moved to New York to attend Fordham University. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and women studies, she interned at the Office of Disability Services and decided to pursue a degree in education. After completing her master’s degree in counseling and personnel services at Fordham University, she began working as a college counselor at a non-profit organization and later became the College Counseling Program Manager at Harlem Village Academies High School. Ms. Lewis has been a college counselor for over 10 years and loves helping students move into the next phase of their lives. When Ms. Lewis is not counseling, she enjoys traveling, pretending to work out, dancing, and playing with her doggies, Lily and Sasha.

Board of Trustees

Chair

Bio

Arun Yang is the Senior Director for Professional Services at Salesforce. Arun joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2023.

Spanish

Spanish Teacher

Bio

Ms. Vinas was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to the Bronx, New York at the age of 13. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Spanish Literature from Hunter College. Before joining MESA Charter School as a Spanish teacher, Mrs. Vinas worked as a tutor for children with special needs. In addition to her teaching career, she has a passion for organizing and decorating events such as weddings, birthdays, and baptisms, a job she pursued during her college years. A devoted baseball fan, Ms. Vinas cheers for both the Yankees and Las Águilas Cibaeñas. Outside of work, she enjoys playing dominoes with her family, reading poetry, and cooking a variety of dishes.

Student Support Team

SST Coordinator

Bio

Ms. Cintron is a proud mom of two black cats named Ryder and Star. (So be kind to her or else she will cast a spell on you!) She grew up in New Jersey and moved to NY once she started college. At Fordham she majored in English with minors in Spanish Language and Women's Studies. And at NYU Steinhardt she earned her Masters in Teaching ELA for alomost a year. Before working at MESA, she taught English to young adults in the Dominican Republic. Her "cool" hobbies include dancing and improv theater. Her "regular" hobbies include cooking, bingeing shows, and reading.

Social Studies

Social Studies Coordinator & 10th Grade Team Lead

Bio

Mr. Estevez is a Brooklyn, New York native. He attended CUNY Hunter College, where he double majored in Africana Studies and Political Science, and minored in Philosophy. He is currently completing his Master’s in Adolescent Education 7-12 Social Studies at the Relay School of Education. Mr. Estevez has had the privilege of teaching in his native Brooklyn, New York, since the inception of his teaching career, where he finds huge gratitude in being able to educate the communities that have made him the person he is today. Outside of MESA, you can find Mr. Estevez indulging in literature, music, concerts, taking long walks, or traveling the world!

Operations

Office Manager

Bio

Ms. Ortega was born in Caracas, Venezuela. Her parents moved to the Dominican Republic when she was 9 months old. She moved to Brooklyn from The Dominican Republic and grew up in Bushwick. In 2002, her parents moved to Florida and she attended Palm Beach Community College. She moved back to her hometown in Brooklyn and loves being part of the MESA family. Ms. Ortega is passionate about helping her community and serving as a role model. She is a proud mother of three beautiful children.

Math

Math Department Coordinator

Bio

Mr. Lazaro was born and raised in the Bronx, NY. He’s taught in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and even in China for a few years. During his spare time, he can found playing baseball, watching Dragon Ball videos on YouTube, or cooking/baking.

Instructional Leadership

Principal

Bio

Mrs. Tibbals, otherwise known as "Ms. Mish" has been at MESA since 2015! From a very young age, Mrs. Tibbals was inspired by her teacher to follow her passion for a career in education. Before moving to Brooklyn, Mrs. Tibbals grew up in Long Island, NY where she completed her undergraduate degree from Hofstra University. While there, she double majored in both Mathematics and Mathematics Education. In 2017, Mrs. Tibbals graduated with her Master's Degree from Touro University, where she also served as an adjunct professor. During her time at MESA, Mrs. Tibbals has worn many hats such as a Mathematics Teacher, Department Leader, Assistant Principal of Instruction, and now Principal! Mrs. Tibbals is passionate about all things education and gets a tremendous amount of joy from watching MESA students evolve from freshmen to successful MESA graduates. When Mrs. Tibbals is not at MESA, you can catch her playing with her dog and kitten, Lexi & Ollie!

Essentials

Music Teacher & Arts Department Coordinator

Bio

Mr. Haggerty was born in Long Island, New York, and grew up in Valley Stream. Shout out to Green Acres Mall! His father started his own DJ company while Mr. Haggerty was very young. He started working for the company at the age of 8, and became a seasoned professional at the age of 16. While becoming a DJ extraordinaire, he practiced his mastery of the trombone and music theory. Mr. Haggerty's musicality was woven together while studying Music Production and Music Anthropology at New York University (NYU). He has produced various genres of music including hip hop, EDM, pop, etc. He has performed all over the east coast, and was featured in Miami Music Week's Moombahton festival.

Dean

Lead Senior Associate Dean

Bio

Born and raised in Washington Heights, Derek Jackson Isaac knew early on that his place in life was to help people. While attending Lehman College, he pursued a career in law enforcement but felt there had to be a different way to serve others. This decision led to work as a youth coordinator and a paraprofessional. Mr. Isaac has had multiple roles at MESA Charter High School and continues to do his part to support students and keep things running smoothly.

Culture, DEI, and Family Engagement

Manager of Culture and Family Engagement

Bio

Ms. Soto was born and raised in the Dominican Republic where she attended the University Autonoma of Santo Domingo and received a degree in cinematography. She later moved to the United States and is a resident of Bushwick. Ms. Soto is a fluent Spanish speaker and provides much of MESA’s translation services. She has two sons, Aaron and Steven, who are honorary MESA Warriors.

Counseling

Social Worker

Bio

Mr. Rodriguez was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States at a very young age where he grew up in Brooklyn. Overcoming challenges faced as an immigrant, Mr. Rodriguez gained a huge amount of respect for the professionals who work in the human services field and helped him and his family get the services they needed. While in school, his favorite subject was science which led him to attend Stony Brook University in hopes of becoming a biotech engineer but through different life experiences and meeting new people, he pursued and graduated with a degree in Social Welfare. He believes that society should focus more on investing in the lives of young adults to push them to be the best versions of themselves to be able to lead the future society in the right direction. Additionally, with the help of counselors and mentors, Mr. Rodriguez learned the importance of being able to express your emotions and having someone to talk to. This has empowered him to work with young adults to pass down the same lessons of compassion and expression to help them realize the potential they have within themselves. In his free time, Mr. Rodriguez loves watching movies, listening to music, exploring the hidden gems of NYC, and playing video games with his friends.

College and Career Counseling

Career Connected Learning Coordinator & Attendance at Risk Specialist

Bio

Ms. Martinez was born and raised in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, NY. Ms. Martinez graduated with a B.S. degree in human services and Master’s in public administration specializing in public policy and inspection/oversight. Before coming to MESA Charter High School, Ms. Martinez worked for the New York City Law Department where she investigated abuse, neglect, and excessive force cases that were committed by the New York Police Department and the Department of Corrections. Ms. Martinez then worked in the New York City Department of Education (DOE) as an Equal Opportunity Investigator investigating sexual harassment and discrimination cases. While working for the DOE, Ms. Martinez realized that she wanted to interact more with children to guide them during their most important years. Ms. Martinez has found that working at MESA has been such an amazing experience and she enjoys building relationships with her students. Ms. Martinez believes that the best part of working at MESA is being called “Mom” by many of the students.

Board of Trustees

Vice Chair

Bio

Jacques Pierre is the General Counsel of the U.S. Retirement & Benefits Partners. Jaques joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2018.

English Language Arts

ELL Coordinator

Bio

Ms. Salazar is a dedicated and passionate educator with a lifelong curiosity for literature. A Dominican-born, Queens-raised woman, she believes in understanding the world through storytelling. Becoming an English teacher was a meaningful choice for her, driven by the desire to empower young voices and create a strong sense of community. With a bachelor's degree in English literature from Queens College, she aims to inspire her students at MESA, nurturing their curiosity and love for literature and knowledge. Ms. Salazar also plans to empower them to work together, fostering an environment where they can learn from each other, grow collectively, and thrive as a united community.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Anna Canning is excited to join the MESA team as an ENL teacher co-teaching Earth and Space Science and ELE 2. She grew up in Westchester, NY and lived and taught abroad in France and Spain, where she completed a Master's of Education with a specialization in ESOL. She is passionate about making learning active, accessible, and fun and helping students build confidence in their ability to achieve whatever they set their mind to. She loves learning languages and speaks Spanish, Portuguese and French. In her free time, you can find her reading, baking, running, doing yoga, watching Brazilian novelas and spending time with friends and family

Social Studies

Social Studies Teacher

Bio

Ms. Cooper has had quite a diverse and enriching educational journey! Her background in Grenada, enriching Caribbean culture and educational experiences in both Oklahoma and Florida have given her a unique perspective in the classroom. Her transition to MESA and enthusiasm for embracing its culture suggest her passion and openness to her new role. This year, Ms. Cooper is eager to blend her experiences and adapt to this new environment.

Operations

Operations Coordinator

Bio

Ms. Abreu was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She graduated from Norman Thomas High School in 2000 and at this time began working in retail banking. In 2008 she started on podcasts, with friends, as a hobby. This later led to her working with various radio stations and other podcasts, both in NYC as well as in the Dominican Republic. Ms. Abreu later went back to College and took up a major in Journalism, graduating from CUNY in 2018. Ms. Abreu joined MESA in June of 2022.

Essentials

Physical Education Teacher

Bio

Mr. Casado isn’t your typical teacher—he’s a high-energy coach with a serious passion for flag football, basketball and education! Raised in Harlem and moving to the Bronx at twelve, he carries a vibrant connection to his Dominican and NYC roots that fuels his work. After years of teaching younger kids in elementary school, he’s excited to be stepping into his new role as a high school PE teacher. His goal? To spark enthusiasm and push students to new heights in sports. Outside the classroom, Mr. Casado is all about enjoying his favorite shows and enjoying the latest anime and manga. Plus, he’s a talented videographer who enjoys capturing cool moments and creating engaging content. With his mix of interests and approachable personality, Mr. Casado is excited to bring a fun, engaging twist to physical education and connect with students and families in memorable ways.

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

Ms. Autar was born in Guyana and raised in Jamaica, Queens. After a long stint in Columbus, OH she’s back in NYC and so excited to be teaching high school, which is her passion. She reps The City College of NY where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture and Ohio State University where she earned a Master of Education. When not teaching, Ms. Autar reads a lot, enjoys being a couch potato and spending time with friends and family, and makes art!

Dean

Associate Dean & 11th Grade Team Lead

Bio

Mr. Huggins has lived in the Bushwick neighborhood since he was two. His mother has been a special education teacher for over 25 years and inspired him to enter the education field. He graduated from St. Johns University in Queens, NY with a degree in psychology and from Sacred Heart University with a master's in applied psychology. Before coming to MESA Charter High School, Mr. Huggins worked at Capital Prep Harlem and at the Achievement First Network. He has held several roles throughout his career, ranging from school counselor to science teacher and behavioral specialist. He enjoys working with kids from inner-city communities because he can relate to a lot of the challenges they face daily. His goal is for all students to get equal opportunities to succeed in school and in life. He is ecstatic to get a chance to work in the community he grew up in.

Culture, DEI, and Family Engagement

Culture & Data Associate

Bio

Genesis Ramos is the Culture Associate at MESA Charter High School. She recently earned her B.A. in Psychology from Baruch College and also coaches both the boys and girls volleyball teams. She enjoys supporting students through school culture and on the court.

Counseling

Social Worker

Bio

Mr. Totimeh was born in Waukegan, Illinois, and raised in Philadelphia. Growing up as a creative he has always had a passion for bringing individuals together and creating spaces for joy. He attended Temple University for his B.A. in advertising, account management. This is where he learned the deeper importance of understanding individuals. After, he got accepted into a teacher’s program in New York and received an M.S. in Special Education & General Education from Brooklyn College. Mr. Totimeh had been a teacher for 8 years; teaching is where he learned his true passion. He learned that he did not only want to help scholars learn but also to understand and regulate their emotions and behavior to become the best scholars they can be. While teaching he went back to school to obtain his M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Touro University. He believes we all can be the best version of ourselves and that everyone needs someone that will listen and understand them. In his free time, he enjoys the gym, planning events, sneakers, and spending time with his son.

College and Career Counseling

College Career Counselor & 12th Grade Team Lead

Bio

Mr. Green is a Brooklyn native who grew up in the handball courts and football fields in Bushwick. After he graduated from Canarsie High School, he attended Morrisville State College where he discovered his love for teaching as a Math tutor. He later graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, then became a 2014 TFA Chicago corps member where he developed the curriculum for the founding Algebra II class. He moved back to NYC to teach students who grew up in the same community to help eliminate the fear of Math. Some of his hobbies include running, traveling, playing sports, and dancing salsa.

Board of Trustees

Treasurer

Bio

Agatha Patterson is the Senior Account Executive at Microsoft. Agatha joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2020.

Math

Math Teacher

Bio

Benjamin is a dedicated Mathematics and Science teacher who is passionate about helping students see the connections between the classroom and the world around them. With a strong background in both subjects, he strives to create engaging lessons that challenge students to think critically, ask questions, and develop a genuine curiosity for learning. Benjamin has taught across a range of year levels, and after three years doing middle school is looking forward to the challenge of teaching high schoolers again. Beyond the curriculum, Benjamin is especially interested in fostering problem-solving skills and scientific thinking, encouraging students to see themselves as capable learners who can apply knowledge in practical and creative ways. He values inquiry-based approaches and enjoys guiding students through hands-on experiments, collaborative projects, and real-life applications of mathematical concepts. Outside of the classroom, Benjamin enjoys gardening, travelling, and spending time with family. He has a dog who keeps him busy with training and outdoor adventures. Known among colleagues and students for his calm approach and sense of humour, Benjamin is committed to creating a positive, supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to do their best.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Bio Coming Soon

Student Support Team

Staff Support Teacher

Bio

Polish-Newyorker, Angelica brings a rich blend of cultural perspectives to everything she does. She graduated with honors from University at Albany with a BA in Communications and Business. A few years later, her love for language and connection led her to Barcelona, Spain; where she spent seven sunny years teaching English. Her experience living abroad deepened her adaptability, creativity, and appreciation for the diversity of human stories. Immersed in the city’s energy, she embraced its art, history, and warmth, building meaningful relationships and discovering the power of education to inspire growth and confidence in her students.Now back in the U.S., Angelica is thrilled to bring her international teaching experience to her new role. She’s passionate about creating a positive, dynamic learning environment where students feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and celebrate progress. When she's not teaching, she enjoys going to museums and galleries and embracing various artistic styles.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Mr. Hussey is a native of the south shore of Massachusetts, but has made Brooklyn his new home! He studied Applied Physics and Economics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate NY, where he competed in Track & Field and worked as a Freshmen Resident Assistant. He has cultivated a passion for Dungeons & Dragons, video games, folk music, and learning how our universe works since he was a little kid, and he tries his best to help others find their own passions. Mr. Hussey has taught all kinds of science in Massachusetts, Washington DC, and Connecticut, and is fortunate and thrilled to be teaching Earth & Space Science at MESA!

Instructional Leadership

Senior Assistant Principal of Instruction

Bio

Mr. Willett was born in a small town in the outback of Australia where he spent his school years. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Newcastle, balancing his love of mathematics with his love of sports and travel. Since becoming a teacher, he taught in both England and Australia before joining the MESA team in 2016. In his spare time, you will find him searching the country for amazing outdoor activities.

Social Studies

Social Studies Teacher

Bio

Mr.Corson was born on the Crow Reservation in Montana. He grew up bouncing around Montana and Colorado before his family finally moved to the Washington D.C. area. He attended Sarah Lawrence College where he played soccer. After graduating, he spent a couple of years stacking boxes at UPS, coaching soccer, working as a translator, and hunting with his dad and uncles before moving to Brooklyn. A proud Crow, or Apsaalooke, Mr. Corson goes back to Montana as much as he can to spend time with his family and reconnect with his culture (ask him about Crow Fair). In Brooklyn he spends his free time reading, playing soccer, and going on runs across the Brooklyn bridge.

English Language Arts

Humanities Teacher

Bio

Ms. Becerra was born and raised in the Sacramento, CA area. She moved to New York City after high school to complete her bachelor's degree as a double major in Business and Psychology at New York University. Directly after undergrad, Ms. Becerra pivoted into teaching and pursued her Masters in Education at Hunter College. Outside of MESA, Ms. Becerra enjoys watching films at the movie theater, spending time with friends, and seeing her favorite artists perform in the city.

Dean

Associate Dean

Bio

Mr. Ty is a MESA alumni and has earned his social work degree at BMCC college. He was born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn NY. He now works at MESA as the 9th grade Dean where he helps students grow professionally, academically and all while maintaining high expectations for all students. He loves to cook, travel and try out new activities!

College and Career Counseling

CollegeBridge Counselor

Bio

Ms. Liz is a MESA alumni and is now pursuing her psychology degree with a minor in counseling at Queens College. She was born in the Dominican Republic and came to New York when she was 4 years old. She now works at MESA as a CollegeBridge Counselor where she helps seniors during their college process and she has so much fun doing so. She loves to go shopping, trying new foods & traveling to her home town, Santiago RD !

Board of Trustees

Secretary

Bio

Melissa Sexton is an Instructor at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. Melissa joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2023.

Essentials

Dance Teacher

Bio

Brianna Lopez is a dance educator, choreographer, and researcher with over a decade of professional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from San Diego State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Utah. She is the creator of the Naftali Method, an improvisational approach designed to cultivate softness and speed through heightened body awareness from structured improvisation. She has taught this work in both the United States and Mexico, sharing it with dancers in diverse educational and community settings. Brianna’s teaching experience spans higher education, community programs, and charter schools, where she develops classes that balance technical training with creative exploration. She is committed to fostering artistic growth through rigorous yet supportive instruction, helping students connect their skills to innovative, expressive outcomes. At MESA Charter High School, Brianna teaches 9th-grade dance, providing a strong foundation for students to grow as performers, choreographers, and critical thinkers. She is excited to offer her expertise to this new community and contribute to MESA’s vibrant arts program.

Math

Math Teacher

Bio

Bio Coming Soon

Operations

Office Associate

Bio

Emily has a background in computer science and loves finding creative ways to solve problems. She enjoys learning new things and supporting students and staff with her skills.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Ms. James is an enthusiastic computer science teacher dedicated to making learning both engaging and enjoyable. A 2023 graduate of The Marcy Lab School's software engineering fellowship, she also proudly participates in programs like Baddies in Tech, Girls Who Code, and Black Girls Code, championing Black women in STEM fields. Outside the classroom, Ms. James loves expanding her horizons by learning new languages, such as Korean and Spanish. She has a wide range of passions including music, fashion, and beauty, in addition to enjoying gaming, reading comics and Webtoons, and staying updated on the latest films and series. Her diverse interests and vibrant approach make her a valuable member of our school community, where she inspires students to explore and excel in technology.

Operations

Operations Intern

Bio

Mr. Rivera has lived in the Bushwick neighborhood since he was born. He is a MESA alum graduating in 2018. He is a former MESA basketball player, playing all four years at the school. Mr. Rivera recently graduated from LaGuardia Community College and is now attending Baruch College to complete his bachelor's degree. His hobbies include playing sports, riding bicycles, working out, and eating. He is also a proud Boricua!

Math

Math Teacher

Bio

Mr. Jewell was born and raised in Queens, New York. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Columbia University. Thereafter, Mr. Jewell acquired a TESOL teaching certificate and embarked on an adventure teaching English language in South Korea for over a decade. He has recently returned to New York and his passion for teaching, along with a desire to reconnect with his first love, math, has led him to a career teaching math at MESA. Mr. Jewell is an avid New York Knicks and boxing fan. He enjoys traveling to new countries and bicycling. He is also the father to two adorable cats.

Instructional Leadership

Director of Math and Science Instruction

Bio

Mr. Chervin holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Maryland and a Masters in Secondary Science Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Originally from Georgia, Mr. Chervin became a teacher in 2011 with Teach for America in Washington, D.C. before eventually joining MESA in 2016. He is passionate about planning and implementing rigorous curriculum. If students leave our classrooms rubbing their heads saying, "That was hard! My head hurts!" Mr. Chervin knows we've done something right. In his free time Mr. Chervin enjoys making tortillas, salsa verde, and other Mexican recipes. And when the weather is right he's an avid surfer in the Rockaway's.

Essentials

Art Teacher

Bio

Mr. Nosworthy was born and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens. He attended The High School Of Art And Design in Manhattan and later went on to earn a film degree from Brooklyn's Pratt Institute. After spending years in advertising, film production and editing, Darrian discovered that what brought him the most gratification was teaching, coaching and impacting children and you adults. Since then, Mr. Nosworthy (Mr. Nos) has taught physical education and art in schools across NYC and enjoys the challenge of finding new ways to connect with his students. Mr. Nos can be found on the beach in the summer with his wife and his Dogo Argentino named Drogo.

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

Ms. Bigelow is a New Jersey native at heart (Jersey Strong!), but she feels right at home in New York City. She loves all things reading and writing related-- especially nonfiction. Ms. Bigelow was a student-athlete at Brown University and received her Masters in Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing at Columbia University, where she taught creative writing workshops. Prior to Columbia, Ms. Bigelow taught 10th grade English in San Jose, California. She is a massive football and women's soccer fan. In her freetime, Ms. Bigelow enjoys watching sports, going to the movies, biking around the Lower East Side, and walking her dachshund Harvey.

College and Career Counseling

College and Career Counselor

Bio

Ms. Valentin was born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She attended Brooklyn College and graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Prior to coming to MESA, Ms. Valentin worked in afterschool programs, taught workshops for the summer youth employment program, and worked at Williamsburg Charter High School for 13 years. She has been doing college counseling for over 7 years. Ms. Valentin loves bodybuilding, writing poetry, cooking, and dancing.

Board of Trustees

Trustee

Bio

Angel Cortes is the Gas Operating Mechanic at Con Edison as well as a MESA parent. Angel joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2015.

Social Studies

Social Studies Teacher

Bio

Mr. Grear is a proud Rhode Island native who has called New York home for a cumulative three years. He is excited to return to North Brooklyn, where he taught after-school arts programs to middle school students during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to joining MESA, Mr. Grear also taught 8th grade United States history in East New York, served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Cambodia, and taught 8th grade civics in Boston. Mr. Grear earned his bachelor’s degree in Politics from Princeton University and his master’s degree in Education from Harvard University. Beyond MESA, Mr. Grear loves to read novels in Maria Hernandez Park, attend his friends’ rock shows, cook New York Times recipes (the easy ones), and travel the world when he can.

Math

Math Teacher

Bio

Habib Rahman is a dedicated mathematics educator with extensive experience in both middle and high school settings. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Habib has a passion for teaching that stems from his diverse experiences in education. He earned his Bachelor's degree from York College (CUNY) and a Master's in Mathematics Teacher Education from Queens College, where he also contributed to curriculum writing for after-school programs and led student teams in math and coding competitions. Habib's teaching philosophy centers on creating engaging and accessible math lessons that empower students to see mathematics as both a valuable tool and a subject to be mastered. When not in the classroom, Habib enjoys photography, biking, playing chess, and diving into video games. He is also always up for a good stand-up comedy show, which helps keep his sense of humor sharp. Fluent in Bengali, Hindi and English, Habib is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments for all students.

Essentials

Physical Education Teacher

Bio

Born and raised on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1983, Hector is a dedicated physical education teacher with a rich background in sports and design. After graduating from the High School of Graphic Communication Arts, Hector pursued studies in photography and graphic design. However, a passion for athletics and education led Hector to shift focus and become a physical education teacher for high school students. With a diverse coaching background, Hector has worked with individuals of all ages, from children as young as four to adults. Their extensive coaching experience spans various sports, including baseball, basketball, hockey, softball, and pickleball. Hector has been involved with numerous organizations, including the Volo Kids Foundation, New York Giants Youth Baseball League, Youth Sports NYC, The Boys Club of New York, Our Lady of Sorrows Little League, Felix Millan Little League, and NYC Parks and Recreation. Through his work, Hector has demonstrated a commitment to fostering physical fitness and sportsmanship in the community, blending his artistic background with a dedication to shaping the next generation of athletes.

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

Ms. Catherall is a proud Bronxite, New Yorker, and Yankees fan. After a ten year stint in Massachusetts and Boston, where she earned her undergraduate degree at the College of the Holy Cross, M.Ed at Boston College, and taught English at the same 7-12 school for 7 years, she decided to move back to her roots in NYC. She was an academic Dean for three years prior to coming to MESA, but missed the joy of watching students learn about themselves and grow in their skills through reading and writing. She loves all things literacy, as well as running, baseball, music, live shows, traveling, writing, and spending time with loved ones.

Board of Trustees

Trustee

Bio

Adele Doyle is the Adjunct Assistant Professor for the CUNY System. Adele joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2024.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Mr. John was born in India but raised in sunny Southern California, where he spent over 20 years soaking up the West Coast sun (and maybe just a little West Coast bias). He earned his degree in Biochemistry from California State University, Long Beach, and began his career in a medical device research lab. A teaching opportunity in New York brought him across the country—and he quickly discovered that his true passion was in the classroom, inspiring young scientists. He hasn’t looked back since. When he’s not explaining chemical reactions or geeking out over the periodic table, Mr. John is a devoted basketball fan (die-hard Boston Celtics supporter—apologies in advance, Knicks fans) and a self-described “enthusiastic but average” player. He loves being outdoors, whether it’s hiking for the perfect view, skating around the neighborhood, or attempting to catch waves. His skateboarding days lasted a few years; his surfing career… about five attempts. Both, however, were pursued with equal parts energy and humility. Though he still secretly believes the West Coast is the best coast, Mr. John has grown to love his New York home—especially the energy of its people and the joy of sharing science with his students.

Social Studies

Social Studies Teacher

Bio

Ms. Gould was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, but before moving to New York she lived and worked in British Columbia, California, and South America. With a background in liberal arts and alternative education, Ms. Gould loves creating student-centered classrooms and finding what sparks each student's authentic desire to learn and create. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College and is always searching for fresh perspectives on K-12 education. Ms. Gould is also a passionate cook, and when she’s not reading or making pottery you can find her experimenting in the kitchen to find creative uses for all her CSA box vegetables.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Ms. Merrick was born in Panama City, Panama but grew up in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. She attended the Georgia Institute of Technology aka Georgia Tech where she studied chemistry and chemical engineering and continued her education there to earn her master's degree in chemistry. She loves research and is extremely passionate about encouraging young women and men of color to pursue a career in STEM fields. After a career as a chemical engineer, she continued her education at NYU earning a master's degree in chemistry education. Ms. Merrick loves learning, especially if it relates to science or culture which explains her love for traveling. She also loves engaging in science research during the summers, exploring the outdoors and swimming.

Math

Math Teacher

Bio

Mr. Tankersley hails from the great state of South Carolina, where he earned his degree in mathematics for the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks). He came to teach in NYC after joining Teach For America and completing his master’s in Education at Relay Graduate School. A passionate football and basketball fan, he’s also coached basketball for the past three years. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, spending time with his two adorable cats, and cheering for his (and his wife's) hometown teams.

Board of Trustees

Proposed Trustee

Bio

Christian Montoya is the Vice President (VP) at JP Morgan Chase.

Social Studies

Social Studies Teacher

Bio

Originally from Los Angeles, Angela has spent the past decade in NYC as an educator, curriculum developer and department head, most recently helming the social studies department at Broome Street Academy. She holds a BA in history from UCLA and a graduate degree from Columbia Teachers College. She started her teaching career in rural Mississippi through Teach for America, and remains passionate about making rigorous content accessible for all students. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active through soccer and Solidcore, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her daschund mix, Petty.

Social Studies

Social Studies Teacher

Bio

Ms. Newsome was born and raised in Alexandria, VA, and spent the past seven years living and studying in New Orleans, LA. In New Orleans, she earned her Masters in Teaching through the Norman C. Francis teacher residency program at Xavier University of Louisiana while teaching ELA at Frederick Douglass High School in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. In her free time, Ms. Newsome can be found eating tacos, researching new places to travel, and spending time outside with friends and her 14 year old Westie, Max.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Ms. O'Connor is from Boston, Massachusetts; and though she doesn't know much about Boston sports, she loves pretending to be a die-hard fan when Boston teams win. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BS in Biology (and once took a class dedicated to climbing trees!) Before coming to MESA, Ms. O'Connor was a program administrator for an afterschool program in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is excited to be a part of MESA! Outside of school, she enjoys cooking for herself and her friends, discovering new places near and far, diving into a good book, and going to the movies.

Math

Math Teacher

Bio

Ms. Yuquilima is a proud Brooklyn native and daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants. She holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from Fordham University and currently serves as an Algebra 1 teacher at MESA. Outside the classroom, Ms. Yuquilima enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling (especially to Ecuador), city walks, concerts, and cooking.

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

Mr. Jorian grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and obtained his M.Ed from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to MESA, he taught in Bedstuy, East Harlem, and the East Village. Ben believes the classroom is a microcosm of society, and that through studying literature, students can become thoughtfully engaged citizens both inside and outside of their communities. When Ben is not at MESA, he is either spending time with his family, riding his track bike, or catching up on classic films from the 80s and 90s--nothing beats Back to the Future!

Board of Trustees

Trustee

Bio

Maureen Ryan is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at The Gateway School. Maureen joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2013.

Social Studies

Social Studies Teacher

Bio

With over five years of experience in the education sector, Ms. Williams has built a distinguished career marked by her commitment to student success and innovative teaching practices. Before joining MESA, Ms. Williams taught 7th Grade English Language Arts, where she effectively integrated technology and creative lesson plans to engage her students and foster a dynamic learning environment. Her extensive background also includes serving as a Lead History Teacher at Ascend Charter School and an multi-subject teacher at Success Academy Charter School. In these roles, Ms. Williams demonstrated her ability to make complex historical and social concepts accessible and engaging for students, using current events and critical thinking exercises to enrich her lessons. Ms. Williams is passionate about addressing systemic issues and promoting social justice within her classroom. She is known for her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and pursuing creative writing projects.

Science

Science Teacher

Bio

Mr. Sherman grew up in deep south Texas, just 20 minutes from the Texas/Mexico border, and lived in several parts of the state before making the leap to New York City in 2019 from San Antonio—a journey that went from concept to reality in just nine months! He studied English and Business Management at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and later earned his Master's in Liberal Studies from City University of New York - Lehman College, where his thesis explored economic decision-making in chess and poker through artificial intelligence. He brings this passion for making computer science accessible to all students to his role at MESA. Mr. Sherman is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Information Studies at LIU, focusing on how AI can enhance educational decision-making. When he's not teaching or researching, you can find him exploring NYC's diverse neighborhoods, head banging at metal concerts, or working on various technology projects that bridge his interests in education and artificial intelligence.

Board of Trustees

Trustee

Bio

Steve Severin is the Senior Information Technology Audit Manager at RBC. Steve joined the MESA Board of Trustees in 2024.

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

Bio Coming Soon

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

"Teaching is something which helps light the world: it takes energy and focus to help bring something joyful to our future leaders: today's students! Mr.Rodriguez has been teaching in Queens and Brooklyn and has had the honor of serving communities who seek to build their futures and uplift their kids. Mr.Rodriguez is a book nerd at heart, as most ELA Teachers are, and loves to see student growth in their writing and comprehension over the course of a school year. When Mr.Rodriguez is not teaching, Mr.Rodriguez plays Apex Legends, Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Links and Pokemon GO. Mr.Rodriguez is also learning to paint, which he finds to be a calming creative outlet.

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

Noelle is a teacher, writer, and music lover who sees the classroom as a place for authenticity, community, and growth. When she’s not teaching, she’s probably cooking for friends, curating playlists, or finding inspiration in art that refuses to be ordinary.

English Language Arts

ELA Teacher

Bio

Mr. Trow-Shaw is a former Teach for America English teacher who has taught in Louisiana, Philadelphia, and New York, every grade from 6-11. He has his MS Ed from Johns Hopkins, he has coached basketball teams to state championship tournaments, and he won Teacher of the Year honors at his first school. This is his first year at MESA and he is excited to combine his experience with the expertise of Ms. Catherall in ELA II and that of Ms. Becerra in one section of ELA I. In his free time, he dances salsa both at socials and on stage with his team in performances.