2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Manhattan:
Candidate Vertell Brown
DBN: 02M520
IEP: No
ELL No
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant N/A
Background
Personal I look forward to working with you
Statement
Candidate Melissa Christensen
DBN: 02M600
Applicant I currently own/direct daycare .. I love working with children and their parents .. I am at a stage where I
Background can focus on my daughters adulation and get more involved. Also I volunteer As a troop leader for girl
scouts
Personal
Statement
Candidate Ermaneze Davis
DBN: 02M546
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was the PTA President at my sons school for two years when he was in middle school. I was also a
Background member of the SLT.
Personal I would be honored to be a part of the High School Citywide Council and to help shape Public
Statement Education. I believe children do better in school when the parent is involed.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Mona M Kotb
DBN: 02M545
02M545
02M217
IEP: No
No
No
ELL No
No
No
DBN: 02M418
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate Sunny Moy
Applicant I am the co-founder and President of non profit 501c3 organization call Asian American Youth Center.
Background The organization has been existance in NYC Chinatown community since 1999. I am presently and
had worked closely with school principals of ( PS2, PS124 and PS130 ) in the community. Also I was
School Leadership team member when my sons and daughters were in elementary school.
Personal I am applying for the Education Council because I'm devoted to see our future generations become
Statement better educated and build skills that will prepared them for their next level of education.
Candidate Phyllis Rampulla
DBN: 02M422
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Over the course of 3 years, I was active in advocating for and building consensus for legislation that
Background ultimately became law in NYS. That process taught me much about how state and city government
operate in NY, and the strategies required to be successful in such an endeavor. Additionally, as a staff
educator in health care, I have an appreciation for the multitude of learning styles that students bring to
the classroom and the importance of supporting teaching styles beyond the traditional didactic means
of conveying information.
Personal As my son nears the completion of his journey through the NYC school system, I believe that I, as a
Statement parent, have something constructive and directive to offer as a member of the Citywide Council on
High Schools. I am a strong believer in informed choices. Only through respectful dialog and debate
can all stakeholder concerns be given proper consideration in decisions that will have expansive, farreaching impact on students, teachers, families, and the community at large.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Tiffany Simmons
DBN: 05M499
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Current lead preschool teacher, former charter school 1st grade head teacher, 5th grade CTT teacher,
Background and DOE paraprofessional with district 75.
Personal Dedicated advocate and participate in providing much needed care, knowledge and experience to
Statement underprivileged children and families. Being a product of the same under served environment fosters a
personal connection. This motivational factor has lead me to obtain and seek fundamental knowledge
as well as first hand experience in bridging the gap. Therefore clarifying the politics while implementing
strategies for success.
Candidate Valerie V Williams
DBN: 02M094
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been an Advocate for Children with Disabilities for over 12 years. I was the PTA/ PA President
Background for 094M - the Spectrum School from 2009 2013, and then I was elected to District 75 CEC 20132015. During my time on the current council: I have helped numerous parents to receive the services,
placement and therapies for their students throughout District 75. I have also testified in numerous
hearings in Albany & at the New York City Council in reference to Instruction & Literacy for Students
with Special Needs. I have also given statements in various Press Conferences in support of Children
with Special Needs concerning Busing, Co-Location, Instruction, Literacy and Related Services.
Personal I am an Entrepreneur with my own Grant Writing Firm, and I have a Masters of Science in
Statement Entertainment Business; as well as a Bachelor of Science in International Business. I have written
Grants, and I have an much more than average understanding about Budgets and the Allocation of
funds. I believe that everyone has a disability, and that all children can be taught. I am a strong advocate
for Parent Participation and for the Parents to understand the Power they possess. As a Parent You
Must Stand Up For Your Childs Best Interest, NEVER SETTLE FOR CRUMBS!!!!!!!
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Leyla
Vivian
Bermudez
DBN: 03M541
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been working for Community Based Organizations as an after school program director for over 15
Background yrs NYC PUBLIC schools. I have mostly worked in Elementary schools, but currently I am in a Middle
School Program in Queens.
Personal I have been working within in the school community since 1996 in after school and Beacon Program
Statement settings. In my career thus far, I have serviced about 1800 students and worked with 4 school
administration's and communities. During this time, I have always believed that although I technically work
for a the partner CBO, I am also there to work with and for the administration and families of the school I
am with. As a parent of a current and former Special Ed public school student, I am very involved in my
children's education and in the school community as much as my work and school schedule allows. I am a
strong believer in parent involvement and relationship with your child's school and academic development .
The education process goes beyond academic development and must be a equal.partnership between all
stakeholders in each students life.
Candidate Simone Bloch
DBN: 02M475
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have volunteered teaching reading to high need students at the primary level, taught English language
Background learners at Hostos Community College, social work at the graduate level, and writing to incarcerated
women. In my private practice as a social worker/psychotherapist I have worked with teachers and
students.I have worked with mentors, mentees, and staff at Girls Write Now, an award-winning
mentoring organization.
Personal I am a product of the New York City public school system and have raised three children, one of
Statement whom is now a teacher in the public system. All of my education --from kindergarten through graduate
school --took place in this city, and I have seen a broad range of outcomes. For the sake of equity and
sanity, I believe that this is the moment for the "choice" system to be made less complicated for all
parents and all children.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Hermann P Walz
DBN: 03M485
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I currently am an adjunct instructor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, teaching in class and online
Background classes. In the past I have been a class representative for my daughter when she attended another
school.
Personal I would like to serve on the Education Counsel since my daughter currently attends a public High
Statement School. I myself am a lifelong New York City resident that attended public school from grade school
through high school. Thereafter, I attended Queens College which is part of the CUNY system and law
school. I currently am an adjunct instructor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice which is also part of
the CUNY system. I believe I have a good grasp on public education having attended public schools
and now teach students that are products of the current public school system. I believe serving on this
Counsel would give me an opportunity to serve my community which I am hopeful to have the
opportunity to do. Thank You.
Candidate Çonstanza Martinez
DBN: 02M420
IEP: No
ELL No
DBN: 06M462
06M462
IEP: No
No
ELL No
Yes
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate Nuris
I. Leyba
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Lyndya Lee
DBN: 04M680
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant PTA President of several elementary schools including Foster Laurie P.S. 397, Brooklyn, Principle Y.
Background Reid. PTA President and participating PTA staff of three Middle Schools, MS 61, MS 62 in Brooklyn
and JSH 13 in Manhattan. I Served as PTA staff at Boys & Girls High, Principle Menkins, and at The
Heritage High as PTA President, Principle D. Sugrim. A member of, Christian Cultural Center,
Brooklyn. Served as, PTA President of The Jackie Robinson Marching Band Under the direction of
Tryone Brown.
Personal My goal is to bring a positive platform for our parents, by engaging the community, businesses, and
Statement individuals to support and sponsor what the parents have collectively agreed upon. I know the power of
parents, especially when it comes to making things happen. The power of parents comes from; not
having to play politics, not being afraid of job or career loss, and OUR Voice Reigns Supreme. I will
focus on what our goals are, our concerns , and or misunderstanding, and how to collectively navigate
us to success. Every parent has a unique perspective that they can bring to the council and one parent’s
weakness is another parent’s strength. I have a talent in public relations, and a grand-eye for potential
alliances, teammates, investors ("who are not seeking financial gains,") and most of all, finding parents
that will make our Parent Army Network (PAN) the most successful unit in all the U. S.. NYC Schools
is a global masterpiece of cultures, and should be reflective in our parent representation. NYC is the
greatest city in the world and our parents should represent the power of our city. So, on that note, I
would be honored to represent the Council in our great aspirations. Thank You, Ms. Lyndya Lee
Candidate Jorinda E Silverstein (MOORHEAD)
DBN: 02M551
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been a licensed special educator since 1998. I have been a teacher and teacher's assistant since
Background the late 1980's. I have worked with children between the ages of birth through 20 years of age. In
particular, I have worked with children with special needs and their families. I have been a school
administrator in the private setting for 6 years now.
Personal I have a long background as a parent int he NYC public school system. My older son graduated 3 years
Statement ago and my younger son is in 9th grade now. They have been public school students all along. I was
involved in the Executive Board at my younger son's middle school, including being the President of
the PA for the 2013-2014 school year. I loved being able to support the excellent staff there.
Furthermore, as a teacher, I believe I have insight into the demands placed on them. I would love the
opportunity to have a voice in the city wide system of high schools.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Monica Bajraktarevic
DBN: 02M475
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant 2014-2015 CCHS-Citywide Council on Councils, Lower Manhattan Representative (D1,D2, D3),
Background Treasurer, Co-Chair of the CCHS Capital Plan Committee. I have worked in a private school setting
for over 6 yrs as Assistant Director. I hold a Masters Degree in School Building Leadership. In the past
I served on multiple committees at Stuyvesant HS, which included serving on the Executive Board, as a
Chairperson of the Grant Writing Committee, and Co-Chair of Spring Feast Fundraiser- the most
successful the school ever had. I strongly believe in supporting the public schools in NYC and
dedicating my time and expertise. My goal is to ensure the highest representation for all of the districts
that I represent and seeking the resources in order to benefit the schools and students. I devote over 60
hours each month to provide better opportunities for the students by visiting schools, attending
meetings and gaining the district leadership skills necessary to provide the proper support. Students are
my inspiration. I want to make a lasting contribution to the CCHS. I also attend the local Community
Board Meetings and NYPD meetings in order to be alert and sensitive to all of the issues that are
present in my community.
Personal I believe in investing in Human Capital through education. I work collaboratively with parents, students
Statement and educators. Parent involvement is essential. As a former NYC HS student myself, I have a thorough
understanding of the advantages and issues that we face in the NYC Public School system. Working as
Portfolio Analyst for the Rockefellers allowed me to gain analytical skills to help with maximizing all
that can be offered to OUR students. It is imperative that equitable and adequate advances are made
available to the schools in order to maximize their students' human potential and prepare them to be
productive citizens and competitors on a global scale. As the Co-Chair of the Capital Plan Committee
for CCHS, we took the initiative to gather and submit the capital plan requests from 400+ NYC Public
HSs. It required over 5 weeks of work. I made myself available to each school to meet and work with
them to bring better resources to their schools. Being a CCHS Rep is my passion. I can fully commit
myself to making a difference. I would like to thank each of you for your commitment to educational
excellence in order to increase the resources available to OUR children, and giving me a chance to
continue to represent you.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Wanda Pichardo
DBN: 02M298
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Provided oversight and support around policy development while identifying short and long term
Background improvement opportunities at PS/MS 37 - Multiple Intelligences School as Title I Representative
(Elected Official) - Board Member, and School Leadership Team - Committee Member; as well as
PTA President (Elected Official) - Board Member, and School Leadership Team - Committed
Member at Bronx Early College Academy (BECA) - City University of New York.
Personal As an accomplished professional with 18 years of experience, I am highly proficient in Spanish as a
Statement foreign language and Microsoft Office Suite with skill set and knowledge-base in the for-profit world
applied to a not-for-profit organization. My professional experience has afforded me the opportunity to
cultivate community partnerships working closely with New York City Public Schools in support of
narrowing achievement gap with high-quality after-school and summer programs. As Special Assistant
to the Regional Director at Building Educated Leaders for Life Foundation, an award-winning program
sited in Presidential 2005 Step-Up legislation. I held key responsibility helping facilitate meetings with
members of congress to coordinated launch events using aggressive and rapid reaction new pitching,
and arranging media coverage. Coordinating Program Services for terminally ill children at a wish
granting organization was the greatest aspect of my profession. I oversaw all aspects of of intake and
referral process communicating on a wide variety of medical issues and qualification while managing
multiple programs and developing group of volunteers into cohesive group.
Candidate Amy Herren
DBN: 02M437
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Currently, I am serving for the second year on the School Leadership Team at our son's school,
Background Hudson High School of Learning Technologies; this year, I also serve as Treasurer of Hudson's PTA.
Before moving to New York City, I served for several years as the Vice-President of the PTO at Cactus
Wren Elementary School in Phoenix, which both of our children attended. While in Phoenix, I also
spent five years as a volunteer English language tutor with public school students who had recently
immigrated to the United States. Working with these students, I was awed by their intelligence and
desire to learn. Additionally, I volunteered for more than five years at a suicide hotline--an experience
that does not relate directly to schooling, but which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of
adolescent development. Over the past several decades, I've consistently sought to contribute to the
communities in which I've lived, volunteering for numerous political campaigns and various, primarily
education-oriented, community organizations.
Personal I'm strongly committed to public schools and believe that good public education is the foundation of a
Statement strong society. I believe that New York City's public schools have been neglected and under-funded for
far too long and would like to contribute my share to their revitalization.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Lanaya Houston
DBN: 03M415
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have over 14 years of experience in education. Started as a volunteer in a daycare , children aged 2-5
Background years old and was hired to be a Teachers Aide. Held that position for a few years and was promoted to
Teacher's Assistant. Attended The City College of New York, where I received my Teacher's Assistant
certification. Obtained a position teaching in a preschool, where I designed a curriculum focused on
music and the arts. Held a position as a Teacher/ Assistant Director for an after-school program,
children 6-13 years old. There I assisted in the development and implementation of the curriculum. I
am currently working on starting a nonprofit organization focused on homeless outreach, youth
development and girl empowerment.
Personal
Statement
Candidate Nadia Griffith-Allen
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 11X103
IEP: No
ELL No
02M630
No
No
I have held a position as the PTA President or Treasure for 9 years at P.S. 103. I am currently serving
as the PTA President and on the School Leadership Team. I served on the Mayor's Office for People
with Disabilities Committee for Disability Mentoring Day for the past 3 years and I serve as an advocate
for college students with disabilities.
I am happy to have over 24 years of experience in education. I have served as the PTA President
/Treasure for the past 9 years at P.S. 103 in the Bronx and I am currently serving on the School
Leadership Team for P.S. 103. Being a product of the public school system has allowed me to
introduce the New York City schools to my children and to appreciate the opportunities that are
provided through public schools. I attended public school in Manhattan, the Bronx and was fortunate
to participate in the Specialized High School program. Professionally I was able to substitute and teach
in the same public schools that I speak of. Through my personal journey I can share, lend support and
provide assistance. I believe that we have to look for the opportunities that are available in education
and seize every one of them. It is important for one to connect to those that can help you navigate
through the public education system and once that is accomplished one must also give back. If the
possibility lends itself my services can be used on the community or citywide level.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Tiajuana Ann Cooper
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 02M551
IEP: Yes
ELL No
03M307
No
No
For over 15 years, I have volunteered, mentored and worked as a Case Manager in low income and
impoverished communities. As a Case Manager at the Belmont academy which is located in East New
York Brooklyn, I had the opportunity to work with students who exhibited violent behavior, truancy,
Learning Disabilities, Gang Affiliation, substance abuse issues and etc. In this capacity, I counseled and
provided services to enhance students academic experience and progress. I co facilitated
workshops/seminars on issues effecting students academic progress, parenting skills, outreach/
resources and etc. in addition, I partnered with Project Redirect and successfully helped several
students forgo gang affiliations. as a mentor at the Harriet Tubman Charter School, I helped to co
create a mentoring program young women. In this capacity, I with the help of teachers and a social
worker, met with 15 to 20 female students to discuss and create action plans to address issues they were
facing. In addition, to participating in community events and outings.
As the mother of 10, I understand the importance of being support system and role model for youth.
Over the past 15 years, I devoted myself to mentoring troubled youth within the NYC public school
systems. In my capacity as a mentor and case Manager, one of my greatest accomplishments was to
successfully mediate a truce between revile gangs in the East New York section of Brooklyn. My
commitment for the betterment of youth earned the highest level of respect among adolescences and
the community. I am continuously contributing my expertise to the advancement of Youth by
empowering youth to embrace their stories, articulate their vision and step boldly into their purpose.
Candidate David Ian Salter
DBN: 02M167
02M529
IEP: No
No
ELL No
No
Applicant
Background
Personal As a product of public schools myself, I am a firm believer in the value of public education, not just for
Statement the benefit of the students themselves, but for the health of the very communities they serve. Nowhere
is the rising inequality of the new Gilded Age felt more keenly than in our beloved city of New York,
and no institution is better poised to address that inequality than the New York Public Schools. With a
son in high school, a daughter in middle school, and another daughter poised to enter the Pre-K
lottery, my wife and I, just like parents throughout the city, have an enormous stake in doing all we can
to help ensure that our children, along with all of their classmates throughout the city, are provided with
a public education to equal that of the best private schools, so that they graduate onto a more level
playing field. Our very best public schools do that now; more need to do so. In my work editing
animated films like Finding Nemo, Toy Story 2, and The SpongeBob Movie, I've spent a lot of time
thinking about how to make children happy through entertainment. I'd like to devote that same energy
to helping make all of our children happy through education.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate CARLOS HERRERANARVAEZ
DBN: 02M542
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I NEVER HAD PARTICIPATED . THIS IS MY FIRST TIME , BUT I WANT TO BEGIN TO
Background HELP ANOTHER PARENTS AND STUDENTS FOR WE WILL GET TO EXCELLENT
EDUCATION FOR STUDENT IN NYC MANHATTAN.
Personal My interest in this position is for encourage students and parent to participate in the children life
Statement education l,have experience in customer services and I want to help to other person to get the goals in
them life. I took a first-year calculus course at a local college and earned an A. It seemed only logical
that I pursue a career. When I began my undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to be exposed to
the parents and students how the education is most important in the life.. I've also had the opportunity
to study a number of subjects in the humanities and they have been both enjoyable and enlightening,
providing me with a new and different perspective on the world in which we live.
Candidate Michelle Livingston
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 03M494
IEP: No
ELL No
08X282
No
No
12X217
No
No
I was on the PTA as Secretary of Public School 39 before the school closed. I have volunteered in the
Head Start program, helping in the classroom, meetings and field trips. I also conduct a children choir
at my church.
One thing in life that keeps me going is knowing that i have helped someone along the way. I enjoy
working with children and their families. All of my life I have wanted to make a difference in someone's
life whether it is my own children or another child. I want to be a part of change and by applying for
this position it will allow me to help a child as well as my own. I feel this position will allow me to meet
different people and learn how to socialize with others. I look forward to becoming a part of this
council and I hope you will as well.
Candidate
DBN:
IEP:
ELL
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
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Page 11 of 11