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Elementary Campus

James Verrilli
James Verrilli is the Co-Founder & Downtown Campus Principal of North Star Academy Charter School of Newark, New Jersey. Mr. Verrilli has been a history teacher and principal to Newark students for two decades. Prior to founding North Star, he began his career as a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and taught at Link Community School in Newark's Central Ward, later he served as the school's principal for three years. As a teacher, Mr. Verrilli has designed his own multi-media software to teach the Civil Rights movement and to this day comes to class in the guise of important historical characters. For the past ten years he has been leading North Star Academy Charter School of Newark and helping it to become one of the highest performing urban schools in New Jersey. North Star has closed the achievement gap in state test scores: results which are typically double the Newark District's average and higher than statewide averages. One hundred percent of North Star’s graduating seniors are attending college. North Star has been nationally recognized by President George W. Bush, and twice by the US Dept. of Education, once as a Title One School of Distinction and second as being one of the top ten charter high school closing the achievement gap. By next year, the school will serve over 500 students in grades K-1 and 5-12 over four campuses: one elementary school, two middle schools and a high school.

Paul Bambrick-Santoyo
Paul Bambrick-Santoyo, Managing Director of North Star, has been teaching for ten years. Bambrick-Santoyo has spearheaded the school's data-driven instruction and interim assessment process, facilitating over 60 quarterly assessments for the school and contributing to North Star's quickly achieving "90/90/90" status (90% free/reduced lunch, 90% students of color, 90% proficient on state assessments). He is a graduate of New Leaders for New Schools, a national organization training the next generation of urban school leaders. A frequent presenter on data-driven instruction, he currently serves as a faculty member for New Leaders for New Schools, is a Trustee of the Board of the New Jersey Charter Public Schools Association, and participates in the national Charter School Leadership Council. Prior to joining North Star, he worked for six years in a bilingual school in Mexico City, where he founded the International Baccalaureate program at the middle school level, led significant gains in English test score results, and was named Teacher of the Year in 1999. He earned a B.A. in Social Justice from Duke University (1994) and completed his M.Ed. in School Administration from the City University of New York–Baruch College (2003).

Julie Jackson
Julie Jackson, former High School Principal and founding Elementary School Principal, has taught mathematics to urban NJ students for 10 years. Jackson moved quickly from full-time teacher to a leadership role at North Star, serving for two years as Dean of Students and then leading the development of the high school program as its principal. In 2002, she was the recipient of a Dodge Leadership Award for principals who have shown strong leadership and initiative. Before coming to North Star, she taught Language Arts and Math at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Paterson for four years, where she co-chaired the school improvement team, coached a competitive girls basketball team, and was honored in 1998 as Teacher of the Year. She earned an M.Ed. in Educational Administration from William Paterson University (2002), a B.A. in Communications from Shippensburg University (1992) and did graduate work in African-American Studies at the University of Wisconsin. She began her career as corps member at Teach For America, where she also served as a professional development advisor.

Michael Mann
Michael Mann, Clinton Hill Campus Co-Director, has taught English and History since joining North Star in 1998. He is a magna cum laude graduate from Harvard College, an M.A. graduate in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard's Graduate School of Education and an M.Ed. graduate in School Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College.  Mann has taught 7th grade English/History, led the 7th grade teacher team, served on the Good-to-Great Council and participated in the Reaching Our Young Men's Committee. Mann is the founding commissioner of the Brick City Soccer League, where he also coached both the boys' and girls' soccer teams at North Star, including participation in the national Youth Soccer Games. He was honored in 2001, as part of the Governor's Teacher Recognition Program, as one of Essex County's Teachers of the Year. After teaching English in China, Mann taught for three years in Washington, D.C., where he was named Teacher of the Year all three years. Before coming to North Star, he taught 7th and 8th grade Arts & Humanities at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devens, Massachusetts.

Shana Pyatt
Shana Pyatt, High School Principal, is one of North Star’s founding teachers. Ms. Pyatt spent 2005-06 in an extensive home-grown leadership training program which included teacher supervision, shadowing Ms. Jackson, and assuming leadership of the High School in the Spring. Ms. Pyatt designed the North Star science curriculum, orchestrated the Kwanzaa celebration, co-led the school’s Homegirls Only club, and organized student trips to four national parks: Yellowstone (Wyoming), Mammoth Caves (Kentucky), Acadia (Maine), and the Everglades (Florida). She was honored in 2000, as part of the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program, as one of Essex County’s teachers of the year. Before arriving in 1997, Ms. Pyatt taught high school English for four years in Yonkers and Greenburgh, New York. She earned a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Rutgers University (’92), a Master’s degree in Multicultural Education from Iona College (’96), and a second Master’s in General Science Education from Southern Connecticut State University (’98). Currently she is pursuing a doctorate in Health through Lancaster University in England.

Juliann Harris

Juliann Harris, High School Assistant Principal, joined North Star in 2001 as a math teacher and later the Mathematics Department Chair. In 2003-04, she coordinated the Community Service Club and formed part of the high school assessment committee. She completed her B.A. in Educational Studies at Brown University, where she was an Honors candidate. Ms. Harris has worked in several urban schools, including Community Preparatory School, Hope High School (both in Providence, RI), El Puente Academy (Brooklyn) and Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences. She completed the Urban Education Semester through Bank Street College as a part of her undergraduate studies.

Jesse Rector

Jesse Rector, Clinton Hill Campus Co- Director, joined North Star in 2004 after seven years in the Newark Public Schools system. In 2005 he became a founding teacher at the North Campus middle school. Mr. Rector co-leads the Clinton Hill Campus and coordinates math instruction between the two middle school campuses. In his first year at North Star, Mr. Rector led the eighth graders to 80% proficiency on the GEPA (Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment), the school's highest scores ever at that time. While teaching at Newark's First Avenue School, Mr. Rector led a consistent increase in performance on the GEPA, moving the students from 35% proficient in his first year to 73% three years later. Mr. Rector holds a Master’s Degree in Administration from Columbia’s Teachers College and is a graduate of Rutgers University.

Michael Ambriz joined the North Star family in May of 2008 and serves as the Chief Operating Officer.  In this role he is charged with all non-instructional aspects of North Star’s work and supporting its growth to ultimately serve even more Newark students.  Immediately prior to joining staff, he served  as the Managing Director, National Institute Operations for Teach For America, where he was responsible for overseeing all marketing, admissions, technology, human resources, and finance projects related to corps member training.  While at Teach For America, he helped to launch two charter training sites, before then driving operations for all six.  Ambriz holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and originally hails from California.  He hopes to someday invent a machine that will transport LA weather to the East Coast.

Pamela Inbasekaran (Director of Programs) joined North Star in 2008. Ms. Inbasekaran previously served as senior associate director of recruitment at Uncommon Schools and worked on teacher recruitment for two years.  Pamela started her career in education by helping place 98% of the seniors in Rewarding Youth Achievement in East Los Angeles at two or four year colleges.  She then joined the Teach For America 2003 New York corps, where she taught special education and mathematics at Middle School 224 in the South Bronx for three years.  In addition, Pamela served as a content specialist and school director for Teach For America to help support the development of new teachers in New York City.  Pamela received her B.A from University of Michigan in 2002 in economics and American culture and her M.S.T. from Pace University in 2005. 

Norman Atkins
Norman Atkins, Co-Founder of North Star Academy Charter School of Newark, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Uncommon Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization that builds, develops, crusades for, and ensures the greatness of the highest-performing college preparatory charter schools that raise the achievement of low-income students in the Northeast. He is Co-Founder of the New Jersey Charter Public Schools Association and an Adjunct Fellow at the New York Charter School Resource Center. He is also a founder of Excellence Academy Charter School—an all-male elementary school in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, New York. He has spoken widely on charter schools at conferences throughout the country. He formerly served as Co-Executive Director of the Robin Hood Foundation in New York City. He has also written widely on education, poverty and other social issues for such publications as The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Parenting, Family Life, Rolling Stone, The New York Observer, and The Washington Post. He earned his B.A. in History from Brown University in 1984. Shortly after earning his M.A. in Educational Administration from Columbia University Teachers College in 1997, he received the school’s Early Career Award.






 The teachers really take pride in their students. 

Downtown Campus - Middle School

Stephanie Ahn (Math Teacher) joined North Star in 2005 and has taught 7th and 8th grade math.  Prior to coming to North Star, Ms. Ahn taught 5th and 6th grade science for one year at KIPP Bridge College Preparatory (Oakland, CA). As a Teach For America member, Ms. Ahn taught 2nd grade for two years in the South Bronx in NYC, while also tutoring high school calculus. Ms. Ahn earned her B.S. in Business Administration and Finance from Carnegie Mellon University and her M.S. in Elementary Education from Pace University.

Nikki Christian (English Teacher) joined North Star in 2003 as an 8th grade English teacher. She brings six years of experience teaching middle school Literacy at Newton Street School in Newark. In 2001 and 2003 she was the recipient of the award for Best Practices in the district of Newark. In addition to literacy, Ms. Christian has been teaching dance for the past five years and has toured several schools in Newark. In 2000, her Kwanzaa program was featured in the Star Ledger. Ms Christian has participated in No Child Left Behind committees, Principal's meetings and Read-a-thons.  She earned her B.A. in 1999 in Urban Education and Anthropology.

Leah Ciaschi (Director of Operations) joined North Star in 2008.  Prior to coming to North Star, Ms. Ciaschi was the Director of Special Projects at Uncommon Schools where she drove the creation of seven charter school applications, managed the school inspections process, and supported the creation of the Leadership Development program.  Ms. Ciaschi began her career in education teaching 9th grade World Cultures and Civilizations and 12th grade Economics and International Relations at an all-girls school in central New Jersey.  She earned a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Economics at Wellesley College and an Ed.M. in Teaching and Curriculum at Harvard University.

Bridgit Cusato (English Teacher) teaches 6th grade English and joined North Star in 2007 after having taught 8th grade for six years at Dr. William H. Horton School in Newark, NJ.  Ms. Cusato teaches dance as an elective at North Star, having previously initiated the Horton Dance Troupe at Dr. Horton that performed at various events throughout the district each year.  She also teaches modern and hip-hop dance for a dance company in Chatham, NJ.  In 2007 she led a group of 48 middle school students from Hudson County on an ambassadorial tour of Fiji, Australia and New Zealand for 21 days. Ms. Cusato earned her B.A. from Drew University in Sociology with a concentration in Latin American Politics and is currently pursuing her J.D. from Rutgers Law School in Newark.

Kelly Dowling (Dean of Students and Instruction) joined North Star as a teacher in 2005.  Prior to assuming her current role as Dean of Students and Instruction she taught 6th and 7th grade English at North Star.  She also taught for three years at Newton Street School, a Newark public school, where she led a 3rd grade self-contained class and a 4th grade reading class, coordinated Saturday Academies for 3rd graders, and helped lead after school programs. Ms. Dowling earned her B.A. from Montclair State University in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing her M.A. at Montclair State University in Administration and Supervision, concentrating on education.

Jennifer Edwards (English Teacher) is the 5th grade Literature teacher at North Star.  Ms. Edwards is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where she received a B.A. with honors in English Literature and Cultural Anthropology.  Ms. Edwards also holds an M.Ed. in Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education.  Prior to joining North Star, Ms. Edwards was a middle school Special Education teacher in Brooklyn, New York.  She is also an alumna of Teach for America.  Ms. Edwards’ favorite aspect of teaching Literature to the 5th grade students at North Star is sharing in their joy as they meet new and wonderful characters in novels for the first time!

Emma Feinstein (Math Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 and currently teachers Eighth grade math.  Before joining North Star, she participated in Teach for America for two years, teaching 7th grade math at a public school in the Bronx.  She graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and in 2007, she earned a Master’s degree in Education from Pace University.

Jason Ford (Math Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 as the 7th grade math teacher.  Before coming to North Star, Mr. Ford taught math for three years at Lanier Middle School in Houston, TX.  Prior to teaching, Mr. Ford worked in Human Resources, hiring and training teenagers for their first job.  It was through this experience that Mr. Ford realized the need for students to be better prepared in school for the opportunities and challenges awaiting them in the real world.  Mr. Ford graduated from the University of Houston with a B.A. in Psychology.

Marie Frost (History/Computer Teacher) teaches both History and Computers to 5th graders.  Prior to joining North Star in 2008, she received two degrees from Rutgers University in New Brunswick NJ: a B.A. in History and Women and Gender Studies through Douglass College and a M.Ed in Social Studies Education at the Graduate School of Education.  Outside of her time here at North Star, Ms. Frost is an active member of the Middlesex County Citizen’s Campaign Organization, a non-partisan organization that promotes active citizenship and has been a Citizen Teacher at McKinnley Middle School in New Brunswick, N.J.

Kristi James (History Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 for her third year of teaching.  Prior to coming to North Star, Ms. James was a Teach For America corps member and taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies at a public middle school in the South Bronx.  In addition to teaching, Ms. James is a Social Studies Content Specialist at Teach For America, providing professional development to corps members teaching history and social studies in the New York City area.  Originally from Virginia, Ms. James earned her B.A. with High Honors from the College of William & Mary with a major in History and double minor in International Relations and Russian Language and Literature.  She is currently working towards a Masters Degree in Social Studies Education. 

Tanya Johnson (Math Teacher) joined North Star in 2005 after having taught for two years in urban public schools. At North Star, Ms. Johnson teaches 5th grade math. Prior to her time with North Star, Ms. Johnson taught 4th grade math and science for one year in Compton, CA. In addition, she served as a Fellows Advisor to the Los Angeles Teaching Fellows, helping with their training and hiring. She also taught kindergarten for one year at New Horizons Charter School in Newark, NJ. Ms. Johnson earned her B.A. in Political Science from UCLA.

Monica Jordan (Senior Office Manager) joined North Star in 2006. Ms. Jordan has over 10 years of office managerial/administrative experience. She has tutored K-6 students in Washington, D.C. in math and reading. Ms. Jordan graduated magna cum laude from Bowie State University. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in Marketing.

Sarah Lynch (English Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 after having taught for 4 years at The Young Women’s Leadership School in North Philadelphia.  Prior to coming to North Star, Ms. Lynch taught 7th and 8th grade English and Social Studies.  In addition to teaching, Ms. Lynch served on the Leadership Team at her school as the English department lead teacher, coached Softball and Basketball, and was the faculty advisor for the GSA.  Ms. Lynch worked as a Fellow Advisor for the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows, instructing new teachers before they began work in the Philadelphia Public Schools.  Ms. Lynch worked as a social worker at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County, Florida.  Ms. Lynch is a Teach For America Alumnae and Athletes in Service, Americorps, Alumnae.  Ms. Lynch graduated with a degree in Psychology from Boston College, received a MSW from the Simmons Graduate School of Social Work, and received a MA in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University.

Ken Mason (Office Manager) joined North Star in 2007.  Prior to that, Mr. Mason was a Marketing Representative for HealthFirst in New York City.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Pace University, where he was the Pforzheimer Scholarship Recipient.  In addition to this work here at North Star, Mr. Mason is the President of a music production company called Soulful Dynamics Productions.

Clarence McNeil, esq. (Science Teacher) joined North Star in 2005 after having taught for seven years at Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School in Newark, NJ. At North Star, Mr. McNeil teaches 5th and 6th grade science. A versatile teacher, Mr. McNeil taught many subjects at OLGC including science, religion, language arts, social studies and literature. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mr. McNeil worked in the criminal justice system as a municipal prosecutor as well as a criminal defense attorney. A lifelong resident of Newark and a graduate of the Newark public schools, Mr. McNeil earned his B.A. in Religion from Wesleyan University and his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School.

Anne O'Brien (School Nurse) joined North Star in 2002. Ms. O'Brien is a registered nurse (RN), having worked as a school nurse for seven years prior to coming to North Star. Ms. O'Brien earned her B.A. in social work from King College (Union, NJ) and attended a three year certification program at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton, MA.

Tina Scorzafava (Skills Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 after graduating with honors from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Mrs. Scorzafava earned a M.A. in Elementary Education and was elected into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society for outstanding academic achievement.  Prior to that, she was an Account Executive for the advertising agency Ogilvy and Mather working on television campaigns for Kodak and IBM.  She currently teaches 5th through 8th grade Skills. 

Victoria Shervington (School Social Worker) joined North Star Academy in 2007.  Prior to coming to North Star Ms. Shervington was the Coordinator of Special Services at Leap Academy in Camden, NJ.  As a social worker Ms. Shervington has extensive experience in the field of child welfare, where she was employed for eleven years by the largest child welfare agency in the country, Administration for Children’s’ Services, NY, NY.  Ms. Shervington earned her B.A. from Lehman College in Economics and earned her MSW from Columbia University in Social Work.

Brett Smiley (Language Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 as the 5th grade Language teacher.  Ms. Smiley graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University with degrees in History and Religious Studies.  Prior to coming to North Star, she taught for two years at P.S 71 in the Bronx, where she taught 7th and 8th grade English and Special Education classes. She graduated with honors from Mercy College, receiving her Masters in Urban Education.

Brian Smith (Science Teacher) joined North Star in 2007.   Mr. Smith teaches 7th and 8th grade Science.  He has been connected with North Star since 1999 through Brick City Soccer and previously taught for nine years at the Dr. William H. Horton School in Newark. Mr. Smith teaches Robotics as an elective at North Star, having previously coached teams to 1st place in the District and 1st in Robot Performance, 1st in Design, and 1st in Research at the State Tournament. He coached soccer for eight years and consistently had 50 or more participants playing on four teams per season. In 2007 he lead a group of 44 high school students from Essex County and Spokane Washington on an ambassadorial Tour of China for 18 days. He commutes daily using two bikes and the train. Brian graduated from Rutgers University in 1995 with a degree in Art History and English was awarded The Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence in 2005.

Christie Van Dyke (Special Education Coordinator) joined North Star in 2000 teaching literacy and providing specialized learning support. She coordinates and provides services for students with special needs through the work of the school's Skills Room. In the past four years she has also led small group instruction for students with less developed skills in literacy, math and organizational/study skills. Ms. Van Dyke has devoted significant time to assess the literacy skills of new students and provide the necessary intervention to bring students to grade level. Ms. Van Dyke came to North Star after teaching pre-kindergarten for one year at the Village Child Development Center in Manhattan. She earned a B.A. in Special Education from Penn State University in 2000.

High School

Lina Almanza (Spanish Teacher) teaches high school Spanish after having taught middle school Spanish and social studies for one year in Florida. Ms. Almanza also worked for over four years with Quality Services for the Autism Community in NY as an Assistant Behavior Evaluator. Ms. Almanza earned her B.A. from Queens College, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Spanish.

Stephen Chiger (Journalism / English Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 after having worked for five years at University Academy in Jersey City, where he was humanities director and founder of a nationally recognized journalism program.  Besides teaching journalism and English, Mr. Chiger is the president of the Garden State Scholastic Press Association, a non-profit resource group for the state’s scholastic media.  He also founded a separate non-profit in 2006 to operate the Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop, a free summer program for high school students interested in media careers.  Before teaching, Mr. Chiger reported on local and national politics for news media including PCworld.com and The Courier News (Bridgewater).  He continues to freelance when time permits.  Mr. Chiger received a B.A. in English from Lafayette College and an M.S.J. in journalism from Northwestern University.

Kyle Hagenburger (AP History and Current Events Teacher), also known as Mr. H, joined North Star Academy in 2008. He teaches AP History and Current Events. He previously taught both United States and World History at a charter middle school in San Diego. Kyle also coached both high school and club soccer for 6 years prior to moving from San Diego to New York City. Mr. H earned his BA in Social Science from California State University San Marcos and a Single Subject Credential and Masters Degree in Education at Chapman University in San Diego. Mr. H. enjoys playing soccer and surfing.

Catherine Hogg (Science Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 and teaches 10th grade Physics/Chemistry and 12th Environmental Science.  Prior to teaching at North Star, Ms. Hogg taught Physics for three years at Central High School in Newark, and also served as the assistant baseball and football coach. Last summer, she was the School Director for the Teach For America summer institute at the Fairhill Elementary School in Philadelphia. In the past, she was a dance teacher (ballet, tap and jazz) and in her spare time she enjoys watercolor painting. She earned her B.A. in Chemistry from New York University and her Ed.M. in School Leadership from Harvard University.

Meghan Howard (Algebra 1 and Geometry Teacher) joined the staff full-time in 2008 after having taught summer school math at North Star during the summers of 2007 and 2008.  She graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with an A.B. in economics (mathematical focus).  While at Princeton, Ms. Howard wrote her thesis on an economic analysis of charter and public schools in New Jersey’s Abbott districts.

Adam Kendis (Director of College Studies) joined North Star in 2006 with the responsibility of supporting North Star’s alumni. Mr. Kendis works closely with each alumnus to ensure that this happens. Prior to joining the North Star faculty, Mr. Kendis taught math and ran the internship program for three years at Pablo Neruda Academy in the Bronx. Mr. Kendis earned his B.A. in Anthropology from Brown University and his M.S. in Special Education from Mercy College.

Tom Krebs (English Teacher) teaches 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English. He joined North Star in 2007 after having taught high school ESL and English for two years in the Bronx through Teach for America, where he founded a college placement program. He is a graduate of Pomona College (BA in Public Policy Analysis/Economics) and Pace University (MS in Teaching).

Michelle Kwak (Biology / Physics Teacher) joined North Star in 2006 after five years of teaching. She previously taught Biology and Aquatic Science at George Bush High School and then spent two years at Mirta Ramirez Computer Science Charter School teaching Chemistry and Biology. She is a graduate of the UTEACH program at the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology.

Harcourt W. Lucius (Director of College Placement) joined North Star in 2008. Prior to joining the North Star family, Mr. Lucius served as Founder and Executive Director of Helping Mold Leaders, a non-profit organization dedicated to working with youth in grades K-12. The organization provides daycare, aftercare, summer programs, and college guidance services to minority high school students throughout the tri-state area. Prior to this Mr. Lucius worked in the Risk Management Industry for Toys R Us. Mr. Lucius earned him Bachelor of Arts from Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) in Dec 1995.

Allison Miller (English Teacher) teaches high school English. She joined North Star after having been Center Director at a Sylvan Learning Center. Ms. Miller also worked for three years at Johns Hopkins University's Center for the Social Organization of Schools as an English/language arts instructional facilitator in places like Newark and Paterson. Prior to that, Ms. Miller taught high school English for four years in a public school in North Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Miller earned her B.S. in Secondary Education from Temple University.

Eunice Mitchell (Special Education Teacher) joined North Star in 2005 after having taught for two years at Morton Street School, a Newark public school. At North Star, Ms. Mitchell is the high school special education instructor. In her time at Morton Street, Ms. Mitchell served as the special education instructor for grades 6-8. Prior to that, she was an academic advisor at Rutgers University Business School as well as having worked at Seton Hall University at its Educational Opportunity Fund. Ms. Mitchell earned her B.A. in Psychology, in the Honors Program, from Villanova University and her M.A. in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University Teachers College.

Victoria Ramirez (10th and 11th Grade Spanish) joined North Star in 2008 after working as an Engineer for Glasseal Products/Ametek for 4 years.  She also worked as an ESL teacher at Berlitz back in her native Colombia for over 6 years where she had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of students from elementary school to top executives of different companies.  Ms. Ramirez earned her B.S from Universidad Autónoma de Occidente (an accredited university in the U.S.) with a major in Industrial Engineering and a minor in Logistics.

Jessica Rodriguez Lisboa (Theatre Teacher) teaches theatre at both the Downtown Middle and High School. She joined North Star in 2005 after having been a teaching artist performing historically based one-woman shows in schools, libraries, and large companies around the country. She earned her B.A. from Rutgers University (1993) and recently obtained her M.A. in Educational Theatre from New York University. She has performed in shows at the Provincetown Playhouse in New York City and Talento Bilingue de Houston in Texas. Ms. Rodriguez is the former Artistic Director for Jefferson Lakes Day Camp and teacher for the Montclair State University Gifted and Talented program. She continues to teach young professional actors in an acting
studio in Nyack, New York.

Sarah Rose joined North Star in 2008 and teaches middle and high school Music. Prior to teaching at North Star, Ms. Rose taught public school orchestra for four years in Skokie, IL. She also worked with private students and students at KIPP Ascend in Chicago as a music tutor. As a violist, Ms. Rose has performed with the Chicago Civic Orchestra and the Tomorrow Music Orchestra. Ms. Rose earned her B.A. in Humanities from the University of Kansas and her M.M. in Music Education and Viola Performance from Northwestern University. She is currently a school leader in training through the Columbia Teachers College Summer Principals Academy.

Ken Schultz (Director of Operations) joined North Star Academy in 2008. Previously Mr. Schultz practiced law for more than 6 years in both the public and private sector.  In addition to working at Lowenstein Sandler and Skoloff & Wolfe, Mr. Schultz worked in the housing and income maintenance unit at Essex-Newark Legal Services, litigating cases in the state and federal courts.  Among other achievements, Mr. Schultz played an instrumental role in revising landlord-tenant practice to further protect low-income tenants, many of whom hold section 8 vouchers.  In 2006, Mr. Schultz was awarded a Legal Services of New Jersey Equal Justice Medal. Mr. Schultz also is actively involved in managing Ecosandals.com, a Kenyan-based company, which manufactures sandals out of recycled tires and sells them both locally and globally.  This past spring Mr. Schultz taught International Social Work at the Rutgers School of Social Work.  Mr.  Schultz presently serves on the board of the Apostles’ House and is a graduate of the Leadership Newark program.  Mr. Schultz has a joint degree in law and social work from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Zenzile Stokely-White (Math Teacher) joined North Star in 2006 and teaches 10th grade and 12th grade Mathematics. Prior to her time with North Star, Ms. Stokely taught 7th grade and 10th grade math for three years in Brooklyn, NY. She also taught as a Math and ESL instructor at community based GED centers in Brooklyn, NY and Chester, PA. Ms. Stokely obtained her B.A. in Economics and Black Studies from Swarthmore College and attended Seton Hall Law School. She is also is a dance instructor in Brooklyn where she teaches, tap, ballet, jazz and African dance classes.

Tilney Wickersham (History Teacher) joined North Star in 2005 as a 9th and 10th grade history teacher after having been at home to help raise her children. While raising her children, she tutored 7th to 12th grade math in her spare time. Ms. Wickersham brings eight years of teaching experience from the public schools of Washington, DC, where she also served as judge to their National History Day competition. Ms. Wickersham earned her B.A. in History from Yale University.

Clinton Hill Campus - Middle School

Amir Ballard (Dean of Students) joined North Star in 2007 after spending six years as a drug and alcohol prevention educator. He also currently serves as pastor of Wells Chapel AME in Toms River, New Jersey. Mr. Ballard holds a Masters in Divinity from Drew University and is a graduate of Morehouse College.

Tonya Ballard (7th grade Literature Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 after spending nine years teaching English and Language Arts in the Plainfield School District and in Cape May, New Jersey. She is a consultant for the National Writer’s Project and the College Board Springboard program. Mrs. Ballard attended Seton Hall University.

Deena Bernett (6th Grade Science Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 after spending four years teaching in Brooklyn, NY as a New York City Teaching Fellow. In 2007, Ms. Bernett also served as a Field Visitor for the New York City Teaching Fellows, training the incoming cohort of Teaching Fellows. Ms.Bernett graduated from Brown University a B.S. in Biology. She also earned a M.A. in Biology Education from the City University of New York through the Teaching Fellows program.

Leah Bromley (7th Grade Team Leader and 7th Grade Science Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 after spending three years teaching middle school science at Edison McNair Academy in East Palo Alto, California. Previously, Ms. Bromley spent two years teaching math in Tanzania as a Peace Corps volunteer and three years as a mechanical engineer in Boston. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Policy from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University.

Andy Chen (8th Grade Algebra I Teacher) joined North Star this year from Excellence Charter School, another school in the Uncommon network, in Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn where he was the Math Specialist.  Prior to that, Mr. Chen taught 5 years at Edison McNair Academy in East Palo Alto, California, where he taught middle school Science and then Algebra I.  Before launching his teaching career, he was a Financial Analyst for Goldman, Sachs, & Co in San Francisco in Corporate Bond Sales.  Mr. Chen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Systems Engineering from Stanford University.  Mr. Chen always is looking forward to his next ski trip to Utah.

Paul Chin (6th Grade Math Teacher) joined North Star this fall after spending two years teaching in Los Angeles, CA as a Teach for America corps member.  While in Los Angeles, Mr. Chin served as one of the founding teachers at a new charter middle school in Huntington Park.  In addition to teaching 5th and 7th grade math and science, Mr. Chin helped create the school’s first boy’s and girl’s basketball teams as well as its first journalism club.  Mr. Chin graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in Sociology in 2006 and earned his preliminary K-8 teaching credential from California State University at Dominguez Hills in 2007.

Talia Crofut (7th Grade Language Arts Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 after student teaching at the Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School. She graduated magna cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Monica Davis (5th Grade Language Arts Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 .  She attended Syracuse University and graduated with B.S. in Magazine Journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication. Prior to joining North Star, Mrs. Davis was a public relations specialist for the city of Norfolk in Virginia. She has also worked as a freelance writer for large newspapers such as The Record and The Virginian-Pilot. Mrs. Davis was drawn to North Star because the school not only provides a rigorous, top-notch education, but they also build and instill character and values in their students.   

Eric Diamon (6th Grade Language Arts Teacher, 6th Grade Co-Team Leader and Language Arts Instructional Leader) joined North Star in 2006 after spending two years teaching in Brooklyn, NY as a Teach For America corps member. While in Brooklyn, Mr. Diamon taught 5th grade. His favorite aspect of teaching writing at North Star is being able to help students continue to develop into independent writers. One of his favorite aspects of working at North Star is the high level of commitment that all teachers share in ensuring that each child is successful now and in the future. Mr. Diamon graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine with a B.A. in Sociology, and he has a Masters in Education from Pace University.

John Elfers (8th Grade Science Teacher and Science Instructional Leader) joined North Star in 2006 after spending three years teaching high school biology and 6th grade science in Baltimore, Maryland. At North Star, he is committed to making science a hands-on learning process. Mr. Elfers graduated from Salisbury University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology.

Kathleen Farley (5th Grade Science Teacher) joined North Star in 2006 after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Ecology and Natural Resource Management from Cook College at Rutgers University. She is interested in helping students make connections between the fifth grade science curriculum and current events.  In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Farley is the Athletic Coordinator for Clinton Hill and the Yearbook Advisor. Currently Ms. Farley is pursuing her masters in Environmental Studies at Montclair State University.

Jamillah George (Office Manager) joined North Star in 2008 after six years working in Newark’s Municipal Government.  After being inspired by the historical election of 2008, Ms. George decided to get involved and was recently elected to become a District Leader for Newark’s South Ward 35th District (June 2008).  Ms. George is also a licensed real estate agent and more notably a mother of three children, two of which attend North Star’s Clinton Hill Campus. 

Amelia Herbert (8th Grade History Teacher) Amelia joined North Star in 2008 after teaching second grade in the Newark Public Schools for three years.  She is a Teach for America (Newark ’05) alum and has taught summer courses for Harlem RBI in East Harlem, NY.  Amelia began her teaching career as a dance teacher in Durham Public Schools and recreation centers during her undergraduate years at Duke University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Duke University in 2005 and is currently working on a Master of Science in Education degree at Hunter College through Uncommon Schools’ Teacher U Program.

Kathleen Hoeing (7th and 8th Grade Skills Room Teacher) joined North Star in 2008.  She works collaboratively with faculty to coordinate and implement services for students with special needs in grades 7 and 8.  Prior to working at North Star, Ms. Hoeing taught students with special needs in grades 4-6 for 3 years in Connecticut. Ms. Hoeing earned a BA in Elementary/Special Education (K-12) from Providence College in 2004.   

Jody Jones (5th Grade History Teacher) joined North Star in 2006 after graduating from Cornell University with a Master’s degree in Africana studies. Ms. Jones also holds a B.A. degree in English and Africana studies from Rutgers University (magna cum laude). She has previously taught in the New Jersey SEEDS program and coordinated an after-school program in the New Brunswick area.

Scott Kern (6th Grade History Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 after completing his Master’s of Science Degree in Education from Northwestern University in August 2007. Mr. Kern also received a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Toronto in 2005 where he was pursuing a Doctorate in Medieval History before deciding to teach.  He earned his B.A. from Western Michigan University (magna cum laude) in 2003 with a double major in History and Classics.  

Jenean Lytle (Office Manager) joined North Star in 2005 after serving as office manager at Discovery Charter School in Newark. Mrs. Lytle’s son Kamonie graduated from North Star’s high school in 2007; he currently attends Lehigh University. Mrs. Lytle’s daughter Kenyatta is currently a sophomore at North Star’s High School grader.

Emily McCord Mann (Literacy Instructional Leader and 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher) joined North Star in 2002 as a learning specialist. In 2005 she became a founding teacher at the North Campus middle school. In her first three years with North Star, Mrs. Mann helped coordinate the school's Skills Room and SPED services. Now she coordinates Literature and Language Arts teachers. Mrs. Mann earned her M.A. as a Reading Specialist from Teachers College Columbia University in 2001, and her B.S. in Special Education (magna cum laude) from Boston University in 1997.

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Tara Mead (5th Grade Literature Teacher) joined North Star in 2008 after teaching 10th Grade English in South Bronx as a Teach for America corps member. Ms. Mead graduated from Georgetown University with a B.A. in English and Psychology.

Jessica Mitchell (7th Grade Math Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 after teaching middle school math for ten years in the Newark Public Schools system. She served as a Corps Member Advisor at the Philadelphia Teach For America summer institute and she has facilitated a variety of workshops for Teach for America and the Newark Public Schools math department. Ms. Mitchell holds a Master's Degree in Mathematics Education from Montclair State University and is a graduate of Dartmouth College.

Allison Payne (6th Grade Literature Teacher, 6th Grade Co-Team Leader and Literature Instructional Leader) joined North Star in 2006 after two years as a Teach For America corps member teaching 6th grade literacy in Camden. In addition to her regular classes, Ms. Payne also teaches 6th grade Honors Literature. Ms. Payne graduated from the University of Missouri—Columbia with a B.A. in Political Science.

Cristina Perla (Art Teacher) joined North Star in 2007 after substitute teaching in Westwood, New Jersey. She is an accomplished artist and has earned a BFA and an MS from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

Annette Riffle (5th Grade Math Teacher and 5th Grade Team Leader) joined North Star in 2006 after six years serving as an administrator at Kaplan Tutoring in New York City. Ms. Riffle is currently working on a Master’s degree in Cognitive Studies at Columbia’s Teachers College. She graduated from Clemson University with a B.A. degree in Secondary Education and English.

Serena Savarirayan (8th Grade English Teacher, 8th Grade Co-Team Leader, Instructional Leader) joined North Star in 2006 after teaching for four years as a Teach For America corps member in Paterson. In 2005 and 2006, Ms. Savarirayan also served as a Corps Member Adviser at the TFA Summer Institute in Philadelphia. She graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. degree in History.

Kyle Steele (Physical Education Teacher) joined North Star in 2008.  Previous to North Star, Kyle taught in Irvington High School where he also coached wrestling and football. 

Gladasia Tatum (5th and 6th Grade Skills Room Teacher) joined North Star in 2006. She coordinates and provides services for students with special needs. Ms. Tatum graduated from Syracuse University with a B.A. degree in Inclusive/Special Education and African American Studies.

Mike Taubman (8th Grade English Teacher, 8th Grade Co-Team Leader, Literature Instructional Leader) helped found the Clinton Hill Campus in 2005. He currently co-teaches 8th grade English and co-leads the 8th grade team. Previously, Mr. Taubman taught 5th grade Literature at North Star Clinton Hill for 3 years. He also coaches the school basketball team with Art Worrell. Mr. Taubman attended Stanford University, graduating in 2005 with a BA in English (focusing on Modernist poetry and painting) and an MA in Education. Mr. Taubman is an avid traveler and has spent several years living in foreign cities, including Moscow, Venice and Rome.

Marleyne Tronchin (Nurse) joined North Star in 2008.  Ms. Tronchin has been a school nurse for ten years and a bedside nurse for twelve years.  Following in the footsteps of her mother, a retired nurse, Ms. Tronchin’s love and care for children enables her to deliver the treatment and counseling necessary in grooming our children to good health and wellness.

Art Worrell (7th grade History Teacher, History Instructional Leader) joined North Star in January 2005 as a Language Arts teacher. In August 2005 he became a founding teacher at the North Campus middle school. Mr. Worrell teaches 6th grade History and serves as the 6th grade team leader. He also coaches 5th and 6th grade basketball. Mr. Worrell earned his B.A. from Rutgers University with a major in History and a minor in Religion.

Elementary Campus

Brett Baker (Kindergarten Teacher) comes to North Star as a member of the 2008 Teach For America-Newark Corps. He received his BA in Public Administration and Public Policy from Michigan State University.

Amanda Bass (Kindergarten Teacher) joined North Star as a member of Teach for America in 2008. Amanda has always maintained a passion for the arts and graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre in 2007. Upon graduation, she moved to Kansas where she served as a teacher’s aide in a Smart Start Pre-K program serving high needs students. She moved to Newark shortly thereafter to begin her career as a teacher.

Tamika Boykin (Kindergarten Teacher), a native of New Jersey, joined North Star Academy in 2008. Prior to North Star, she taught kindergarten for four years in Paterson, NJ and fourth grade for three years in New York City. She continues to work with the youth in Paterson teaching drama, dance, and hosting a bi-monthly forum for young adults to discuss issues concerning urban youth in today’s society. Ms. Boykin earned B.S. degrees in Elementary Education K-6 and Interdisciplinary Studies from Virginia State University in 2000.

Juliana Collins (Kindergarten Lead Teacher and Grade Level Leader) comes to North Star after completing two years with Teach For America where she was an elementary teacher at Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School here in Newark. She attended Rutgers University, where she received her BA in Political Science with a minor in Africana Studies.

Rosaleen D'Angelo (Kindergarten Lead Teacher) is joining North Star after two years of service with City Year New York, an organization that delivers full-time school service to high need New York City public schools and organizes beautification projects throughout the city. Ms. D'Angelo received her B.A. in Math from Vassar College

Erin K. Gargan (First Grade Teacher) joins us as a Teach for America corp member after having worked at the New York City Department of Education (DOE) in the Office of Accountability and the Chancellor's Office.  Ms. Gargan earned her B.A. from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland in political science with a minor in Economics. 

Connie Graham (Music and Art Teacher) joins North Star following 3 years of Pre-K classroom teaching experience, and 4 years of experience teaching music and musical theatre to children, Pre-K through 9th grade, in addition to years of experience as a professional stage actress. She earned her B.A. in Psychology, Dickinson College and attended the Teacher's Certification Program at Seton Hall University.

Shona Hendry (Skills Teacher) recently joined the North Star team in 2007 after serving as a SPED teacher for the former All Can Excel (ACE) Academy of Newark, NJ. She earned her BA in Anthropology from Lehigh University, with coursework in Sociology and African American Studies.

Shadell Noel (Kindergarten Lead Teacher) was formerly a second grade teacher at West Oak Lane Charter School in Philadelphia, PA.  She received her B.S. from Temple University in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with a minor in General Strategic Management/Entrepreneurship.

Laura Palma (First Grade Teacher) joined North Star in 2008. She graduated from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania with a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.  Ms. Palma joined Teach For America to address educational inequity and to teach in an area of immediate need.

Rouxana Pellicier (Office Manager) graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Her past work experience includes operating and managing several state funded programs within non-profit organizations in Newark.

Erin Renz (First Grade Teacher) comes to North Star after a year of travel as leadership consultant for a women’s fraternity.  She is a 2008 Teach for America Corps member. Ms. Renz recently graduated from the University of Vermont with a BA in History and a minor in Archaeology. 

Aja Settles (First Grade Lead Teacher and Grade Level Leader) joined North Star in 2007 after teaching for three years as a Teach for America corps member in Camden, NJ. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Temple University.

Andrea Somerville (Kindergarten Teacher) joined North Star in 2008. She graduated from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY with a degree in special education and early childhood education.

Christian Sparling (Director of Operations) joined North Star in 2007 after working as Director of Special Projects at Uncommon Schools. Mr. Sparling was a 2001 Teach For America corps member in New York City. He taught first grade at PS 65, Mother Hale Academy, and second grade at PS1x, the Courtlandt School, both in the South Bronx. In 2003 he joined the Teach For America recruitment team and later the admissions team as an Applicant Communications Associate. He graduated from Columbia University with a BA in Urban Studies, specializing in Sociology.

Yasmin Vargas (First Grade Lead Teacher)joined North Star in 2008. Ms. Vargas previously worked for the Paterson, NJ Public School District for five years as a first and second grade teacher. She receive an associate's degree from Nassau Community College in 1999 and a bachelor's degree from New York University in 2002. Ms. Vargas was awarded the opportunity to present her senior thesis on Latino Studies in Havana, Cuba. Her hobbies include dance, visual arts, and travel.

Lauren Whitehead (First Grade Teacher) recently graduated from Muhlenberg College, in Allentown, PA with a BA in History and Business Management. She is a member of the 2007 Teach For America corps and specifically requested placement in Newark so she could serve the children of her native New Jersey.