It is an honor to introduce myself as the interim acting principal of P.S. 176—The Cambria Heights School. I am proud to join this extraordinary school community where students, teachers and parents work collaboratively to support academic and social-emotional growth. As your interim acting principal, I have a vision of creating and sustaining an environment where all students will be empowered to become leaders and influenced to become life-long learners in order to reach their greatest potential. 

 

I would like to share a little bit about my background. I arrive to P.S. 176 as a seasoned educator. My professional background is rooted in the fields of journalism and education having received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and minor in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. I also hold a Masters in General and Special Education from New York University and became certified in Educational Leadership at the College of Saint Rose. I hold the following New York State Education Dept. certifications: General and Special Education 1-6, General and Special Education Birth through 2, School Building Leader and School District Leader.

 

The field of education is truly where my passion lies. I began working in the New York City Department of Education in 2011. Since this time, I have worked as a general and special education elementary school teacher in grades 2 through 5 and as an applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist for children aged birth through 2 receiving early intervention services. Most recently, I served as an assistant principal for the last 5 and a half years where I worked determinedly to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all students in my reach. 

 

I believe in the power of inspiring and encouraging students to be their best selves in and out of the classroom. I am amazed by the students, colleagues and families that I work with each and every day and I am grateful for the opportunity to touch the lives of such a diverse student body here in Queens, NY. I believe that the relationship between families and the school are vital to the success of our students. There is an old proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Thank you for entrusting me to be an essential member of your village as we collectively take on the task of instilling our students with a sense of wonder, curiosity and an eagerness for success.