Vanessa grew up in Brooklyn and Long Island, New York. Vanessa earned her Bachelor’s degree in History from Binghamton University and Master’s in School Counseling from CW Post at Long Island University. During high school and college, Vanessa spent time volunteering and interning as a 
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Sarah  grew up in Pennsylvania and New Jersey before moving to Upstate New York to attend Syracuse University. During her time at Syracuse, Sarah completed an honors thesis which focused on alternative forms of communication. This research allowed Sarah to publish a children’s book that 
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Mia was born in Canada and grew up in Texas, but she loves living in New York and teaching at Haven Academy. Mia earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She then moved to Boston, Massachusetts where she taught elementary and 
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John was born in Harlem and raised in Queens.  While working at a summer camp as a camp counselor with children in elementary school, John discovered a passion of working in a school atmosphere. He then began to search for more opportunities and found one 
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Gabrielle was born in Jamaica and moved to the Bronx when she was in Middle School. She currently resides in the Wakefield section of the Bronx with her Elementary School-aged daughter, Egypt. Gabrielle received her Dual Masters in Special Education and General Education from Teachers 
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Juliana was born and raised in Brazil. She started her career in education while still in college, teaching English as a New Language at a language school where she was quickly promoted to an admin position. After graduating from college, she moved to Germany for 
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Teacher – MaNeya was born and raised in Harlem New York. At the tender age of 14, MaNeya was employed at the Harlem YMCA as a teen counselor where she learned of and cultivated her love for children. Although she majored in Marketing at SUNY 
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Director of Programs (3-5) – Ashley was born and raised on Long Island. She attended the University of Connecticut, where she received a bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. While in school, Ashley had the opportunity to study in abroad 
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Teacher – Melissa was born, raised and still lives in Suffern, NY.  She joins the Mott Haven community after having taught in the NYC DOE and in both public and private schools in Rockland County, NY for the last 14 years.  Ms Dolphin graduated from 
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Assistant Teacher- Danielle was born and raised in the Bronx. Danielle attended Berkeley College studying Criminal Justice. Although she studied criminal justice, Danielle always knew teaching was her passion. From the age of thirteen Danielle has had the privilege of traveling the world. Danielle gave 
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Recent Testimonials

The teachers and leaders at this school are the most loving and most dedicated educators in schools. The school feels welcoming and warm. Kids LOVE coming to school and that is an important part of making life long learners.

Haven Staff Member