Tasia Ortiz
Tasia was raised in the Bronx, NY. She attended SUNY New Paltz where she received her Bachelors in English. After college, Tasia worked in Education where she realized her passion and love for children. In 2021, Tasia was accepted into Teach for America where she …
Vanessa Gouldbourne
Ms. Vanessa Gouldbourne, is a passionate educator with seven years of teaching experience who hails from the vibrant South Bronx, where her journey began. She grew up in a community that taught her the value of resilience and determination. Vanessa holds a Master’s degree in …
Edward Mercado-Gumbs
Edward was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and raised in Miami, Florida. After graduating from Miami-Dade Community College, he received a B.S. in Political Science from Tuskegee University, and a Master of International Affairs from Baruch College. During his studies, Edward worked as substitute teacher …
Joanna Timan
Joanna grew up in Yonkers, NY. She always had a passion for working with children and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education from Hunter College, where she also completed her Master’s in Early Childhood Education. …
Delilah Reyes
Delilah was born and raised in the South Bronx, establishing a profound connection to her diverse and dynamic community. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where her involvement in various educational internships ignited a passion for learning. Recently, she …
Christie Xin
Born and raised in Virginia, Christie received her Bachelor’s in Economics and her Masters in Teaching from the University of Virginia. She taught kindergarten in the Chicago Public School system for 4 years before moving to New York. Her passion for educational equity led her …
Coleman Evans
Coleman grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she developed an interest in the history of schools and a passion for educational policy and justice. Coleman then worked for an advocacy organization in Washington, DC, …
Brandon Taylor
Middle School Principal – In my 13 years in education, I have served in various teaching and leadership roles, most recently as a high school principal. However, no role has made me prouder than this opportunity to lead a community that truly understands and addresses …
Sidney West
Sidney West was born and raised in The Bronx. Sidney attended St. Bonaventure University, obtaining her Bachelors in psychology with a minor in Sociology. She studied at Simmons University, earning her Master’s in Social Work and licensure after. Sidney is now attending Capella University, on …
Jalysa Cornelius
Jalysa was raised in Brooklyn, but moved to North Carolina during her adolescent years. She knew from a young age that working with children is the path that she was going to choose as a fulfilling career choice. She Graduated from North Carolina A&T with …
Haven Academy is redefining school by intentionally designing spaces and programs to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all children, with a focus on those impacted by the child welfare system. United with our scholars and their families, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers to success through comprehensive support services, responsive curriculum, predictability, and an emphasis on voice and choice. We lead with empathy and forge deep relationships to build a better future in service of our resilient, resourceful, and independent scholars.