OUR TEAM
5th Grade Team
Edwin Amaya
5th Grade Health & Wellness
eamaya@creoprep.org
5th Grade Health and Wellness Teacher Edwin Amaya is thrilled to join the Creo College Prep community this year as a pioneer health educator. After pursuing aviation, journalism and landscape design, Mr. Amaya furthered his professional career endeavors by creating a comprehensive, whole-body approach to health education. He studied at YogaWorks, Gramercy Pilates NYC and Little Flower Yoga, and has taught at various public and private schools, ages Pre-K through 12th grade throughout the greater New York City Area. He is excited to learn from a stellar group of colleagues, families and students in this new role.
Jessica Bell
Culture Coordinator & 5th Grade Science Teacher
jbell@creoprep.org
5th Grade Science Teacher Jessica Bell is an alumnus of Jackson State University, and holds a BS in Biology Pre-Medicine and a MPH in Behavioral Health Promotion and Education. Prior to joining Creo College Prep, she worked with non-profit organizations focused on minority health and health disparities. She conducted research with the Department of Homeland Security, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ms. Bell is excited to share her experiences with Creo students and expand their content knowledge in STEM.
Paloma Blandon
5th Grade ELA Teacher
plandon@creoprep.org
5th Grade ELA Teacher Paloma Blandon grew up in Connecticut and is new to New York City. Ms. Blandon holds a BA in Public Policy with a specialization in Education Policy from the University of Chicago. While completing her studies, she fostered an interest in Latin American History and worked as a research assistant at the UChicago Consortium on School Research. She is currently pursuing an MA at Relay Graduate School of Education. Ms. Blandon is excited to encourage her students to investigate how history impacts our understanding of the world.
Jared Cortez
5th Grade Math Teacher
jcortez@creoprep.org
5th Grade Math Teacher, Jared is a native NY'er originally from Queens, NY. The oldest of 3 and a first-generation college graduate, Jared uses these experiences and more to inform and drive his teaching. He believes in the power of strong relationships and investing in content that nurtures a student's innate sense of curiosity. When not teaching math Jared enjoys keeping active, trying new foods, and collecting fitted baseball hats, in which he has over 30 at the moment. He is excited to share his talents with his students, families and broader Bronx community.
Jonathan Gallegos
5th Grade ELA Teacher
jgallegos@creoprep.org
5th Grade ELA Teacher Jonathan Gallegos was born and raised in the Bronx. Prior to Creo, Mr. Gallegos worked at a charter school teaching 5th Grade Writing and Novel Study in Harlem for 4 years. He holds a BA in Sociology from St. Bonaventure University and holds a Masters in General Childhood Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Mr. Gallegos is looking forward to helping students wander the world through literature.
Lorena Gutierrez
5th Grade ELA Teacher
lgutierrez@creoprep.org
5th Grade ELA Teacher Lorena Gutierrez is born and raised in the South Bronx. Prior to Creo College Prep, Ms. Gutierrez worked in the bodily injury field where she assisted families in need of legal aid. She holds a BA in Speech Language Pathology and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College. She is pursuing her masters degree at Relay Graduate School of Education through Teach for America. At Creo College Prep, Ms Gutierrez is excited to help family and community members be actively involved in the education of our students, ensuring that students receive the support they need and deserve in order to thrive.
Jennifer Muñoz
5th Grade ELA Learning Specialist
jmunoz@creoprep.org
5th Grade ELA Learning Specialist Jennifer Muñoz was born in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a BA in Psychology and Child and Adolescent Psychology from NYU. Prior to Creo College Prep, Ms. Muñoz taught at elementary level charter schools in Brooklyn. It is a belief of hers that every child , regardless of background, should have access to and be able to succeed in an excellent and rigorous educational setting. Ms. Muñoz loves watching her students grow not only academically , but socially as well. She looks forward to joining the Creo family and supporting students with all their needs.
Amanda Rodriguez
5th Grade Computer Science Teacher
arodriguez@creoprep.org
5th Grade Computer Science teacher Amanda Rodriguez was born and raised in the Bronx. She holds a BA in Mathematics and BS in Computer Science from Lehman College. She has a deep love and passion for education, math and computer science research, and disaster relief volunteer work. She is excited to spark the imaginations of our students and inspire them to always put their best selves forward.
Adara Shafe
5th Grade Social Worker
ashafe@creoprep.org
5th grade Social Worker Adara Shafe was born and raised in the South Bronx. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Prior to Creo College Prep Adara worked at New York City Health and Hospitals where she provided resources to children and families in need during the pandemic. Adara’s love for working with children led her to pursue a Master Degree in Social Work, focusing on Clinical Practice with Groups, Individuals and Families from Hunter College. Adara is excited to work in the neighborhood where she grew up. She is looking forward to providing resources and creating a supportive environment for students and families.
6th Grade Team
Adia Cummings
6th Grade Math Teacher
acummings@creoprep.org
6th Grade ELA Teacher Adia Cummings was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Howard University and is currently enrolled in a Masters Program at Relay Graduate School of Education. Prior to joining Creo College Prep, she worked as a 4th grade teacher at another charter school in the South Bronx, and before that worked in various school settings in the Baltimore area. She is excited to join the 6th grade team and looks forward to exploring her passion for literacy with her students in a dynamic and safe environment.
Kyle Ford
6th Grade Health & Wellness
kford@creoprep.org
6th Grade Health and Wellness teacher Kyle Ford, was born and raised in the Bronx blocks away from Creo at Lincoln Hospital. He holds a BA in Human Development from Connecticut College. Prior to Creo College Prep, Mr. Ford worked as a teaching assistant for 6 years with the NYC Department of Education. Mr. Ford is eager to serve his community and looks forward to leading students towards living healthy lives mentally, physically and emotionally.
Herline Honorat
6th Grade Team Leader & ELA Teacher
hhonorat@creoprep.org
6th grade ELA teacher, Herline Honorat, started her career as a City Year corps member in East Harlem. It was there that she met an amazing teacher who inspired her to pursue a career in English education. Prior to Creo Prep, she taught middle school English in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and in Busan, South Korea. Ms. Honorat loves working with sixth-graders and is eager to discuss texts with her students this year. She holds a BA in English and human rights from UConn, and an MA in secondary English education from NYU Steinhardt.
Gabe Nuñez
6th Grade History Teacher
gnunez@creoprep.org
5th Grade History Teacher Gabriel Nuñez hails from Williamsburg, BK. Prior to Creo Mr. Nuñez taught 6th Grade Global History Teacher in NYC. Mr. Nuñez studied Anthropology and Psychology in Franklin & Marshall College located in Lancaster, PA. Mr. Nuñez is fascinated by the study of history and is excited to bring it into the classroom. At Creo College Prep, Mr. Nuñez is excited to develop student's critical thinking, academic discourse and writing. Like true historians, students will be tasked with collaborative projects where they will apply their knowledge of history to the real world.
Hayoung Park
6th Grade Math Teacher
hpark@creoprep.org
6th Grade Math Learning Specialist Hayoung Park immigrated from South Korea in middle school and has proudly embraced her Korean American identity ever since. She is passionate about the intersection between education and equity. She holds a BA in economics from Princeton University. Ms. Park is excited to join Creo's mission of building critical thinkers in the Bronx community by teaching math.
Leonela Salazar
6th Grade Reading Specialist
lsalazar@creoprep.org
6th Grade Reading Specialist Leonela Salazar was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States at the age of 12 where she discovered her love and passion for working with children. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Liberty University. Prior to Creo Prep Leonela worked as a 12:1 ELA Teacher in the Washington Heights community. Leonela is extremely excited to join the Creo Team and cannot wait to serve the South Bronx community.
Kahalia Stanberry
6th Grade Computer Science Teacher
kstanberry@creoprep.org
6th Grade Computer Science Teacher Kahalia Stanberry is a proud Bronxite and is super excited to join the Creo team. Before this year she taught 7th grade Math and was a Girls Who Code instructor. She graduated from Lehman College in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Kahalia believes that we make the Bronx better by believing in and building our communities. When we striving to be the best version of ourselves each day everyone wins.
Karine Therlonge
6th Grade Math Teacher
ktherlonge@creoprep.org
6th Grade Math Teacher Karine Therlonge was born and raised in New Jersey where she attended The College of New Jersey as a first generation college student. She always loved school and knew she wanted a career in education from a young age. After graduating, she went on to earn a Master’s degree from Relay Graduate School of Education and began her teaching career in New York City. Karine loves to travel, hiking, cooking and her pet cat Oniko! She is also fluent in Haitian Creole.
Quintisha Upchurch
Reading Specialist
qupchurch@creoprep.org
Quintisha Upchurch was born and raised in New Haven, CT where she attended Southern Connecticut State University as a first-generation college student. While studying communication disorders during undergrad, she discovered her passion for literacy instruction and carried that passion into elementary school teaching. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Teaching General and Special Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Quintisha is excited to help students become stronger readers and celebrate their progress along the way.
Sam Wynn
6th Grade Counselor
swynn@creoprep.org
6th grade School Counselor Sam Wynn is the daughter of an educator who worked in the South Bronx for 14 years. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Sam is joining the Creo team with over 10 years of counseling experience. Prior to joining Creo, Sam worked as a counselor in a bail reform program in the Bronx. She holds a BA in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Wilmington University. Sam is passionate about education and inspiring her students to be their best selves.
7th Grade Team
Ariel Bishop
7th Grade ELA Teacher
abishop@creoprep.org
7th Grade ELA Teacher Ariel Bishop was born and raised in Harlem. Prior to Creo, Ms. Bishop worked at a charter school in Harlem for 4 years. She holds a BA in US History from Syracuse University's College of Arts & Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Before teaching, she wrote and delivered her own tours at the American Museum of Natural History. She attended Relay Graduate School of Education to pursue her Master's in the art of teaching. Ms. Bishop is looking forward to helping scholars foster their appreciation for literature one word at a time.
Alice Chen
7th Grade Science Teacher
achen@creoprep.org
7th Grade Science teacher Alice Chen was raised in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a BA in Adolescent Education and English from SUNY Geneseo and is pursuing a masters degree from Relay Graduate School of Education. Prior to Creo College Prep, Ms. Chen worked in the South Bronx as a middle school teacher. At Creo, she looks forward to working cooperatively with students and will use science content to develop strong evidence-based reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Olivia Comm
7th Grade ELA Learning Specialist
ocomm@creoprep.org
7th Grade ELA Learning Specialist Olivia Comm grew up in Virginia and moved to New York City in 2018. Prior to Creo College Prep, Ms. Comm taught one year of middle school ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science in the Bronx. She holds a BA in Media Studies from the University of Virginia, where she concentrated on film and drama. She is so excited to be part of the Creo Prep team and she looks forward to sharing her passion for literature with her students.
Casey Cruz
7th Grade Health & Wellness Teacher
ccruz@creoprep.org
7th Grade Health and Wellness teacher Casey Cruz holds a BA in Communication Disorders from Mercy College, and is currently pursuing a MS in Applied Behavior Analysis. Casey began teaching trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness ten years ago in Harlem for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Since then, she has taught public school students across NYC and Atlanta, competitive athletes, and community members with an emphasis on mind-body awareness, injury prevention, and emotional regulation. Casey is excited to educate and empower her students to lead their healthiest lives.
Brett Goldberg
7th Grade Math Learning Specialist
bgoldberg@creoprep.org
7th Grade Math Learning Specialist Brett Goldberg grew up in New Jersey. Prior to Creo, Mr. Goldberg taught ELA and Math at a learning center on the Upper East Side and a charter school in Harlem. He holds a BA with High Honors in English from Colgate University, as well as an MFA in Playwriting from the Actors Studio Drama School. Mr. Goldberg looks forward to teaching and advising students and is grateful to be a part of the Creo community. He plans to bring his sense of humor and positive energy to the classroom.
Ambar Hernandez
Lead Teacher - Student Supports
ahernandez@creoprep.org
Lead Teacher Ambar Hernandez is a native New Yorker with a proven commitment to teaching in her community. Prior to teaching, Ms. Hernandez directed a non-profit teen center and college preparation program. As a career Special Education teacher, she brings expertise in teaching, coaching, and designing curriculum accessible to all the students. She holds a BA in Psychology from Long Island University, C.W. Post and an MA in Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is excited to be part of the passionate team at Creo College Prep and looks forward to ensuring all students have a voice and are successful.
Betsy Hernandez
7th Grade Computer Science Teacher
bhernandez@creoprep.org
7th Grade Computer Science Teacher Betsy Hernandez was born and raised in New York City. Previously, Ms. Hernandez was a post-baccalaureate student in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences in Princeton University and a Visiting Scientist in the Astrophysics Department at the American Museum of Natural History. During her time there, she worked on simulations analyzing black holes embedded in galactic disks. Ms. Hernandez holds a dual BA in Physics and Mathematics from Hunter College of the City University of New York. She is looking forward to changing perceptions of what a scientist looks like and excited to inspire Creo students to pursue STEM careers.
Seth Kumar-Hull
ELA Lead Teacher
skumarhull@creoprep.org
ELA Lead Teacher Seth Kumar-Hull started teaching in 2010, and for the past seven years has served as a middle school teacher and instructional coach in The Bronx. He lives in West Harlem with his wife, a family medicine doctor in the Bronx. He holds a BA in Economics and History from Trinity College, and an MA in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. Mr. K-H looks forward to facilitating lively discourse and debate between his students this year.
Mary Nilan
Social Worker
mnilan@creoprep.org
Ms. Nilan is excited to join Creo for her third year as the 7th grade Social Worker! After graduating from the University of Virginia, she went on to teach ninth and eleventh grade ELA for two years in the South Bronx before pursuing her Masters in Social Work at New York University. At NYU, her work focused specifically on children and adolescents in schools and trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Ms. Nilan is excited to be a member of the Creo College Prep team and to collaborate with teachers, students, and families to achieve students’ optimal growth both inside and out of the classroom.
Nabil Tavarez
7th Grade History
ntavarez@creoprep.org
7th Grade History Teacher Nabil Tavarez was born in Queens, NY. He holds a BA in Political Science from Binghamton University where he served on the Judicial Board. As a New Yorker, Mr. Tavarez has a passion for local community creation and the advancement of our youth. He believes that all children deserve the opportunity to receive a quality education and looks forward to turning his belief into reality as a member of the Creo College Prep team.
Dwight Williams
Math Lead Teacher
dwilliams@creoprep.org
Math Lead Teacher Dwight Williams started teaching in 2014. Prior to joining Creo he was a middle school math teacher and instructional coach in Brooklyn, NY. He earned a BS in Computer Science and Math from Andrews University and a masters degree from Relay Graduate School of Education. He is looks forward to using math as a tool to ignite students’ natural curiosity and continue to build students’ love for math!
Operations Team
Ana Cuevas
Operations Manager
acuevas@creoprep.org
Operations Coordinator Ana Cuevas is a proud Bronx native. Prior to joining Creo College Prep, Ms. Cuevas was a part of an operations team at another Bronx-based charter school where she had the opportunity to learn what academic and operational excellence looks like. She believes that educating the whole child is imperative to their development and academic journey. As a first generation graduate, she holds a BA in Interpersonal Communication from SUNY New Paltz. Ms. Cuevas is excited to continue serving her community and looks forward to fostering meaningful connections with our students, families and community members.
Delsy Vargas-Ortiz
Office Coordinator
dvargasortiz@creoprep.org
Office Coordinator Delsy Vargas-Ortiz was born in Puerto Rico and raised in the South Bronx. She holds a BA in Music and Studio Art from the City College of New York. Previously, Ms. Vargas was working as the Program Manager for the Writing & Literacy Program at Hostos Community College (CUNY). Her extensive experience in academic environments has inspired her belief that learning and growth happen at all levels and every age, and are best supported within a close community of people who care deeply about making connections and helping one another.
Leadership Team
Sam Brotman
Academic Coordinator & 7th Grade Math Teacher
sbrotman@creoprep.org
7th Grade Math Teacher Sam Brotman grew up in Virginia and is new to New York City. Prior to Creo College Prep, Ms. Brotman taught in Israel and spent two years teaching math with Teach For America in Jacksonville, Florida where she served as the Faculty Advisor for the National Honor Society. She holds a BA in Psychology and Social Work from Christopher Newport University. Ms. Brotman spent the summer of 2017 working in a New York City school and is excited to return to New York ready for a strong year.
Joshua Canela
Director of Operations
jcanela@creoprep.org
Director of Operations Joshua Canela was born and raised in New York City and is a proud alumnus of All Hallows Institute in the South Bronx. Previously, Mr. Canela was an Operations Manager at Success Academy. He holds a BA in Political Science from Stony Brook University where he was a student athlete and coached middle school students. He believes that every student deserves the opportunity to receive a free and excellent education regardless of background or location and will ensure all students are prepared to learn, grow and use the skills we teach every day to better our community in the future.
Colin Lieu
Dean of Wellness
clieu@creoprep.org
Dean of Wellness Colin Lieu used yoga as his entry point to start teaching in New York City, having relocated from Sydney, Australia. Mr. Lieu founded a wellness small business that has been bringing yoga and mindfulness to public schools and programs since 2015. He holds a BA in Sociology and Media Communications from The University of Sydney and an MA in Organizational Communication from Charles Sturt University. Mr. Lieu is excited to build on Creo's mindfulness philosophy to ensure that all students have a strong foundation to serve them in the future.
Ben Samuels-Kalow
Founder & Head of School
bsk@creoprep.org
Founder & Head of School Ben Samuels-Kalow spent his career as a public-school teacher in the South Bronx, teaching middle and high school Computer Science and Economics, developing innovative curricula, and leading professional development. He was selected for the nationally recognized Building Excellent Schools (BES) Fellowship, a year-long school design and leadership program that trains founders on the management, design, operations, governance, and accountability of public charter schools. He holds a BA from the University of Chicago, a MS in Education from St. John’s University, and a sincere belief in the capacity and promise of young people in the Bronx.
Kiara Vasquez
Special Education Coordinator & 5th Grade Math Teacher
kvasquez@creoprep.org
5th Grade Math Teacher Kiara Vasquez was born and raised in the Bronx and for the past two years has served as a 5th grade classroom teacher on the Lower East Side. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Masters of Science in Teaching from Fordham University. Ms. Vasquez also holds a dual Certification in Childhood Special Education for grades 1 through 6. She is excited to be a part of the Creo College Prep team and looks forward to cultivating lifelong learners of Math.