Our Amazing Team
Administration & Leadership Team
Mrs. Fiona Thomas – Principal & Founder
Mrs. Fiona Thomas is a co-founder of Pride Academy Charter School and has dedicated more than 25 years of service as a teacher and leader in the field of urban education. She is currently Principal at Pride Academy. Mrs. Thomas has been privileged to work with an outstanding group of educational leaders who share a vision of education grounded in social justice, academic achievement, leadership, service, and the practice of core values. Mrs. Thomas values the opportunity to invest and collaborate in the building of a learning community that places unconditional belief in our children to develop the habits of mind and skills to be critical thinkers, confident problem solvers, creative innovators, and ethical citizens prepared to be leaders in our world and give back to our community. Email: fthomas@prideacs.org
Ms. Rose Mary Dumenigo – Vice Principal & Founder
Ms. Rose Mary Dumenigo considers being the first person in her family to graduate from college as her greatest achievement. Ms. Dumenigo is a daughter of Cuban exiles and graduated from William Paterson College with a Bachelors in History. After graduation, she joined Americorps, the National Service Program and later returned to Newark where she taught language arts, Spanish, and social studies to middle school and high school students over the course of thirteen years. Along with a talented group of urban educators, Ms. Dumenigo co-founded Pride Academy Charter School and serves as Pride Academy’s Vice Principal. Her passion is creating opportunities for community service, leadership, and empowerment. “I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow along side our Pride scholars and families. They make me a better person every single day. Email: rdumenigo@prideacs.org
Mr. Asgeir Ofstad – Vice Principal
Mr. Asgeir Ofstad was born and raised in Trondheim, Norway. He attended a teacher academy in Norway for three years prior to finishing off his bachelor’s degree at Caldwell University in New Jersey. In 2008 he relocated to New Jersey and has worked at Pride Academy since 2010. At Pride, he has served as a math teacher, department chair, data manager, and currently as a vice principal. In addition to working at Pride, Mr. Ofstad has worked as a soccer coach both for New York Red Bulls and for Caldwell University Men’s Soccer. Email: aofstad@prideacs.org
Dr. Charlene Jones – School Business Administrator
Dr. Charlene F. Jones is a passionate Educator and School Business Administrator. She holds standard licenses in K-12 Mathematics, Comprehensive Business, Supervisor, and SBA as well as a CE as a School Administrator. Dr. Jones earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from The College of New Jersey; a Master of Business Administration degree from Rutgers University; and both Education Specialist and Education Doctorate degrees in Education Leadership, Management & Policy from Seton Hall University. Her quantitative research explores the influence and predictability of socioeconomic factors on NJ standardized tests on middle schools’ performance results. She enjoys working in the community and being of service in the education sector. Email: cjones@prideacs.org
Mrs. Jodi Wilson – Dean of Academics & Founder
As a distinguished urban educator, Jodi Wilson began her journey as a teacher in 2001 on the founding belief that education is liberation and the African proverb, “each one, teach one.” Through the nationally acclaimed program, Americorps and EPICS- Educational Partners in Catholic Schools at Seton Hall University. Jodi Wilson instructed students in the area of science in the beautiful city of Paterson, NJ for two years, and after acquiring a Master’s Degree in Education, continued her science teaching career in the rich city of Newark, NJ at Link Community School and Lady Liberty Academy Charter School. In 2008, she alongside a group of educators who saw the need to foster the achievements of scholars through empowering educational experiences, founded and opened the doors of Pride Academy Charter School in East Orange, NJ. The middle school instills core values rooted in peace, respect, integrity, determination and empathy, while pursuant on a consistent basis to uphold a mission that further ensures every scholar recognizes the power they have to shape their futures and change our world. Email: jwilson@prideacs.org
Ms. Robin Brower – Dean of Students
Email: rbrower@prideacs.org
Mrs. Colleen Marash – Director of Special Education
Colleen Marash joined Pride shortly after it opened and she has enthusiastically dedicated her time teaching 5th grade math and leading the special education and mathematics department. Mrs. Marash thrives on building relationships with colleagues, scholars, and families and truly believes in the power of high expectations, transparent communication, and the continued desire to keep growing as a teacher and leader. She hopes all scholars and their families feel welcome and know that their children will be loved and supported to the best they can be, whatever it takes. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and then earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Caldwell University in 2016. Mrs. Marash loves everything about data, fundraising, and writing in colored flair pens! Outside of school, she enjoys working out to get her “steps,” traveling with family and friends, reading, and the beach. Email: cmarash@prideacs.org
Mrs. Amanda Quinn – Leader & Founder
After spending time home with her young children, Amanda Quinn is back with Pride Academy serving as a full-time teacher. A co-founder of Pride, Mrs. Quinn began her teaching career in Newark as a language arts teacher via the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. During her subsequent 14-year teaching career in Newark and East Orange, she has served as a 5th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA teacher, Director of Curriculum, Coordinator of Professional Development, and Coordinator of Outdoor Education. She graduated from St. Joseph’s University as a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, and the winner of the Clinton Presidential National Service Award. She is thrilled to be able to support the Pride family of students, parents, and teachers on site once more. Email: aquinn@prideacs.org
Mr. Evan Geiger – Dean of Student Advancement
Evan Geiger began his teaching career in 2008 as the 7th & 8th grade Social Studies Teacher at Pride Academy. In 2011, Mr. Geiger became the Dean of High School Placement and later the Dean of Student Advancement. He received his B.A. in History and Education from Montclair State University in 2007 and his Masters in Curriculum in 2014 from Kean University. Evan has been a coach on Pride Academy’s Flag Football Team since 2011 and is currently the advisor of Pride Academy’s Badminton Club. He is passionate about assisting Pride’s 8th graders with the High School Placement process because he speaks to High School Admission Directors about the positive effect Pride’s scholars will have on their school community. Evan enjoys having lunch with scholars to develop a better understanding of who they are as people. In 2017, Mr. Geiger was awarded the Community Advocate Award from The Wight Foundation in Newark. In his spare time, Evan enjoys playing with his dogs, going on vacation with his wife, cooking, and exercising. Email: egeiger@prideacs.org
Ms. Patricia Dennis – Director of Technology
Patricia “Patt” Dennis has been in education and innovative learning since 2018. She started her career as an extracurricular instructor for the MLC STEM Center, providing various STEAM-related educational programs to students in grades K to eight while specializing in chess instruction. After completing her undergrad, Patt served as an AmeriCorps reading coach for three terms (2018 – 2022) in the inner cities of Easy Orange and Patterson, providing in-depth reading resources for second and third-grade ELA classrooms. In early ventures into Educational Technology, Patt explored the field as the Learning and Technology Coordinator for the WELL Grant Program at The New Brunswick Theology Seminary, assisting with project development for WELL participants. She prides herself in having had the opportunity to serve as a School Library Media Specialist for a Pre-K to eight-grade elementary school in her home city of Newark, NJ. Patt works as the District Technology Director, Technology teacher, and Instructional Technology Specialist at an East Orange, NJ charter middle school.
Patt considers herself a philomath who enjoys learning new facts, acquiring new knowledge, and continually seeking new opportunities for knowledge and growth through various educational pursuits. Patt has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in Studio Art from the then College of Saint Elizabeth. In 2020, Patt received her first Master of Arts in English Writing Studies from Kean University. Her capstone research focused on digitizing the writing process by creating gamified writing activities to help learners learn how to effectively use the process and activities for their writing. Patt’s interest in the use of technology in education comes from courses taken in the graduate certificate program in Technical Communications at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. In 2023, Patt earned her second Master of Arts in Educational Technology, completing the School Library Media Specialist Certification and the STEM certificate. She is working toward her Ed.D. in Educational Technology Leadership at New Jersey City University as part of cohort 11.
Patt has presented her capstone research in digitizing the writing process at OTESSA, Northeast NWP Conference, OERxDomains, NJCEA Conference, and Kean University Research Days.
Patt runs a side business with her partner in her spare time, creating and selling custom-made anime-themed clothing and apparel. She uses skills learned in her Studio Art classes and YouTube to develop fun, whimsical characters! Email: pdennis@prideacs.org
Business Office & Main Office Staff
Mrs. LaShonda Dockery – Business Office Manager
Mrs. LaShonda Dockery is a New Jersey native who has been a part of the Pride community since 2009. She worked as the Main Office Manager from 2009-2020 and has transitioned to Pride’s Business Office Manager. Mrs. Dockery has a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University in Communications and is actively working towards her MBA from William Paterson University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and singing karaoke. Email: ldockery@prideacs.org
Ms. Camille Oates – Main Office Coordinator
Email: coates@prideacs.org
Mrs. Lynne Popinko – School Secretary
Email: lpopinko@prideacs.org
Support Staff
Ms. Kande Agbere RN, BSN – School Nurse
Before becoming School Nurse, I held several Nursing positions in various hospitals. I earned my first Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix, and my second degree as Bachelor in Science of Nursing from Seton Hall University. I have always been fascinated by healthcare and helping people feel good and healthy. I believe that with good health almost everything is achievable. I believe that when the kids have good health, they can thrive and grow strong. Email: kagbere@prideacs.org
Mrs. Nanayaa Farl – 5th & 6th Grade Social Worker
Mrs. Nanayaa Farl is a caring and compassionate person, who has always been interested in social work and helping children and families thrive. She is a certified School Social Worker in the state of New Jersey. Mrs. Farl graduated from Montclair State University with both her Bachelor’s degree in Child Advocacy and Policy and a Master’s degree in Social Work. For her, the value of helping others to improve their lives surpasses any monetary gain. She believes that providing services to students to strengthen their emotional wellbeing helps them to improve their academic success. Email: nfarl@prideacs.org
Mr. Jumoke Charles – 7th & 8th Grade Social Worker
Mr. Charles was raised in East Orange NJ and attended Orange High School. He then went on to Seton Hall University, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and his Masters in Social Work in 2018. Mr. Charles is passionate about mental health and believes that when childhood trauma is not addressed appropriately, it has the greatest effect on adults’ daily living. He believes that children are our greatest hope for the future and we should also focus and raise children to become their best versions of themselves and productive and contributing members of society. He enjoys playing basketball, and spending time with his wife and daughter! Email: jcharles@prideacs.org
Mr. Bolove Simon – Special Education Department Chair
Email: bsimon@prideacs.org
Mr. Mincy – Student Success Advisor
Email: kmincy@prideacs.org
Language Arts Department
Ms. Nadine Cauthen & Mr. Peter Zabor – Co Department Chair
Mr. Malcolm Nelson – 5th Grade ELA Teacher
Email: mnelson@prideacs.org
Mrs. Amanda Quinn – 5th Grade ELA Teacher
After spending time home with her young children, Amanda Quinn is back with Pride Academy serving as a full-time teacher. A co-founder of Pride, Mrs. Quinn began her teaching career in Newark as a language arts teacher via the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. During her subsequent 14-year teaching career in Newark and East Orange, she has served as a 5th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA teacher, Director of Curriculum, Coordinator of Professional Development, and Coordinator of Outdoor Education. She graduated from St. Joseph’s University as a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, and the winner of the Clinton Presidential National Service Award. She is thrilled to be able to support the Pride family of students, parents, and teachers on site once more. Email: aquinn@prideacs.org
Ms. Lora Lobello – 6th Grade ELA Teacher
Email: llobello@prideacs.org
Ms. Nadine Cauthen – 6th Grade ELA and Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Cauthen is an educator whose journey in teaching is a testament to her dedication and passion for learning. Transitioning to teaching as her second career, she obtained her teaching certification in 2017 and embarked on her teaching career by nurturing young minds in a 4th-grade classroom at a charter school in Newark. Motivated by her love for teaching, Mrs. Cauthen pursued further growth and decided to transition to teaching 7th grade at Pride Academy Charter School from 2018 to 2021.
Mrs. Cauthen expanded her expertise by acquiring a special education certification in 2021 and completing her Master of Education in Special Education from William Paterson University in 2022. After leaving Pride in 2021 to homeschool she returned to Pride Academy Charter School in 2022, where she currently imparts knowledge and guidance to 6th graders. She recently accepted the esteemed role of co-chair of the ELA Department.
As an avid reader and lifelong learner, Mrs. Cauthen embodies her passion for learning, creating an environment in her classroom that fosters curiosity and exploration through books. Her dedication as a special education teacher is evident in her unwavering commitment to helping students uncover and embrace their strengths. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Cauthen cherishes quality time with her family, indulges in travel, and continues to expand her knowledge in her spare time. Email: ncauthen@prideacs.org
Mr. Darian Grandison – 7th Grade ELA Teacher
Email: dgrandison@prideacs.org
Mr. Peter Zabor – 8th Grade ELA Teacher
Peter Zabor is an ELA teacher currently teaching our 8th grade. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and TCNJ where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature with a minor in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education. He has dedicated himself to becoming a life-long educator and learner, and he strives to instill a similar desire in all of the students with whom he works. Mr. Zabor coordinates the Young Director’s Club, in addition to coaching the Boy’s Basketball team to the playoffs in the 2019 season. Besides reading and teaching, he has a love of languages and has studied Mandarin Chinese for many years. Email: pzabor@prideacs.org
Mr. Quaseem Dent – 8th Grade ELA Teacher
Email: qdent@prideacs.org
Math Department
Mr. Dennis Wilson – Department Chair
Mr. David Paul – 5th Grade Math Teacher
David Paul‘s favorite aspect of mathematics is problem-solving. David Paul is an innovator driven with passion. Apart from serving as Pride’s 5th grade math instructor, David is a singer, songwriter, actor, poet, and musician. He is inspired by the Phil 4:13 verse ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Mr. Paul ⁶ believes success is having a goal set for yourself and accomplishing it. Therefore everyone’s success will be different and success can be measured by the amount of goals achieved. Email: dpaul@prideacs.org
Ms. Rachel Loria – 5th Grade Math Teacher
Our 65h grade math co-teacher Rachel Loria is committed to student success inside of the classroom and in life. A 2017 Honor’s graduate of Kean University, Rachel has a BA in Elementary Education and Psychology. She is currently a teacher at Pride Academy Charter School teaching sixth grade math. Ms. Loria was intrigued by Pride Academy instantly and was eager to be part of our community. She believes that student success is created through building a rapport with students, creating engaging lessons and learning in a positive environment. Ms. Loria’s hobbies include running, yoga, relaxing, watching TV and spending time with family. Nonetheless, Ms. Loria’s passion for teaching is surreal; she loves what she does and knew it was her passion since she was in second grade. She believes she has found a career where she doesn’t work a day in her life. Email: rloria@prideacs.org
Mr. Dennis Wilson – 6th Grade Math Teacher
Email: dwilson@prideacs.org
Mr. Bolove Simon – 7th Grade Math Teacher
Email: bsimon@prideacs.org
Mr. Marc Hanna – 7th Grade Math Teacher
Email: mhanna@prideacs.org
Mrs. Janet Manoti – 8th Grade Math Teacher / Pre-Algebra
Janet Manoti is a passionate middle school math teacher and dedicated to strengthening her scholars at Pride. She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Mathematics from New Jersey City University. Ms. Manoti became a teacher in an urban school because she believes she can make a difference in the students’ lives. Beyond Pride, she volunteers for the non-profit Global Connection in Kenya Foundation (GCK Foundation) that provides opportunities for students and educators to travel to Kenya to broaden their global perspectives. Email: jmanoti@prideacs.org
Cristian Gardner -8th Grade Math Teacher / Algebra
Mr. Gardner is the current Algebra I teacher and Co-teacher for 8th Grade Math. Originally from Rowlett, Texas , he has a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Southwestern College in Kansas and a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics. He leads the MATHCOUNTS Club at Pride for current 8th graders. This is his 4th year teaching mathematics and in his free time likes to walk his dog and go to the gym. Email: cgardner@prideacs.org
Science Department
Mrs. Jodi Wilson – Department Chair
Mrs. Kaydia King-Morris – 5th / 6th Grade Science Teacher
Kaydia King-Morris was born and raised on the small island of Jamaica. She has a degree in Biochemistry from the University of the West Indies and is certified to teach Biological Science. She has taught Science for over 8 years in total and is in love with all things Science. Mrs. King-Morris is committed to finding and utilizing strategies and techniques that help all students to achieve and even surpass their academic goals. She believes that every child can learn and every child should be given the opportunity for a good education. Email: kmorris@prideacs.org
Ms. Alexis Stallings-King – 6th Grade Science Teacher
Ms. King hails from Denver, Colorado and has enjoyed being a Jersey resident for over 5 years. She has received her bachelorette from Hampton University and is proud to have received her Masters in Teaching while residing in NJ. Ms. King is optimistic, light hearted and extremely passionate about her endeavors both inside and outside the classroom. Ms. King looks forward to continuing to challenge herself and her scholars to be the best version of themselves. She prides herself on being an active learner, educator and intentional asset to her community. She is excited to continue to encourage students to build strong character strengths, have fun and build strong learning habits during her time here at Pride. Email: asking@prideacs.org
Mrs. Jodi Wilson – 7th / 8th Grade Science Teacher
As a distinguished urban educator, Jodi Wilson began her journey as a teacher in 2001 on the founding belief that education is liberation and the African proverb, “each one, teach one.” Through the nationally acclaimed program, Americorps and EPICS- Educational Partners in Catholic Schools at Seton Hall University. Jodi Wilson instructed students in the area of science in the beautiful city of Paterson, NJ for two years, and after acquiring a Master’s Degree in Education, continued her science teaching career in the rich city of Newark, NJ at Link Community School and Lady Liberty Academy Charter School. In 2008, she alongside a group of educators who saw the need to foster the achievements of scholars through empowering educational experiences, founded and opened the doors of Pride Academy Charter School in East Orange, NJ. The middle school instills core values rooted in peace, respect, integrity, determination and empathy, while pursuant on a consistent basis to uphold a mission that further ensures every scholar recognizes the power they have to shape their futures and change our world. Email: jwilson@prideacs.org
Ms. Shayla Cooper – Science Teacher
Email: scooper@prideacs.org
Social Studies Department
Mrs. Elizabeth Bender – Department Chair
Mrs. Elizabeth Bender – 5th / 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Elizabeth Bender has been teaching for 10 years and is very passionate about her social studies! She aims to infuse creativity and movement into her lessons daily and seeks to be culturally responsive in her topics and units. She believes that as students learn to analyze the past, they will be better equipped to make decisions in the future that help make our world a better place. A graduate of Gettysburg College with a BA in History, Elizabeth completed a year of service with Americorps City Year New York before deciding to become a teacher. Elizabeth has a special place in her heart for social history, women’s history, and prehistory. Email: ebender@prideacs.org
Mr. Khuyen Nguyen – 6th / 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
After a year of teaching abroad in Japan, Mr. Nguyen joined Pride Academy in 2019. He is committed to making meaningful connections with students and is passionate about growing their historical knowledge and social studies skills. By learning about the world, he believes students can come to understand themselves better. Mr. Nguyen graduated from Rutgers with an M.A. in History Education and B.A. in History. He hopes students take from his class the skills needed to make positive change in the future! Email: knguyen@prideacs.org
Mr. Even Geiger – 7th / 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Evan Geiger began his teaching career in 2008 as the 7th & 8th grade Social Studies Teacher at Pride Academy. In 2011, Mr. Geiger became the Dean of High School Placement and later the Dean of Student Advancement. He received his B.A. in History and Education from Montclair State University in 2007 and his Masters in Curriculum in 2014 from Kean University. Evan has been a coach on Pride Academy’s Flag Football Team since 2011 and is currently the advisor of Pride Academy’s Badminton Club. He is passionate about assisting Pride’s 8th graders with the High School Placement process because he speaks to High School Admission Directors about the positive effect Pride’s scholars will have on their school community. Evan enjoys having lunch with scholars to develop a better understanding of who they are as people. In 2017, Mr. Geiger was awarded the Community Advocate Award from The Wight Foundation in Newark. In his spare time, Evan enjoys playing with his dogs, going on vacation with his wife, cooking, and exercising. Email: egeiger@prideacs.org
Co-Curricular Teachers
Mr. Ozwaldo Altamirano – Physical Education & Health
As Pride Academy’s Physical education/Health instructor, Ozzie Altamirano commits himself to inspire students of all skill levels to be as physically active as possible. Ozzie earned his B.S in Exercise and Movement Science from William Paterson University along with a certification in Health. Ozzie has taught Physical Education/Health for the past 10 years at the middle school level. He has coached various sports/activities, has served as a mentor to young men in years past, and bonds with students during his lunch period. Ozzie is passionate about fitness and strives to spread the 5 components of fitness to his students as well as building strong social skills and sportsmanship along the way. Mr. Altamirano enjoys spending his free time exercising and running early in the morning, searching for new food recipes, listening to podcasts, and spending his time with his wife and two kids. Email: oaltamirano@prideacs.org
Ms. Lisa Charussilapa – Spanish
Lisa Charussilapa is an 8-year veteran Spanish teacher and 6th grade homeroom teacher. She earned her undergraduate degrees at Pennsylvania State University in World Languages, Spanish, and International Studies. She recently earned her Masters Degree in Special Education at Montclair State University. Besides teaching Spanish, Ms. Charussilapa is committed to instilling routines, structure, and discipline within all of her classes and interactions with every single student to enhance their futures. Email: lcharussilapa@prideacs.org
Ms. Jayne Gornish – Dance
A student of dance for over 20 years, Jayne Gornish has been teaching multiple forms of dance for 8 years. Her training has primarily focused on ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre, but Ms. Gornish has experience in most dance styles including tap, African Dance, ballroom, and acro. In 2015, Ms. Gornish graduated from Montclair State University with a BA in Dance Education with cum laude standing. While attending Montclair, she performed works by Martha Graham, José Limon, Christian Von Howard, Anna Sokolow, Maxine Steinman, and Lynne Grossman. Along with her vast performance background, Ms. Gornish has taught children 3-18 years of age of all different skill levels, including children with special needs. Recently, Ms. Gornish developed Pride Academy Charter School’s first Dance Program. Ms. Gornish enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, fitness, and continuing her own dance education. She believes the Fine Arts and Performing Arts should be accessible to all children. Email: jgornish@prideacs.org
Ms. Patricia Dennis – Technology/STEM
Patricia “Patt” Dennis has been in education and innovative learning since 2018. She started her career as an extracurricular instructor for the MLC STEM Center, providing various STEAM-related educational programs to students in grades K to eight while specializing in chess instruction. After completing her undergrad, Patt served as an AmeriCorps reading coach for three terms (2018 – 2022) in the inner cities of Easy Orange and Patterson, providing in-depth reading resources for second and third-grade ELA classrooms. In early ventures into Educational Technology, Patt explored the field as the Learning and Technology Coordinator for the WELL Grant Program at The New Brunswick Theology Seminary, assisting with project development for WELL participants. She prides herself in having had the opportunity to serve as a School Library Media Specialist for a Pre-K to eight-grade elementary school in her home city of Newark, NJ. Patt works as the District Technology Director, Technology teacher, and Instructional Technology Specialist at an East Orange, NJ charter middle school.
Patt considers herself a philomath who enjoys learning new facts, acquiring new knowledge, and continually seeking new opportunities for knowledge and growth through various educational pursuits. Patt has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in Studio Art from the then College of Saint Elizabeth. In 2020, Patt received her first Master of Arts in English Writing Studies from Kean University. Her capstone research focused on digitizing the writing process by creating gamified writing activities to help learners learn how to effectively use the process and activities for their writing. Patt’s interest in the use of technology in education comes from courses taken in the graduate certificate program in Technical Communications at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. In 2023, Patt earned her second Master of Arts in Educational Technology, completing the School Library Media Specialist Certification and the STEM certificate. She is working toward her Ed.D. in Educational Technology Leadership at New Jersey City University as part of cohort 11.
Patt has presented her capstone research in digitizing the writing process at OTESSA, Northeast NWP Conference, OERxDomains, NJCEA Conference, and Kean University Research Days.
Patt runs a side business with her partner in her spare time, creating and selling custom-made anime-themed clothing and apparel. She uses skills learned in her Studio Art classes and YouTube to develop fun, whimsical characters! Email: pdennis@prideacs.org
Academic Support
Ms. Jasmine Shackleford – Teacher Assistant
Email: jshackleford@prideacs.org
Mr. Benjamin Kupferman – Teacher Assistant
Ben Kupferman graduated from Montclair High School in 2016 and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Global Studies at The New School. Mr. Kupfeman joined Pride Academy in fall of 2023 as Teacher Assistant for 6th grade Math and is Co-advisor of the Douglass homeroom. His previous experience includes working as an after-school counselor and tutor for K-5 students at Manhattan Charter School. Ben is passionate about access to education, and spent a part of his summer volunteering for the International Rescue Committee’s Refugee Youth Summer Academy, working with child refugees entering school in northern New Jersey. Email: bkupferman@prideacs.org
Ms. Karen Coy – Teacher Assistant
Ms. Coy joined Pride Academy in 2023 as part of our academic support team. She is a lifelong learner with a wide range of professional experiences that include over twenty years as a Certified Chef and Caterer, twenty-five years as a Real Estate Agent, and is a Published Author. Ms. Coy has worked as a Parent Liaison, Family Support Advocate, and taught Drama at a local Performing Arts school. She brings to Pride Academy an optimistic outlook on scholar achievement and excellence.
Ms. Coy has also worked with ACT-SO as a Poetry and Oratory Mentor and continues to advocate for scholar participation in academic enrichment programs to further enhance their holistic educational experience that exposes them to the Arts and Sciences. Email: kcoy@prideacs.org
Ms. Aaliyah Latimer – Teacher Assistant
Email: alatimer@prideacs.org
Ms. Kimberly Colon – Teacher Assistant
Email: kcolon@prideacs.org
Ms. Taylor Gary – Teacher Assistant
Email: tgary@prideacs.org
Ms. Clarice High – Teacher Assistant
Email: chigh@prideacs.org
Ms. Carolyn Tynes – Teacher Assistant
Ms Tynes has worked at Pride Academy since it opened in 2008. As an Academic Support Teacher she feels fortunate to have worked across all grades and subjects over the years. Ms Tynes earned her Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, where she also completed her Teacher Certification. She has worked in Education for over 20 years.
Her distinction at Pride is that she has worked in various roles inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Tynes has shared her love for the Performing Arts as a co-leader of the Pride Acting Club and has acted and danced in Community Theater. She also teaches Ballet to children in East Orange including many of our Pride scholars. She enjoys reading non-fiction, doing home improvement projects, and teaching herself Spanish. Her driving force is her faith, as she serves on the Official Ministry at her church. Ms. Tynes is passionate about serving others and giving back. She hopes her commitment to our Pride Scholars has inspired them to achieve their dreams, the way she was greatly inspired by her own teachers growing up. Email: ctynes@prideacs.org
Custodial Staff
Ginsun Guaman – Daytime Custodian
Braima Mane – Evening Custodian