Yearbook

To be able to have a productive journey and reach my destination, I know it’ll require grit and perseverance. I also know that any journey requires momentum. Once the spark has been lit — it’s crucial to keep it alive. Leadership requires being able to take the torch and move on throughout the journey.

Driven by a belief in continuous learning, Melissa Aquino views every experience as an opportunity for growth. She is confidently arriving at her destination by leveraging technology to raise awareness, foster inclusivity, and empower diverse learners of all backgrounds.

I envision our cohort arriving at our destination not as individuals competing for success, but as a united community of educational technology leaders who have grown stronger by learning from one another's diverse experiences. Together, we will lead with innovation, collaboration, and purpose, proving that the journey is just as important as the destination. ""If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."" - Lao Tzu And with a single step, I begin my journey toward becoming an effective leader and change maker who not only offers a seat at the table, but I ask to hear your voice.

Kimberly (Kim) Cinco, MPsy, is a UX Engineer, Product Manager, and health equity technologist who builds open-source platforms that translate complex data into tools for community empowerment. Guided by the belief that technology is only as equitable as the hands that shape it, she enters this EdD journey committed to developing the educational leadership frameworks that center AI literacy and digital access for underserved and Pacific Islander communities. Her destination is not a credential — it's a more just technological landscape, built alongside the people it was always meant to serve.

Langston is currently a technology teacher and coach in Roselle, New Jersey. He is a member of the STEAM leadership cohort and takes an active role in his district's adoption of AI. He has a bachelor's in psychology from Muhlenberg College, a master’s of arts in teaching from Montclair State University, and is beginning his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership in Technology at Kean Jersey City. Langston approaches education through the lens of individuality and self-innovation. Experiencing his own academic difficulties, Langston’s goal is to provide students of all ages with a positive and individualized educational experience.

I am a passionate high school Chemistry teacher determined to inspire students in connecting between science and the real world. With a bachelor’s in Chemistry and a MAT in Secondary Education with certification I am dedicated to combine theory (content) with practice (laboratory) alongside effective teaching strategies to create a meaningful experience for the students in my classroom. Students find Chemistry difficult to understand, but I strive to make it exciting and purposeful. Using inquiry-based methods, real-world applications, and hands on experiments, students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. My philosophy is based on servant leadership where catering my students’ needs, supporting them, creating inclusive and safe classrooms are some of the priorities I strive to accomplish. I am committed to help my students learn, grow, and succeed as valued, respected, and successful citizens in the future. I aim to inspire the next generation to be scientists, problem-solvers, and amazing leaders.

Arion Jamerson is an innovative, forward-thinking communications expert who's passionate about creative design that promotes equity for effective results. On this journey, she’s looking for her next passport stamp to lead to more fun in the sun and to close the engagement gap, increasing student responses and retention through an AI-driven algorithmic approach.

I love the diversity of our cohort, and I look forward to traveling together to each new country of learning. Along the way, I hope to learn from everyone’s experiences and grow into my own leadership style.

“Life and Learning is always a Journey”

Traveling alongside a passionate, united community of future EdTech leaders, Meha Rana sees their final destination as a celebration of shared growth, resilience, and groundbreaking innovation. She envisions arriving not to mark an end, but to unlock new possibilities for global learners through human-centered technology. To Meha, real leadership means guiding the journey in a way that empowers every voice in the room to help shape the future. ""We do not travel to reach a place; we travel to build a purpose together."" Dan Millman

As a united cohort of future Educational Technology leaders, I envision our destination not as the end of our journey, but as the beginning of our impact. Although we are 19 individuals with 19 unique personalities, professional backgrounds, and perspectives, I believe those differences will become our greatest strength. By learning from one another, embracing innovation, and leading with integrity and purpose, we will build lasting connections and become the next group of leaders who embody this program's unofficial motto: We don't follow standards—we set them. ""Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."" — John F. Kennedy

Asya N. Rhein is an educator, instructional leader, doctoral student, and returning Kean University alumna committed to creating school systems in which access, belonging, and opportunity are designed rather than left to chance. She teaches sixth-grade English language arts in a New Jersey public school district, working with diverse learners, including multilingual students, while bringing a systems-level perspective to classroom practice. Her leadership experience spans literacy, intervention systems, family engagement, extended learning, curriculum development, professional learning, and districtwide programming. She previously served as a 21st Century Community Learning Centers site coordinator, leading programs that expanded academic, enrichment, and leadership opportunities beyond the traditional school day. Her work also includes developing a family literacy initiative, coordinating a district middle school Battle of the Books, supporting co-teaching, and conducting action research on equitable participation in STEM-based learning. Rhein’s professional and research interests sit at the intersection of educational technology, literacy, leadership, and equity. She is especially interested in how differences in access to technology, artificial intelligence, language support, and institutional resources can quietly widen opportunity gaps for students. Her goal is to help schools recognize those gaps early and design responsive systems before inequity becomes normalized or invisible. After completing the NJEXCEL educational leadership program, Rhein began pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Technology Leadership through Kean University as a member of the first cohort following the university’s merger with New Jersey City University. Her leadership philosophy centers on moving from carrying the work to designing sustainable systems in which students, educators, and communities can thrive. Beyond her professional work, Rhein is the mother of two children, is married to her high school sweetheart, and maintains a personal goal of reading one book each week. She brings that same curiosity, persistence, and belief in possibility to her work as an educator and leader.

I am an early childhood education leader, executive, adjunct instructor, and community advocate with a deep commitment to strengthening systems that support children, families, and educators particularly within culturally and linguistically diverse communities. I currently serve as Vice President of Head Start Programs, providing strategic oversight of early learning services for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. My leadership focuses on program quality, compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, staff development, family engagement, and organizational effectiveness. I view high-quality early childhood education as both foundational to lifelong success and a critical equity issue. In parallel with my executive role, I serve as an instructor, teaching and mentoring future and current educators in early childhood education and leadership. This work allows me to bridge theory and practice, ensuring that emerging professionals are grounded in real-world program operations, culturally responsive teaching, and evidence-based instructional strategies. I am also the Founder of Brilla Educational Consulting, where I design and deliver bilingual professional development for early childhood educators and leaders, including CDA preparation, leadership development, instructional quality improvement, health and safety compliance, and staff wellness. My work centers on empowering educators with clear pathways for growth and sustainability in the field. Additionally, I serve as a Councilwoman-at-Large in Bloomfield, New Jersey, advocating for inclusive policies, strong community partnerships, and equitable access to resources for working families. My public service is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and community-driven solutions. Across all roles, my leadership is guided by integrity, compassion, and a firm belief that investing in educators and families is an investment in our collective future. Areas of Focus: Early Childhood Education Leadership • Head Start & Early Head Start • Adjunct Instruction • Higher Education • Family Engagement • Equity & Inclusion • Bilingual Education • Professional Development • Community Advocacy • Public Service

Dina Toledo is a teacher leader that aspires to bridge the educational gap for special education students using various educational technology platforms. By working to close the learn gaps for our students today, we will have a brighter tomorrow.

"Good Business - is where you find it."

Erika Vélez is a Spanish educator with more than ten years of experience teaching students from preschool through twelfth grade. She currently teaches Spanish to fourth- and fifth-grade students in Vernon Township, New Jersey. She holds certifications in Spanish, ESL, Bilingual Education, and Pre-school Education, along with a Master’s Degree in Urban Education with a concentration in World Languages. Erika believes students learn best when teachers create respectful, supportive classrooms where students feel confident taking risks with language. Her teaching approach centers on comprehensible input, meaningful communication, culture, and student engagement. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Technology Leadership. Her research interests include language acquisition, student motivation, digital assessment, and instructional continuity. Her goal is to connect educational technology with practical solutions that support students, teachers, and school communities.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” That quote reminds me that true leadership is measured by service, collaboration, and the positive difference we make in the lives of others.

Own your magic, walk in your purpose, and rock your truth.” — Beverly Bond

"Life is not about how many times you fall down. It's about how many times you get back up." - Jaime Escalante

Words of advice for a happy successful life: Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming. Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be. The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing. — André De Shields

"Rise Above It" & "Never Say Never" -Inez Cruz

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world. In a gentle way, you can shake the world, and your future depends on what you do today. "-Mahatma Gandhi.

"Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear." -George Addair

“Be strong enough to walk alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.”— Ziad K. Abdelnour

"I’m a proud son of Durham, fighting to make sure Black communities don’t just work in cannabis — we own it. This industry was built on our backs, and now it’s time we lead it." — Gustavo McClain

It always seems impossible until it's done. ~Nelson Mandela

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching Love like you'll never be hurt Sing like there's nobody listening And live like it's heaven on earth. William W. Purkey

"Leadership is not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge." Simon Sinek

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.-Maya Angelou

"Noticing Small Changes Early Helps You Adapt To The Bigger Changes That Are To Come" (Johnson, 1998, p. 30).

Douglass is an EOF/OSP alumnus of New Jersey City University, holding a B.A. in Media Arts ('05), an M.A. in Educational Technology ('23), and a STEM certificate. He has worked as an educator across several student-facing programs at NJCU, including the Pre-College program and New Jersey Youth Corps, and has extensive entertainment industry experience with companies like Music Choice, Walt Disney World, 107.5 WBLS-FM, and HOT 97-FM. In his spare time, he hosts the Co-BETE podcast (Community Broadcasting Education, Technology and Entertainment), which explores how education, technology, and entertainment intersect.

Breon is a health educator at Union County Office of Health Management, the county's health department, with experience since 2013 across healthcare, health promotion, and health education roles. Her interest in Ed Tech stems from a belief in creative, socially and culturally relevant methods for engaging people and communities in learning. She's looking forward to learning from the experienced professionals in this cohort and building toward a shared focus on "setting standards" in the work.

Recently retired high school science teacher with a B.A. in Geoscience Education and an M.A. in Educational Technology from Teacher’s College at Columbia University. Holder of Supervisor and Principal Certifications. Former union president and former BOE trustee. Doctoral interest in T.T.R.P.G.’s in aiding people with social-emotional learning.

Iesha Griggs is a veteran K–6 educator with more than 20 years of experience, an adjunct professor, a STEM Pioneer Fellow, and a doctoral candidate in Educational Technology and Leadership at Kean University. She specializes in mathematics, science, STEM education, and culturally responsive teaching. Her work focuses on strengthening foundational mathematics understanding through Representative Mathematics Instruction, integrating diverse mathematical perspectives into the curriculum, and preparing educators to leverage technology and artificial intelligence to create engaging, equitable learning experiences. Iesha is passionate about teacher development, community-centered education, and inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, innovators, and lifelong learners.

I am a preschool teacher in the Newark Public School system with a background in Psychology (B.A.) and Public Administration (MPA). Additionally, I am a behavioral technician, a first-time mom, and an extroverted introvert. Currently, life is hectic, but I am in this program to chase one of my dreams to be a scholar and lifelong learner.

Henry is a passionate language educator who believes languages open doors and broaden horizons, from international job opportunities to cross-cultural exchange — a belief shaped by his own experience with the transformative power of foreign language acquisition. Over the past seven years, his journey has taken him to work and study in six countries, and he's now eager to make an impact in the Jersey City community.

I am a School Counselor/Industry Engagement Officer within the Orange Township Public School District. I have previously worked for a Federal TRIO program, and in higher education in both Admissions and Registration at Rutgers University-School of Nursing. I am a graduate of Rutgers University-Newark with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice. I also earned my Master's Degree from New Jersey City University in Mental Health and School Counseling. While at NJCU, I was a member of the Executive Board of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Honor Society. I am currently a member of the Essex County Counselor Association and New Jersey Counselor Association.

Jason is a dedicated educator with 31 years of experience, currently serving as Principal of the A. Harry Moore Laboratory School. He is passionate about driving innovation in teaching and learning through instructional design and educational technology, and committed to fostering collaboration and continuous growth within the education community. As a member of Cohort 12, he's seeking to develop his leadership skills further and looks forward to learning from diverse experiences while contributing insights as an educational leader, guided by his belief in the power of collective learning to advance education.

Koree is a proud Jersey native whose educational journey has been shaped by experiences from studying abroad in Zimbabwe to managing a coffeehouse in Nashville during graduate school. Her career began as a middle school language arts teacher, sparking a passion for literacy and instructional practice that led her into roles as a teacher trainer and instructional technology coach, and eventually into K–12 leadership for close to 15 years — currently as principal of a public performing arts elementary school. She's especially interested in designing meaningful professional learning for educators and using technology thoughtfully to support teaching, and is looking ahead toward opportunities in the nonprofit sector, education policy, or higher education to keep advocating for innovation, equity, and teacher empowerment.

I am currently a first-year speech language therapist in the k-12 special education setting! I received my B.S.E. in Elementary and Special Education with Environmental Studies from Seton Hall University. I also received my Masters in Speech Language Pathology from Seton Hall. A few of my doctoral interests include assistive technology for students with learning disabilities/differences, as well as second language acquisition incorporation with technology. I am really excited to be a part of this EdTech doctoral cohort.

I am the Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) at Bergen Community College. In addition, I teach as an adjunct in SOC-101 and Freshmen Seminar courses at Bergen Community College. My background is in Psychology (BA) and Educational Leadership (MEd), both from Montclair State University. I am in my 11th year working in Higher Education. My passion is working for first-gen and underrepresented students.

Hello, my name is Victoria Perez! After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Seton Hall University, I began teaching special education in Jersey City. I am currently entering my sixth year of teaching at the same school. Driven by my desire to make a greater impact, I recently completed my master’s degree in Urban Education Administration and Supervision at NJCU. I look forward to furthering my education at NJCU and expanding my knowledge in Educational Technology Leadership.

Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Karla completed her undergraduate studies at the Equinoctial Technological University and earned a Master of Science in Neuropsychology of Education from the International University of La Rioja in Spain, along with a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has taught across initial, primary, and secondary education, worked as a childhood development specialist in New Jersey, and authored "My Magic Guide to Conflict Resolution." She currently supervises DIR/FloorTime therapy, guided by her motto, "Happy Kids, Happy World."

Anum is a special education bilingual inclusion teacher in Jersey City whose work is driven by her experience with immigrant and refugee populations — shaped in part by growing up in a multicultural environment as the grandchild of refugees. Her career has spanned the International Rescue Committee's Refugee Youth Summer Program, Pfizer's Refugee Leadership Program, the Bonner Community Scholars program, and her current role with Jersey City Public Schools, fueling her interest in the intersections of disability, migration, culture, and technology in education. She's especially focused on how technology can bridge gaps in resources for marginalized students and inform more inclusive educational curricula. She's now pursuing an Ed.D. in Education Technology Leadership at NJCU, aiming to become a leader in the field who bridges research and practice to advance inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and technological innovation in education.

Amber is a proud graduate of NJCU's OSP program, earning a degree in sociology and early childhood education in 2018 followed by a MAT in Special Education. She currently teaches at an elementary school in Newark, NJ, and serves as an adjunct professor in NJCU's New Pathways to Teaching department. A shift from teaching third grade science to first grade sparked her interest in classroom technology, leading her back to NJCU for the Ed.D. in Technology Leadership program, where she hopes to deepen her understanding of tech integration in science education. She has conducted workshops for district educators, assisted with curriculum development, and is eager to keep growing professionally alongside like-minded peers in the program.

Katherine is an educational leader with extensive experience in administrative and teaching roles. She holds two MAs from New Jersey City University — in Educational Leadership and Administration (Urban Leadership focus) and Educational Technology (SLMS Certification) — along with a BA in English and Teaching Certification from Montclair State University. Her leadership roles include Coordinator of Educational Technology, Instructional Media, and Library at Plymouth Public Schools and Manager of Educator Quality at Normandin Middle School, spanning curriculum development, assessment management, and staff development. She has also served as Instructional Leader and School Library Media Specialist at Chatham Elementary, Radcliffe School in Nutley, and Paterson Public School 2, focusing on improving student learning and supporting teachers.

Special education teacher in New York City. Degrees include a Bachelor of English from North Carolina A&T State University, MBA from Fayetteville State University, and a Masters of Special Education from Brooklyn College. Doctoral interests include gamifying Life Skills for K-12 students.

Dr. Patricia Dennis is an instructor and director of the school library media program at William Paterson University, with a doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership from New Jersey City University. She's also Lead Researcher for Garden State Esports, where she helps bring game-based learning into K-12 classrooms across the state. Her path started in Newark, where her own experience in the city's school system sparked a lifelong mission to make education more innovative and connected to the real world. When she's not teaching, you'll find her on the basketball court or working as a digital artist.

I am an educator and trainer and hold a B.A in English, an M.A in Adult Education, and a Masters of Education in Practice-Based Educational Research (MeD PBER). I am also a doctoral candidate focusing on a degree in Education, a workshop leader, examiner and team visitor for an accreditation committee. I have published articles regarding standardized testing and bilingual education and I am a firm believer in equal access to education. With over 15 years of teaching and coaching experience, I have held positions such as English teacher, Coordinator, K-12 Director of Teaching and Learning, Chair of the Accreditation Committee, Head of the English Department (K-12), and Principal. During my last year in a school setting, I oversaw the digitization of the school curriculum, while shifting from a physical classroom setting to a virtual one during the pandemic. I have been working with different educational institutions on specific areas such as content creation, technology integration (artificial intelligence in particular), and developing literacy scope and sequences for various schools.

My name is Dani (Danielle) DeGraw. I received my bachelor's at The College of New Jersey in Health and Exercise Science (Teacher Education). My career started in 2016 at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School where I taught physical education and health courses. During my five years in the Summit School District, I also had the opportunity to teach Forensic Science, Film Studies, Unified Physical Education, and Robotics & Coding. I received my Master of Science in Educational Technology from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2020. In September of 2021, I started at Livingston Public Schools, where I am currently the technology coach at the elementary schools.

I'm Patrick Fernandez and I grew up in my hometown of Passaic, NJ. I will be entering my fifth year of teaching as a social studies teacher in my hometown. Previously I spent time in the city where I studied history as an undergraduate at St. John's University in Queens. Upon graduating from St John’s University, I received my teaching certification at William Paterson University. Most recently during the pandemic, I took an interest in Educational Technology and just completed my Masters completely on online with the University of Alabama. Looking forward to learning more about educational technology with NJCU! Personal interest include reading, watching sports and going to the gym.

Hi! My name is Janet George. I work as a math teacher at Jersey City Public Schools. I received my Master's in Education from New Jersey City University. I have been working for more than ten years teaching Mathematics to high school level students. I like to use various techniques and strategies to meet the needs of individuals learners in order to maximize their full potential.

Passionate, long time educator and lifetime learner.

I'm Jeff Kontio and I'm currently the IT Manager for the Department of Politics at Princeton University. I received my undergraduate degree in Computer Information Systems and Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Northern Michigan University (right near where I grew up) and moved to New Jersey at the start of 2015. I've been supporting IT in colleges and universities for the better part of the last 15 years. In my free time I volunteer as a puppy raiser for The Seeing Eye out of Morristown, NJ.

My name is Vanessa Mendoza. I am a National Account Executive for an International Transportation company. I began my career in transportation twelve years ago after I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in International Business from Berkeley College in 2010. In 2017, I completed M.B.A., Organizational Management and Leadership Specialization at NJCU. Currently I am a member of the NJCU Alumni Association Advisory Board and I serve as a mentor. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, traveling, hiking, camping, and spending time with my husband and our two dogs. "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you" - Zig Ziglar

My name is Randy Narvaez-Ruiz and I have been an educator for more than a decade. I received my undergraduate degree in education from Temple University and earned my Master’s Degree in Urban Education from the University of Pennsylvania University. My career began in Camden, NJ, where I taught 5th-8th grade Spanish and ESL. I also taught 3rd grade at North Star Academy in Newark, NJ. In 2016, I was selected to join TNTP’s highly selective PLUS Residency, a two-year, practice-based principal certification program that prepares school leaders to transform teaching in schools. I served as an assistant principal of instruction at Mastery Molina Elementary in Camden, NJ, and have served as an assistant principal in Edison Township, NJ since 2018. In 2021, I enlisted in The New Jersey Air National Guard. I'm currently assigned to the 177th Fighter Wing Civil Engineering Squadron in Egg Harbor Twp, NJ. In my free time, I enjoy photography, videography, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and staying active (mostly through CrossFit).

My name is Enrique Noguera. I am an educator and an entrepreneur. I earned a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and a master's in Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education. Though I received both of those degrees at Rutgers, I am thrilled to pursue my doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership at New Jersey City University (NJCU). Currently, I am the Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, NJ. I have previously served as a School Climate and Culture Specialist at Red Bank Middle School. I have also held positions with Rutgers University, AmeriCorps, and NJ SEEDS: College Scholars and College Preparatory Programs in Newark. I discovered the power and potential of EdTech early in my career when I served as the co-founder and director of Scholars Organizing Culturally Innovative Opportunities (SOCIO), a Saturday civic engagement and college preparatory program that trained Franklin High School students in Somerset to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to build maps to improve their local community and beyond. I have some incredible stories to share about SOCIO student GIS projects that were acclaimed by FEMA, the US Department of Energy, and the White House.

As an energetic and passionate educational leader, I am eager to contribute my expertise and background to the school and my cohort team. With a proven history of designing innovative and engaging learning environments and a dedication to furthering the school's mission and core values, I bring a passion for education and a commitment to driving success.

My name is Violet Robinson and I enjoy traveling, reading, learning and spending time with my family. I am married with two energetic boys ages nine and twelve. My educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Education, a Master's Degree in Reading Specialization, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, and now a doctoral candidate. I am currently a school principal in a K-8 Visual & Performing Arts School in New Jersey. Prior to becoming a school principal, I worked in the following capacities: middle school science teacher, elementary teacher, reading specialist/coach and vice principal. I am a member of the following professional organization, NSTA, NJPSA, NBLA.

Melissa Welz is a music and theater teacher in the North Bergen School District. She has been teaching for 15 years. She received both her Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Music Education from New Jersey City University. She is glad to be back at NJCU as a doctoral candidate. Melissa serves as the Team Captain of the Visual and Performing Arts Curriculum writer for the Hudson County Professional Learning Community with Monica Tone. Melissa is an educator, avid theater performer, composer, and entrepreneur in the visual and performing arts world.

My name is Joanna Antoniou. I'm a proud undergrad alum of University of Maryland, College Park. I earned my Masters in Educational Technology from Montclair State University in 2008. Currently, I am the Supervisor of Educational Technology in Passaic Public Schools. In the past, I've been a math teacher and technology coach, all in the same district.

My name is Michael and I received my bachelor's degree in Business Management and my M.B.A. in Organizational Management and Leadership from New Jersey City University. I've been working in and out of the music industry for the last 10 years or so, and most recently have been a teacher's assistant to Dr. John Laski at the NJCU School of Business for over 2 years.

My name is Samantha and I have taught in K-12 for almost 10 years. I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from Monmouth University. I serve on Learning Forward, NJ, a professional learning organization that encourages teacher leadership, am a regional mentor of CEL with the National Council for Teachers of English, and am a member of a dozen of professional organizations blending English, technology, and social justice advocacy.

My name is Christine Enrico and I am a school counselor at Union City High School. I have a BA in International Affairs, an MA in School Counseling, and various administrative certifications.

My name is John and I hold a BA in English from William Paterson University, an MFA in Poetry from The New School, and a MEd in Professional Counseling, also from WPU. I started my life in education teaching English at School #5 in Paterson, NJ. I then moved on to teaching at Bergen Tech High School, and for the last 9 years I've been the Writing Center Supervisor at Bergen Community College. Along the way I've been an adjunct professor of English at Passaic County Community College and teach Human Relations at Berkeley College. I'm also a Board Certified, Licensed Associate Counselor in NJ and work a few hours a week as an adolescent psychotherapist at a Bergen County mental health clinic.

My name is Judith and I am presently working in the field of Health Education as a Health Educator. I predominately go to elementary schools, community venues i.e churches, senior centers, etc. to conduct programs on preventative health and wellness. I received my Masters in Community Health Education at NJCU.

I'm Andrea and I'm from Bridgeport, CT. I'm an elementary teacher for Hartford Public Schools. I have been teaching for 6 years. I also serve as a TEAM Mentor for Hartford Public Schools. I have a BA in Psychology from Quinnipiac, MA in Psychology from CCSU, MS in Education from the University of Bridgeport, and I just finished coursework for an Admin Certification.

My name is Justine. I graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry and Secondary Education followed by a Masters in Education Technology at Augustana University. I started my career teaching physics and chemistry to 8th graders in Livingston, NJ where I took on coaching roles such as Girls' Soccer and Science Olympiad. I then transitioned into a Technology Coach role at Perth Amboy High School. I am currently an Instructional Technologist at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

My name is Damiano. My background is in education and technology, with a Bachelors in Education and a Masters in Technology. I am a career and technical education coordinator at the Brooklyn STEAM Center. I manage the CTE portfolio of the school's five programs, to ensure that they are highly relevant and rigorous. In addition, I co-teach the Computer Science & Information Technology pathway, as well as manage the workplace learning opportunities for students.

My name is Steven. I am an auditor at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. I have an undergraduate degree in Economics, a Master's in Cyber Security, a Master in Public Administration with a focus on global transportation and public management, and am currently an adjunct professor at Saint Peter's University.