Karen Barnett    Office Manager

Karen Barnett joins us for her first year at WCCS as the Office Manager. Ms. Barnett received her Bachelor’s degree in the School of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While studying, she was an active member of AIESEC, the world’s largest student organization that provides leadership opportunities in a global setting. Ms. Barnett comes to WCCS after she worked as the Volunteer Program Manager in Guatemala for Constru Casa, where she planned service trips to help build houses for families living in extreme poverty.

Michael Belson     Writing Teacher

Michael Belson returns to Williamsburg Collegiate as a 6th Grade Writing teacher. Prior to arriving at WCCS, Mr. Belson taught 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts in the Bronx as a Teach For America Corps Member. He received his undergraduate degree in English from the University of California Berkeley and received his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education in English Language Arts at Pace University.

Shaymora Blanks     Special Education Coordinator

Shaymora Blanks returns to WCCS for her sixth year as the Special Education Coordinator. Prior to taking on the Special Education role, Ms. Blanks joined Williamsburg Collegiate in 2006 as a 5th Grade Science teacher. Ms. Blanks received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Spelman College after which she joined Teach For America and taught middle school science and reading in Miami. During her two years in Miami, Ms. Blanks served as an on-campus recruiter for Teach for America at Spelman College. Ms Blanks earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Teacher U, with a certification in Special Education from Hunter College.

Alexandra Bronson     Science Teacher

Alexandra Bronson returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as a 5th Grade Science Teacher. Ms. Bronson graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a degree in religion and studio art. While pursuing her degree, Ms. Bronson served as a Teach For America campus campaign manager, helping to bring awareness and knowledge of Teach For America to her campus. Upon graduating, Ms. Bronson became a Teach For America corps member and taught 6th Grade Science at a middle school in New York. Ms. Bronson earned a Masters Degree in Science for Teachers from Pace University.

Kate Butrie     Math Teacher

Kate Butrie returns to WCCS this year as a 7th Grade Math Teacher. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Butrie began her teaching career as a Teach For America Corps member at a middle school in New York City. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Butrie was a Division I Varsity Athlete on the Swim Team and was voted captain by her teammates for her final season. Ms. Butrie recently received a Master of Arts degree in Education from Pace University.

Jennifer Camus     Director of Special Projects

Jennifer Camus returns to WCCS this year as the Director of Special Projects. Prior to WCCS, Ms. Camus was an Associate Director of Recruitment for Uncommon Schools. Ms. Camus graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Public Policy/ Urban Planning and Business. Upon graduating, Ms. Camus became a Teach For America corps member and taught 9th Grade Creative Writing, Journalism, and Math Prep at a charter high school in South Central Los Angeles. Ms. Camus is also the Co-Executive Director of the Writing Our Dreams project, a program that focuses on empowering at-risk youth in South Los Angeles and New York City through creative writing and public performances. Ms. Camus earned a Master of Arts degree in Education from Loyola Marymount University.

Sarah Castleman     Writing Teacher

Sarah Castleman returns to WCCS this year as a 7th Grade Writing teacher. Ms. Castleman graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in English, and earned her Master’s in Teaching at Hunter College. Before joining WCCS, Ms. Castleman taught 7th and 8th Grade Reading and Writing for two years in Arkansas with Teach for America, and for one year at Achievement First Crown Heights.

Victoria Chatfield     Reading Teacher

Victoria Chatfield returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as a 6th Grade Reading Teacher. After graduating from Barnard College, Ms. Chatfield joined Teach For America and taught 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts in the South Bronx. Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Chatfield served as the Executive Director of Colloquial Theater (an arts education organization in Western New York) and the Director of Education for Broken Watch Theatre Company off-Broadway. Ms. Chatfield earned her MS in Teaching Adolescent English from Fordham University and spends her summers working towards her MA in Theater from the University of Houston.

Adam Cobb     Dean of Students

Adam Cobb returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as the Dean of Students. Before taking on this role, Mr. Cobb taught 7th and 8th Grade Science at WCCS. Mr. Cobb graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Engineering Mechanics, where he researched fracture behavior of microvascular channels and volunteered as a tutor for the Minority Enrichment Program. Mr. Cobb began his teaching career with Teach For America and taught high school biology in Philadelphia, PA. During his two years in Philadelphia, Mr. Cobb helped create a biology curriculum aligned to state standards, while serving as an active leader for Teach For America as a 2007 Orientation Program Coordinator. While in Philadelphia Mr. Cobb attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Master’s Degree in Education.

Akilah Crichlow     Math Teacher

Akilah Crichlow returns to the WCCS team this year as a 5th Grade Math Teacher. Ms. Crichlow graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she served as the Vice-President of the Black Students' Association, the largest cultural organization on Harvard's campus, and President of the Caribbean Club. Ms. Crichlow also mentored and tutored students in math and Spanish, and participated in various performing arts initiatives while on campus. After graduating, Ms. Crichlow joined Teach For America, where she taught a summer school math course to 7th graders at I.S. 143 in Washington Heights prior to her WCCS placement.

Michael D'Auria     Director of Operations

Michael D’Auria returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as the Director of Operations. Prior to arriving at WCCS, Mr. D’Auria spent three years working for Bain & Company, a management consulting firm. While at Bain, Mr. D’Auria served clients across various industries including private equity, technology, telecom, media, and consumer products. Also during his time at Bain, Mr. D’Auria spent six months on externship in Mozambique, working as a volunteer consultant for TechnoServe, and focusing on local agricultural development. Mr. D’Auria graduated from MIT with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering.

Nigel Dean    Apprentice Teacher

Mr. Dean joins the WCCS team this year as a math teacher apprentice. He holds a B.S. with honors in Economics from Southern University. Mr. Dean has served as an athletic director for a juvenile detention center in Houston Texas. While there he headed various athletic and recreation programs designed to encourage and empower troubled youth. He also served as a residential appraiser for Harris County. Mr. Dean is looking forward to tackling achievement gap head on!

Stephanie Greenberg     Reading Teacher

Stephanie Greenberg returns to the WCCS faculty this year as the 8th grade reading teacher. After graduating from Princeton University in 2004 with an honors BA in English, she taught literature in NJ public high schools for four years and in a South Korean international program for one year. Ms. Greenberg also holds an MA in Politics and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Ryan Hall     Math Teacher

Ryan Hall returns to WCCS this year as an 8th grade math teacher, Math Department Co-Chair, and Athletic Director. Mr. Hall will also be serving as the Brooklyn Department Coordinator for 8th grade math in the Uncommon Schools Collegiate network. Mr. Hall graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Colorado, with a degree in Economics. During college Mr. Hall was a scholar in the Presidents Leadership Class (PLC) and served as a research assistant for Jim Collins, a leading business thinker and best-selling author. After graduating, Mr. Hall joined Teach For America and taught students in the 7th and 8th grades at PS/IS 165 in Brooklyn, NY, while also creating and coaching after school programs in basketball and sports fitness. Mr. Hall recently received a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Pace University.

Lauren Harris     Associate Managing Director, Collegiate Network

Prior to serving as Associate Managing Director with Uncommon Schools, Lauren Harris co-founded Kings Collegiate Charter School in 2007, and served as Principal from August 2007 – June 2010. Before moving to New York City to join Uncommon Schools, Lauren taught 7th and 8th grade mathematics at Roxbury Preparatory Charter School in Boston, MA, and Ferndale Middle School in High Point, NC. During her last year at Roxbury Preparatory Charter School, her students ranked #1 out of all districts statewide on the 8th grade Math MCAS exam. While at Roxbury Prep, she also served as Grade Level Team Leader and Numeracy Inquiry Group Facilitator. Ms. Harris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education at Appalachian State University in North Carolina and a Master of Education degree at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.

Adam Koneman     Special Education Teacher

Adam Koneman returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as a Special Education teacher. He is also excited to be teaching a section of 5th grade reading and serving as a Brooklyn Middle School Department Coordinator for 5th grade reading. Mr. Koneman graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Philosophy and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from UMASS-Boston. He previously taught in Boston for six years, including three years at Boston Collegiate Charter School as a special education teacher and liaison. Mr. Koneman has also participated in the Mindful Teacher Project and co-taught a Philosophy of Education course at Boston College.

Lauren Latto     Reading Teacher

Lauren Latto returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as the 7th grade reading teacher. Ms. Latto grew up in Portland, Oregon and then graduated from Scripps College in Southern California with a degree in English literature and Spanish language. After graduating, she led a community service trip for middle school students in Costa Rica then moved to Boston to be a part of the MATCH Teacher Residency. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in education from Hunter College.

J.T. Leaird     Instructional Fellow

J.T. Leaird was part of the founding staff of Williamsburg Collegiate in 2005. Prior to serving as Principal, Ms. Leaird served as the Dean of Student Support, Special Education teacher and coordinator and a 7th and 8th grade Reading and Writing teacher. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. While completing her graduate degree, Ms. Leaird researched the writing development of Nashville public school students. Ms. Leaird started her teaching career as a Teach For America Corps Member in New Orleans, teaching second and third grade. Ms. Leaird earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English modified with Studio Art from Dartmouth College.

Michelle Lin     Math Teacher

Michelle Lin returns to WCCS for a third year as a 7th and 8th grade math teacher. Ms. Lin graduated from UCLA with a degree in Economics and two minors in English and Human Complex Systems. While at UCLA, Ms. Lin served as a high school coordinator for UCLA’s Mentorship Program, which paired UCLA students with underserved children ages 5-18 living in North Hollywood. Upon graduation, Ms. Lin joined Teach for America and during her second year in the program, was nominated for the Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teaching Award. Ms. Lin recently received a Master’s in Education from Teacher U, Hunter College.

Shannon Marriott     Science Teacher

Shannon Marriott returns to Williamsburg Collegiate as an 8th Grade Science Teacher. She is very excited explore the world of Biology with her Gators. Ms. Marriott graduated with a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University, and also holds a M.A. in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Ms. Marriott is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Education through Hunter College. Prior to joining WCCS, Ms. Marriott taught 7th Grade Science at Sam Houston Middle School in Irving, Texas, for 2 years. Ms. Marriott has also worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor for The Child and Family Guidance Center, in Dallas, Texas.

Laura Lee McGovern     Chief Operating Officer, Collegiate Charter Schools

Laura Lee McGovern is the Chief Operating Officer of the Collegiate Network of Uncommon Schools. Ms. Lee joined Uncommon Schools in 2007 as the Founding Co-Director of Operations at Kings Collegiate Charter School. Ms. Lee helped establish the systems, processes and cultural foundation that has led Kings to early outstanding achievement and parent/student satisfaction. Ms. Lee also worked as a Summer Fellow and Education Pioneer with Uncommon in 2006. In this capacity, she helped develop school inspection and performance measurement processes. Previously, Ms. Lee worked as a management consultant at Katzenbach Partners LLC, advising companies on strategic and organizational issues, and also served as the founding Director of Analytics in student enrollment at the New York City Department of Education. Ms. Lee received her MBA from Harvard Business School, where she was a Baker Scholar and co-leader of the Education Leadership Group. Ms. Lee earned her A.B. in Social Studies at Harvard College and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Megan Milas     Science Teacher

Megan Vesce returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as a 6th Grade Science Teacher. Ms. Vesce graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in psychology and sociology. After graduating, she served with Teach For America, teaching 6th grade science in Houston, TX. She spent 3 years teaching middle school science at Y.E.S. College Prep before moving to New York to work at WCCS.

Ryan Miller     History Teacher

Ryan Miller teaches Eighth Grade History at WCCS and is the Collegiate Department Coordinator for 8th Grade History across the Collegiate Network. As Department Coordinator, Mr. Miller wrote the 5-8 History Scope and Sequence and 7th and 8th grade Interim Assessments for the Collegiate schools throughout Brooklyn. Mr. Miller also serves as the WCCS High School Placement Coordinator and has previously taught 6th grade history. Prior to teaching, Mr. Miller practiced law in New York City. Mr. Miller received his BA in Economics from Kenyon College, JD from Marquette University, and master's degree in education through Teacher U at Hunter College.

Thomas O'Brien     Math Teacher

Thomas O’Brien returns to WCCS this year as a 6th Grade Math teacher. Prior to joining WCCS, Mr. O’Brien began his teaching career with Teach For America, as a Corps Member teaching Middle School Math at Crownpoint Middle School in Crownpoint, New Mexico. He also supported fellow teachers by facilitating content specific meetings as the Math Collaborative Leader for Teach For America. Mr. O’Brien holds a B.S. with honors in Economics from the University of Oregon, and a Master’s with distinction in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico.

Jami Olivier     Science Teacher

Jami Olivier returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as the 7th grade Science Teacher. Ms. Olivier graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Prior to joining WCCS, Ms. Olivier taught 6th and 8th grade science in Houston, Texas for 2 years.

Brett Peiser     Founder and Managing Director, Uncommon New York City

Brett Peiser is Founder and former Principal and Executive Director of Boston Collegiate Charter School. Boston Collegiate, a college preparatory middle and high school serving over 500 students, is one of Massachusetts’ highest performing schools. In 2005, Mr. Peiser founded Collegiate Charter Schools, an Uncommon Schools network of middle and high schools in Brooklyn, New York. The network's first and second schools – Williamsburg Collegiate and Kings Collegiate Charter Schools – were the #2 and #6 ranked middle schools in all of New York City on the Department of Education’s 2009 progress reports. Since those schools began, Mr. Peiser has also helped start two new middle schools, Bedford Stuyvesant and Brownsville Collegiate Charter Schools, as well as Uncommon Charter High School which will serve students from all of Uncommon’s New York City elementary and middle schools. In 2009, Mr. Peiser became Managing Director of Uncommon New York City, overseeing nearly 2,000 students across Uncommon’s 10 elementary and secondary schools in Brooklyn. Uncommon New York City will ultimately grow to serve 7,000 students across 20 schools. Mr. Peiser is a graduate of New York City Public Schools and a resident of Brooklyn where he taught History at Midwood High School and founded an after-school community basketball program for Midwood/Flatbush teenagers. Mr. Peiser received a BA from Brown University and a MPP degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he also earned the 2001 Rising Star award.

Maura Raggi     Dean of Curriculum and Instruction

Maura Raggi returns to Williamsburg Collegiate as the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. Before taking on this role, Ms. Raggi taught 5th Grade Writing at WCCS. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field teams, Ms. Raggi joined Teach for America in New York City. During her time with Teach For America, she taught 8th grade English and Literacy and founded the R.A.I.S.E Academy for previously low-achieving students. R.A.I.S.E. is now part of Teach For America’s Summer Institute curriculum for new Corps Members. Prior to arriving at WCCS, Ms. Raggi taught 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade English and Literacy at South Bronx College Preparatory. Ms. Raggi received a Masters in Secondary Education from Pace University.

Dara Ratchford     Math Teacher

Dara Ratchford returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as a 5th and 6th Grade Math Teacher. Prior to arriving at WCCS, Ms. Ratchford spent 11 years teaching at Boston Collegiate Charter School, in Boston, MA. As a founding Boston Collegiate teacher, Ms. Ratchford taught Math, Science, Reading, and served as an Advisor during her tenure. Ms. Ratchford holds a B.A. from Wheaton College, in Norton, MA, a M.A. in Teaching from Simmons College, in Boston, MA, and is expected to earn a Masters of Education, Reading Specialist in May of 2011.

Anne Rudnick     History Teacher

Annie Rudnick returns to WCCS as the 6th grade History Teacher. Ms. Rudnick graduated from New York University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While pursuing her degree, she worked with 826NYC as an after-school homework and writing tutor in Williamsburg and as an education intern at the New York Historical Society. After graduating, Ms. Rudnick continued her work with 826 in Los Angeles. She received her Master’s Degree in the Teaching of Social Studies from Teachers College at Columbia University.

Kerry Salvatierra     Reading Teacher

Kerry Salvatierra returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as the 5th grade Reading Teacher and the Reading Department Chair. Prior to joining WCCS, Ms. Salvatierra taught for four years at Brooklyn Jesuit Prep in Crown Heights and received her Master’s Degree in Childhood Education from Fordham University. Ms. Salvatierra graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Religion and a minor in Spanish. While in college, Ms. Salvatierra interned with Aprendamos Juntos, an educational nonprofit in Lima, Peru, and with the Crimson Summer Academy, a summer education program at Harvard. After graduating, she spent a year living in Duran, Ecuador, running an afterschool program and spending time supporting her neighbors. She is thrilled to return to WCCS.

Mark Stulberg     History Teacher

Mark Stulberg returns to Williamsburg Collegiate Charter School for his 5th year at the school. This year in addition to teaching 5th Grade History Teacher Mr. Stulberg will also serve as the grade-level chair for the 5th grade. Before taking on his role as a history teacher, Mr. Stulberg was the school’s Office Manager. Prior to joining WCCS, Mr. Stulberg was Head of the English Department at the Venezuelan School of Planning in Caracas, Venezuela where he helped design curricula and supervise graduate students responsible for collecting census information in local communities. Mr. Stulberg has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study where he studied Spanish, Literature, and Political Science. While attending NYU, Mr. Stulberg also tutored students at Excellence Charter School of Bedford-Stuyvesant, another school in the Uncommon Schools Inc. network. Mr. Stulberg also holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Teacher U at Hunter College. Mr. Stulberg was Williamsburg Collegiate Charter School’s first Teach For America Corp Member.

Andrew Sunberg     Writing Teacher

Andrew Sundberg returns to WCCS this year as the 8th Grade Writing Teacher. Prior to arriving at WCCS, Mr. Sundberg taught two years of 6th Grade Writing at the Harlem Village Academy Charter School, in New York City and 3 years of 4th Grade at the Catherine Blaine School, in Seattle, WA. Mr. Sundberg holds a B.A. in Education and Sociology, from Seattle Pacific University.

Jennifer Syed     Special Education Teacher

Jennifer Syed returns to Williamsburg Collegiate as a Special Education Teacher. Prior to joining WCCS, Ms. Syed spent two years as a Teach For America Corps member, teaching Special Education at a middle school in New York City. Ms. Syed also spent time as a Teach for America Corps Member Advisor where she helped new teachers prepare themselves for the classroom. Ms. Syed earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Voice from Temple University and a Masters of Teaching Middle Childhood and Special Education from Pace University.

Neal Teague     History Teacher

Neal Teague returns to Williamsburg Collegiate as the 7th grade history teacher. Before taking on this role, Mr. Teague was the Dean of Students. Prior to arriving at WCCS, Mr. Teague was a high school History Teacher at Charlestown High School in Boston. Mr. Teague earned his Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College and his Masters of Education in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard University. While at Kenyon, Mr. Teague spent his Junior Year abroad in Costa Rica studying Spanish.

Kemy Wahpepah     Writing Teacher

Kemy Wahpepah returns to Williamsburg Collegiate this year as a 5th Grade Writing Teacher. Ms. Wahpepah was born and raised in the Bay Area of California. In 2009, she graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Social Studies. She spent the following year working at MATCH Charter Public High School in Boston, MA, where she tutored 9th and 10th grade students in math, English, and US History. While at MATCH, she also participated in the Teacher Residency program, teaching non-fiction to 6th grade students. Ms. Wahpepah is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education at Hunter College.

Marnie Zigelman    Social Worker

Marnie Zigelman joins WCCS this year as the school social worker. Ms. Zigelman graduated from The City University of New York College of Staten Island with a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Arts, and a minor in English. After college, she performed at schools around the country teaching children about energy and the environment. Ms. Zigelman then became an English teacher at Washington Irving High School before realizing her passion to help students as a social worker. She continued her education at Fordham University, where she received her Master’s degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration working with children and families. Prior to working at WCCS she was a school social worker for the YWCA of NYC working at PS 327 in Brooklyn, as well as Murry Bergtraum High School in NYC. Ms. Zigelman also has a licensed masters in social work.