The BUGS Team
BUGS Staff are defined by their passionate commitment to the individual needs of our students, academic rigor, adolescent development, sustainability education, celebration of diversity, and their personal professional growth and collaboration with colleagues. The BUGS Staff culture is one of can-do attitudes, support and joy. We are all in this together!
Executive Director
Susan has over 25 years of experience creating, developing and managing educational and social service programs in the private, public and non-profit sectors. She is passionate about creating a sustainable future and exploring individuals' and organizations' potential for growth and learning. She has broad-ranging experience in administration, including program and staff development, financial and compliance oversight, grants management and fundraising for nonprofit organizations and schools, including homeless youth and early childhood programs. She has brought her professional skills to the public school system by serving on the School Leadership Teams of PS295 and the NYC iSchool. In her teaching and educational consulting practice, Ms. Tenner worked directly with parents, teachers, students and organizational clients on curriculum and program development, with a focus on constructivist and hands-on experiential learning models. She earned her B.A. with honors from Brown University and received her Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She lives in Greenwood Heights with her husband and children, and is an active, enthusiastic member of the community and public school system.
Principal
Wynette joined BUGS in 2015 and brings with her over ten years of experience as a special educator, professor, and administrator. She formerly taught several grade levels at PS 372K, The Children’s School and continues to be an Adjunct Professor of Literacy at Long Island University’s (LIU) Brooklyn Campus, where she has taught since 2012. Wynette holds a Bachelor’s/Master’s of Science in Childhood Education and Student with Disabilities along with a Master’s of Science in Teaching Literacy from LIU. She also holds a Postgraduate Advanced Certificate in Education Leadership from SUNY Stony Brook. Wynette was born in the sunny island of Trinidad, West Indies, and was raised there until the age of 17. She connects the school's sustainability theme with the use of water collection systems as this is a valued resource in many areas of her native island.
Director of Operations
Cay came to BUGS in 2014 via a circuitous route involving graphic design, motherhood, bookkeeping, and leading her children’s PTA. She has been organized and organizing others all of her life, and is thrilled to get to do it all day at BUGS! She loves working with middle schoolers every day, having had two of her own. Cay loves to read, knit and cook for family & friends. She does not love to go running or vacuum.
Email: cay.tolson@BUGSbrooklyn.org
Assistant Principal, Humanities
Mrs. Keneshia Maxwell has been an educational disruptor for more than two decades and believes that "to whom much is given much is required”. She has a staunch belief and respect for the power of education. Keneshia has been an intentional advocate, starting as a Reading and Writing classroom teacher who used the curriculum to amplify and enfranchise underrepresented voices in our society. Keneshia, a wife and mother, holds a BA in English/English Secondary Education, M.Ed in Teaching Literacy, and is currently an organizational leadership doctoral candidate.
Keneshia, a certified mentor, seeks to use her formal platform of instructional leadership to support and develop teachers. Who she is today, is due to the hard work and unwavering commitment of her "village," her industriousness, perseverance, and diligence. Whatever she does, both professionally and personally, she does it hoping to offer that which she has been given.
Assistant Principal of S.T.E.A.M.
Sade came to BUGS in January 2018 to serve as the Inclusion Coordinator, after working as a Special Educator in central Florida for grades K-5 and New Jersey for grades 5 -6. Over the summer she transitioned into the role of Director of Inclusion and is super excited to support the growth of all students. Currently completing her Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Leadership in Educational Administration, she believes learning is a lifelong journey. Outside of BUGS, Sade is a wife and mother of 3 boys who enjoys traveling with her family and dog, Cookie.
7th Grade Writing Teacher & ELA Department Chair
Ms. Alana was born and raised in Brooklyn (not too far from BUGS!) and is happy to be returning to the BUGS team as a 7th-grade writing teacher. She moved back home to Brooklyn from the Hudson Valley after attending Bard College and completing her B.A. in Human Rights and a Master's in Teaching Literature. Ms. Alana has worked with children in many capacities over the last ten years, but her favorite thing about teaching ELA is cultivating discussions about books and helping students find their voice as writers. In her spare time, she enjoys catching a game at Yankee Stadium, riding her bike around Brooklyn, and trying out new restaurants with friends.
7th Grade Reading Teacher
Alyssa is really excited about teaching 7th graders at BUGS! Alyssa went to Rutgers University where she received a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Special/Elementary Education. Previously, Alyssa was a 3rd and 4th grade teacher. She is committed to providing a high-quality education for all students and can be found hanging out with her friends on the weekends!
Guidance Counselor
Anali began her youth work over 15 years ago as a youth development counselor at a Boys and Girls Club on Long Island. She graduated from Molloy College with a B.S. in Psychology and went on to receive her Master's in School Counseling from Long Island University, C.W. Post. She has worked as a school counselor at both elementary and high school charter schools in Brooklyn. Anali came to BUGS as the founding Guidance Counselor in 2013, because of the school mission focused on community, exploration, and student voice. In addition to counseling, she oversees the Advisory program and High School Placement Process. She looks forward to continued collaboration with BUGS students, parents and faculty to help every student develop strong character, life skills and academic skills. On her free time, Anali enjoys reading, yoga and spending time with her family.
6th Grade Math Teacher & Math Department Chair
Andre was born in East New York, Brooklyn. The education he received in his neighborhood zone school was subpar, and his mother decided to move the family upstate to Buffalo, N.Y. Life in Buffalo felt much different than in Brooklyn, so it took him some time to adjust. His goal was to graduate high school and then attend college, where he was accepted to Buffalo State College. This is where he pursued his undergraduate degree in liberal arts. After college, Mr. Williams decided to move back to Brooklyn to start his career as a teacher. He worked for the Department of Education for 5 years, went back to get his master’s degree at Touro College, a private school in East New York, Brooklyn and then on to charter schools in Downtown Brooklyn and East Harlem. He comes to us with over 10 years of teaching experience, and is looking forward to working with the scholars at BUGS this year.
Operations Assistant
Aqilah is an Americorps graduate who served with Green City Force, a nonprofit organization that promotes social justice and environmental sustainability. Throughout her term with GCF, she has gained experience in urban agriculture and energy efficiency. After she graduated, she continued working with Green City Force as a Tree Analyst, assessing the health of various types of trees in NYCHA public housing developments. She then worked as the Data and Evaluation Assistant at Red Hook Initiative, another nonprofit that helps urban youth improve their personal and academic development. She attended Brooklyn Technical High School, where she initially took an interest in environmental science. She has taken courses at Fairleigh Dickinson University, studying Mass Communication and Multimedia Journalism. In her spare time, you can find her taking photos of nature, journaling, and exploring new cuisines.
7th Grade Writing Teacher
Betsy is delighted to get students excited about ELA. Betsy loves the inclusive, nurturing environment at BUGS. She holds an MA in Reading Intervention from Teachers College at Columbia and a BA in Secondary Education and English from Boston College. Betsy is certified to teach Special Education and English Language Arts for grades 7-12. In her free time, Betsy runs in Prospect Park with her hound dog Reba, quilts and sews clothing, reads books written for middle school students and adults, and visits her family in Idaho.
8th Grade Math Teacher
Bibi is committed to providing a safe and equitable learning environment for all students, which is one of the reasons that she decided to become a BUGS teacher. She has over 20 years of experience in the Education sector of which she has taught Math and Science for 7 years. Bibi has a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Post Graduate diploma in Education. In her spare time, Bibi likes to hike, bike and hang out with her two active sons.
8th Grade Reading Teacher
Breanne is thrilled to be at BUGS teaching her favorite subject, reading! She earned her Master’s degree from Touro College and is dual certified in General and Special Education. She is excited to work with students toward a better future through sustainability education. Breanne grew up near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and has been living in New York City for the past 15 years. In her free time she enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.
7th Grade Math Teacher
Carol is making her way to BUGS all the way from the stunning landscapes of Alberta, Canada. Having embarked on her teaching journey in 2007, Carol brings a wealth of experience from various settings and roles to the BUGS community. Armed with a special education degree from the University of Alberta, her true passion lies in supporting students from diverse backgrounds and with varying learning needs. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her swimming, getting lost in a good read, or working on her pottery. This position at BUGS marks her first teaching assignment beyond the Canadian borders. Exciting times are ahead!
Email: carol.appah@BUGSbrooklyn.org
7th Grade Science Teacher
Cesar has been teaching since 2014. After he graduated from NYU with a physics degree, he continued at NYU to earn his Master's degree in education. Immediately, he started teaching, first in the Bronx, then in Harlem, and now at BUGS! Mr. Cesar loves being a BUGS teacher because he appreciates the school's mission to make communities better and greener. Aside from teaching, Mr. Cesar enjoys playing video games, drawing, hiking, and discovering new music.
Director of Inclusion & Assessments
Dan has been a passionate public educator for ten years. Prior to joining the BUGS team, he was the Director of School Culture at Future Leaders Institute Charter School in Harlem. Before moving into school administration, Dan taught 7th and 8th grade Humanities and worked as a school team facilitator for the Department of Education’s District Charter Collaborative. Dan has a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. Dan is a passionate supporter of the New York sport teams and likes to spend his free time going to Yankees games or working in his garden. Dan believes that through engaging, rigorous and supportive curriculum, all students have the capacity to succeed. Dan came to BUGS because of the school’s commitment to supporting the academic and social emotional needs of all its students, as well as, the school’s mission to help build a more just, equitable and sustainable world.
Email: daniel.nee@BUGSbrooklyn.org
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, NJHS Advisor
Devon is passionate about both classroom and field-based education and is excited to be at a school that combines the two. She is a graduate of Stanford University with a B.A. in History and an M.A. in Earth Systems Environmental Communication. Outside of school she enjoys crafting of all types, spending time with her two pet rabbits, going on camping trips, and playing board games.
6th Grade Writing Teacher
Dyllan graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with BA’s in English & Japanese and from Relay Graduate School of Education with an MA in Education. He is a New York-certified Middle School Generalist and High School Language Arts Specialist with several years of experience in a variety of contexts including English education in Japan, Montessori education for Grades PK-8, and special services and generalist in ELA education at network charter schools.
In his free time, you can find him writing poetry; learning living, dying, and dead languages; and tending to his plants
Sustainability Teacher, Garden Manager & I.S. Coordinator
Tap (she/they) is happy to be back at BUGS for their fourth year of Sustainability class! She has a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont and loves supporting students as they build and expand their relationship to the natural world. They enjoy planning lessons that get students outside exploring the world around them and have a commitment to sharing many perspectives on what sustainability means. Outside of school, you might find Tap sitting in the sun, exploring the woods, or listening to music.
Email: tap.peters@BUGSbrooklyn.org
8th Grade Writing Teacher
Estelle is thrilled to join BUGS as an 8th-grade writing teacher. She graduated from Relay GSE with a Master's in Childhood Education, and this is her 5th year in teaching. She came to BUGS because she was drawn to the school's commitment to sustainability and community. Outside of school, you can find her traveling, drawing, and attending shows.
7th Grade Special Education Social Studies Teacher & Instructional Technology Coordinator
Georgia joined BUGS in the fall of 2017 after teaching for three years in the Bronx. She studied International Studies at the University of San Francisco and later received her Masters in Special Education at Hunter College in New York. She is passionate about teaching current events and social sustainability. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked for a low-income housing development corporation in San Francisco. She loves to cook (eat), travel, and spend time with family.
6th Grade Social Studies Teacher & Social Studies Department Chair
Ms. Silver (she/her/hers) is excited to join BUGS to teach 6th-grade Social Studies! A lifelong New Yorker, Ms. Silver previously taught at DOE schools for five years in Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx. She earned her BA in History and Political Science at Adelphi University and is currently completing her Masters in Adolescent Social Studies education at Hunter College. In her free time, Ms. Silver loves to travel around the world, learn new recipes, and hike the Catskill Mountains with her husband and dog, Enzo Pupperoni. Ms. Silver is committed to creating a positive and compassionate learning environment where students feel comfortable taking risks while still having fun!
Sustainability Teacher
Hanna Jane (she/they) is thrilled to be teaching sustainability and all it encompasses at BUGS! They grew up upstate, near Albany, and graduated from Bard College with their B.A. in Environmental & Urban Studies and Written Arts along with their Master’s in Environmental Education. Hanna has experience working for the Cloud Institute that developed the Education for Sustainability (EfS) standards and strongly believes in their wisdom. in her free time, she enjoys going on long hikes, biking, exploring new places, writing, and listening to people tell stories. She comes to BUGS with a passion for social justice and anti-colonial perspectives on the world we share and the conviction that middle schoolers can create huge change.
Main Office Assistant
Jasmine was born and raised in New York City and is excited to support the staff, students and families of BUGS as the Main Office Assistant. Jasmine has attended institutions such as The City College of NY and LaGuardia Community college completing courses ranging from Theatre Arts to Writing/Literature. Although Jasmine has an extensive background in sales and hospitality, her true passion has always been teaching and mentorship. In 2013 she began working with children ages 5-14 as an Assistant Music Teacher at On Broadway: Performing Arts Training Program and volunteers with them whenever she can. Jasmine is committed to being in service to communities that are passionate about fostering a safe, inclusive and engaging environment for children and their families. In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys singing, dancing and spending time with her family and friends.
Living Environment Teacher & Science Department Chair
Jennifer is excited to be back as the science department chair and general education Living Environment teacher at BUGS. Jennifer received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and her Master of Arts degree in education from the University of South Florida. Jennifer has been teaching science for more than 18 years and she makes sure that science at BUGS is hands-on, inquiry-based, collaborative, and fosters a lifetime love of science! Jennifer has a daughter who attends NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and a son who attended BUGS and is now a sophomore at Art and Design High School in Manhattan. Jennifer loves the cold weather in NY, enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and son, playing with her Golden Retrievers, Sophie and Henry, and cat Karma, and watching Crime Dramas.
Email: jen.bennett@BUGSbrooklyn.org
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher & 7th Grade Team Leader
Jessica loves teaching at BUGS because of its reputation as a place where students' creativity and curiosity shine! Jessica is a graduate of NYU with a Master’s in Social Studies Education and of Ithaca College with a Bachelor's degree in Social Studies. Jessica has been teaching in NYC schools for 5 years as a 6th grade Social Studies teacher. She now contributes her enthusiasm and joyfulness to the 7th grade team as Social Studies teacher and Department Chair. Jessica also serves as the Instructional Technology Coordinator here at BUGS. Jessica is committed to understanding each of her students' individual learning needs and meeting them where they are with targeted, engaging instruction and opportunities to grow. On the weekends, she can be found cooking, pampering her rescue cat Louie, reading a thought-provoking book, or pursuing her passion for travel.
Assistant Director of Business Operations
Josh is passionate about his work at BUGS. Whether he is supporting families both new and returning, or in the background synchronizing the technology needs of students and staff, Joshua is driven by being able to provide solutions for the BUGS community. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Joshua graduated from Baruch College, where he earned a B.B.A. in Marketing & Psychology. Prior to arriving at BUGS, Josh developed his passion for education and working with families by running an after-school tutoring center in the heart of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Josh uses his passion for cutting-edge technology to discover creative ways to assist members of the BUGS community in meeting their learning and productivity goals. In his free time, Joshua enjoys hosting competitive game nights with family and friends.
Physical Education Teacher, Digital Skills Enrichment Teacher
Joshua is a US Navy veteran of 8 years and NYC graphic designer/photographer; he joined the BUGS community as the physical Education and technology/graphic design teacher in 2015. Having received a degree from St.Joseph's College and working as a paraprofessional for the DOE, Mr. Josh brings his enthusiasm, knowledge, and respect for the importance of physical education while helping increase his students’ understanding of nutrition and health. Mr. Josh or “Sketch”, as he is known artistically, has a passion for art, singing, acting, and sports. When he is not teaching he enjoys playing video games, designing 3D art, making/designing clothes, working out, and playing sports.
Art Studio Teacher & Garden Manager
Julia is an artist and educator from upstate New York. She completed a BFA in Fiber at the Maryland Institute College of Art and worked in the textile industry for a few years before returning to MICA to complete an MA in Teaching, specializing in Art Education. She is excited to teach at BUGS as a Studio Art Teacher. A believer in collaboration, student choice, and experimentation, Julia loves to create meaningful artwork with her students. When not at school, you might find her dyeing, weaving, and making clothes in the studio, gardening, or out for a long bike ride through the city.
Email: julia.john@BUGSbrooklyn.org
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Julia grew up an hour north of the city in the Hudson Valley. Before coming to BUGS Julia previously taught sixth-grade humanities and reading in both independent and charter school settings. Julia holds a B.A. in Adolescent Social Studies education from SUNY New Paltz and Master’s degree in Technology Education from the Teachers College at Columbia University. When she isn’t teaching she enjoys tending to her small balcony garden or spending time with her 10 pound shih tzu, CC.
Associate Dean of Students & Creative & Performing Arts (C.A.P.A.) Enrichment Teacher
Kid Belle aka Mr. Kid started his professional career at the age of 18. Later on, he became a local NYC street performer and started booking professional jobs, such as a Stussy Clothing photoshoot, Jolly Rancher and Nickelodeon commercials, as well as appearing on BET, MTV, VH1, NBC, and other cable networks. Mr. Kid also realized the joy of teaching and in about a year, he grew from two classes a week to eight classes a week, and teaching at various studios around New York. He is now brought in as a special guest choreographer to various studios and conventions. His choreography has won multiple national titles and recognition. Mr. Kid is well known for not only his dancing, but also his community outreach work, such as motivational speaking at public schools, performing for the Department of Homeless Services and The Seton Foundation for down syndrome and special needs, and he has taught at the Crossroads Juvenile Detention Center in Brooklyn NY. Mr. Kid continues to inspire his colleagues and motivates his students.
Email: kid.belle@BUGSbrooklyn.org
English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher
Kimberly is over the moon about joining the BUGS team as an ENL teacher! Having been born and (partly) raised in Puerto Rico, she knows what it’s like to learn an unfamiliar language in unfamiliar territory. She comes to BUGS with a B.A. in Political Science, which she used as a political journalist in Albany, and will be receiving her M.S. Ed. for TESOL in the Spring. Throughout her life, Kimberly has always had an abundance of interests. She is passionate about performing arts and likes to spend her time singing, dancing, or acting. But she also has begun to practice calligraphy, play around with cooking recipes, and enjoys fashion photography. Kimberly uses her multitude of interests to enrich her English language lessons and connect with students in ways they enjoy. She looks forward to teaching and learning from BUGS students, as well as sharing pictures of her senior cat, Alex, with them.
Associate Dean of Students
LaTonya is a dedicated professional who has been part of the BUGS community for many years. Recognizing the importance of caring adults in children's lives, Tonya endeavors to be a supportive figure that students can turn to for guidance and mentorship. With a focus on educational leadership, she is committed to empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential and to foster a culture of well-being and happiness. She believes in the philosophy of "teach one, reach one," aiming to positively impact the lives of those around her and build a community that everyone can take pride in.
Email: tonya.brown@BUGSbrooklyn.org
Founding Teacher & Sustainability Program Manager
Ms. Laura is a founding BUGS teacher and brings a broad range of experience to the BUGS team. She has worked in many facets of the environmental field over the past 20 years in the areas of education, local food production, green architecture and sustainable large-scale agriculture. She received her B.A. in Environmental Science from Drake University with a focus on Latin America and minored in Spanish. After completing her undergraduate work she spent a year studying at the University of Costa Rica and working with local environmental organizations. During her work in agriculture, she led research trips to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Growing up bicultural and bilingual (traveling between Iowa and Mexico City) has given her a unique perspective inside the conversation of sustainability. She is looking forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the BUGS team to bring her many passions together in the service of igniting a spirit of global citizenship and local action within our future BUGS sustainability leaders!
People Operations Manager
Leah comes to BUGS with nearly 20 years of experience in education as an arts educator, curriculum developer, and administrator. She holds a BA in Psychology from Salem State University and an MFA from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University’s Tisch School Of The Arts. Her work as a playwright and musical theatre writer has been produced across the U.S. She is the proud recipient of the Best Concept for a Play Award for her play, Entangled and the Linda LeRoy Janklow Teaching Award for teaching artists. She is inspired by the BUGS C.A.R.E.S. mission of sustainability and looks forward to collaborating, learning and building with the staff and students in the coming years!
Email: leah.miles@BUGSbrooklyn.org
6th Grade Science Teacher & 6th Grade Team Leader
Lucie has more than 20 years’ experience teaching elementary and middle school, both in general and special education classes. Lucie is a graduate of Sacred Heart University, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science. Later she received an MSEd. in Elementary Education from Lehman College and is currently pursuing a 2nd Masters in Educational Leadership at the College of St. Rose. Outside of the classroom, Lucie is an advisor to the BUGS Student Council and the BUGS chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. As a native New Yorker, Lucie is excited to show city kids where nature exists in the concrete jungle. In her free time, Lucie enjoys Disney, cooking, cheering for the Knicks, traveling, and quilting.
Email: lucie.davis@BUGSbrooklyn.org
6th Grade Math Teacher
Luisa is a first-year teacher from Portland, OR. She is excited to share her love of math puns and jokes with anyone who will listen! Luisa began her path to being a teacher as an outdoor educator and summer camp counselor/director. Luisa loves connecting math to real-world situations and teaching students about how they can utilize their math skills to be impactful global citizens! She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Education with a concentration in middle school mathematics. When Luisa isn’t at school she is adventuring with her chiweenie Corndog.
Email: luisa.burri@BUGSbrooklyn.org
Technology Coordinator & Technology Teaching Assistant
Malcolm is excited to be part of the BUGS team. Malcolm has spent the past five years working in many different areas of education from academic enrichment to recreation. Malcolm is currently finishing up his associate degree in liberal arts to then pursue a degree in physical education. Malcolm is looking forward to teaching how students play a part in sustainability and how they can change their environment for the better. In his free time, Malcolm enjoys running, playing basketball, playing video games, and working on cars.
6th Grade Writing Teacher
Monica is thrilled to join the BUGS community as a 6th Grade Writing Teacher! Born and raised on a vegetable farm in New Hampshire, Monica has deep roots in the garden and has continued to explore environmental justice and sustainability throughout her life. She holds a B.S. in Health Policy and Management and a B.A. in Public and Community Service Studies from Providence College. After serving as a garden and nutrition educator with AmeriCorps, Monica taught fourth-grade special education for four years in Brooklyn and earned her M.S. in Childhood and Special Education Grades 1-6. She is passionate about supporting diverse learners and fostering an inclusive and brave community of writers! In her free time, she loves crafting, hiking and walking outside, spending time with family and friends, and cooking.
6th Grade Reading Teacher, I.S. Coordinator
Ms. Victome is excited to be a 6th-grade reading studies teacher and advisor! Patricia grew up in Long Island and holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from SUNY College at Old Westbury. Before coming to BUGS, Patricia previously worked as a paraprofessional and spent the past 4 years teaching core content subjects to students across grades (K-8) in both independent and charter schools. Patricia loves the creative arts, cooking, and exploring new places. Patricia is committed to inspiring her students to become confident, passionate learners with the courage and skills to lead their lives with integrity.
8th Grade Math Teacher
Paula is excited to teach sustainability indoors and outside in the BUGS garden with students! She has been teaching Living Environment and Sustainable Architecture for over 25 years in NYC public schools and she loves working with students on creative green projects. Paula is a political cartoonist with WW3 and was the first female editor of this publication in 1984, now the longest-running political art magazine in the world. She has published books and articles on subjects ranging from Skateboarders and Public Architecture to Worms. She has a Fine Arts degree from Cooper Union, a Bachelors in Visual Art from SUNY Empire State, a Masters in Science from LIU and she is currently studying Neural and Behavioral Science with a focus on Adolescent Development.
8th Grade Writing Teacher
Mr. Elliott was born and raised in Brooklyn and is excited to join the BUGS team as an 8th-grade writing teacher. He believes the rich school culture that emphasizes sustainability, inclusion and equity will help create the next generation’s agents of change. At SUNY Oswego he majored in Creative Writing and received his BA in 2013 and a Master’s from St. John’s University in Education in 2022. He believes that developing effective writing skills provide students with lifelong benefits. He brings a decade of experience working with students in a variety of roles. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys playing chess and jogging in Prospect Park.
Dean of Students
Primos Cobb is a passionate advocate for education, with a remarkable journey that began in Inner City Atlanta. Primos started by contributing to a groundbreaking meditation study designed to empower foster youth, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to education. In 2014, they joined Teach for America as an Atlanta corps member, dedicating six years to teaching 7th-grade math in Atlanta and Brooklyn. Their impact extended beyond the classroom as they assumed the role of Dean of Students for three years, demonstrating leadership and dedication in creating a nurturing school community. Primos is excited to be part of the BUGS community, drawn by its values of community and sustainability. Their journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and their unwavering dedication to fostering a love for learning in students.
Email: primos.cobb@BUGSbrooklyn.org
8th Grade Living Environment Teacher
Raven is excited to be returning for her 5th year at BUGS, as the SPED 8th grade Living Environment Teacher. Raven has over eight years of experience working with children, in both the elementary and middle school setting. Raven is looking forward to contributing to the academic growth of our students and assisting them to be sustainable participants in our society. Raven is a native Brooklynite and holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies of Childhood Education and History from Nyack College. Raven received her Master's Degree from Mercy College in both Childhood & Special Education during the Pandemic. On her spare time, she loves diving into a really good book, traveling with friends and family, and enjoys trying new foods.
Email: raven.mena@BUGSbrooklyn.org
Spanish Teacher
Rebeca is excited to be part of the BUGs community. She holds a Bachelors in Elementary School Education & Spanish and is currently pursuing her Masters degree to be a literacy specialist. As the daughter of Dominican and Ecuadorian parents, she hopes to share her love for her culture with her students through language and other aspects of the culture. She has four years of experience working in her community as a youth leader. On the rare occasion when she has free time, Rebeca loves discovering new restaurants, playing her instruments, or catching up on sleep.
Email: rebeca.arguello-penedo@BUGSbrooklyn.org
Learning Specialist
Roxanne is thrilled to join BUGS as a learning specialist. Prior to coming to BUGS, Roxanne taught Visual Art, English Language Arts, and Math in South Bronx. She holds her Bachelor's in Psychology from Wagner College and her Masters's in Dance Education in K-12 from Hunter College. She loves spending time outside with her dog named “Baby”, going to Prospect Park, and on hikes upstate. Roxanne loves painting, drawing, dancing, and being creative. She is excited to work at BUGS because she believes in its mission to teach sustainability through real-world problem-solving.
Academic Program and Data Manager
Shinelle was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and came to BUGS from the higher education sector and holds a BS in Information Systems and a Master's in Human Resource Management from Long Island University - Brooklyn. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new cuisines, traveling to warm locales, watching crime dramas, and spending time with her family. Shinelle looks forward to supporting the BUGS community and its mission.
Director of Marketing & Outreach
Susan is excited to be a member of the Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School team and increase awareness about the school’s commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to learning. Previously Susan was the deputy director of marketing and communications at East Harlem Tutorial Program (EHTP) where she was responsible for programs and strategies to strengthen the organization’s brand and deepen understanding of its progress and accomplishments. Before joining EHTP, Susan was the director of communications and community outreach for Ascend Charter Schools and senior manager of EPIC Communications for New Leaders for New Schools. She began her career at Symphony Space in New York City, developing strategies that would yield record attendance and ticket revenue. Susan is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Columbia Business School.
Email: susan.bakst@BUGSbrooklyn.org
7th Grade Math Teacher
Teddy grew up in Ithaca, NY, and is excited to be teaching at BUGS! He graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Computer Science and spent 4 years as a software engineer before following his passion for teaching. He believes all students can excel in math and is always looking for connections between the curriculum and students' passions. He enjoys dancing, cooking for big groups, and learning about where our stuff goes when we're done using it.
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher & 8th Grade Team Leader
Tim brings over eighteen years of educational experience to BUGS as an 8th-grade Reading teacher. Tim is also the 8th-grade team leader. He has taught in the public, private, and parochial school settings at varying grade levels from Pre-K to high school. Tim graduated from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Studio Art minor. He holds a K-12 special education teaching certification in New Jersey. He has also taken master's level courses in Education and Special Education at Rutgers University, Rowan University, and Saint Peter's University and is currently pursuing a Masters' degree in Curriculum and Instruction. After ten years of teaching (focusing mainly on high school English), taking graduate courses, and coaching varsity high school football, he spent several years as a stay-at-home dad to his three children. After starting and running a successful frozen yogurt business, Tim realized he was missing his passion for teaching and became a fixture as a "permanent" substitute teacher at P.S. 10 here in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Tim is passionate about reading, writing, music, art, and the theater. He lives in Brooklyn with his beautiful wife, son, two daughters, and two dogs, Odin and Loki.
Email: timothy.brown@BUGSbrooklyn.org
6th Grade Science Teacher
Tim is excited to be teaching 6th grade science at BUGS. He earned his Bachelor's from Hunter College and is passionate about interdisciplinary science learning, including renewable energy systems. He studied these renewable energy systems at Solar Energy International and received his Solar Professionals Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate in 2017. He taught 7th and 8th grade at East Side Community High School in Manhattan, he was a Director of Education at Green Thumb (NYC Parks), a Program Director at Open Road, a consultant for the Trust for Public Land Playground Program, and a carpenter. He has planted gardens, built compost-heated greenhouses, designed and installed solar systems and wildlife ponds all over New York City, and looks forward to continuing new adventures in science with the BUGS team. Tim lives in Brooklyn and loves to spend his free time with his family (including his dog Spot). He loves the outdoors, boating, camping, and model making.
Email: tim.rutgers@BUGSbrooklyn.org
6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Tina (she/her) is thrilled to be joining the BUGS community as a 6th-grade Social Studies teacher! She grew up in Westchester, NY and moved to southern Mississippi for middle and high school. After returning to NY in 2013, Tina graduated from Fordham University with a concentration in music and philosophy. She then proceeded to Relay Graduate School of Education for a Master’s degree. Previously, she taught 4th grade, primarily teaching reading and math. In her free time, Tina enjoys spending time with her family & friends, as well as running a small nail studio after school and on weekends. Tina is excited to bring her passion for closing the gaps and inconsistencies of education for students with unique learning needs to BUGS.
Email: tina.vilar@BUGSbrooklyn.org
Guidance Counselor
Trish is excited to join the BUGS team as a Guidance Counselor. Trish grew up in the Bronx, NY. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts from Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus), a master’s degree in School Counseling from Alfred University, and an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling. For the past 20 years, Trish has dedicated herself to the social services field working with adults with intellectual disabilities and children with special needs. Trish hopes to continue to make a difference with the students while coming up with sustainable approaches to handling everyday issues. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, cooking and watching the Knicks or Liberty Basketball games.
Email: trish.neal@BUGSbrooklyn.org
7th Grade Science Teacher
Zack has been teaching in NYC public schools for more than 8 years as a science teacher. He is passionate about conducting engaging science lessons with his students as well as in field trip education. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Earth Science Education from Brooklyn College, Students with disabilities from Touro College, and a B.S. in Business Management and Finance from Brooklyn College. Zack has worked in the restaurant business, and then in finance, before deciding to change his career to teaching. Zack lives in Brooklyn and enjoys outdoor activities in its city parks.
Email: zack.eitan@BUGSbrooklyn.org
If you would like to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teacher please write us at info@BUGSbrooklyn.org or call (718) 280-9556.
Si desea solicitar información sobre las calificaciones profesionales del maestro de clase de su hijo, escríbanos a info@BUGSbrooklyn.org o llame al (718) 280-9556.