Executive Director

Recy Benjamin Dunn most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Ascend Public Charter Schools, a network of K-12 public schools in Brooklyn dedicated to providing all students rich and joyful learning experiences that empower them to live a life of boundless choice. Prior to joining Ascend, he served as the Chief Strategy Officer to the First Deputy Chancellor at the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE), overseeing strategic planning and coherence for school support. He also held roles as one of the NYCDOE’s inaugural Executive Superintendents, managing a diverse portfolio of schools, and as Chief Operations and Growth Officer at YES Prep Public Schools.

Recy’s background includes key positions in various educational institutions, such as New Leaders, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and the District of Columbia Public Schools. He is currently pursuing his EdD in Leadership and Innovation at New York University.

Recy holds an MBA and an MA in Education from Stanford, along with undergraduate degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, and has completed the School District Leadership program at Bank Street College. Recy lives in Brooklyn with his wife. They have two children in college and are recent empty nesters. Recy loves jigsaw puzzles, cooking, and is a coffee aficionado!

Co-Founder

Susan is currently dedicated to ensuring a smooth, steady, and successful leadership transition before embarking on her next adventures and much-anticipated "re-wirement." Following a rigorous and inclusive search process, Susan is working in close partnership with the BUGS Board, school leadership, and incoming Executive Director Recy Benjamin Dunn to set the school up for an exceptional next chapter.

Susan co-founded BUGS bringing over 25 years of experience creating, developing, and managing educational and social service programs across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. She is deeply passionate about creating a sustainable future and exploring individuals' and organizations' potential for growth and learning. Her broad-ranging expertise includes administration, program and staff development, financial and compliance oversight, grants management, and fundraising for nonprofit organizations and schools—including homeless youth and early childhood programs.

An active champion for public education, Susan has brought her professional skills directly to the public school system by serving on the School Leadership Teams of PS295 and the NYC iSchool. Throughout her career as a teacher and educational consultant, she has worked closely with parents, teachers, students, and organizational clients on curriculum and program development, with a distinct focus on constructivist and hands-on experiential learning models.

Susan 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 looks forward to remaining an active, enthusiastic member of the local community and public school system as she enters this exciting next phase of life.

Principal

Wynette Caesar has served as the Principal of the Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School (BUGS) since 2018, having joined the school in 2015 as the Assistant Principal of Humanities. Under her leadership, BUGS recently secured a 5-year renewal from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) in 2026. Wynette has been instrumental in steering the school’s academic evolution, guiding the transition from a traditional instructional model to a comprehensive Standards-Based Learning system. This academic focus, paired with her commitment to inclusive instruction, has driven consistent, year-over-year increases in state test scores across all student populations.

Wynette is a forward-thinking administrator who has positioned BUGS at the forefront of educational innovation. Her key initiatives include implementing school-wide co-teaching in all core content areas (2018), establishing a 1-to-1 technology program (2018) that enabled a seamless transition to remote and hybrid learning during the pandemic, introducing Computer-based NYS Testing in 2019, and launching a successful school-wide no-cell-phone policy in 2021.

Bringing over twenty-six years of experience as a Montessori teacher, special educator, professor, and administrator, Wynette’s career is deeply rooted in instructional expertise. She previously taught at Riverside Early Learning Center as a Montessori teacher for 4 years, at PS 372K, The Children’s School, as a special educator for 11 years, provided early intervention services for many years, and served as an Adjunct Professor of Literacy at Long Island University’s (LIU) Brooklyn Campus for six years.

Wynette holds a Montessori certification, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Science in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities, and 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 and lived in Trinidad, West Indies until the age of 17 and connects deeply with the culture of her sunny island.

Director of Operations

Josh is excited to serve as Director of Operations at BUGS, where he leads the systems, strategy, and daily operations that support a strong, safe, and thriving school community. With nearly a decade at BUGS, Josh has helped shape and strengthen key areas of school operations, including facilities, technology, enrollment, compliance, and family-facing systems, always with a focus on creating clarity, consistency, and strong service for students, staff, and families.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Josh is a proud product of New York City public schools and a graduate of Baruch College, where he earned a B.B.A. in Marketing and Psychology. Before joining BUGS, he managed an after-school tutoring center in Sunset Park, where he deepened his commitment to educational access and building meaningful partnerships with families.

Josh believes that strong school communities are built on trust, aligned systems, and shared accountability. He is passionate about designing operational structures that empower people to do their best work and ensure every family and staff member feels supported. Outside of his work at BUGS, Josh serves as a board member for Brooklyn Compass Charter School, where he contributes to strategic governance and organizational growth. At home, Joshua enjoys life in Brooklyn with his husband as they raise their Cavapoo, Benny.

Assistant Principal of Humanities

Dr. 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. Dr. Maxwell 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. Dr Maxwell, a wife and mother, holds a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, a BA in English/English Secondary Education, and a MSEd in Teaching Literacy.

Dr. Maxwell, 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, S.T.E.A.M.

Christine began her career in education nearly 15 years ago with Teach for America in the South Bronx. She taught high school social studies and economics, as well as engaged students in Project Based Learning through real-world internship projects. She earned her School Building Leader license through the NYC DOE's Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program, served as an assistant principal at her TFA placement school, and subsequently was a founding assistant principal of Gotham Collaborative High School. Christine holds a B.S. in Ethics, History, and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and a M.S. in Teaching from Fordham University. She originally hails from St. Louis, MO (and will defend St. Louis-style pizza rivals that of NYC), but has called the city home for her entire career. Christine came to BUGS in 2022 because she believes in educating for sustainability at her core. She moved to Singapore with her family in 2023 - 24, but has since returned home to BUGS. She feels immensely grateful to once again support the BUGS mission as the Assistant Principal of STEAM. In her free time, Christine is an avid hiker and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and son.

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.

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.

Instructional Coach

Grace is excited to continue at BUGS in her new role as Instructional Coach! A life-long New Yorker, Grace brings over seven years of classroom teaching experience in DOE and charter schools across the city. She earned her BA in History and Political Science at Adelphi University, MA in Adolescent Social Studies Education at Hunter College, and is currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in Educational Leadership. With a deep passion for collaboration and empowering educators, Grace is dedicated to supporting teachers in refining their instructional practices and enhancing student learning outcomes. In her free time, Grace loves to travel, learn new recipes, and hike with her husband and dog, Enzo Pupperoni. Grace is excited to foster a culture of continuous improvement and contribute to the growth and success of her educational community.

7th Grade Science Teacher

Aidan is excited to begin teaching 7th grade science at BUGS. He earned his BA in Biology at Kenyon College where he also played on the tennis team and performed in an acapella group. His main interests in biology lie in plant physiology and marine ecology. After graduating he taught 6th grade science in Bed-Stuy for one year before joining BUGS. As the Nature Counselor at Camp Pasquaney (located in hime home state of New Hampshire), Aidan loves hiking, caneoing, and leading edible plant walks through the NH wilderness. As one who’s heart lives by the ocean, he loves to sail, dive, and exprience all the life of the sea. He hopes to impart the wonder of the natural world to the students of BUGS.

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 Social Studies Teacher

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.

7th Grade Writing Teacher

Mx.Montalvo(they/them) is currently a 7th grade Writing teacher at BUGS! They have worked as a Special Education teacher in the Greater NYC area for eight years. They have a focus on SEL and incorporate it in their curriculum. Certified in NYC and attained a Masters in Childhood Education from Relay Graduate school of Education. On their spare time, Mx. Montalvo loves hikes, walks with their dogs, and visits to art galleries.

Operations Coordinator

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 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 has been a teacher at BUGS since 2016. She teaches 8th-grade reading and is certified in SWD education for K-12. She grew up near Gettysburg, PA, and has lived in Brooklyn for over 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and writing. She is the author of a YA fantasy novel that was a finalist in 2024 for the Killer Nashville Claymore Award.

Teaching Assistant (Spanish & CAPA)

Bri studied Drama at The New School for four years. She has spent the last several years coaching, mentoring, and being a teacher assistant for communities spanning from East Harlem, NY to Harrisonburg, VA. She has a passion for storytelling and accessibility, believing that all voices deserve to be heard, read, seen, and felt. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places, people watching, and trying new things! She is committed to fostering an environment where all humans feel safe and supported enough to spread their wings wherever they choose to go next. She aims in any environment to learn just as much as she teaches, and receive just as much as she shares. Bri came to BUGS to continue this work in the Brooklyn (and beyond!) community, and feels grateful to be a part of the BUGS family.

6th Grade Math Teacher

Carolina is originally from Colombia but has lived in many places, including Mexico, Texas, and Philadelphia, before making Brooklyn her home. Drawing on her diverse background, she brings a wealth of cultural experience to her teaching. Carolina is an accomplished educator with a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a master's from Relay Graduate School of Education. She is an expert in creating customized intervention plans, using data and strong student relationships to help students reach their full academic potential. Her skills include differentiated and interdisciplinary instruction, building strong student relationships, and fostering family partnerships. Carolina has also been recognized in the national press for her insights on education. She is excited to join the BUGS community and help all students actualize their potential.

6th Grade Science Teacher

Cathy Smith brings her curiosity, love of travel, adventure, and caring for people and the planet to teaching 6th grade science at BUGS. Cathy was born in Brooklyn and earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Studies at St. Francis College, followed by a Master’s Certificate in Human Resources, and then a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. In 2018 she began her teaching career at Hyde Leadership Charter School in Brooklyn and has been teaching science at both the middle school and elementary school levels ever since. She is a life-long learner who loves nature and can spend hours observing it. Cathy is excited about working with the students, and learning from them. She is honored to be one of your children's teachers and grateful for the opportunity to grow at BUGS.

Director of Compliance & HR

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.

Bio Coming Soon!

7th Grade Sustainable Design Teacher

Tap (she/they) is happy to be back at BUGS for their fiftth 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.

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.

Teaching Assistant, P.E., Health & Technology

Bio coming soon!

Sustainable Design 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.

7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Bio coming soon!