Every child deserves a chance to achieve.
The mission of the Amani Public Charter School is to provide Mount Vernon, New York students in the 5th through 8th grades with the academic skills necessary to succeed in competitive high school programs, college and the career of their choice.
Our History
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The concept of Amani began at their kitchen table. Founders Charles and Debra Stern then formed a coalition to bring a high performing charter school to Mount Vernon, NY. The Sterns, along with other public school parents, educators and business people joined forces to develop the school’s charter application. In 2010 the New York State Education Department authorized Amani Public Charter School. Amani is the first and only charter school in Mount Vernon. Admission is open to all children, including those with special needs and English language learners. Nearly all of our students reside in Mount Vernon. Students are admitted through a random lottery held each April.
Timeline
Our Team
Debra Stern
Executive Director
Mrs. Stern brings to Amani her experience as a college administrator, adjunct faculty member and social worker. She is also a public school parent and an active member of the Alumni Council of Cornell University. She holds a Masters in Social Work from College of New Rochelle, and a Master of Educational Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University. A New York City native, Debra grew up in New Rochelle and then lived in Mount Vernon for many years, where she founded the Friends of Mount Vernon Public Library, and also served as President of the districtwide PTA Council. This unique background makes her exceptionally qualified to lead the organization as it grows and pursues its mission of educational achievement.
Philip Salmon
Director of Finance
Jamell Scott
Principal
Bruce Tanner
Director of Operations
Instructional Staff
Adam Abramowitz, 8th Grade ELA Teacher
Taisha Auguste, Aide
Andre Bambara, Latin Teacher
Anthony Barbetto, PE Teacher
Toby Barg, 8th Grade ELA Teacher
Mecca Best, Aide
Jasmine Cates, 7th Grade Math Teacher
Steven Chang, Math Teacher
Carol Chin, Librarian
Siobhan Clarke, 7th Grade ELA Teacher
Nicol Cobenas, 6th Grade Math Teacher
Fayola Fleurantin, 7th Grade ELA Teacher
Tia Frazier, 6th Grade ELA Teacher
Fernando Garcia, Music Teacher
Tyrell Goodman, Aide
Joel Guerrier, Math Teacher
Shayna Hutchinson, 5th Grade ELA Teacher
Mailyn Irizarry, 6th Grade Science Teacher
Raudys Jimenez, 7th Grade Science Teacher
Lindsey Knebel, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Ernst LeJeune, 8th Grade Math Teacher
Graceanne Malloy, Art Teacher
Mary Martin, 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Loretta McDonald, 6th Grade Math Teacher
Natalie McFarlane, 5th Grade Math Teacher
Jessi Montuma, 5th Grade Science Teacher
Michael Morlino, Special Education Teacher
Sophia Parande, Math Teacher
Jonathan Powers, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Jessica Richardson, PE Teacher
Teri Scott, 5th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Sierra Shepard, 8th Grade Science Teacher
Rakeisha Smith, 5th Grade ELA Teacher
Lorice Townsend, Special Education Coordinator
Brandon White, Technology Teacher
Johnayia White, Math Teacher
DEANS/ SEL Staff
Kacie Anderson, Dean of Scholar & Families
Michelle Ederer, Social Worker
Alysia James, Dean of Scholar & Families
Michael Jaros, Guidance Counselor
INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES
Cara Martin
Jane Tulley
SUPPORT STAFF
Amiell Cobb, Registrar
Ashley Davenport, Office Manager
Lennox Dressikie, Custodian
Karl Eason, Data and AIT Manager
Nicole Francis, Nurse
Kelly D. Gardner, Executive Assistant
Rebecca Johnson, Office Aide
Jerry Lester, Custodian
Marelys Popoter, Marketing Coordinator
Antonio Scott, Head Custodian
Mark Stewart, Technology Coordinator
Rebecca Wise, Bookkeeper
Brittany Woodley, Food Service Associate
Harvey Zuckerman, Fundraising and Extended Day Coordinator
Board of Directors
Sid Burke: a partner in the New York Office of DLA Piper LLP (US), a global law firm. Mr. Burke lends his own legal expertise and facilitates pro bono legal assistance for the school. Mr. Burke received his J.D from NYU School of Law and his A.B from Harvard University.
Adell Dowdy: an educational professional with a career spanning over thirty years. Presently Ms. Dowdy is an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Education Department of Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. She brings expertise in professional and curriculum development as well as school administration. Ms. Dowdy earned a BA from Bennett College in Elementary Education and Reading, an MA in teaching from New York University and the Professional Diploma in Supervision and Administration from the City College of the City University of New York.
David Eichler: a Certified Public Accountant with extensive professional experience as a controller for a multibillion-dollar division of a public company. Mr. Eichler earned his BS in Accounting from New York University and has a long career in the motion picture industry.
Laura Francis: a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, and a former teacher in the Mount Vernon City School District. Ms. Francis has a long history of school and community involvement. She holds a Bachlor of Science from The American University and a Master of Science from Fordham University.
Jim Killoran: Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, Westchester County. Jim is a graduate of St Josephs College BA Seton Hall University MDiv. and has an honorary doctorate degree from St Josephs College of Maine. He is also the treasurer for the Yonkers Charter School of Educational Excellence. Mr. Killoran believes every student deserves an excellent education.