Faculty Bios
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Allison Persad
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Principal |
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Michael is a father, husband, and educator. He is grateful for the opportunity to work at TYWLS Astoria. A native New Yorker, Michael graduated from Hofstra University with a BBA in Management and an MBA in Finance. He earned his Post Baccalaureate in Secondary Education in Mathematics from Queens College. In education, Michael has previously worked at Nassau Community College and started as a Mathematics Teacher at JHS 189. Michael studied to earn his administrative license at The College of Saint Rose. Michael believes education has the power to change the world for the better, one student at a time. When not working to improve student outcomes; Michael enjoys reading, taking in nature with his family, and reliving the glory days of playing college Rugby! |
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Alexandra Gialaboukis
Assistant Principal
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Alexandra (Alex) Gialaboukis joined the TYWLS Astoria Community in 2018. Alex is part of the math department, as well as the programmer, testing coordinator and AP coordinator for the school. Alex is most excited about being the coordinator of student activities (COSA). Her previous experience includes teaching Algebra I and Algebra II as well as all the other roles in the Bronx. You can always find her in the guidance suite, when she is not teaching! |
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Alfina Halitova
Teacher
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Alfina Halitova joined TYWLS of Astoria in year 2016. She teaches math to the middle school department. |
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Andy Jordan
Software Engineering Teacher
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Andy Jordan has been a software engineer for more than 20 years. The launch of the MIR space station sparked his interest in science and technology. Andy studied Computer Science at the Humboldt University in Germany where he was introduced to the school's RoboCup team. He has been fascinated with robotics ever since. When he does not use the keyboard to code, he writes for several European publications. His work has been published in three languages and in five countries. Andy looks forward to seeing his students discover the endless possibilities of technology while having fun along the way. |
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Ashley Almonte
Chemistry/Science Teacher
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Ashley Almonte joined the TYWLS Community in 2017 as a Chemistry & Forensics teacher. In her Chemistry course, you can find students exploring chemical bonds, chemical reactions, acids & bases, solutions, and models of the atom. In her Forensics course, you can find students using biology, chemistry, and psychology to analyze and interpret evidence within the realm of our legal system. |
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Caitlin Durant
Math PCT Teacher
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Caitlin joined the TYWLS of Astoria math team in 2017. She currently teaches Geometry and AP Calculus. Outside of the classroom she loves to travel, run, go to the beach, and spend time with family and friends. |
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Caitlin Stanton
Drama Teacher
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Caitlin Stanton joined the TYWLS of Astoria team in 2007. She teaches Musical Theater, Costume Design, Masks and Puppetry, Advanced Scene Study and likes long walks on the beach. She runs the TYWLS of Astoria Drama Club with the help of some amazing staff and students. |
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Devin Chowske
Humanities/Inclusion Teacher
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Devin Chowske joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2016. He now teaches 7th grade Humanities and 6th grade Digital Media. His elective has partnered in the past with Tribecca Teaches, The Museum of the Moving Image, and HBO/Cinetech to offer a wealth of experiences ranging from public showings at MoMI to authentic collaboration with women at Rikers Island. He is thrilled to be working toward growth with all of his students in this new academic year. |
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Gayathri Iyer
MS Guidance Counselor
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Gayathri Iyer earned her Masters in School Counseling at Hunter College after a BFA in Cinema Studies and Journalism at New York University, where she currently serves as adjunct faculty in the Department of Applied Psychology. A midwest native of strong South Asian roots, Gayathri brings her work background in arts, media, feminism, social justice, and nonprofit administration to a love of learning, listening, and lifting up young women's potential at TYWLS Astoria. In her time as a counselor, she has provided group and individual therapy, preventative programming, restorative discipline, academic guidance, career exploration, crisis management, teacher development on social emotional learning, and consultation on special education and school culture. She is passionate about bringing the skills for self-reflection, sisterhood relationships, stress management, and citizenship in using technology to all middle school students, and encourages visits from those who need any kind of support, or just want to celebrate and expand their own superpowers. |
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Greg Zimdahl
Humanities/History Teacher
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Greg Zimdahl has been teaching and learning at TYWLS of Astoria since 2007. He currently teaches 8th grade Humanities and 11th grade U.S. History and Government. Greg is also the co-advisor of the GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance). For Greg, education is a life-long pursuit. He sees his role as a coach, supporting and challenging students to learn the skills and strategies necessary to become life-long learners. Greg is an avid marathon runner, reader, and camping enthusiast. |
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Jackie Shendler
Humanities Teacher/UFT Chapter Leader
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Jackie Shendler joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2010. Currently, she teaches 8th grade Humanities. Jackie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and getting her students involved in their community and government. |
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James Franco
Physical Education Teacher
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James Franco joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2013 as a PE/Health Teacher. He currently teaches PE for grades 6-12. As the Athletic Director, he coaches PSAL volleyball for the HS and supervises all athletic programs for the school. Our school now has a CHAMPS program for Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball. For our HS level and PSAL program there is a Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, and Outdoor Track & Field Team. There will be more opportunities for more sports as the year continues. James is active in a variety of sports and activities like volleyball, weight lifting, swimming, and snowboarding. He also enjoys great food, watching sports and traveling. |
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Jonathan Ryberg
Science Teacher
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Jonathan Ryberg joined the TYWLS-Astoria staff in 2008, and teaches Living Environment and Advanced Placement Environmental Science. He enjoys watching students make connections between their everyday experiences and what they are learning in the classroom. He loves reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors! |
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Larisa Cox
ENL Teacher
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Marina Prakas
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Teacher |
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Michael Stuart
History/Inclusion Teacher
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Michael Stuart is joining the TYWLS of Astoria community this year as a 9th grade Global History teacher, an ELA and Math Inclusion teacher, and running the Model UN elective. Michael has been teaching since 2012 in NYC schools, and is excited be a new member of TYWLS. |
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Michelle Baratta
Visual Arts Teacher
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Michelle Baratta has been teaching visual art since 2002 and has been working at TYWLS since 2013. She teaches AP 2D Design, high school beginning and intermediate art (art 1 and 2), and middle school art. |
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Norman Wu
Math Teacher
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Norman Wu teaches 7th grade math and advisory, and a 10th/11th grade physics elective. This is his fourth year teaching at TYWLS of Astoria. |
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Randi Bivona
History Teacher
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Randi Bivona has been teaching in NYC since 2007. She joined TYWLS in 2016 and is excited to be teaching 10th grade Global History this year. |
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Scott Melcher
History/Psychology Teacher
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Scott Melcher has been teaching Social Studies at TYWLS since the school opened in 2006. He currently teaches Government and Economics for 12th graders, and AP Psychology as a high school elective. |
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Sylvia Kwon
HumanitiesTeacher
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Sylvia Kwon joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2014. She is the 6th grade humanities and 6th grade game design teacher. |
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Tanya Bonanno
Science Teacher
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Tanya Bonanno joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2018 as the Earth Science Teacher. She believes that all of her students ROCK and will never take them for granite. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and traveling whenever time permits. |
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Yana Garbarg
ELA/Media Teacher
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Yana Garbarg joined TYWLS of Astoria for the 2012-2013 school year. She is the 9th grade English teacher and the 7th grade Digital Media teacher. She loves sharing her passion for poetry and writing with her students! |