School Administration
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Meena Lildharrie
AmPark Principal
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Michele Evans
Assistant Principal
Office Staff
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Octavia Edmonds
Pupil Accounting Secretary
Hello! I’m so pleased to be joining this amazing team as your new school secretary. I bring over four years of administrative support experience, five years as a paraprofessional, and more than a decade of volunteer service as a youth leader in my local community.
As a proud mom of four wonderful children, I enjoy decorating, arts and crafts, and finding creative ways to brighten our school environment. I’m truly enthusiastic about contributing to our school’s welcoming and dynamic atmosphere!
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Elvira Dejesus
Parent Coordinator
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Melissa Cabrera
Family Worker
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Darius Bonilla
Supervising Aide
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Anny Severino
School AIde
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Michelle Oliva
School Aide
PreK Team
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Zoe Kleinmann
PreK Teacher
I have been teaching at AmPark since 2006 and am a founding teacher. I have taught Pre-K-1st grade here at AmPark. I am currently an Adjunct Professor for an ECCE graduate Program since 2018 here in the Bronx . I have also made math videos for a WNET educational program called “Let’s Learn” and I have also been the UFT Chapter Leader for over a decade here at AmPark. I have 3 children, 4 mini Doxies, 2 cats and 24 chickens.
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Lydia Pabon
PreK Teacher Assistant
Hi! This is my 10th year at AmPark! I enjoy working with kids and using my experiences to better others. My current interests are gardening and cooking. When I'm not working I am enjoy vacationing and relaxing on the beach.
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Milvaris Salazar
PreK Teacher
Hello, my name is Milvaris Salazar. This is my third year teaching at AmPark Neighborhood School as a Pre-K teacher. I started my teaching journey as a substitute teacher for 2 years in the Bronx area teaching grades 3k-5th grade. I was born in Lowell, Massachusetts but moved to New York when I was 10. I attended Hunter College where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and I'm currently working towards my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In my free time I like to do nails and sing karaoke.
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Ionny Arevalo
PreK Teacher Assistant
Hello! My name is Ms.Ionny, and I have been a paraprofessional at Ampark Neighborhood School since 2017. I am currently the classroom Para for Prek2 and have enjoyed being so for the last 7 years. Before joining the teaching field, I was a stay-at-home mama to my four wonderful children. Still, I knew that once I could rejoin the workforce and return to school to finish my degree, I wanted it to involve early childhood education. While my passion has always been working with children, I also enjoy spending quality time with friends, family, and my three marvelous cats!
Kindergarten
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Tahese Warley
Kindergarten Teacher
I currently teach Kindergarten. I have been an early childhood educator for 11 years. I joined the Ampark community in 2017. I am originally from Hillburn, NY. I received my bachelors in Music from Clark Atlanta University, a Masters in Music Management from William Paterson University and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College. I am currently working on my School Leadership certification through CITE/Russell Sage. I have worked as an adjunct professor at Lehman College, and have been featured on WNET educational program “Let’s Learn.” When I am not working, I am spending time with my family, serving as President of my sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, listening to music, working out, and bowling!
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Sasha Henriquez
Kindergarten ICT Teacher
It is a pleasure to introduce myself! I am a NYC Bronx Native, and Graduate from Lehman College’s Masters in Early Childhood and Special Education program. I am celebrating my 7th year at AmPark. As a dedicated special education teacher, I enjoy incorporating hands-on activities and projects in the classroom. I believe learning should be both meaningful and fun! When I am not teaching I am exploring the outdoors and spending time with family.
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Heather Kramer
Kindergarten ICT Teacher
Hello everyone! This is my fourth year teaching, and my first year at AmPark. It has been amazing to be welcomed into this community. I have been having a wonderful start to the year here. I love anything to do with animals and nature, and I have had many adopted animals!
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Irys Tejada
Kindergarten Paraprofessional
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Krystal Maier
K-1 Bridge Small Class Teacher
Hello! I'm thrilled to be a part of the Ampark community! With experience in Pre-K, Kindergarten, self-contained, and art classrooms, I love creating a space where creativity, inclusivity, and joy lead the way. I'm passionate about art, especially painting, and recharging in nature through hiking and sports. I'm excited to alongside the children grow, learn, and make great things happen together at Ampark!
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Ashley Avila
Small Class Paraprofessional
Hello, my name is Ashley, I have worked at AmPark for 11 years. I enjoy working with my students and creating new memories and shaping their minds so that they can be the best. I am a mommy of two beautiful spunky girls ages 6 and 2. I am currently completing my masters in Early Childhood education to become a teacher hopefully here at AmPark!
1st Grade
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Denise Olivet
1st Grade Teacher
I am pleased to say that I have been working with children for more than 30 years in a variety of settings. For the past 17 years, I have taught kindergarten. This is my first year teaching first grade and I LOVE it! I had the pleasure of joining the AmPark family 18 years ago. Oh, how time has flown!
I am a mother of two amazing children, married to a wonderful man, and reside in Connecticut. I love hosting gatherings, at home and in school. Teaching has always been a passion and still continues to bring me joy each day.
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Priya Cassidy
1st Grade Teacher
Hi! My name is Priya Cassidy. I have been part of the AmPark community for 17 years. This will be my 18th year here at AmPark! AmPark has been a home away from home for me and I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had to teach alongside a wonderful community of educators and families. I live in NJ, where I reside with my husband and 9 year old daughter. I enjoy traveling with my family and friends, eating delicious and diverse cuisines, reading, and dancing!
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Regina Shin
1st Grade Teacher
I grew up in Queens, NY. I currently teach 1st grade as a Special Education teacher. I’ve been teaching at AmPark since 2018. I received my Bachelor’s in Childhood Education from Hunter College and Early Childhood Education from Mercy College. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling with my family and attending live shows.
2nd Grade
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Elizabeth Peprah
2nd Grade Teacher
Hello! I am pleased to introduce myself as one of the second grade teachers at AmPark. This will be my 9th year teaching for the NYCDOE. This is my third year at AmPark. I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at Iona College, now University. I received a Bachelors in Early Childhood & Childhood Education and my Masters in Special Education and Literacy.
I love to make connections with my students. My goal is to have students foster a love of learning, to build confidence, independence and to work as a team. I love to read and spend time with my family.
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Dan Mahoney
2nd Grade Teacher
Hello my name is Dan and I joined AmPark 8 years ago, 12 years of teaching in total! Over the years I have taught 5th, 4th and now I’m currently in the land of 2nd grade. Originally from Long Island, I made the transition to “upstate” after earning my undergrad from SUNY Oneonta and my masters from Mercy. I also moonlight as an Athletic Director at a high school in Westchester in the afternoons. My wife and I currently live in Westchester with our yellow lab Vinny. When not teaching or coaching you can find me traveling the world to Scuba Dive (I have logged in over 100 dives and just completed my advanced open water certification). This is because in my own opinion there is no greater thrill than being 80 feet underwater and seeing the world in a completely different perspective. It also provides a nice escape from being a die hard Jet and Islander fan - which brings little joy!
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Meagan Figueroa
2nd Grade Teacher
I was born and raised in the Bronx. I grew up in the Amalgamated community. I graduated from Hunter College with a degree in Sociology, afterwards I attended Lehman College, where I earned my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I have been teaching for 6 years. I have a dog named Yuki, who is my sassy child. I enjoy going out to eat, watching the latest anime show and playing video games. My favorite color is purple, just like AmPark!
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Indira Silva
2-3 Bridge Small Class Teacher
Hello my name is Indira Silva and this year marks my 11th year teaching Special Education.Before entering the classroom, I worked in Early Intervention providing ABA services to young children and their families. This experience deeply shaped my belief that every child is unique- with their own strengths and unlimited potential.
I am a mom to an amazing 7 year old girl and a sweet toy poodle. Family time is my favorite-especially when it involves Disney Magic!
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Mercedes Castro
2-3 Bridge Small Class Paraprofessional
Hi, my name is Mercedes. I have worked at AmPark since 2015. I enjoy working with my students and building positive relationships. When I am not at Ampark, I am a mother and wife and I invest my time taking care of my husband and three kids. Fun fact: one of my daughters graduated from Ampark, and another is currently enrolled!
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Tracy Henderson
2-3 Bridge Small Class Paraprofessional
Hi! My name is Tracy, I have worked at AmPark for 14 years. I enjoy supporting my 1 to 1 students with learning to read and write. When I am not at Ampark, I enjoy going to church and serving my community with events like feeding the poor. I love listening to worship and praise music. My favorite shows are Wheel Of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Daystar Christian Station.
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Grisel Ovalles
2-3 Bridge Small Class Paraprofessional
Hello! My name is Grisel Ovalles, I joined Ampark 6 years ago, supporting our amazing students. When I’m not at work, you can find me enjoying nature or spending time with my family.
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Tirrell Witter
2-3 Bridge Small Class Paraprofessional