NYC MATH REVOLUTION CONVENING
Speaker, panelist, and facilitator bios
Christopher Ahearn – Chief of Staff, Reach the World
Chris Ahearn is Chief of Staff for Reach the World, an education organization that connects K-12 classrooms with study abroad students, Peace Corps volunteers, Fulbright grantees, explorers, researchers and other adventurers to encourage students to dream bigger about their own futures. As Chief of Staff, he is responsible for maintaining and strengthening internal processes for efficiency in program delivery and cultivates leads for strategic partnerships with organizations, institutions, and corporate entities.
Chris is also an avid runner and manages Reach the World's charity team at the 2026 TCS NYC Marathon. Ask him about the time he ran the entire perimeter of Manhattan!
Melodie Baker, Ph.D. – Research Lead, EdTrust-New York
Dr. Melodie Baker leads research and policy analysis to advance educational equity, inform systemic change, and expand opportunities for historically underserved students. An expert in quantitative research methods and education policy, she specializes in translating complex data and rigorous research into actionable insights that inform policy decisions and improve educational outcomes. She previously served as National Policy Director at Just Equations, where she led efforts to advance equitable mathematics education policies and expand access to rigorous mathematics pathways.
Dr. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods from the University at Buffalo and brings extensive expertise in bridging research, policy, and practice to address systemic inequities in education.
Jessica Bardy – Director, CUNY Tutor Corps
Jessica Bardy is a lifelong New Yorker whose path in math education began as a student, tutoring other students in math throughout high school and college. She went on to spend eight years teaching high school math in NYC, where she also served as a Math for America Master Teacher and took on leadership roles beyond the classroom. Her growing interest in strategy, management, and systems-level change led her to earn an MBA from NYU Stern and move into education program strategy and leadership.
Today, Jessica is the Director of CUNY Tutor Corps, where she leads a program that trains CUNY students to provide high-quality Algebra I tutoring in NYC Public Schools while creating opportunities for CUNY students to explore careers in education. Her work brings together her experiences as a tutor, teacher, strategist, and program leader to strengthen math learning while also building the next generation of educators.
Amanda Bueno-Rene – Mathematics Instructional Lead, NYCPS
Amanda Bueno-Rene supports educators and administrators in implementing high-quality mathematics curricula, strengthening instructional practices, and improving student achievement.
With advanced degrees in Bilingual Education and School Administration, she brings extensive experience as a Dual Language teacher, Borough Instructional Lead, and Dual Language Principal. Amanda is deeply committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and excellence in mathematics education across the city.
Lynn Cartwright-Punnett – Senior Director of Programs, Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM)
At age 18, Lynn dropped her physics major but found her way back to STEM as a middle school math teacher in District 6 and then as a museum educator. She has been a staff member at Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) for over 13 years, focused on opening the door to STEM career for low-income, low-access students and families.
Lynn is also the proud parent of a NYCPS 2nd grader and finds herself explaining educational topics large and small to parents on the playground on a daily basis. Lynn thanks her dad for never missing an opportunity to talk about numbers.
Sharon Collins, PAEMST – STEAM Coordinator and AP Math Teacher, New Heights Academy Charter School
Sharon Ann Collins is the most recent New York State recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in the Mathematics Award Category. She discovered her passion and calling to become a teacher through Teach For America as a 1999 NYC Corps member. What has kept Sharon in the classroom for more than twenty-five years is her enthusiasm for mathematics and love for her students. As a first-generation college student, Sharon attended and graduated from Manhattan College and Columbia University, and she now has the phenomenal privilege of helping her own students become first gen college students.
At New Heights Academy Charter School in Harlem, Sharon teaches AP Calculus AB and AP Pre-Calculus, and is also the inaugural STEAM Coordinator. She is a Math for America Master Teacher and National Board Certified Teacher. Sharon was featured in Chalkbeat's ""How I Teach"" series on excellent American educators and Teach For America New York’s “Alumni in the Spotlight.” She has delivered talks on teacher leadership, mindfulness, reality pedagogy, student advocacy, and work-life balance on the local, state, and national levels. In the upcoming ""Making Meaning in the Modern World"" event at Stuyvesant High School, Sharon will be one of two NYC teachers featured and interviewed.
Pursuing leadership both professionally and in her volunteer activities, Sharon served as Teach For America New York’s Alumni Association Board Chairwoman, Community Education Council District 3 Co-President, Mathematics Department Chairwoman, 11th and 12th Grade Team Leader, and Co-Secretary and Co-Treasurer of her children’s school PTAs. In her community of Washington Heights, she created the Fort Fridge Bakers as part of the Local Leader Lab. Sharon is the inaugural New York State representative on Teach Plus's National Teacher Policy Cabinet, and previously was a Policy Advisor Fellow with the Leaders for Education Equity (LEE). Teacher, parent, and student leadership, Sharon believes, are the keys to elevating education and transforming trajectories for students, schools, and communities. In her free time, Sharon enjoys baking, cycling, reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and cats Cookie and Cocoa. Check out her “today’s beauty” photography on Instagram and X (@collinsnycmom and @collinsnyc), as well as her weekly newsletter, “Señora Sharon’s Scoop,” where she serves up colorful takes on life as a mother, wife, and teacher in New York City: www.sharonsscoop.com.
Disan Davis – Kelley Fellow, NYC STEM Education Network
Disan Davis (she/her) is the Kelley Fellow 2025-27 for the NYC STEM Education Network, bringing together STEM providers for in-school, out-of-school, and professional learning contexts citywide. Disan is also the Research Associate for the Broadening Engagement in STEM Center (BE STEM) at the University of Pittsburgh.
In these roles, she integrates her STEM, education, and collective impact experiences by bringing people together to strengthen and champion STEM educational experiences at local and national scales.
Priscilla Forsyth – Vice President, Ignite Program Impact at Teach For America
Priscilla Forsyth leads strategy to accelerate learning and foster belonging with students through Ignite, TFA’s national tutoring corps. Born and raised on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Priscilla attended New York City public schools and witnessed firsthand how racial and socioeconomic disparities shaped educational opportunities for families in her community. These experiences inspired her to join Teach For America in 1998 and dedicate her career to expanding educational opportunity and improving outcomes for all students.
After five years teaching second grade and serving in school leadership in Compton, California, Priscilla earned her J.D. from Cornell Law School and briefly practiced law at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLC, where serving on the board of a charter school rekindled her path to education. She went on to join the leadership team of a national charter management organization for three years before returning to Teach For America in 2013 to lead programs for the New York region, a role she held for nearly a decade before taking her current role with Ignite. She is also the proud parent of two current New York City public school students and one recent graduate, now a freshman at Smith College.
Mariela Graham – Strategy Team, Office of the Chancellor at NYCPS
Mariela Graham is a long-time New York City Public Schools educator; she currently works in the Chancellor's Office. Prior to this role she was a deputy superintendent, a master principal in Manhattan and a founding principal in Brooklyn. She began her career as a bilingual middle school math and social studies teacher in Washington Heights. Mariela holds a Bachelors degree from Duke University and Masters degrees from City College and Teachers College.
Kathy Grandchamps – Math Instructional Lead, NYCPS
Kathy Grandchamps develops and facilitates professional learning for teachers, principals, and superintendents to support equitable engagement with rigorous mathematics aligned to the NYCPS Math Shifts. She partners with district leaders to strengthen mathematics instruction and implementation across school communities. Previously, Kathy served as an assistant principal and spent nine years teaching high school mathematics, creating student-centered learning experiences rooted in students’ cultural contexts. She holds master’s degrees from Pace University and Teachers College, Columbia University.
Laura Jankstrom – Vice President, Enrichment, ExpandED Schools
Laura Jankstrom has deep roots in youth development, first as a participant and peer educator, later as a facilitator and program leader and now as a systems builder and advocate for universal access to the enrichment opportunities all young people deserve. She serves as the Vice President of Enrichment at ExpandED Schools, where she leads efforts to equip afterschool leaders and educators with tools and supports to deliver high quality afterschool programs. She works to build ecosystems of support around NYC Reads and NYC Solves that bring rich literacy and STEM experiences to out of school time spaces.
She is also an adjunct at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, where she teaches youth policy. Previously, she was the Associate Executive Director for Strategic Engagement at Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York and Academic Director at StreetSquash, Inc. Laura holds a bachelor's degree in social work from NYU and a masters degree in social work from Hunter College, with a concentration in community organizing and public policy.
Habiba Khokhar – Associate Director, CUNY Tutor Corps
Habiba Khokhar works across higher education, P20 pathways, educator preparation, and workforce development, bringing experience in program development, instruction, and student and educator support. As Associate Director of CUNY Tutor Corps, she contributes to the strategy, development, outreach, communications, and coordination of initiatives that connect students with meaningful tutoring and teaching opportunities across New York.
Her expertise in neuroscience, cognition, pedagogy, and learning, combined with instructional experience across K-12 and higher education settings, shapes her approach to program development and supporting students and educators. Habiba’s work is grounded in a commitment to equity, access, and creating pathways where students and educators can grow and succeed.
Jennifer Kim – Lead Professional Learning Manager, Mathematics Partnerships, New Visions for Public Schools
Jennifer Kim joined New Visions as a Math Instructional Specialist before moving into her current Lead role. In this role, she oversees the planning, coordination, and delivery of high-quality instructional coaching and professional learning support for schools and districts partnering with New Visions. Throughout her tenure at New Visions, Jennifer has supported school communities with math curriculum selection, adoption, and continuous improvement coaching cycles, and has co-developed inquiry-based curricula, with embedded Instructional Routines, that align with NYS Mathematics Learning Standards.
Before joining New Visions in 2013, she served as a middle and high school math teacher and as an instructional coach for pre-service and in-service educators. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Barnard College and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University.
Brian Levine – Program Director, Mathematics Partnerships, STEMteachersNYC
Brian Levine is a NYC native, public schools all the way! He holds a BS in Astronomy and a MS in Science Education, and and is currently the Program Director at STEMteachersNYC, a non-profit professional learning community. He has spent his career in and around formal and informal STEM classrooms with nearly every age learner.
In addition to his day job, he hosts and produces the Astronomy on Tap NYC series and is involved heavily in the Science Communication world.
Stanley Litow – Trustee, State University of New York
Stanley S. Litow is a professor at Columbia University. Prior to his Columbia professorship, he served as professor of the practice and Innovator-in-Residence at Duke University. Stan is the author of The Challenge for Business and Society: From Risk to Reward (2018) and co-author of Breaking Barriers: How P-Tech Schools Create a Pathway from High School to College to Career (2021). He authored book chapters for Yale Law Review, MIT, and Oxford Press and as columnist for Barron’s.
He previously served as President of the IBM International Foundation and as Deputy Chancellor of Schools for the City of New York. Before his IBM service and the NYC public schools, he served as president and founder of Interface and in the NYC Mayor’s Office as Executive Director of the NYC Urban Corps.
In addition to serving on multiple presidential and gubernatorial commissions, he was appointed to the SUNY Board of Trustees in June 2015 and reappointed in June 2021 for a consecutive term ending June 30, 2028; he also serves on the board of Roosevelt House, The Albert Shanker Institute, and as chair of the Council of Graduate Schools’ Employer Roundtable.
Stan helped devise P-TECH, the innovative school to college to career program, as well as the IBM Corporate Service Corps, often referenced as the corporate version of the Peace Corps.
He has received multiple awards for his community service from organizations such as the Anne Frank Commission, the Martin Luther King Commission, and the Center for an Urban Future as well as the Corning Award from the New York State Business Council.
Tia Morris – Executive Director, Teach for America, New York
Tia Morris has dedicated nearly 30 years to improving educational opportunities for young people. In 1998, she began her teaching career in Harlem through Teach For America and returned in 2020 as Executive Director.
Tia has served as Executive Director for Teach For America New Jersey, helped found a network of schools, and held chief level central office positions in multiple school systems. Tia continues to give back through nonprofit board service.
Tierra Porter – Organizer, Educators for Excellence-New York
Tierra Porter is an education policy professional with experience in K–12 teaching, research, and policy analysis. She holds a master’s degree in Education Policy from George Washington University and has worked on research examining math instruction, curriculum implementation, and educational equity across New York.
Her work has included engaging educators and families to better understand the conditions and supports needed to strengthen math implementation and student outcomes.
Sara Saleem – Education Policy and Impact Manager, Educators for Excellence-New York
Sara Saleem is an education policy researcher and organizer who knows firsthand that everyone is a math person. After struggling in her math classes, she came to believe she wasn’t one, a belief that became a key reason she dropped out of high school. Today, that experience shapes her work to change the narrative for other students, particularly students of color, who are often told the same story. Sara began her career on an equity-in-admissions pilot at a New York City public high school, then became a special education teacher in Harlem. Seeing how differently the two schools were resourced inspired her to start organizing.
As the Education Policy and Impact Manager at Educators for Excellence-New York (E4E-NY), she now creates forums for teachers to share their perspectives. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative research (yes, including the math), she translates teachers’ insights into actionable policy recommendations.
Sean Stevens, Ed.D. – Senior Director, District and School Solutions, New Classrooms
Dr. Sean Larry Stevens is an educator, leadership strategist, author, and social justice advocate with extensive experience driving instructional excellence, systems transformation, and equity-centered innovation across K–16 education. Over the course of his career, he has served as a Teacher, Principal, Chief Academic Officer, Adjunct Professor, Executive Director, and Consultant supporting some of the world's largest school districts and leadership teams.
His work focuses on strengthening academic systems, developing leaders, and creating impactful learning experiences that improve outcomes for students and communities.
Phyllis Tam – Math Instructional Lead, NYPCS
Phyllis Tam is a proud NYCPS graduate with over 35 years of experience in mathematics education in New York City public schools. She has served as a middle school math teacher, district staff developer, assistant principal, principal, and math instructional lead at both the borough and district levels.
Currently, she supports teachers and school leaders in District 30 in Queens as they implement NYC Solves Math Shifts. Her goal is to help teachers apply math-shift-aligned strategies and help school leaders build systems that promote effective math teaching and learning.
Kit Tollerson – Managing Director, K12 Coalition
Kit is a Managing Director at the K12 Coalition and his career has focused on launching and scaling schools, programs, practices, and initiatives that improve outcomes and experiences for PK-12 students. Prior to joining the K12 Coalition, Kit was a Partner at TNTP where he led project teams that partnered with state offices of education, PK-12 school systems, schools, non-profits, mission-driven for-profits, foundations, and universities to design, implement, sustain, and scale effective, research-based learning experiences for educators and their students.
Kit began his career as a TFA teacher with Firstline Schools in New Orleans, and then held a succession of school leadership roles culminating in Founding Principal with Rocketship in the California Bay Area. He has also worked in senior leadership roles at an ed tech software start-up and as an adviser to non-profits, private companies, and government agencies.
Nic Vitale – Math Instructional Lead, NYCPS
Nicola Vitale is an Instructional Lead for the New York City Mathematics Team, focusing on supporting educators in engaging students in rigorous, inclusive, and strengths-based mathematics learning. Nic began his career with the NYCDOE more than 25 years ago at Banana Kelly High School in District 8 where he led the development of an innovative integrated mathematics and science course which included fieldwork at the Bronx River and led implementation of student-centered math/science notebooks across the school.
Nic has served in an instructional leadership role at central since 2012, designing and facilitating professional learning, developing resources, and supporting districts with implementation of mathematics core curriculum. Throughout his career, he has led professional learning communities ranging from school-based (Common Core Lab and Learning Labs) to citywide (Mathematics Seminar - a professional learning community of math leaders across the city), and he had a key role in Algebra for All.
Beth Wehner – Senior Director of Math and Science, NYCPS
Beth Lev Wehner is the Senior Director for Math and Science for NYCPS. She has been working for central since 2013 and has served in various capacities including: advising the Executive Directors of STEM; serving as Director of Algebra for All, a mayoral Equity and Excellence Initiative; and supporting the selection and implementation of mathematics core curriculum at all grade levels, including the development of a teacher-leadership program.
Before joining the central team, Beth spent 16 years as a high school mathematics teacher at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. She also served as a Mathematics Instructional Coach for Children’s First Network 101 and an Assistant Principal at El Puente Academy.
Michelle Bishop – Founder and Executive Director
As Founder and Executive Director of Harlem Needle Arts (HNA), Michelle Bishop brings over two decades of expertise in marketing, information technology, business strategy, and fundraising to shape the organization’s role in the global art and design landscape. With a deep passion for both preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern artistry, Michelle has expanded HNA's scope to represent the evolving nature of fiber, textile, and needle arts while honoring its historical roots.
Driven by a commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation, Michelle’sleadership transforms the narrative of fiber arts. She respects and celebrates the rich traditions of African Diasporic textile work, yet she also embraces contemporary influences, highlighting the dynamic nature of fiber constructionists today.
Under her guidance, HNA serves as a bridge between past and present, allowing ancient techniques to inform and inspire modern expressions of identity, art, and activism.
Michelle holds a BBA in Management Information Systems from Pace University and a Certificate from Cornell University’s Community E-Institute, she skillfully combines technical acumen with a deep understanding of community needs. She is currently archiving three decades of urban textile artists, securing their legacies as part of global cultural history. This unique blend of skills allows her to drive innovative projects while ensuring that HNA remains grounded in its mission to serve artists, youth, and the broader Harlem community.
At the intersection of art, community, and activism, Michelle Bishop is shaping the future of fiber and textile arts—proving that every stitch carries both memory and possibility.
Jalisha Jenifer, Ph.D. – Senior Associate Director of Faculty Assessment and Development, Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Dr. Jalisha Jenifer supports faculty in their pedagogical development, manages training opportunities focused on teaching effectiveness, and evaluates pedagogical programming initiatives. She has a background in psychological research with a focus on learning sciences and student motivation, including work exploring student anxiety around mathematics.
Dr. Jenifer received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Chicago with certifications in Education Sciences and College Teaching and with fellowships through the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Education Sciences. She also completed postdoctoral training at Barnard College, Columbia University, and holds a B.A. in Psychology with a certificate in Neuroscience from Princeton University.
Steven Lawrence – Biostatistician, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Steven Lawrence is a Research Scientist trained as a Biostatistician working at the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. He works collaboratively with a team to evaluate programs, conduct research, and analyze data to strengthen addiction services across New York State. He earned his PhD in Biostatistics from New York University, where his research focused on spatial modeling and measuring access to health care services.
A product of New York's public school system, he also holds a Masters in Biostatistics from Columbia University, and a BS in Biology with a minor in Mathematics from CUNY Medgar Evers College. His path into math was shaped by growing up amid challenges in his own neighborhood, and later by discovering how statistical tools can help measure the socioecological factors that shape communities. Steven Lawrence uses mathematics to improve public health in New York.
Esther Marcus-Carter – Chief of Staff and Director of Project Management, NYC Department of Transportation
Esther Marcus-Carter is the Chief of Staff and Director of Project Management for the Analytics, Performance, and Management division at the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT). Over her 21-year career at NYC DOT, she has pioneered digital transformation initiatives that replaced legacy, paper-based workflows with modern application suites. Esther began her DOT career as an inspector for 11 years before transitioning to lead the development of the unit's first major paperless system.
In the 8 years prior to her current role, she served as the Director of IT Projects for the Roadway Repair and Maintenance division, managing the development of critical enterprise systems tracking NYC's street resurfacing operations, arterial maintenance metrics, and milling contract data. Holding a degree in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Electrical Engineering Technology, Esther brings analytical precision to infrastructure logistics, frequently leveraging mathematical thinking and data analytics to optimize city operations and drive large-scale government modernization.
Evan Stone – Co-Founder and CEO, Educators for Excellence
Growing up the son of a teacher in California, Evan was always interested in education. From an early age, he realized his access to an amazing education was not a gift that is distributed equitably across our country.
His teaching career began in high school when he started coaching the VIP soccer team for children with special needs and both a boys and girls AYSO team. Evan continued his educational work while a student at Yale University, where he wrote his thesis on the impact of No Child Left Behind on urban school systems and worked with students as the head of the Luther House Tutoring Program.
After graduating from Yale with a degree in political science, Evan became a sixth-grade teacher in the Bronx, while earning his master’s degree in teaching from Pace University.
Evan co-founded Educators for Excellence to use his political experience from working on city, state and federal campaigns to better organize teacher voices as advocates in shaping education policy. Evan has been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Education.
Shakira Petit – Executive Director, Educators for Excellence-New York
Shakira Petit is a seasoned executive and organizational leader with more than 20 years of experience driving strategy, operational excellence, leadership development, and organizational growth across the education and nonprofit sectors.
As the CEO and Founder of SKP Consultants, LLC, Shakira partners with nonprofit and for-profit organizations to strengthen leadership, align teams around strategic priorities, and build sustainable pathways for growth. Her work focuses on executive coaching, C-suite development, organizational design, team effectiveness, and operational improvement.
Prior to founding SKP Consultants, Shakira served as Chief of Staff to the CEO at the KIPP Foundation, where she provided strategic counsel to the CEO and executive leadership team while helping advance organizational priorities, streamline operations, and oversee key initiatives, including college partnerships and alumni impact efforts.
Earlier in her career, Shakira spent nine years at the Harlem Children’s Zone, serving as a science teacher, assistant principal, principal, and member of the executive leadership team. She later served as Principal and later Deputy Superintendent of Greenburgh Graham Union Free School District, where she led district-wide planning, human resources, operations, crisis management, and labor relations. During her tenure, she helped improve academic outcomes and graduation rates for historically underserved students while strengthening organizational systems and effectiveness.
Shakira’s leadership experience also includes serving as Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer/President of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), where she guided the organization through significant transitions, led strategic planning efforts, secured millions of dollars in funding, and helped advance key education policy priorities.
Shakira holds an MBA from New York University, an M.A. in School District Leadership from Mercy College, and a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Hofstra University. She is a certified New York State Biology Teacher and School District Leader and holds additional certifications in educational leadership and crisis management.
Her work has been recognized by publications including Ebony Magazine and The New York Times. Across every stage of her career, Shakira has remained committed to developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and creating systems that enable individuals and communities to thrive.
