• Alaina Carter

  • Assistant School Leader ~ alaina.carter@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Alaina Carter

    Assistant School Leader ~ alaina.carter@newharmonyhigh.org

    Alaina Carter is a New Orleans native and Southern University alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies concentrated in African & African American Humanities.  Her master thesis, Public School and Museum collaborations:  The Need and the Benefit for Cultural Curriculum, discusses how professional developments for teachers and field trips to museums can positively impact the learning outcomes and student engagement in public schools classrooms, especially when rooted in Africana Studies. 

    This is Alaina’s tenth year as an educator in New Orleans. During her career she’s worked as an elementary and middle school teacher and a high school behavior and reading interventionist. In early 2020 Alaina began working with the Leona Tate Foundation for Change researching and developing the education exhibit for the Tate, Etienne, and Prevost (TEP) Interpretive Center, which is focused on the desegregation of the New Orleans public schools.  

    When she’s not teaching or conducting research, she enjoys spending time at home with her husband, son, and daughter.

  • Alicia Cooke

  • World Geography ~ alicia.cooke@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Alicia Cooke

    World Geography ~ alicia.cooke@newharmonyhigh.org
    Alicia has lived in Ireland, India, Niger, Slovakia, and on a boat traveling around the world.  She has taught ages 10 to adult in subjects such as environmental education, ESL, African Literature, and health education and has been teaching in some form or another–be it in a classroom, conference room, webinar, or community space–since 2004.  Moving to New Orleans in 2011, she achieved a Master’s degree in Public Health and began devoting all her free time to climate justice work, borne out of a deep love and appreciation for the beauty and importance of the Gulf South region.  She is a founding member of 350 New Orleans, a local nonprofit organization that seeks to amplify and support the work of frontline organizers working for climate justice in their own communities.
    Her top 3 recommendations for New Orleanians looking for a quick day trip outside the city are Bogue Chitto State Park (hills and shade!), the Bayou Coquille Trail at Jean Lafitte (gators!) and Crosby Arboretum (turtles!).  In her free time she enjoys hiking and cycling, and she really wishes rollerblading was cool again.
  • Ari’yana Gibson

  • School Operations Coordinator ~ ariyana.gibson@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Ari’yana Gibson

    School Operations Coordinator ~ ariyana.gibson@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ari’yana was born and raised in rural Slidell, but has always been drawn to exploring life in the city.

    She attended Louisiana State University and studied English with a concentration in Secondary Education. As a lover of learning, she has taught Science, Louisiana History, English, and IBCA. Her favorite part about working in education is providing students with an opportunity to explore their interests. Something she is passionate about is creating spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and teaching students about the different options available to them post-graduation. After four years of teaching she has decided to step out of the classroom into a new role.

    Drawn to New Harmony because of the choice students get to have in their education and the passion that the staff has for the mission, Ari’yana is very excited to be a part of the family by serving as the Administrative Coordinator.

    In her free time, she likes to try out new recipes, binge watch vampire shows, travel as much as possible, and work on improvement projects in her new home on the Northshore.

  • Cassondra Ferrand, BSN, RN

  • Registered Nurse ~ nurse@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Cassondra Ferrand, BSN, RN

    Registered Nurse ~ nurse@newharmonyhigh.org

    Native New Orleanian, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. I became a school nurse in 1993 and have worked K-12 throughout Orleans parish. I am a member of the Louisiana School Nurse Organization and National Association of School Nurses.
    I enjoy all things school related to New Harmony, especially being their biggest cheerleader and PR person. I look forward to raising funds to keep New Harmony moving forward to fulfill their goals.
    Why I like New Harmony: I felt Harmony’s spirit when I initially walked through the doors. There’s a true sense of family here, with students, teachers, staff, and administration.

  • Chiquita Adams

  • Math Intervention ~ chiquita.adams@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Chiquita Adams

    Math Intervention ~ chiquita.adams@newharmonyhigh.org

    Chiquita is a self-proclaimed artist who marches to the beat of her own drum, a beat that has led her to New Orleans from Mississippi. She believes in the reverence of Mother Nature, in the unity of one’s physical and spiritual being, and in having a strong sense of community and responsibility to it.

    Chiquita’s began her humble teaching journey circa 2005, volunteering her time to tutoring and mentoring high school graduates in Jackson, MS on their way to college. Since then, Chiquita has taught students both inside and outside of the classroom, academics and nonacademics, traditional and nontraditional settings (and subjects). She most recently served a year as an Americorps Ed Fellow and another year as 7th grade science teacher and director of the after school program at a charter school in Central Falls, RI.

    Her hobbies include cooking, eating, traveling, reading, and all things music-related. She looks forward to rooting and growing like a giant tree, branching up towards the sky, with New Harmony.

  • Chris Beamon

  • Behavior Health Specialist ~ chris.beamon@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Chris Beamon

    Behavior Health Specialist ~ chris.beamon@newharmonyhigh.org

    Born and raised in New Orleans, Chris is our clinical mental health counselor specializing in child centered play therapy and expressive arts therapy. Chris finished both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in New Orleans proper with an aim and passion to change the systemic issues that plague the city of New Orleans.

    Chris is also the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Coordinator for Communities in Schools Gulf South. With this position Chris works closely with our school to ensure that all of our students are given empathy and equity during their time at New Harmony School.

  • Chris Hill

  • 1:1 Interventionist ~ chris.hill@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Chris Hill

    1:1 Interventionist ~ chris.hill@newharmonyhigh.org

    The youngest of three siblings, Chris was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. There have been many different career iterations for Chris, but his passion for working with students was ignited when he moved to New Orleans seven years ago. Accompanied by his wife, who is also an educator and his son, Elijah. His family moved to New Orleans in search of a place to plant roots and raise his son. This transition allowed him to dive head first into education, supporting and teaching students with exceptionalities. In this role, Chris was and still is a proud advocate for his students. Making sure that they receive the best education and proper accommodations to support their learning and growth.

    Outside of the classroom, Chris enjoys traveling with his family and is a consummate “project starter” from painting to reupholstering furniture, creativity is his “happy place”. You can often catch him walking alongside his wife during Mardi Gras as she is the Co-Owner of a New Orleans based dance team, The NOLA Heat. You might even see him walking alongside his son who plays the Trombone with Roots of Music. Chris may not originally be from New Orleans, but since moving to the city, he has fully embraced and immersed himself in the rich culture of the city.

    As a new member of New Harmony, Chris is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of students in a city he loves dearly.

  • Christine LeGuizamo

  • Site Coordinator / Social Worker ~ christine.leguizamo@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Christine LeGuizamo

    Site Coordinator / Social Worker ~ christine.leguizamo@newharmonyhigh.org

    Christine is coming from Communities In Schools of the Gulf South and has been with them since 2016. She graduated from Tulane University with her Master’s in Social Work in 2013 and received her LCSW credentials in May of 2019.

    Prior to coming to New Harmony, she was a school social worker for a high school in the 9th ward and an alternative high school located in New Orleans. She has a lot of experience in trauma work, child advocacy, and community outreach. Christine is very passionate about her clinical work and ensuring every child she comes across knows their rights and can obtain equal access to educational opportunities, mental health services, and other various needs.

    Outside of school, Christine enjoys playing with her dog, reading, and watching documentaries. She feels so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of a student’s growth as they continue their journey through New Harmony, and she looks forward to meeting students and their families!

  • Corice Saunders

  • Principles of Marketing & Entrepreneurship ~ corice.saunders@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Corice Saunders

    Principles of Marketing & Entrepreneurship ~ corice.saunders@newharmonyhigh.org

    I am a retired educator with 32 years of experience who recently returned back to my field of expertise.  I loved teaching, and interacting with students. I believe that learning is lifelong. Each year, I have found that my students have kept me young at heart and have continuously challenged me to stay relevant. I remain close to my former colleagues and students and look forward to cultivating new and rewarding relationships with my New Harmony family.

  • Dominique Dison

  • Health & PE ~dominique.dison@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Dominique Dison

    Health & PE ~dominique.dison@newharmonyhigh.org
    Graduated Nicholls State University BS in Nutrition
    I’m the proud mom of 5 year old son.
    It’s my first year teaching.
    I spent college years volunteering at various health fairs throughout New Orleans and Thibodaux, hosting Nutrition education sites around campus, spending the summer teaching New Orleans youth kitchen safety and enhancing their cooking skills.
    I’m drawn to New Harmony because of its unique mission that sets itself apart from all other high schools in the state.
    In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, sitting out at the lake, and watching scary movies while eating sushi.
  • Doug E. Fresh

  • Therapy Dog

  • Doug E. Fresh

    Therapy Dog

    Doug E. Fresh is a certified Therapy Dog. He and his handler, Nia DeCoux, are trained to provide comfort to schools, hospitals, and other human service providers. His calm disposition and super-soft, hypoallergenic fur make him a champion snuggler! Before joining the NHH Family, Doug served as a therapy animal for The Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. Therapy animals in schools have many positive outcomes, including increases in school attendance, gains in confidence, decreases in learner anxiety behaviors, improved motivation, and enhanced relationships with peers and teachers. Doug hopes to improve the lives of the entire school community. He loves belly rubs, warm hugs, and cheese.

  • Dr. Joshua Washington

  • Interim Executive Director - joshua.washington@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Dr. Joshua Washington

    Interim Executive Director - joshua.washington@newharmonyhigh.org

    Dr. Joshua Washington is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a graduate of Edna Karr High School. Dr. Washington attended Louisiana State University, the University of New Orleans, and the University of Holy Cross.
    Joshua holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership, a Master’s in Special Education, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a concentration in child and family development. Coming from a family of educators, it is no surprise that Joshua would excel in the field of education.

    He has held several roles in education across New Orleans, from a 5th-grade math teacher, Special Education teacher, Exceptional Student Services Coordinator, Director of Special Education, Assistant Principal, Principal and now Executive Director of New Harmony High School. He has a knack for getting the most challenging students to open up to him and relax. He leads his staff with strength & resilience. His playful nature draws people in; his knowledge base keeps them intrigued; his vision makes them want to follow his lead. Joshua is a fantastic community leader and is no stranger to community work. He is engaged in a plethora of community-based organizations and takes great pride and pleasure in his many philanthropic endeavors. Some of his civic engagements include:

    ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
    ▪ Community Commitment Counseling for at-risk children – Volunteer
    ▪ Holistic Educational Rehabilitation Center- Mental Health Professional
    ▪ Helping Hands Mentoring Organization – Chairperson
    ▪ Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
    ▪ Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
    ▪ The Alliance for Diversity & Excellence – Founding Member
    ▪ Algiers Economic Development Foundation- Board Member
    ▪Advocates for Innovative Schools- Board Member

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    ▪ Teacher Advancement Program (TAP)
    ▪ National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference Presenter
    ▪ CPR, Crisis Intervention & Medication Training
    ▪ New Leaders (Emerging Leaders Program – Aspiring Principal Program Cohort 13)
    ▪ The Clute
    ▪ Association for Behavior Analysis International

  • Dwight Rousseve

  • Algebra II for Environmental Sustainability ~ dwight.rousseve@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Dwight Rousseve

    Algebra II for Environmental Sustainability ~ dwight.rousseve@newharmonyhigh.org
    Hello everyone my name is Mr. Dwight G. Rousseve, Jr. I’m a native New Orleanian from Downtown, namely the Seventh Ward. I’m the proud father of three young adult children, and I’m an avid fan of the Saints and the Pelicans. I will be teaching Algebra II this coming school year. I have been an educator for one year and this is my first year at New Harmony High School. I look forward to having a productive year with my new school family.
    I’m a proud Alum of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). While enrolled at the University, I majored in Mathematics and Psychology. I was a member of the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program for Mathematics, as well as Psi Chi, which is an International Honor Society for Psychology. Needless to say I had an affinity for both disciplines. Furthermore, I graduated with University Honors from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
  • Ericka Daniels

  • U.S. History ~ ericka.daniels@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Ericka Daniels

    U.S. History ~ ericka.daniels@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Fumnanya Okokwu

  • Environmental Science ~ fumnanya.okokwu@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Fumnanya Okokwu

    Environmental Science ~ fumnanya.okokwu@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Janet Davis

  • School Secretary ~ office@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Janet Davis

    School Secretary ~ office@newharmonyhigh.org

    Janet Davis is a natural born leader. She is a New Orleans native. She has a twin sister. Her first love has been nails and hair. She has a flair for fashion. She loves traveling all over the world. She is a devoted mother to 2, which brought her passion to education and child development. She brings over 20 years of experience in professional training, early development, and education as well as special education. She also has a love for dogs. She has a unique story and is full of resources. Janet is very talented in many areas including her awesome cooking and catering. She has humbled herself to be a part of New Harmony High to add value to the leadership team and give back to the children of the future. She will bring balance and peace to the cause.

  • Jaron Berliner

  • Spanish II & III & IV ~ jaron.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Jaron Berliner

    Spanish II & III & IV ~ jaron.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

    Originally from an island near Seattle, an island where you actually have to take a boat to come and go, Jaron Berliner has lived, mostly, in New Orleans since 2003. His experience in public education began with the STAR reading program. After a year living in Bolivia, Jaron and his wife Caitlin returned to New Orleans and he has been a foreign language classroom teacher ever since. Jaron is a deep lover of words, culture and travel.

    When not in the classroom playing games, singing, debating and putting on puppet shows, Jaron is often found chasing after his speedy toddler. The chase usually takes place in City Park, the Lafitte Greenway, along Bayou St. John and through endless restaurants and grocery stores.
    In addition to the aerobics of parenting, Jaron is devoted reader, an emotive guitarist, a passionate traveler (with family, students, and toddlers alike!), a hopeful exerciser, a music nerd, a serious soccer fan and a lover of his wife and child.
    Jaron is particularly proud of having taken cohorts of students abroad to Panama on multiple trips. He looks forward to future adventures and reading Roald Dahl books to his son!
  • Jeff Carver

  • English III ~ jeff.carver@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Jeff Carver

    English III ~ jeff.carver@newharmonyhigh.org

    Not-so-FAQ’s about Jeff:

    Where are you from? 
    * In chronological order: California, Washington, Virginia, Louisiana
    What courses have you taught?
    * English I, AP Language and Composition, Technical Writing, Civics — this year English III.
    What were you doing before working in education?
    * I worked as an A&R rep for a record label for a good part of a decade and spent a couple years working as a project manager for a company that composed music for national advertising campaigns.  Lots of writing.  Lots of reading. Lots of communicating.
    Why New Harmony?
    * New Harmony’s approach to education resonates with me on a deep level, and I am inspired by the school’s innovation and fearlessness in creating authentic learning opportunities for students.
    Are there any NHH projects that you are particularly proud of?
    * Yes!  Plug time. Check out the New Harmony High Podcast here and here — it’s one of my favorite things ever.  Also, check out the book of dystopian flash fiction stories that our students published in partnership with 826 New Orleans here — it’s called Once Upon a Time in a City Called New Orleans.  It is also one of my favorite things ever.
    Are there any other books you’ve been thinking about a lot lately? 
    * In no particular order: Teaching a Stone to Talk – Dillard, Salvage the Bones – Ward, Parable of the Sower – Butler,  East of Eden – Steinbeck, The River Why – Duncan, Gilead – Robinson, and Infinite Jest – Wallace.  I would love to talk to you at length about all of these books.
    What are you interested in?
    * Family, birding, reading, music, backpacking, the natural world, podcasts, field recordings, yard beautification, talking to Fernando about insects, and trying to fix things around the house (see: usually unsuccessfully).
    Are there any birds you’ve been thinking about a lot lately? 
    * Actually, yes!  In alphabetical order: Belted Kingfishers, California Quail, Harpy Eagles, Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers (or lack thereof), Loggerhead Shrike, Painted Buntings, and Roseate Spoonbills.
    Did you interview yourself for this bio?
    * Maybe.

  • Joyce McCalphin

  • Data Science ~ joyce.mccalphin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Joyce McCalphin

    Data Science ~ joyce.mccalphin@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ms. Mac is a native New Orleanian.  She is a graduate of Our Lady of Holy Cross College.  She has taught mathematics over several decades in the private, Catholic and public schools of New Orleans.

    She wants students to think clearly and rationally. She feels that students should be able to communicate with all people in all walks of life, from the man on the corner to the queen in the palace.  Behave with respect to all, is the rule for her class.

    Ms. Mac wants her students to understand that mathematics is relevant to all aspects of their lives.  It is vital that her students see hard work, failure, mistakes and perseverance as the stepping stones to achieving their goals.  When students leave her class, as New Harmony graduates, it is her desire that they walk out the door of New Harmony into the awaiting world with confidence and self-worth. Knowing that all things are possible if they stay the course.

    She pledges to work hard and do everything possible to help her students learn and understand mathematics.  

    She is very happy to be a member of the New Harmony family.

  • Katelynn Clement

  • PBL Specialist ~ katelynn.clement@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Katelynn Clement

    PBL Specialist ~ katelynn.clement@newharmonyhigh.org
    Katelynn’s main passions in life include building, walking and eating. Uncoincidentally, their past 9 years in the education world have been filled with all three. Katelynn came to New Orleans in 2011 as a high school math teacher, and spent three years in the classroom teaching the spectrum of math classes including Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry and PreCalculus. In the classroom, they focus on building an empowering environment for students to take risks, be themselves and embrace their curiosities and passions. Outside of the classroom, they focus on eating as much delicious local food as possible.
    Katelynn’s curiosities led them wandering to the northern California coast then to the eastern mountains and the Appalachian Trail, where they walked from Georgia to New York for a few months. Somewhere along the way, they landed a teaching job at the Journeys School of the Teton Science Schools in Jackson, Wyoming and spent two years re-building the design program at the school, as well as teaching math. There, they grew their knowledge and skills around place-based, project-based and design education: utilizing the local community and ecology as a classroom to deepen learning experiences and using design thinking to build solutions to local challenges. They are excited to bring this experience to their work at New Harmony, and support our teachers in building and implementing a place-based and project-based philosophy and practice.
    Since returning to New Orleans in 2017, Katelynn has spent time as a carpenter doing historic restoration in the city, built a tiny house in their backyard, been a pedicab driver in the Quarter, and become active in local environmental and social justice movements. On any given day, you may find them playing soccer in a park, walking along the levee with their dog (Dug), riding their bike all around the city or reading/eating in their backyard.
  • Katherine Bell

  • Academic Counselor and Post-secondary Coordinator ~ katherine.bell@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Katherine Bell

    Academic Counselor and Post-secondary Coordinator ~ katherine.bell@newharmonyhigh.org

    Kat finds joy in helping students discover their interests and talents in unexpected places: she believes that everyone is a genius at something. Her first teaching experience was in Argentina and since then she has taught in Florida, Montana, and New Orleans. She has lived in big cities, rural areas, and on the Blackfeet Reservation, but New Orleans is the only U.S. city that has ever captured her heart. She first moved to New Orleans in 2009 to study linguistics and anthropology at Tulane and when she tried to move away she went through amazing food and music withdrawal and had to return.

     

    A lover of beauty, whether it is found in a trumpet solo, a sunset, or the written word, she has taught middle and high school students in a variety of subjects, including English, social studies, art and music, biology (for a hot minute!) and wilderness survival and is excited to bring all of her experiences in education and the workplace to the Quest for Success course at New Harmony. 

     

    When she’s not tracking down her fluffy, escape-artist dog, Poka, she might be found biking by the river, playing the piano, enjoying music somewhere in the city, cooking, or devouring a novel in a hammock. She thinks that any day that is spent by a body of water or on top of a mountain is a great day.

  • Coach K

  • Project Management & Capstone ~ coachk@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Coach K

    Project Management & Capstone ~ coachk@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Lauryl Grimes

  • Grant Writer / SPED Consultant ~ lauryl.grimes@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Lauryl Grimes

    Grant Writer / SPED Consultant ~ lauryl.grimes@newharmonyhigh.org

    Lauryl is a native New Hampshirite, long time Bostonian, recent Portlander, and a New Orleanian at heart. After getting her Masters in Public Health at Tulane, she and her partner moved to Portland, Oregon where Lauryl became a begrudging west-coaster and found herself, sort-of-accidentally, in education. 

     

    Interested in food systems and nutrition, she served a year with AmeriCorps as the garden coordinator at Trillium Charter School. Gardening is objectively the best but Lauryl quickly realized that high schoolers are the coolest, most interesting group of humans and argued to become a high school advisor and teacher the following year. She believes relationships and diversity-in-all-its-forms are fundamental to education. She loves breaking down constructs and smashing the patriarchy and is thrilled to continue her work in special education, equity, and advisory at New Harmony! 

     

    When Lauryl isn’t at school, you can likely find her at a dog park with Zuzu (her pet velociraptor), cooking, camping, or thinking about running. 

  • Maegan Saul

  • 1:1 Interventionist and Case Manager ~ maegan.saul@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Maegan Saul

    1:1 Interventionist and Case Manager ~ maegan.saul@newharmonyhigh.org

    Maegan is from Waggaman, Louisiana. She studied Kinesiology at Southeastern concentrating in Exercise Science. She has a deep passion for health and wellness and is pursing a certification in Adaptive Physical Education. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two babies, Theodore, a fancy tuxedo cat, and Honey, an orange cat who does orange cat things. She loves food, the Saints and #GeauxPels

  • Margaux Joseph

  • Algebra I ~ margaux.joseph@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Margaux Joseph

    Algebra I ~ margaux.joseph@newharmonyhigh.org

    Margaux Joseph is a true New Orleanian who graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies concentrated in education. This is Margaux’s 21st year as an educator in New Orleans. During her career she has worked the majority of her time as a 7th/8th grade math teacher.

    In addition to teaching, she truly enjoys spending time with her family and friends. A few of her hobbies include custom cake designs, art, and fishing, when she gets the chance.

    Margaux is also the proud wife and momma to two sons.

  • Marli Antoine Davis

  • Emotional Support Service Animal

  • Marli Antoine Davis

    Emotional Support Service Animal

    December 1, 2016 he became stylish by DNA. His temperament is calm and nurturing, often called Muffin. He’s an emotional support service animal. He loves to travel domestically and internationally! He loves the beach. His favorite food is the big chicken but will heat his food like a good boy. Marli loves to chill at Starbucks. His mommy is his Shera. His favorite hobby is hiding. He likes sleeping in, and his favorite pajamas have hamburgers on them. Fast food drive-thrus are his thing. He’s peaceful on road trip.s He’s a loner and a nice teddy bear fixture but definitely a crowd favorite.

  • Nia DeCoux

  • English I ~ nia.decoux@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Nia DeCoux

    English I ~ nia.decoux@newharmonyhigh.org

    Nia DeCoux is a writer, educator, and activist who believes that when done well storytelling and teaching become the same practice. Her work has been honoured by both the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, and the National Black Arts Festival. She is a native of rural Southwest Louisiana and her work as an educator has taken her all over the world including Atlanta, Detroit, Oakland, New York, Belize and Honduras. Nia is the Founder of Untold Education and a Festival of Words board member. She’s excited to help shape and be shaped by the New Harmony educational community. Nia loves secondhand shops, trying new foods, and those unexpectedly wonderful conversations you have with strangers on a bus.

  • Nikki Hebert

  • Geometry ~ nikki.hebert@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Nikki Hebert

    Geometry ~ nikki.hebert@newharmonyhigh.org
    Rynika Hebert is from a small town in south central Louisiana called Morgan City. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of New Orleans and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. While attending Xavier University she was privileged to be granted the opportunity to participate on the Women’s basketball team. She is entering her 11th year of teaching. During her career she has worked the majority of her career as a 6th grade math teacher.
    Besides teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her hobbies consist of spoiling her Goldendoodle, Brody, and watching and participating in sports.
  • Rae Banks

  • Director of Operations ~ rae.banks@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Rae Banks

    Director of Operations ~ rae.banks@newharmonyhigh.org
    Rae is a native New Orleanian however spent her formative years in Detroit, Michigan. She is a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and Wolverine.
    Creating an exceptional experience for each student has been her passion since entering New Orleans Public and Charter school system. It is her absolute passion to blur the line of the experience that students obtaining privatized education with those of a more common and urban demographic in Orleans Parish.
    Rae is a Mother of three amazing small people whom she encourages to reach beyond the sky. She enjoys a nice cup of tea, cooking, dancing, art, great salads, Mardi Gras, and loving family/friends extra hard.
  • Raheem Williams

  • Data Manager ~ rwilliams@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Raheem Williams

    Data Manager ~ rwilliams@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Raven Hodges Bell

  • Director of Learning ~ raven.bell@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Raven Hodges Bell

    Director of Learning ~ raven.bell@newharmonyhigh.org

    Raven Bell is a New Orleans Native and Alumnus of Tulane University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has received certificates of completion from University of Columbia, Teacher’s College in writing, reading, & digital learning. She is trained in Tools of the Mind and TBRI (trust based relational intervention). She sat as a board member for Advocates for Innovative Schools & held the position of Secretary of Board for The Village Community Project. She latest received her certificate of completion from The Alliance of Diversity and Equity Leadership Program and is currently exploring a PhD in Organizational Leadership.

    Raven hails from a large family of 10 children and began her teaching at the tender age of 15 as a daycare assistant. She later went on to teach kindergarten, 2nd grade, social studies & science, and 4th grade. During this time, she doubled as a reading interventionist & instructional coach. She has also held the position of Health & Wellness Chair, Cheerleading Coach, and Black History Program Chair.

    While Raven’s “on the field” life, has many moving parts, Raven is just as involved in her “off the field” endeavors. She currently serves as a Worship Leader, leads a monthly Mother’s Belong group, and provides life coaching. She is a devoted wife and mother of 3. She believes that through Christ, she can do anything and will do everything she is purposed for.

  • Regina Serafino

  • Family/Parent Coordinator ~ regina.serafino@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Regina Serafino

    Family/Parent Coordinator ~ regina.serafino@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Rick Sahuc

  • World Geo & Government ~ rick.sahuc@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Rick Sahuc

    World Geo & Government ~ rick.sahuc@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Rochell Hillard

  • Director of Diverse Learning ~ rochell.hillard@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Rochell Hillard

    Director of Diverse Learning ~ rochell.hillard@newharmonyhigh.org

    Rochell brings over 20 years of experience as a resource teacher and special education coordinator to New Harmony. She has a Masters in Leadership and Administration.

  • Ruben Sartin

  • Student Support Coordinator ~ ruben.sartin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Ruben Sartin

    Student Support Coordinator ~ ruben.sartin@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ruben is a familiar face from Communities In Schools of the Gulf South and had interned with us since fall 2019. He is originally from New Orleans, LA where he graduated from LB Landry- OP Walker college preparatory High School in 2015. He went along to receive his BSW from Miles College in 2019. As well as graduating with his Masters of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in 2021.

    Prior to coming to New Harmony, He was an intensive algebra, algebra 1 instructor, & football coach for a high school on the Westbank. Ruben’s passion for the student body assists him in connecting and aiding their academic, emotional, and social needs.

    Outside of school Ruben enjoys working out, writing poetry, and spending time with loved ones. He is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this unique institution. And vows to advocate for the betterment of everyone apart of the New Harmony High family.

  • Saleem Williams

  • English II ~ saleem.williams@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Saleem Williams

    English II ~ saleem.williams@newharmonyhigh.org

    Mr. S. Williams is a native of the Crescent City. However, he has lived in West Virginia, New York, California, Washington, and Belize. 

    Mr. Williams graduated from Dillard University with a major in secondary education and a minor in literature. He began his career as an educator teaching for the Seattle Public School District in 1998. Since then, he has taught Film Studies, African American Literature, Humanities, Yearbook Publication, ELA I-IV, and AP English.   

    Williams is a lover of books, music, film, and travel. Feel free to spark up a conversation when you pass him in the halls!

  • Shea Toups

  • English IV & Music ~ shea.toups@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Shea Toups

    English IV & Music ~ shea.toups@newharmonyhigh.org

    Shea is a passionate English teacher devoted to utilizing expressive and holistic language instruction to ultimately foster the belief young people have in the validity of their own stories, creative perspective, power, voice, and craft.

    Born and raised in Raceland and Gheens, Louisiana, she spent her time doing absolutely nothing but wondering how to get somewhere else. Frequenting New Orleans as a child, usually referred to as “the city,” she knew it would be where she’d continue finding and practicing whatever it is that would end up making sense to her.

    After she found herself holding bachelor’s degrees in both Literary Studies and Secondary English Education, she leapt into an unexpected and specific professionalism and urgency as an educator. She previously thought she’d be keeping space for a writing and/or music career, but her first year teaching provided her with weird possibilities to transmute those deep loves and be exposed to the moral obligation of teaching (which isn’t something she thinks you can just back out of). She has taught alternative high school English and Composition seminars year round for three years by integrating Fine Arts, Music, Civics, and World Geography credits, always making a point to turn to the community, popular culture, and contemporary findings for real world relevant and activist-inspired projects.

    Shea probably loves these things (or just can’t get away from them): using 20 thousand words, singing quietly where she finds nice acoustics, synchronicity, hot beverages, the unrelenting reminder of the human condition, being in bodies of water, lamps, typing notes of all sorts on her phone (loves) and never really using them (doesn’t love), organizing and directing strange performances, and being right-up-on-the-stage during concerts.

  • Sidney Wilson

  • Chemistry ~ sidney.wilson@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Sidney Wilson

    Chemistry ~ sidney.wilson@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Sierra Jenkins

  • Biology ~ sierra.jenkins@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Sierra Jenkins

    Biology ~ sierra.jenkins@newharmonyhigh.org
    Sierra is from Gaithersburg, MD and has slowly migrated further south since graduating high school. She is very passionate about science and exposing students to using different topics that they have never heard of.  Sierra believes it is important for students to take on the role as change agents in their communities, and discover interests they are passionate about early on in their high school career.
    In her free time you can find Sierra eating at different restaurants around New Orleans, cooking new recipes from blogs , or looking up random facts about whales (her favorite animal).
  • Simone Cifuentes

  • AP Environmental Science ~simone.cifuentes@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Simone Cifuentes

    AP Environmental Science ~simone.cifuentes@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ms. Cifuentes believes in SCIENCE!, the interconnectedness of all things, codeswitching, washing your hands, environmental justice, proper grammar, the all powerful healing magic of puppy kisses, and asking A LOT of questions. She was born in San Francisco, is bilingual and has dual citizenship, both US and Chilean.

    Despite being a Louisiana licensed attorney, she prefers that environmental education life. Ms. Cifuentes earned her J.D. from LSU, and her B.S. in Environmental Economics and Policy from UC, Berkeley where she lived in housing cooperatives and learned valuable home maintenance skills. Ms. Cifuentes is all about exposing her students to elements of the natural world  and fostering better stewards. A confirmed urbanite, she enjoys finding the right balance between natural and built environments.

    When not conducting wild scientific experiments, Ms. Cifuentes can be found cuddling with canines or at Lowes looking for items to improve her nearly 200 year old Creole Cottage or if it’s Friday night at the Saenger for a musical theater performance, finally!

  • Stephen Bradberry

  • World History ~ stephen.bradberry@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Stephen Bradberry

    World History ~ stephen.bradberry@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Sunny Dawn Summers

  • Founding School Leader ~ sunny@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Sunny Dawn Summers

    Founding School Leader ~ sunny@newharmonyhigh.org

    Sunny is a passionate and dedicated public school educator. Starting in 2011, Sunny has been learning from the youth of New Orleans in charter schools across the city. Before New Harmony, Sunny was a teacher leader, department head and instructional coach.

    Sunny has always valued the relationships she cultivated with her students, and stays in touch with so many of her previous students. Inside the classroom, her achievements include having the school’s only 100% passing ratio for the English II EOC at New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School, as well as co-developing a new, innovative English curriculum to meet the needs of incoming sophomores with writing deficiencies. Her World Lit classroom has been host to camera crews filming real-time sessions for teacher education as well as radio producers test driving podcasts and teaching storytelling. Sunny has taught English I and II, Algebra, Geometry, reading intervention, and 8.5 writing. As a founding teacher at ReNew Accelerated High School, she received Teacher of the Year Honors.

    Sunny received her BA in English and Art (Magna Cum Laude, All College Honors, Departmental Honors) from the University of Saint Mary in 2001, and her Masters in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education (Honors) in 2015. She completed teachNOLA in 2011. She received her Principal Certification in 2018 from School Leadership Center in New Orleans.

    Prior to becoming a teacher, Sunny had a successful nine-year career as Vice President for Content Development in the business of adult education, where data mining and instructional coaching were critical. She has extensive non-profit and volunteer experience including serving as Board Vice President for The HALO Foundation and teaching English in Nicaragua.

    Sunny was a founding member of the New Harmony High design team that won the nationally competitive XQ: The Super School Project, receiving a $10 million grant to open a public high school focused on the intersection between social and environmental justice. Since 2017, she has served as the Founding School Leader for New Harmony.

    Sunny and her husband Tyler have an autistic son, Beau, who specializes in being ornery.

    You can catch Sunny marching in front of the Treme Brass Band on Lundi Gras as El Capitan Ad Infinitum for Krewe of Redbeans and Rice in her chosen home of New Orleans.

  • Tori Berliner

  • Reading Interventionist ~ tori.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Tori Berliner

    Reading Interventionist ~ tori.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

    Tori Berliner is a creative, free-spirited and open minded interventionist at New Harmony High. Born on an island in the PNW, Tori moved to New Orleans ten years ago to live in a place where her passions aligned with the city’s culture. Her strong adoration for costuming, crafting, eating and dancing has kept her rooted.

    Tori also loves to travel and experience the world. She lived abroad in Mexico and Vietnam, where she taught ESL to a diverse population of students. But above all, she loves working with students at home in New Orleans. The kids keep her entertained, laughing, thinking, and learning about the world around her.

    Lastly, Tori is a genuine lover of humanity. She cares deeply for the earth, environmental and social justice, as well as challenging societal norms. Catch her leaning into her spirituality and connecting to the earth beneath her feet.

  • Tracey Hoskin

  • Media Arts & Yearbook ~ tracey.hoskin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Tracey Hoskin

    Media Arts & Yearbook ~ tracey.hoskin@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Wafa Faris

  • Quest for Success & Financial Lit ~ wafa.faris@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Wafa Faris

    Quest for Success & Financial Lit ~ wafa.faris@newharmonyhigh.org