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Alaina Carter
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Assistant School Leader ~ alaina.carter@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Alicia Cooke
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World Geography ~ alicia.cooke@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Carl Daniel Cifuentes
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Therapy Dog
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Carl Daniel Cifuentes
Therapy Dog
Carl Daniel Cifuentes comes to us from rural Georgia by way of the Madison Oglethorpe County Animal Shelter where he was officially adopted March 20, 2020. Being a Pandemic Puppy, Carl‘s initials had to be CDC. Rescued by his handler, Ms. Cifuentes, after the unexpected death of her second dog, Carl is well versed in loss. Carl is both an emotional support animal and therapy dog, becoming certified after the passing of the family’s eldest dog, Clementine, in 2023. Carl is quiet and shy, but friendly and affectionate. He is highly emotionally intelligent, playful, and conflict averse. 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. Carl is New Harmony’s first black therapy dog and our first second floor support animal, hoping to bring these same benefits to upperclassmen.
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Cassondra Ferrand, BSN, RN
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Registered Nurse ~ nurse@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Chris Hill
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1:1 Interventionist ~ chris.hill@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Clem
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Mission Aligned Programming (MAP) Coordinator ~ clem@newharmonyhigh.org
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Clem
Mission Aligned Programming (MAP) Coordinator ~ clem@newharmonyhigh.org
Clem 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. While hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2015, they landed a teaching job at 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 and project-based learning: utilizing the local community and ecology as a classroom to deepen project-based learning experiences for students.Clem was the Director of Learning at New Harmony from 2020-2022, and has since transitioned into their role as Mission Aligned Programming (MAP) Coordinator. In this role, they coordinate the “Outdoors Adventures” programming for 9th grade, the “Design for Sustainable Development” programming for 10th grade, and the “College & Career Exploration” programming for 11th grade. They are excited to get students off campus and connected to our unique community and environment, as well as to build the school’s place-based and project-based foundation.Clem is also a pedicab driver in the Quarter, has spent time as a carpenter doing historic restoration around the city, and is active in local environmental and social justice movements. They enjoy riding their bike, playing soccer, cooking & eating delicious food and spending as much time outside as possible.
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Corice Saunders
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Entrepreneurship & Capstone ~ corice.saunders@newharmonyhigh.org
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Corice Saunders
Entrepreneurship & Capstone ~ 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.
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Dominique Dison
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Health & PE ~dominique.dison@newharmonyhigh.org
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Dominique Dison
Health & PE ~dominique.dison@newharmonyhigh.org
Graduated Nicholls State University BS in NutritionI’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.
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Doug E. Fresh
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Therapy Dog
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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.
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Dwight Rousseve
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Algebra II for Environmental Sustainability ~ dwight.rousseve@newharmonyhigh.org
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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).
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Ericka Daniels
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U.S. History ~ ericka.daniels@newharmonyhigh.org
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Ericka Daniels
U.S. History ~ ericka.daniels@newharmonyhigh.org
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Fumnanya Okokwu
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Environmental Science ~ fumnanya.okokwu@newharmonyhigh.org
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Fumnanya Okokwu
Environmental Science ~ fumnanya.okokwu@newharmonyhigh.org
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Janet Davis
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School Secretary ~ office@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Jay Pinkney
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1:1 Interventionist ~ jay.pinkney@newharmonyhigh.org
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Jay Pinkney
1:1 Interventionist ~ jay.pinkney@newharmonyhigh.org
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Jaron Berliner
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Spanish II & III & IV ~ jaron.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org
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Jaron Berliner
Spanish II & III & IV ~ jaron.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org
While not a native New Orleanian, Jaron has lived here since 2003 and been a classroom teacher since 2008. He is hopeful 20 years in the city earns respect in the eyes of real locals.
As a long time foreign language teacher, Jaron is a 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 two children across soccer fields, in City Park or along Bayou St. John.In addition to the aerobics of parenting, Jaron is devoted reader, an emotive guitarist, a passionate traveler (with family, students, and children alike!), a hopeful exerciser, a music nerd, an exhausted Pelicans fan, a serious soccer snob and a lover of his wife and children.
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Jeff Carver
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Director of Learning ~ jeff.carver@newharmonyhigh.org
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Jeff Carver
Director of Learning ~ 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, 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.
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Dr. Joshua Washington
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Executive Director - joshua.washington@newharmonyhigh.org
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Dr. Joshua Washington
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 MemberPROFESSIONAL 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
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Joyce McCalphin
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Math Intervention & RTI ~ joyce.mccalphin@newharmonyhigh.org
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Joyce McCalphin
Math Intervention & RTI ~ 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.
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Katherine Bell
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Director of College & Career Readiness ~ katherine.bell@newharmonyhigh.org
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Katherine Bell
Director of College & Career Readiness ~ 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.
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Katie Bolin
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Executive Assistant ~ katie.bolin@newharmonyhigh.org
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Katie Bolin
Executive Assistant ~ katie.bolin@newharmonyhigh.org
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Kaycee Conaway
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Special Education Teacher ~ kaycee.conaway@newharmonyhigh.org
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Kaycee Conaway
Special Education Teacher ~ kaycee.conaway@newharmonyhigh.org
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Coach K
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Film (Premier Pro) ~ coachk@newharmonyhigh.org
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Coach K
Film (Premier Pro) ~ coachk@newharmonyhigh.org
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Laura Lobosco
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504 Coordinator ~ laura.lobosco@newharmonyhigh.org
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Laura Lobosco
504 Coordinator ~ laura.lobosco@newharmonyhigh.org
Laura is committed to the idea that young people should not have to wait until they are adults to be valued and respected members of their communities. Advocating for the right to equitable and just educational experiences for high school students has been the focus of Laura’s work since she joined a special education team in a New Orleans high school in 2013. She is so happy to be joining a team of educators who are dedicated to supporting students in finding and using their own voices to direct their futures.
Born and raised in Rhode Island, Laura studied Psychology, English and Spanish at the University of Mississippi. Since 2011 she’s been proud to call New Orleans home, and highly prizes the opportunity to explore, hike, and camp in the Gulf Coast region.
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Lilliana Raphael
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English Language Learners ~ lilliana.raphael@newharmonyhigh.org
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Lilliana Raphael
English Language Learners ~ lilliana.raphael@newharmonyhigh.org
Lilliana Raphael is a dedicated ESL teacher with a profound commitment to empowering English language learners in New Orleans. Lilliana endeavors to create an atmosphere where students from diverse backgrounds feel valued and encouraged to thrive. As an ESL teacher, she believes in the power of language as a bridge that connects people and communities.
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Maegan Saul
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Interventionist & Case Manager ~ maegan.saul@newharmonyhigh.org
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Maegan Saul
Interventionist & 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
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Margaux Joseph
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Algebra I ~ margaux.joseph@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Marli Antoine Davis
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Emotional Support Service Animal
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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.
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Morgan Glover
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English III ~ morgan.glover@newharmonyhigh.org
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Morgan Glover
English III ~ morgan.glover@newharmonyhigh.org
Ms. M. Glover is a New Orleans naive. She graduated from Emory University a majoring in English Studies with a concentration in African American Studies. She also minored in theater studies. Ms. G started her education career in 2021 here in the city of New Orleans. She has taught middle school English and English Intervention.
Ms. G loves playing the piano, crocheting, watching anime, and spending time with her dogs, aka babies.
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Nia DeCoux
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English I ~ nia.decoux@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Raheem Williams
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Data Manager ~ rwilliams@newharmonyhigh.org
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Raheem Williams
Data Manager ~ rwilliams@newharmonyhigh.org
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Regina Serafino
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Family/Parent Coordinator ~ regina.serafino@newharmonyhigh.org
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Regina Serafino
Family/Parent Coordinator ~ regina.serafino@newharmonyhigh.org
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Rick Sahuc
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Government ~ rick.sahuc@newharmonyhigh.org
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Rick Sahuc
Government ~ rick.sahuc@newharmonyhigh.org
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Rochell Hillard
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Director of Diverse Learning ~ rochell.hillard@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Rosemary Espino
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Spanish 1 ~ rosemary.espino@newharmonyhigh.org
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Rosemary Espino
Spanish 1 ~ rosemary.espino@newharmonyhigh.org
From The Big Apple to The Big Easy, meet Ms. Rosemary, a dedicated Spanish teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds. With a warm and vibrant personality, she creates a welcoming environment for her students to thrive in. Her bright and bubbly demeanor makes her a favorite among students. Through her innovative teaching methods and unwavering enthusiasm for her love of language and culture, Ms. Rosemary leaves a lasting impact on her students, inspiring them to embrace language learning with joy and curiosity.
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Ruba Kenyi
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Mental Health Counselor ~ ruba.kenyi@newharmonyhigh.org
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Ruba Kenyi
Mental Health Counselor ~ ruba.kenyi@newharmonyhigh.org
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Ruben Sartin
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Student Support Coordinator ~ ruben.sartin@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Saleem Williams
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English II ~ saleem.williams@newharmonyhigh.org
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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!
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Sean Muggivan
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Prob & Stats ~ sean.muggivan@newharmonyhigh.org
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Sean Muggivan
Prob & Stats ~ sean.muggivan@newharmonyhigh.org
Sean, a lifelong resident of the GNO area, graduated from East Jefferson High School, earned a bachelors in English from UNO (focus on creative writing) and received a masters in social work from LSU. Previous to teaching math, Sean practiced social work with a focus on helping youth realize their full potential. It was as a social worker that Sean was introduced to the most amazing person in his life (among many amazing people) who he would one day be lucky enough to marry. Together, Sean and his wife, Danielle, are raising the two cutest babies on the planet.
When Sean’s not teaching, he enjoys all things outdoors: car camping at state parks, ultralight bikepacking in the desert, and everything in between. Sean also enjoys spending as much of his summer break as possible at his family’s home in Mountshannon, Ireland, where his father is originally from.
FUN FACT: While Sean was born in 1980, he prefers to identify himself as GenX as opposed to a millennial. Sean provides the following evidence supporting this identification: he grew up among a pack of feral peers, he remembers not having the internet, much less Google, and he always had his pager and quarters in his pocket when he was in high school.
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Shea Toups
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English IV & Music ~ shea.toups@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Sidney Wilson
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Chemistry ~ sidney.wilson@newharmonyhigh.org
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Sidney Wilson
Chemistry ~ sidney.wilson@newharmonyhigh.org
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Simone Cifuentes
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AP Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Sustainability Czarina ~cifuentes@newharmonyhigh.org
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Simone Cifuentes
AP Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Sustainability Czarina ~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!
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Stephen Bradberry
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African American History ~ stephen.bradberry@newharmonyhigh.org
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Stephen Bradberry
African American History ~ stephen.bradberry@newharmonyhigh.org
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Sunny Dawn Summers
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Founding School Leader ~ sunny@newharmonyhigh.org
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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.
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Tori Berliner
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Reading Interventionist & Case Manager ~ tori.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org
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Tori Berliner
Reading Interventionist & Case Manager ~ 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.
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Thomas Stevens
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Site Coordinator Operations ~ thomas.stevens@newharmonyhigh.org
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Thomas Stevens
Site Coordinator Operations ~ thomas.stevens@newharmonyhigh.org
Mr. Stevens, a New Orleans public School product and Louisiana Public University product has joined New Harmony to manage our Operations team. He brings to New Harmony High a Tri-Coastal (Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf) Facilities And Overall Management resume that, as he sometimes says, is “not bad for a little kid from the 9th Ward.” The bearer of multiple facility and safety certifications, Stevens joins New Harmony High to create greater vertical integration, conservation, and sustainability. He shares a passion for student mentorship and is proud to add Harvard-trained lawyers, doctors, real estate executives, marketing directors, social media, and educational professionals to his lists of credits. His favorite acronym comes from the letters in TEAM, TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE.
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Tracey Hoskin
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Media Arts & Yearbook ~ tracey.hoskin@newharmonyhigh.org
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Tracey Hoskin
Media Arts & Yearbook ~ tracey.hoskin@newharmonyhigh.org
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Wafa Faris
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Quest for Success & Financial Lit ~ wafa.faris@newharmonyhigh.org
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Wafa Faris
Quest for Success & Financial Lit ~ wafa.faris@newharmonyhigh.org