Faculty & Staff

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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 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

Ericka Daniels

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

Fumnanya Okokwu

Environmental Science ~ fumnanya.okokwu@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

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.

Jeff Carver

English III ~ jeff.carver@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

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

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 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 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

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 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

Rae Banks

Director of Operations ~ rae.banks@newharmonyhigh.org

Raheem Williams

Data Manager ~ rwilliams@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

Rick Sahuc

World Geo & Government ~ rick.sahuc@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 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

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 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

Sierra Jenkins

Biology ~ sierra.jenkins@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.

Stephen Bradberry

World History ~ stephen.bradberry@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 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

Wafa Faris

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