Ky Adderley, Founder and Principal
Wayne Bartley, 7th & 8th Grade Science
Emily Carroll, 5th Grade Teacher
Dana Chambers, KIPP NYC Fellow
Jamison Chandler, Music Teacher
Dameon Clay, Counselor
Brenda Daniels, 5th Grade Special Education
David Exley, 7th Grade English
Emily Fernandez, 5th Grade Teacher
Reginald Greene, 6th Grade Teacher
Daniel Halvorsen, 5th Grade Teacher
William Jackson, Physical Education Teacher
Amirah Johnson, School Operations Manager
Natalie Joseph, 6th Grade Teacher
Tokinma Killins, Social Worker
Cory Lee, Sports Coordinator
Jonathan McIntosh, 6th Grade Special Education
Anastasia Michals, 7th Grade Math
Kashi Nelson, 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies
Dorothy Noel, Office Manager
Alecia Palmer, 6th Grade Teacher
Melissa Parry, Dean of Instruction
Shaka Phillips, 7th & 8th Grade Special Education
Fabiano Pinheiro, Capoeira
Eddy Ramirez, 6th Grade Teacher
Nicole Smith, Capoeira
Erin Speer, 8th Grade Math
Jenny Tolan, 5th Grade Math
Ashley Toussaint, 8th Grade English
Sojourner Walker, Drama
KIPP NYC Shared Services Team >
Ky Adderley, Founding Principal
Mr. Adderley started the KIPP School Leadership Program in the summer of 2004, and founded KIPP AMP Academy in the summer of 2005. A former High School/College All-American and Professional Track Athlete from Philadelphia, Adderley earned his BA and master's degree in Education Policy from Georgetown University, as well as a Degree of Advanced Studies in Administration & Supervision from National-Louis University. After completing research on the academic achievement gap and observing that the expectations some teachers had for minority students were "far too low," Adderley joined Teach For America and taught sixth grade at Bruce-Monroe Elementary School in Washington, DC. In his first year of teaching, Adderley was awarded the prestigious Outstanding New Teacher of the Year award for 2001-02. Adderley was led to KIPP because of the opportunity to work with a team of mission-driven individuals with the same high expectations for all students, and to have a broad and direct impact on his community.
Wayne Bartley, 7th/8th Grade Science
Mr. Bartley came to KIPP AMP from the New York City Teaching Fellows Program. His hobbies consist of playing chess, playing scrabble, art, kickboxing and creating a unique educational teacher-student bond with his little KIPPsters. Although his early educational years were achieved in the West Indian Island of Jamaica, Wayne ascertained his undergraduate degree through a track and biology scholarship at Prairie View A&M University in Texas and Masters Degrees from Touro College (Dix Hills), Hunter College and Herbert H. Lehman College respectively. He is also current a Professor at the University of New Rochelle and Touro College and a proud member of the world’s greatest fraternity – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Emily Carroll, 5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Carroll is a 5th grade self-contained teacher and in her fifth year of teaching. Prior to joining KIPP AMP, Emily was a second grade founding teacher at Leadership Prep Charter School, an Uncommon Charter School in Brooklyn, NY. Emily was a 2004 Teach For America New York City Corps Member and earned her BA from Washington University of St. Louis, her MA from Pace University, and her M. Ed. from Harvard University focusing on educational policy and management. Emily loves exploring new parts of NYC, taking long walks, and visiting her family in Chicago.
Jamison Chandler, Music Teacher
Mr. Chandler hails from Atlanta, GA and has been composing and performing for over 20 years and has worked in arts education for 7 years. Jamison has studied and performed with Jazz legends such as Cecil Bridgewater, Sam Rivers, Mike Longo Benny Wallace, Joe Jennings, Donald Smith, David Sanchez, and Nicholas Payton. Jamison holds a Bachelor of Arts from Georgia State University.
Dameon Clay, Counselor
Mr. Clay joined KIPP AMP in 2008 as the school counselor. He has over 9 years of experience counseling children from various backgrounds. Dameon began his career as a counselor in 2000, working with juvenile sex offenders at a residential hospital. Dameon then proceeded to work at a Child Psychiatric Unit at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago Illinois. After moving to Atlanta in 2003, Dameon worked as a counselor for a residential treatment hospital in Douglasville, Georgia. Following this, Dameon worked as a counselor for the Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club in Austell, Georgia. Dameon spent 2005-2006 working for the state of Georgia as a child ongoing case manager. In addition, Dameon co-founded a program in Atlanta called Hoop Avenue that caters to high school basketball players who were not heavily recruited out of high school. In 2006, Dameon moved to New Jersey and worked as a counselor for the Union County Boys & Girls Club. Dameon also worked as a Youth Case Manager for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Dameon graduated from Northern Illinois University. There Dameon played basketball and participated in several social organizations such as N.A.A.C.P, Black Student Union, Student Government Association and Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.
Brenda Daniels, 5th Grade Special Education
Ms. Daniels joined the KIPP AMP Academy family in 2007. Prior to teaching at KIPP AMP, Brenda taught elementary school at PS 298 in Brownsville, Brooklyn while also serving as a member of New York City Teaching Fellows. While teaching in Brownsville, she earned her M.S. Ed. in Elementary Special Education at Brooklyn College. Brenda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Columbia University, with a major in African-American Studies. While studying at Columbia, Brenda was initiated into Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and served as the Chapter President. She was also a founding member of Dole, Columbia University’s premier African dance ensemble. Her favorite author is James Baldwin.
David Exley, 7th Grade English
Mr. Exley teaches seventh grade English Language Arts. He has previously taught 8th grade, 12th grade, and 9th grade. Most recently, he taught 8th grade Social Studies and Language Arts in Portland, Oregon. He received a BA in History for the University of Portland and also a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University or Portland. He enjoys playing soccer and traveling throughout the country.
Emily Fernandez, 5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Fernandez became the fifth grade reading teacher at KIPP AMP Academy in 2008 after teaching fifth and sixth grade Non-Fiction Studies. Prior to joining the KIPP family, Emily taught fourth grade for two years in Miami, Florida as part of Teach For America. She graduated in 2005 from Boston University with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Education at Hunter University.
Reginald Greene, 6th Grade Teacher
Mr. Greene is the 6th Grade Math teacher at KIPP AMP Academy. Formerly enjoying a three year tenure as the Dean of Students, the 5th grade writing teacher in the 2006-2007 school year and as 5th grade math teacher the year prior, Reginald was also a Teach for America corps member in Miami from 2004-2006 at Van E. Blanton elementary—5th grade self-contained. Reginald received a degree in Political Science from the University of Chicago and wrote a thesis in the research of voter trends in African American youth and the various effects those trends could have in future presidential elections. Reginald is an avid reader, of late, and logic game practitioner.
Daniel Halvorson, 5th Grade Teacher
Before working at KIPP AMP, Mr. Halvorsen worked for three years as a 5th grade teacher in Fairfax, Virginia, outside Washington, D.C. Mr. Halvorsen attended the University of Virginia where he received a B.A. in Psychology and Master of Teaching in Elementary Education.
Willie Jackson, Physical Education
In addition to teaching physical education, Mr. Jackson coaches flag football, basketball, and track. He is also an assistant basketball coach at Benjamin Banneker Academy where he is an alum. Mr. Jackson received his B.S. in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Management from Virginia State University.
Amirah Johnson, School Operations Manager
Ms. Johnson is the School Operations Manager of KIPP AMP Academy. In her time at KIPP AMP, Amirah has taught 5th and 6th grade social studies and has assisted with administrative responsibilities. Prior to joining KIPP AMP, she worked for one of New York’s top men’s and women’s contemporary clothing retailers as the Customer Relations Specialist and Assistant Buyer for their women’s wear department. Amirah received a degree in Human Services from St. John’s University and is currently working on her M.S. in Education at CUNY: Hunter College.
Natalie Joseph, 6th Grade Teacher
Ms. Joseph is the fifth and sixth grade Nonfiction/Social Studies teacher at KIPP AMP. She possesses a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Services and Education. Before joining KIPP AMP, she began her teaching experience with the NYC Department of Education as a special education teacher, providing support for students with learning and behavioral disabilities, addressing their learning, emotional, and physical needs. Within two years of working for the New York City Department of Education, Natalie earned the title of Lead Grade Teacher, and she served as a mentor to new teachers and a liaison for veteran staff members. In addition, she was also the lead cheerleading coach and chaired the behavioral management program.
Tokinma Killins, Social Worker
Ms. Killins was born and raised in Syracuse and the surrounding area, and graduated from the University at Albany with a degree in Social Welfare. Tokinma then worked with the AmeriCorps program, providing services to pregnant and parenting teens, in addition to offering counseling services and community resources to the Albany community. She also served the developmentally-disabled community, as well as other populations, including the elderly, at-risk youth, and those living in poverty due to unemployment. Tokinma then returned to her beloved city of Syracuse and immediately began to give back to that community through mentorship, providing counseling services to students at South West Community Center, and working with a homework assistance program for students placed in alternative school settings. She attended Syracuse University’s school of Social Welfare with a concentration in Children and Family Services. Upon graduation, she continued her work in the Auburn area as a therapist for the Cayuga Home for Children, and later for the Auburn School district. Tokinma joined KIPP AMP in July of 2006.
Cory Lee, Sports Coordinator
Mr. Lee joined the KIPP AMP family in September 2006 and has served in the capacity of Office Assistant, Assistant Coach of the girls’ basketball team, mentor, and currently, in-house Videographer. Raised in the local community, he brings a unique perspective on the obstacles our kids face as well as the environment in which they live. Prior to KIPP, he studied finance at Hampton University, and is currently pursuing a degree in Film and Media Studies at Hunter College. He is an active member of the NY Tribeca Lions Club and the Executive Producer of Just Beats DVD.
Jonathan McIntosh, 6th Grade Special Education
Mr. McIntosh is currently a member of the Teach for America 2009 Corps. He previously lived in Springfield, Missouri where he taught grades 7-12 at Greenwood Laboratory School. Additionally, he taught two years at Drury University. His background includes teaching public speaking and coaching two nationally recognized high school and collegiate debate/forensics programs.
Anastasia Michals, 7th Grade English
In 2005, after graduating from Bryn Mawr College, Ms. Michals joined the Teach For America Corps, where she taught 6th grade mathematics at Benjamin S. Carson Honors Preparatory Academy in Atlanta, GA. She then became a founding teacher of The B.E.S.T. Academy, a single-gender public school devoted solely to the education of young men. While in Atlanta, she pursued a Master of Middle Grades Education degree at Mercer University Tift College of Education. More recently, she has earned a Post Master’s Certification Endorsement: Supervision and is pursuing a Master of Science: Reading Specialist degree from Monmouth University as well as a Masters in Public School Building Leadership from Columbia University, Teachers College, while teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade mathematics at Manasquan Elementary School.
Kashi Nelson, 7th/8th Grade Social Studies
Ms. Nelson teaches seventh and eighth grade social studies at KIPP AMP Academy. This year she will also serve as the KIPP AMP Debate Team Adviser. She has previously taught sixth, seventh and eighth grade language arts and social studies. In 2002, Ms. Nelson received the 21st Century Educator Award for her efforts to close the achievement gap. She was recognized by the Triangle Urban League (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, NC) and the governor of North Carolina. Ms. Nelson has also worked as a middle school assistant principal and education lawyer. She received her B.S. in Middle Grades Education (Language Arts / Social Studies) from East Carolina University. She received her Master of School Administration from NC State University, and her law degree from UNC Chapel Hill School of Law.
Dorothy Noel, Office Manager
Ms. Noel joined the KIPP AMP team in September 2009. Prior to joining the KIPP family, Dorothy was the Health Education Coordinator at the National Hemophilia Foundation. She has a background in health education and program development. In the past six years, Dorothy has developed various educational programs for young adults including reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, asthma, substance abuse and bleeding disorders. She received a degree in Public Health from the University of Maryland at College Park.
Alecia Palmer, 6th Grade Teacher
Ms. Palmer graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from Brooklyn College University. Her experience consists of being a 6th grade teacher, mentor teacher and media specialist.
Melissa Parry, Dean of Instruction
Ms. Parry is currently the Dean of Instruction. Melissa came to KIPP AMP in 2005 where she served as the founding 5th grade reading teacher. Melissa began her teaching career in 2002 as a 2nd grade teacher for Teach For America in Washington, DC at Bruce-Monroe ES. While at Bruce-Monroe Melissa served on the Leadership Team and the SSRT, was the school coordinator for the Sylvan Program, led a mentorship program that paired Howard University students up with the students of Bruce-Monroe, and was the basketball coach. Melissa received her M.S. in education from American University and her B.A. in journalism at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In addition, Melissa enrolled in the KIPP School Leadership Program in the spring of 2008. In her free time Melissa enjoys reading books, playing sports, watching the Tar Heels win in basketball, listening to great music, and spending time with her family and friends.
Shaka Phillips, 7th/8th Grade Special Education
Ms. Phillips helped create the Brooklyn Charter School Special Education Co-Op and currently serves on the board as Treasurer. Before joining KIPP, she was a Washington, DC Teaching Fellow and taught grades K-6 at the Moten Center, a Special Education Program for students with Emotional Disturbance. While maintaining an Outstanding Rating for her teaching performance, she served as the Anchor Teacher, Business Manager, Fundraiser Chair, and her building’s Professional Development Leader. Prior to entering education, Shaka worked as a Program Analyst at the United Negro College Fund, Special Programs Inc, where she analyzed and revised the UNCFSP NASA Program’s budget of over $20 million and trained in the Sales and Trading Program at JP Morgan Chase. Shaka received her undergraduate degree in Economics from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and studied abroad in Martinique, French West Indies (Universite’ de la Scholecher) and South Africa (University of Natal-Durban). She earned her M.A. in Special Education from The George Washington University where she presented a research proposal on “The Correlations of Minorities in Prison and Special Education.” Recently she was certified to be a yoga instructor in Costa Rica. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and on the Executive Board Member of the National Association for the Alumnae of Spelman College-NYC Chapter.
Fabiano (Sabia) Pinheiro, Capoeira Instructor
Fabiano Pinheiro, known in the capoeira world as Sabia, was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. At nine years old, Sabia started his capoeira training with Mestre Jelon Vieira in Grupo Capoeira Brasil. Sabia currently holds the rank of Instructor for Capoeira Luanda. While he currently resides in Brooklyn, Sabia moved from Brasil to New York City in 2004 to pursue his dreams of sharing capoeira and Brasilian culture globally. Sabia has developed various workshops for Bard College, teaches capoeira at the Flushing-Queens YMCA and Bank Street College of Education, and assists Instructor Tiba at the Alvin Ailey Extension. Sabia works in collaboration with The Capoeira Foundation to introduce and maintain capoeira programs within New York's public school system.
Eddy Ramirez, 6th Grade Teacher
Eddy Ramirez is a first-year, sixth-grade science teacher at KIPP AMP. Previously, he worked as a journalist covering education at U.S. News & World Report in Washington D.C. Eddy has also written for the St. Petersburg Times newspaper in Florida, the Los Angeles Times, and the New York Times. Eddy grew up in Mexico and southern California. He graduated with a political science degree from the University of California at Berkeley. He lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Nicole Smith, Capoeira Instructor
Nicole Smith is KIPP AMP Academy’s founding capoeira instructor. As a member of the founding staff in 2005, Nicole launched AMP’s Capoeira program and also served as the school’s Office Manager. Over the years, Nicole has continued to serve as the school’s primary capoeira teacher, working to make the art form the culture of AMP. Before joining KIPP, Nicole worked in education and community development at Covenant House, Faith Center for Community Development, and the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment. Nicole received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University and a Master in Urban Planning/International Development from New York University.
Erin Speer, 8th grade Math
Ms. Speer is originally from Rochester, New York and received her math degree from Syracuse University. She is a NYC Teaching Fellow and joined KIPP AMP from teaching at Lehman High School in the Bronx.
Jenny Tolan, 5th grade Math
Ms. Tolan is the 5th grade math teacher at KIPP AMP Academy. She is also a Teacher for America 2009 corps member. Prior to joining KIPP, Jenny served in the United States Peace Corps in Costa Rica as a rural community development volunteer. She worked with a local women's group, taught English, and raised over $10,000 to rebuild the town's main bridge. Jenny has also worked at Dasra in Mumbai, India, an organization that gives management consulting support to small non-profits, and at the Global Fund for Children in Washington, DC as a Development Associate and founder of the documentary film program called Global Media Ventures. Jenny has spent time in South Africa conducting research on women and AIDS vulnerability and her research was published in the Stanford Undergraduate Research Journal and the Roosevelt Review, a publication of the nation's first student think tank. She has also worked on a number of documentary film projects for organizations such as MESAB (Medical Education for South African Blacks) and Open House of Ramle, Israel. Jenny graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree in international relations and a minor in Spanish language and is fluent in Spanish.
Ashley Toussaint, 8th grade English
Mr. Toussaint is in his first year as an 8th grade ELA teacher at KIPP AMP. He previously taught 9-12 grade Social Studies at North Miami Beach Sr. High School in Miami, Florida. While at North Miami Beach Sr., he also held the title of Head Track and Field and Cross Country Coach. Mr. Toussaint graduated from Wayne State College (Wayne, Nebraska) with a B.S. in Social Science Education. He was also a three year starter on the W.S.C. football team as an All-Conference defensive back. In June of 2009, Mr. Toussaint received his Master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, Florida).
Sojourner Walker, Drama Instructor
Before teaching at KIPP AMP, Ms. Walker taught at a Teacher’s Training College in Mozambique, at M117 in East Harlem and at I.S. 90 in Washington Heights through the Teach For America program. Sojourner received a BFA in Musical Theatre from Niagara University a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University and a MST in Secondary English Education from Pace University.
