At New Dawn Charter Schools we value, above all, our relationships with students, parents, and guardians. In addition to our core academic, internship, and college programs, we are proud to focus on our students social and emotional needs by providing every one with a Mentor in the building. Each of our faculty and staff members are mentors to our students. If you are looking to reach a teacher, administrator, or mentor, please feel free to contact them from this list or through our learning management system Jupiter Ed.
CEO and Founder
Community Outreach
Parent Coordinator
Lead Counselor
School Counselor
School Counselor
ELA Teacher
ELA Teacher
College and Career Readiness Manager
School Counselor
Culinary Arts Teacher
Internship Writing Teacher
College and Career Readiness Coordinator
College and Career Readiness Coordinator
Math Teacher
Math Teacher
Science Teacher
Science Teacher
Global Studies & Economics
US History and Civics
Global Studies
PE and Health Teacher
Art and Hindi Teacher
Ms. Chantae Edwards: cedwards@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Renu Gosala: rgosala@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Marsha Johnson-Henry: mjohnson-henry@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Stephanie Seminatore: sseminatore@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Onike Bradshaw, Special Education Teacher: obradshaw@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Shaoru Liang, ENL Teacher: sliang@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Gloria Montpeirous, ENL Teacher: gmontpeirous@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Daneil Chambers, Internship Writing Teacher: dchambers@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Ms. Clintonia Coleman, College and Career Readiness Coordinator: ccoleman@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Ms. Emara Grainger, College and Career Readiness Coordinator: egrainger@ndchsqueens.org
Guidance Counselor: TBD
Ms. Ayesha Ahmed, aahmed@ndchsqueens.org
Mr. Martin Hightower, mhightower@ndchsqueens.org
Mr. Fabrice Allais: fallais@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Althea Dinnall: adinnall@ndchsqueens.org
Mr. Patrick Devlin, US History and Civics: pdevlin@ndchsqueens.org
Mr. Hans Francois, Global Studies: hfrancois@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Andrea Shinghirtis, Global Studies and Economics: ashinghirtis@ndchsqueens.org
Mr. Anthony McClean, PE and Health Teacher: amcclean@ndchsqueens.org
Ms. Anjali Shenai, Art and Hindi Teacher: ashenai@ndchsqueens.org
Mr. Anthony Dunbar, Outreach Worker: adunbar@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Ms. Anabel Franco, Parent Coordinator: afranco@ndchsqueens.org
E-mail: sasmussen@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Originally from Idaho, Dr. Sara Asmussen serves as the Executive Director of New Dawn Charter Schools. Known throughout the New Dawn community as “Dr. A,” she has dedicated her career to championing students and families while supporting the faculty and staff who serve them. She is passionate about creating opportunities that help every student succeed and ensuring that New Dawn remains focused on the needs of the young people and communities it serves.
As Executive Director, Dr. Asmussen oversees the operations of New Dawn Charter Schools and is accountable to the Board of Trustees. She provides organizational leadership, guides the implementation of school policies, and ensures that the decisions and strategic direction established by the Board are carried out across the organization.
Dr. Asmussen has also successfully secured numerous grant and funding opportunities to support New Dawn’s schools and programs. Among her significant leadership accomplishments, she spearheaded the financing, acquisition, and complete renovation of New Dawn’s founding location at 242 Hoyt Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Through her leadership, Dr. A continues to advocate for the resources, programs, and opportunities necessary to support New Dawn’s students and school communities. Outside of her professional work, she is an avid cat lover.
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E-mail: jcrawley@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Ms. Janisha Crawley, M.S. Ed., M.A.S., SBL, SDL, proudly serves as Principal of NDCHS. She began her career in education in 2016 as an academic counselor, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. She holds a New York State permanent School Counselor license, and her counseling background continues to shape her compassionate, student-centered approach to leadership.
Ms. Crawley also holds her New York State School Building Leader (SBL) license, earned in 2024, and has obtained master’s degrees in School Counseling and Educational Leadership. As Principal, she is dedicated to cultivating a positive, inclusive school culture grounded in high expectations, equity, and a strong sense of belonging for every student.
She is passionate about empowering educators, building authentic partnerships with families, and creating opportunities that inspire students to reach their full potential. Ms. Crawley believes that strong relationships are at the heart of student success and is committed to ensuring that every member of the school community feels seen, supported, and set up to thrive—both in school and beyond.
Email: aaska@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Email: ajooma@ndchsqueens.org
Aliya Jooma is a Mental Health Counselor with her master's degree in counseling for
Mental Health and Wellness from New York University. As an MHC-LP, she is currently
working toward full licensure in New York State.
Aliya is committed to social justice and passionate about supporting youth navigating
academic, systemic, and socioemotional challenges. Her approach is trauma-informed,
culturally responsive, and grounded in the belief that every student deserves to feel
heard, respected, and supported. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),
psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches, mindfulness, somatic strategies,
and creative expression to help students build self-awareness, coping skills, confidence,
and resilience.
As a volleyball player and lifelong lover of sports, Aliya is especially passionate about
the connection between physical and mental health. Through sports and coaching, she
has seen how self-esteem, stress, identity, teamwork, and overall well-being can impact
how we show up both on and off the court and brings this perspective into her work with
students.
Above all, Aliya believes that meaningful growth begins with connection, trust, and
feeling understood. She is committed to creating a school environment where students
can grow not only academically, but emotionally, socially, and personally—and where
taking care of your mind is seen as just as important as taking care of your body
Email: aahmed@ndchsqueens.org
Ayesha S. Ahmed is a dedicated mathematics educator with a strong track record of supporting diverse learners through engaging instruction, strategic differentiation, and data-driven practices. She currently serves as a Math Teacher at New Dawn Charter High School, where she drives student achievement in Algebra I Regents preparation, implements continuous assessment strategies, and fosters a structured, positive classroom environment. Known for her collaborative mindset, she works closely with colleagues to align instruction and strengthen student outcomes across the school community.
Her career spans both the United States and internationally, including roles with Norwich Public Schools and Three Rivers Community College, as well as teaching 11th and 12th grade students in Bangladesh. Ayesha holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Chittagong (U.S. equivalent: Bachelor’s degree) and has completed additional coursework in mathematics and early childhood education. Fluent in English and Bengali, she is committed to creating inclusive, high-expectation classrooms that empower students to re-engage, succeed academically, and build lasting confidence.
Email: mhightower@ndchsqueens.org
My name is Mr. Hightower. I have taught mathematics at both the Middle School and High School level for 20 + years.
Email: lromero@ndchsqueens.org
Lucia Romero holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from the New York Institute of Technology, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Queens College.
In addition to her counseling experience, Lucia has served within the New York City Department of Education, supporting a diverse range of students through behavioral de-escalation, relationship-centered practices, and inclusive learning strategies. Throughout her academic and professional career, she has also taken on various leadership roles focused on improving outcomes for students.
Lucia’s professional philosophy centers on fostering a supportive, inclusive, and safe school environment where students can grow academically and socio-emotionally while developing the skills necessary for college and career success. Drawing on her experience across counseling, special education, and behavioral supports, Lucia works collaboratively with students, families, and colleagues to help New Dawn students become the best versions of themselves.
Email: sthapa@ndchsqueens.org
Sanman Thapa is the Lead School Counselor at New Dawn Charter High School II in Queens. He holds a master’s degree in School Counseling and is a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). He is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society, and the American Counseling Association (ACA). He is currently completing an advanced certificate in the mental health counseling program.
Sanman has nearly a decade of experience at New Dawn, working with young people whose educational journeys have often been shaped by academic, personal, social, and systemic challenges. His professional experience includes individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, college and career readiness, attendance and re-engagement, McKinney-Vento support, and coordination with families, educators, and community-based service providers. His counseling approach emphasizes relationships, resilience, student strengths, and practical pathways toward academic and personal growth.
As Lead School Counselor at New Dawn Charter High School II, Sanman supports students as they navigate barriers to graduation while strengthening counseling and student support systems across the school. He is especially committed to New Dawn’s mission of creating meaningful educational opportunities for over-aged and under-credited students and helping young people recognize that their circumstances do not have to determine what comes next.
Email: sseminatore@ndchsqueens.org
Hello, my name is Stephanie Seminatore. I am an English teacher with a deep passion for helping others succeed. I am dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences where students truly understand and grow. Nothing inspires me more than witnessing that “light bulb” moment when everything clicks and confidence begins to shine.
Beyond the classroom, I am actively involved within the community, working to support individuals on their journey to sobriety and helping them stay on that path for a better life. My work is rooted in compassion, purpose, and service.
I consider myself a deeply spiritual person, and my relationship with God is the foundation of everything I do. I believe that without Him, none of this would be possible. Through faith, education, and community, one day at a time, I strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Email: sliang@ndchsqueens.org
Dr. Shirley Liang is a dedicated high school ESL teacher with a strong passion for supporting multilingual learners and fostering inclusive classroom communities. As an educator in both ESL and bilingual education, she creates engaging, student-centered learning environments where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed. Her teaching emphasizes the development of academic language and critical thinking through culturally responsive instruction, incorporating interactive activities, collaboration, and real-world connections. Committed to continuous professional growth and reflective practice, her work is grounded in research on language acquisition and educational equity. She is particularly interested in how classroom practices can expand opportunities for all learners. Outside the classroom, she enjoys designing creative lessons, exploring diverse cultures, and making learning accessible and meaningful.
Email: gmontpeirous@ndchsqueens.org
Gloria Montpeirous is an ELL Teacher for the ELL/ELA Lab with over 10 years of experience in education, focused on supporting over-age, under-credited, and high-need student populations. At New Dawn Charter Schools, Montpeirous leads instruction and targeted academic support for English Language Learners, driving student success in credit accumulation, Regents achievement, and postsecondary readiness.
Her work centers on combining academic rigor with strong social-emotional supports, with expertise in ELL curriculum design, Regents exam preparation, differentiated instruction, and student intervention strategies. She has worked with diverse student populations across multiple settings, including Job Corps programs in Upstate New York and the Bronx, higher education at NYIT, and evening academic programs. Earlier in her career, she also taught technology to elementary and middle school students, bringing a well-rounded and adaptable approach to instruction.
Montpeirous holds a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in English Language Learners (ELL). She is deeply committed to helping students re-engage in their education, build confidence in their academic abilities, and graduate with clear, sustainable pathways for success beyond high school. At New Dawn Charter Schools, she is dedicated to ensuring that every student—regardless of past academic challenges—has access to high-quality instruction, meaningful support systems, and a clear path to long-term achievement.
Email: hitam@ndchsqueens.org
Email: awells@ndchsqueens.org
Dr. Arlean Wells is an experienced educator and leader in education and community development, with a strong commitment to supporting students both academically and personally. She has extensive experience designing and leading youth and family programs across the United States and internationally, working in partnership with schools, community organizations, and public agencies to expand access to meaningful learning opportunities.
Dr. Wells brings expertise in curriculum development, social-emotional learning, and program planning. She has supported schools and organizations in strengthening instructional practices, improving program quality, and creating environments where all students can thrive. Her international work in Jamaica and South Africa has further informed her approach to culturally responsive teaching and community-centered education.
In addition to her work in education, Dr. Wells is a multidisciplinary artist, director, actor, and producer—who integrates creative expression into her teaching. She is passionate about helping students, especially those who are placed at risk— regain their voices, rewrite their future, and become the authors of their lived experiences despite life circumstances.
Email: ccoleman@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Details coming soon!
Email: egrainger@ndchsqueens.org
Details coming soon!
