While New Dawn policy is set by its Board of Trustees, the Board delegates day-to-day decision making to the Executive Director and holds the Executive Director responsible for the administration of policy, the execution of Board decisions, the operation of New Dawn and for keeping the Board informed about the operation of the school and other functions. In turn, the Executive Director delegates responsibility to members of the Leadership Team as necessary to ensure the efficient operation of New Dawn.
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.
E-mail: sramkissoon@ndchsbrooklyn.org
In 2019, Mr. Steve Ramkissoon, joined New Dawn Charter Schools as the Director of Finance and Human Resources. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Baruch College in Business Administration and Policy Analysis. He comes to our organization with over 15 years of progressive experience overseeing Human Resources, Operations and Finance functions in a myriad of industries. Most recently, he served as the Director of Human Resources and Administrative Operations at Transit Wireless, LLC., where he was a key member of the Executive team growing the organization from 5 to 115 employees. In this capacity, he was able to manage all recruitment, succession planning, and strategic initiatives including policies, protocols, and training programs. Previous to this role he performed as Controller and Human Resources Lead.
Mr. Ramkissoon obtained a Certified Professional certification through the Society of Human Resources Management, a Certification of Professional Human Resources Management from Pace University, an Accelerating Change Readiness and Agility certification from the University of California - Berkley, and a certification in Leading Strategic Growth from Columbia University.
In his role at New Dawn Charter Schools, he has had the opportunity to delve into the day-to-day fiscal operations of our network of schools, liaise with our accounting groups, he has lead the charge for increasing benefit plans and opportunities for employees such as implementing a new FSA program in 2020. As a member of the Human Resources committee, Mr. Ramkissoon is able to collaborate with staff and faculty members in order to foster and implement ideas within the school community.
E-mail: jobregon@ndchsbrooklyn.org
September 2017 saw Jose Obregon become a member of New Dawn Charter Schools as Director of Operations. An alumni of Aviation High School in New York City, after graduating, Jose joined the Army National Guard. Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Political Science from Excelsior College in Albany, New York. Upon graduating from college, Jose entered active duty and served for over 22 years in the U.S. Army. During his military career, Jose held various command and staff positions. Jose's last assignment was that of officer in charge of Forward Operating Base Summerall in Bayi, Iraq from 2004-2005. Jose retired from active military service in 2006. Additionally, Mr. Obregon earned a Master of Science degree in Security Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.
He joined the public charter school system in New York City upon retiring from military service. In the last 14 years, Jose has been instrumental in organizing and opening several charter schools in the Bronx and Brooklyn, New York. In his first charter school assignment, Jose was the New Charter School’s Business Manager and the founding Principal’s Senior Administrator. This role expanded, and he was set in the role of Facilities Manager where he was responsible for all facilities and security oversight of seven affiliated schools. Mr. Obregon later performed in an operations/facilities manager capacity in another charter school network also located in the Bronx, New York. Similarly to his last role, he is responsible for various functions within our network of schools including the oversight of daily operational tasks and manages the school food program, student transportation, finance, facilities, and compliance reporting. During Jose’s last charter school assignment and in the absence of the Principal, Jose was the senior administrator in charge for six months before being selected for his current role at New Dawn Charter Schools. In his tenure at New Dawn Charter Schools, Mr. Obregon has successfully managed a temporary move from our founding location for one year, was instrumental in opening and executing all operational procedures for New Dawn Charter High School II in Jamaica, Queens, and leads our Security, Maintenance, and Office staff. He is also a member of the New Dawn Charter Schools Safety Committee.
In April 2021, Mr. Obregon added Student Support Services to his role, supervising counseling, ENL, and SPED services.
E-mail: ldigaudio@ndchsqueens.org
E-mail: dlobato@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Holding a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Dowling College, Ms. Lobato has been teaching special education for the past 20 years, ranging from Early Intervention services to high school students with a variety of populations. Her experience also ranges from classroom teacher to administrative roles both in public and private school settings, but she always maintains a connection with students by teaching classes and collaborating with faculty. Donna enjoys the challenging of finding ways and strategies to support student success. When she is not working Donna enjoys time on the beach with a good book.
E-mail: epredmore@ndchsqueens.org
Hailing from Central New York, Ms. Emily Predmore serves as the Data Specialist for New Dawn Charter Schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Neural and Behavioral Science from Haverford College, located outside Philadelphia, and a master’s degree in Adolescent Science Education from New York University.
Throughout her career, Ms. Predmore has worn many hats, including working in retail management and teaching middle school science. She later joined New Dawn as the founding science teacher at New Dawn Charter High School II in Jamaica, Queens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played an important role in coordinating New Dawn Charter Schools’ transition to remote instruction, helping the organization adapt its instructional and technological systems during an unprecedented period.
In fall 2022, Ms. Predmore transitioned into her current role as Data Specialist. Her responsibilities include data management, technology troubleshooting, and website management, supporting the systems and information New Dawn’s staff and students rely upon. Her varied experience in education, technology, and data allows her to support the schools’ broader mission and day-to-day operations. Outside of New Dawn, Ms. Predmore is an avid sports fan who enjoys attending MLB and NFL games, reading, and studying sociology.
E-mail: aabraham@ndchsqueens.org
E-mail: nflores@ndchsbrooklyn.org
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E-mail: DFuentes@ndchsbrooklyn.org
E-mail: aaska@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Ms. Annick is the Manager of the College and Career Department at New Dawn Charter High School, where she has been supporting students and staff in the Internship/ Career Readiness department for over four years. She holds a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and brings nearly 20 years of experience working across a range of educational institutions. Throughout her career, she has worked with both high school and college students, guiding them as they navigate their academic and career pathways. Ms. Annick is deeply committed to empowering students to reach their full potential and achieve their postsecondary goals. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and relaxing at the beach.
E-mail: sasmussen@ndchsbrooklyn.org
Dr. Sara Asmussen, Executive Director of New Dawn Charter Schools, is from the state of Idaho and is an avid cat-lover. She is passionate about helping every student succeed. She has dedicated her career to being a champion for students, parents and families, faculty, and staff. She is responsible for all school operations and she is accountable to our Board of Trustees. Dr. Asmussen guides the policy of the school and follows through with Board decisions on a day to day basis.
In addition, Dr. A has been awarded numerous grant and funding opportunities. She has led the charge during financing, purchase, and full renovation of our founding location at 242 Hoyt Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
