BRONX ARTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Treasurer
- Treasurer of the Board of Trustees
Arlene Bascom is the Chief Financial Officer at Green-Wood, a historic cemetery and historic fund in Brooklyn, NY.
She has more than 20 years' experience providing oversight of financial and operational functions, business reporting and analysis, strategic planning, business development, program and project management, and full operational facility oversight. She has worked with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), The New York Times, Sotheby's International Realty, Time-Warner/Time Inc, Philip Morris (Altria), Bristol Myers Squibb, and KPMG Peat Marwick. She is a graduate of Pace University and the SUNY-Fashion Institute of Technology
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees
- Executive Director of Parents League of New York
Barbara H. Scott is a lifelong educator, having served as a classroom teacher, school administrator and admissions professional.
Currently, Ms. Scott is the Executive Director of Parents League of New York, an educational nonprofit that aims to empower families by providing school advisory and parenting resources through partnerships with schools and other educational providers.
As the Bronx Arts Board Chair, Ms. Scott is known for collaborating across professional disciplines and academic fields to bring the best to children and families. A consummate volunteer, Ms. Scott has shared her educational expertise with a variety of nonprofits and cultural groups including serving as Education Chair for New England Science and Sailing (NESS), as Vice-President of the Women's Committee Board of Central Park Conservancy and through various leadership roles in Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Ms. Scott earned a BB in Dance from Hamilton College and an MA in Educational Leadership from Columbia University, Teachers College. She resides in New York with her husband, daughter and miniature poodle, and enjoys gardening, good books, tennis and travel.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Vice Co - Chair
Charles Whites holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Hampton University, as well as Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration degrees from New York Law School and Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, respectively.
While at New York Law, he authored and published an article in the New York Law School Journal of International and Comparative Law, and was a New York Law School Teaching Fellow.
Mr. Whites worked for the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP as a corporate associate, and currently works for New York Life Insurance Company's Office of General Counsel, where he is currently Vice President and Associate General Counsel, overseeing legal advisement related to all life insurance and annuity products. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and various other organizations, Mr. Whites resides in Mount Vernon, NY with his wife and their two children.
Daniel is a senior executive with more than 20 years' experience in the real estate sector.
He is founder and president of Station Companies, a New York City based real estate development company. Prior to starting Station Companies in 2016, he was a partner at the real estate investment firm Atkins and Breskin, leading deal sourcing, design, and construction for urban development projects. From 2001 - 2006, he was a senior real estate consultant for the firm of Rubin & Katz LLP, where he cultivated relationships with clients including Metro Loft, Rockrose, BD Hotels, and the Vornado Realty Trust. From 1999 - 2001, he was an analyst and assistant project manager at Forest City Ratner Companies, a Brooklyn-based firm specializing in urban renewal and revitalization. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Housing & Urban Development from Arizona State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Vice Co - Chair
David Barnard has more than 25 years' leadership experience in operations, research, and business development.
He is the Founder and CEO of Luminary Platforms, a software company, and was previously a Partner at AllianceBernstein, a global investment firm. In the community, he is a Partner at Social Venture Partners in Westport, CT, and previously served as a member of the board at Family Children's Agency in Norwalk, CT. He earned a BA from the University of Notre Dame, and an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Denise Brecher holds a Master of Arts in Education from The Bank Street School of Education and Master of Social Work from The University of Pennsylvania.
She has worked in Early Childhood Education for 19 years with institutions including the New York City Board of Education, JCP of Lower Manhattan and the 92nd Street Y. Prior to working in education, Ms. Brecher was a social worker at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. She has volunteered for numerous institutions including the Young People's Chorus of New York City where she was awarded volunteer of the year, spent several years as PA President at the Lower Lab school, and served as auction co-chair at Stuyvesant High School. Ms. Brecher has two children attending Columbia University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
An independent school educator for 26 years, Eric Osorio began as an intern in the admission office at the Noble and Greenough School outside of Boston.
During his twelve-year tenure he expanded the school's diversity program, and in 2006, was appointed the school's first Dean of Diversity Initiatives. Mr. Osorio spent four years as Assistant Head of Upper School at Packer Collegiate Institute, before returning to New England in 2012 as Dean of Students grades 6-12 at Worcester Academy. In 2015, he joined the Swift School in Atlanta, Georgia as Associate Head of School. Mr. Osorio currently serves as the Associate Head of School at the Calhoun School in New York City.
Mr. Osario holds a BA from Tufts University, and an MA in Private School Leadership from Teachers College. He received a Joseph Klingenstein Fellowship, and has presented his work and research at both regional and national conferences including NAIS Annual Conference and NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC). In 2007, he was honored to serve as co-chair of NAIS PoCC Local Planning Committee, and currently serves as co-director for the NYSAIS Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). Mr. Osario is a proud alumnus of Prep for Prep, an experience that continues to inform the work he does in independent schools. He resides in New York with his wife Roberta, twins Jasmine and Jordan, and son, Eric, Jr.
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Evette Stair-Radlein is an attorney and executive with more than 13 years' experience in the corporate world.
From 2005 - 2007, she was an elementary level special education instructor for Teach for America, a two-year teaching program dedicated to serving at-risk urban and rural communities. After obtaining her JD from Vanderbilt University Law School and her MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management, she served Venable LLP as a Technology Associate, representing corporate clients in matters of intellectual property, technology transfers, marketing, and brand protection. Since 2020, she has served as Deputy General Counsel for SchrÓ§dinger, Inc., managing the commercial transfers legal division. She belongs to the Association of Black Women Attorneys, and has been counted among the Top 40 Under 40 of National Black Lawyers.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Director of Development & Communications
Jasmin Abbatiello is a fundraiser and organizer with more than 15 years' experience in communications, community development, and volunteering.
She has worked in every aspect of development including grant writing, major gifts, planned giving, events, sponsorships, direct mail, and database administration, and has experience in finance, admissions, operations, and communications. She has represented nonprofit organizations including City Harvest, American Jewish World Service, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, and the Academy of Mount St. Ursula (AMSU) in the Bronx. At AMSU, she raised nearly two million dollars in her first year as Director of Development.
Ms. Abbatiello joined Bronx Arts in 2020 and has fostered partnerships with the Museum of Modern Art, and the Classical Theatre of Harlem. In addition she's secured grant awards from American Theatre Wing, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Paul Hastings Equitable Education Fund, and more. Ms. Abbatiello holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, a certification in Philanthropy and Fundraising from Yeshiva University, and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Arts Leadership Team
- Member of the Executive Team & School Leadership Team
- Artist and Coordinator
- Arts Coordinator
Jennifer Caraballo is an artist and coordinator who has been a part of the Bronx Arts family since 2011.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Executive Director
- Member of the Executive Team
- Member of the Executive Team & School Leadership Team
Kathy Ortiz is an educator and administrator with nearly 30 years of experience with inner city children.
She is certified to teach Grades K - 6, and has a certification in School Administration from the New York Department of Education. She holds degrees from Hunter College including a Bachelor of Arts in English Language Arts and Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Reading Specialization Grades K - 12.
Ms. Ortiz holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Brooklyn College. From 1996 - 2010, she taught Grades 3 - 6 at schools including the Mother Hale Academy and The Bilingual Bicultural Mini School, where she also served as a Testing Coordinator and the Chair of the school's Data Inquiry Team.
In 2010, she taught ESL and wrote curriculum for Rennart International English language school. From 2010 - 2012, she served as Assistant Principal of the Lou Gehrig Academy, before joining Family Life Academy Charter School II as Assistant Principal, from 2012 - 2017, and served as Principal from 2017 - 2021. Ms. Ortiz has been nominated three times for Disney Teacher of the Year, and has been awarded Teacher of the Year in New York's District 4 (2005). In 2019, "New York Family" magazine named her a Blackboard Award Winner for Schools and Principals and she received the outstanding school award.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Bronx Arts Middle School Leadership Team
- Middle School Director of Student Support Services
Katie Cotten is an educator with 13 years of experience teaching general and special education at the elementary and middle school level.
From 2010 - 2015, she taught special education for Grades 3 - 8 at P.S. 168 in the Bronx. From 2015 - 2018, she served as a Teacher of Diverse Learners at the Oriole Park School in Chicago and, during that time, was a Restorative Practices Teacher Lead for the Chicago Public Schools System, developing and strengthening curriculum across the district. Ms. Cotten has been with Bronx Arts since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Metal Arts and Technology from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science for Teachers: Childhood Education - Students with Disabilities, from Pace University.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Member of the Bronx Arts Elementary School Leadership Team
- Elementary School Principal
Krisann Vega is an educator and administrator with more than 10 years' experience working with students and teachers in the South Bronx.
From 2013 - 2023, she served at Family Life Academy Charter School II, first as a teacher at the kindergarten, 4th, and 5th grade levels, and then as a student advisor and teacher mentor, before taking on the role of assistant principal. Ms. Vega believes developing strong relationships with family and community members is key to learning and is committed to providing students with an exceptional education.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education Grades B - 6, a Master of Science in Special Education from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, and a Master of Education from Bank Street College of Education.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Bronx Arts Middle School Leadership Team
- Member of the Executive Team & School Leadership Team
- Middle School Dean of School Culture
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Secretary of the Board of Trustees
- Managing Partner and Head of New Product Development for BentallGreenOak
Lori Biancamano is a Managing Partner and Head of New Product Development for BentallGreenOak and has been in the financial services sector for over 25 years.
Prior to BGO, Ms. Biancamano served as the Chief Financial Officer at GreenOak, a predecessor firm to BGO, since its inception in 2010, overseeing global finance in Asia, US and Europe. Prior to that, she worked at both Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs in the real estate groups. Ms. Biancamano is a graduate of Holy Cross College with degrees in economics and accounting and holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Bronx Arts Middle School Leadership Team
- Member of the Executive Team & School Leadership Team
- Middle School Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Member of the Executive Team
Melanie Hok is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with more than 15 years' experience in the nonprofit and education sectors.
Prior to joining Bronx Arts in 2020, Melanie previously worked at various charter school networks, including Achievement First, and most recently as the Senior Director of Finance at Democracy Prep Public Schools Inc. In her current role at Bronx Arts, Melanie is responsible for managing all aspects of financial operations of the school. Working alongside the Executive Director and members of the leadership team, Melanie ensures Bronx Arts has the financial needs to fulfill its mission and vision for all our students. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Wesleyan University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Arts Leadership Team
- Artist
- Arts Director
Michelle Bontemps is an educator and artist with more than 20 years of experience cultivating creativity and work ethic in young people.
She has more than 40 years' experience in the performing arts, and has performed in the secular and gospel arena, with artists including Mariah Carey in Madison Square Garden and Josh Groben at Radio City Music Hall. Ms. Bontemps released an EP, "Reflections" in 2004, followed by 2019's "Decree Life".
Ms. Bontemps has been a part of the Bronx Arts family since 2020, initially serving as a SETSS Teacher for Grades 6 - 8, where she worked closely with students with IEPs to ensure they were properly accommodated for success. She currently serves as Arts Director, striving to ensure all her students understand that they can carve their own path to success, through hard work, pursuing passion, and embracing joy. Ms. Bontemps has a passion for students who have academic challenges and knows that through the arts students can find a world that connects them back to education so that they move from surviving to thriving.
Ms. Bontemps holds a Bachelor of Arts in Science from the College of New Rochelle, and a Master of Arts in Childhood Education Grades 1 - 6 from Lehman College. She is currently pursuing a certification in educational leadership.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Member of the Executive Team
- Director of Systems & STEAM Education
Patricia Rooney is an educator and administrator with more than 20 years' experience at the elementary school level.
She taught first through fourth grades at schools in Washington Heights, Harlem, and Inwood. At Bronx Arts, Ms. Rooney has served as a math coach, a classroom teacher, a reading and math intervention teacher and program coordinator, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and principal of Bronx Arts Elementary.
As part of the New York State RtITAC program, Ms. Rooney helped to overhaul the Response to Intervention program. In addition, she has presented thought leadership to a national consortium of math and school leaders on inspiring staff. Ms. Rooney holds a Master in Childhood General Education from Bank Street College of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Fordham University. Since 2017, she has been a member of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Bronx Arts Middle School Leadership Team
- Administrator With 18 Years' Experience
- Middle School Principal
Ryan McCabe is an educator and administrator with 18 years' experience at the middle school level in New York City.
He taught for eight years in New York City public schools, including the Urban Institute of Mathematics from 2007 - 2012. From 2012 - 2015, he served as Director of School Culture, then Middle School Principal of Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School. From 2015 - 2018, he was principal of Tech International Charter School in the Bronx.
Mr. McCabe has been part of the Bronx Arts family since the middle school's opening in 2018, serving first as Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and as Principal beginning in 2020. He holds a Masters Degrees in Childhood Education - Literacy Education and in Education Administration from Iona College.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Member of the Bronx Arts Elementary School Leadership Team
- Elementary School Director of School Culture
Steven Roberts is an educator, administrator, and social worker with 10 years' experience in general and special education.
For five years, he served as a case manager at Hawthorne Cedar Knolls School, providing social and emotional support to students, and supporting the creation of a positive school culture. From 2017 - 2021, he provided individual and family counseling through the city's Administration for Children's Services while overseeing twenty nonprofit agencies within NYC. He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the Silver School of Social Work at NYU.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Susan Geisenheimer holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton Graduate School of The University of Pennsylvania and a BA in History from Middlebury College.
During her 35-year career, Ms. Geisenheimer has worked in the private equity industry, as SVP of Human Resources and Administration at EMI North America, as VP Human Resources for Time Inc. Magazine Company and prior to that as VP Human Resources at Home Box Office, as well as positions in banking and consulting.
Ms. Geisenheimer also worked in admissions at Boston College with a focus on increasing the number of low income students of color. Prior to Boston College, Mrs. Geisenheimer spent two years as a teacher in the Peace Corps in Kenya East Africa. Both Ms. Geisenheimer and her husband attended public schools. They have two adult sons.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Bronx Arts Elementary School Leadership Team
- Certified Childhood Education Instructor
- Elementary School Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Tiffany West is a certified childhood education instructor with seven years of experience working at the elementary level, five of which were spent at Family Life Academy Charter School in the Bronx as a second and fifth grade teacher.
Ms. West participates in the teacher leadership program, and leads teachers in improving writing and literacy instruction. She is passionate in ensuring students reach their full potential through rigorous and engaging instruction.
Ms. West holds a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Science and Literacy Education at SUNY New Paltz.