NATIVITY PREPARATORY ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Teaching Assistant and Extended Day Program Coordinator
Alexandra loves to help adolescents by offering empathy, compassion, and understanding when in crisis situations and by maximizing their potential through encouragement to build self-esteem, self-awareness, and emotional awareness. She is also an advocate for social justice, equity, and equality. For fun Alexandra enjoys astrology as a way to learn more about ourselves and others and she also is the daughter of Nativity's very own "Coach" Arnell.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Student and Graduate Support
Education: St. John Fisher University, Master of Science, Mental Health Counseling; Keuka College, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Pre-Law.
Alexis is dedicated to providing a safe space for youth to become their most authentic selves to achieve their desired goals and explore their passions.
Alexis is from Rochester and in her youth was a competitive dancer and soccer player. She enjoys crafting and also travelling. She has a goal to visit all 50 states and has already visited 24!
Amanda is passionate about teaching middle school, which is her favorite age group! She spends time with her family (husband Kyle, daughter Bayleigh, and son Jack) and is a huge Star Wars, Star Trek, and Marvel fan.
Job Titles:
- Lead Teacher and 7th and 8th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
Susan loves learning and inviting opportunities to stir-up curiosity. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. She has hiked mountains in the Grand Tetons, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Blue Ridge and Green Mountains.
Education: University of Rochester, BA in History; Margaret Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester, MS in Secondary Social Studies Education; Certification - 5-12 Social Studies Education
Amy is passionate about her students, social justice, travel, food, Harry Potter, art, reading, music, and her Beagle Olive. She has travelled to 21 countries to date and can't wait to visit and experience more!
Job Titles:
- Physical Education and Health Teacher
Education: Williams College, 2 years
"Coach" Charles joined the Nativity Staff Team in 2021 and is passionate about providing guidance, comfort, and counsel for those in need. His favorite way to spend a rainy day is to play Scrabble and Jumble!
Job Titles:
- Academic Intervention Services - English Language Arts Teacher
from Buffalo State College; MS in Special Education from Nazareth College; MS in Urban Administration from St. John Fisher College; Cynthia is also a graduate from Our Lady of Mercy High School.
Cynthia is excited about helping children learn, being kind to everyone (including animals), decorating, vacationing, and getting together with family and friends. She is also a proud cat mom (2 boys) named Louis Leatherpants and Ferris Featherpants.
Dave is enthusiastic about riding his bike to work every day, even in the cold!
James is driven every day to empower others to unlock their brilliance. He is a long-time gamer since the days of programming his Commodore 64 computer.
Education: Nazareth College, BA in Music Education; MS in Education, University of Rochester, MA in Education Leadership/Administration Jennifer is passionate about any opportunity to help children realize their own gifts. She enjoys time with family, directing her gospel choir, boating, hanging with her dog, Poncho, and up-cycling antique furniture.
Education: Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, BA in Applied Music - Bassoon. Also studied at Monroe Community College and The Ohio State University.
Jillian is enthusiastic about volunteering in the community, playing and listening to classical music, cooking, gardening, reading, exercise, and being a mom. She grew up in Columbus, Ohio and is a huge Ohio State Buckeye football fan.
Joseph loves to see young people make connections and develop into lifelong learners. He enjoys the outdoors, especially camping, hiking, and fishing with his family and friends.
Karen loves education, social justice, and women's rights advocacy. Both she and her 2 daughters all have matching Harry Potter tattoos! She also makes the best chocolate and peanut butter cake - from scratch!
Education: Sophomore at SUNY Brockport; History and African American Studies Major.
Khan is enthusiastic about helping and supporting kids to become the best version of themselves. He loves sports and his name in Cherokee Native folklore means "Prince of Wisdom."
Job Titles:
- Director of Graduate Support
Meredith enjoys playing with her puppy Iggy, trying new restaurants, running, and skiing. Before coming to Nativity in Rochester, she worked at the Nativity School in Boston while finishing her graduate degree. She is originally from Minnesota and has lived in 4 states to date. Meredith is a converted Red Sox fan!
Job Titles:
- Director of Special Projects
Paula is retired after 40 years as a Human Resources Executive. She is passionate about music and kids!
Job Titles:
- Cafeteria Supervisor and Custodial Care
Susan loves learning and inviting opportunities to stir-up curiosity. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. She has hiked mountains in the Grand Tetons, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Blue Ridge and Green Mountains.
Job Titles:
- Math Teacher, Grades 5 - 8
Education: Masters in Education from Roberts Wesleyan College; BS in Math from SUNY Brockport.
Tracey joined the Nativity Staff Team in 2021 and is passionate about social justice! In her free time, she loves repurposing furniture and household items and baking cakes. Recently she and her husband became empty nesters!