• Alaina Carter

  • Assistant School Leader ~ alaina.carter@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Alaina Carter

    Assistant School Leader ~ alaina.carter@newharmonyhigh.org

    Alaina Carter is a New Orleans native and Southern University alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies concentrated in African & African American Humanities.  Her master thesis, Public School and Museum collaborations:  The Need and the Benefit for Cultural Curriculum, discusses how professional developments for teachers and field trips to museums can positively impact the learning outcomes and student engagement in public schools classrooms, especially when rooted in Africana Studies. 

    This is Alaina’s tenth year as an educator in New Orleans. During her career she’s worked as an elementary and middle school teacher and a high school behavior and reading interventionist. In early 2020 Alaina began working with the Leona Tate Foundation for Change researching and developing the education exhibit for the Tate, Etienne, and Prevost (TEP) Interpretive Center, which is focused on the desegregation of the New Orleans public schools.  

    When she’s not teaching or conducting research, she enjoys spending time with her family.

  • Alicia Cooke

  • World Geography ~ alicia.cooke@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Alicia Cooke

    World Geography ~ alicia.cooke@newharmonyhigh.org
    Alicia has lived in Ireland, India, Niger, Slovakia, and on a boat traveling around the world.  She has taught ages 10 to adult in subjects such as environmental education, ESL, African Literature, and health education and has been teaching in some form or another–be it in a classroom, conference room, webinar, or community space–since 2004.  Moving to New Orleans in 2011, she achieved a Master’s degree in Public Health and began devoting all her free time to climate justice work, borne out of a deep love and appreciation for the beauty and importance of the Gulf South region.  She is a founding member of 350 New Orleans, a local nonprofit organization that seeks to amplify and support the work of frontline organizers working for climate justice in their own communities.
    Her top 3 recommendations for New Orleanians looking for a quick day trip outside the city are Bogue Chitto State Park (hills and shade!), the Bayou Coquille Trail at Jean Lafitte (gators!) and Crosby Arboretum (turtles!).  In her free time she enjoys hiking and cycling, and she really wishes rollerblading was cool again.
  • Bryson Edinburgh

  • Geometry ~ mr.e@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Bryson Edinburgh

    Geometry ~ mr.e@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Carl Daniel Cifuentes

  • Therapy Dog

  • Carl Daniel Cifuentes

    Therapy Dog
    Carl Daniel Cifuentes comes to us from rural Georgia by way of the Madison Oglethorpe County Animal Shelter where he was officially adopted March 20, 2020. Being a Pandemic Puppy, Carl‘s initials had to be CDC. Rescued by his handler, Ms. Cifuentes, after the unexpected death of her second dogCarl is well versed in loss. Carl is both an emotional support animal and therapy dog, becoming certified after the passing of the family’s eldest dog, Clementine, in 2023. Carl is quiet and shy, but friendly and affectionate. He is highly emotionally intelligent, playful, and conflict averse. Therapy animals in schools have many positive outcomes, including increases in school attendance, gains in confidence, decreases in learner anxiety behaviors, improved motivation, and enhanced relationships with peers and teachers. Carl is New Harmony’s first black therapy dog and our first second floor support animal, hoping to bring these same benefits to upperclassmen.
  • Cassondra Ferrand, BSN, RN

  • Registered Nurse ~ nurse@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Cassondra Ferrand, BSN, RN

    Registered Nurse ~ nurse@newharmonyhigh.org

    Native New Orleanian, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Mississippi University for Women. I became a school nurse in 1993 and have worked K-12 throughout Orleans parish. I am a member of the Louisiana School Nurse Organization and National Association of School Nurses.
    I enjoy all things school related to New Harmony, especially being their biggest cheerleader and PR person. I look forward to raising funds to keep New Harmony moving forward to fulfill their goals.
    Why I like New Harmony: I felt Harmony’s spirit when I initially walked through the doors. There’s a true sense of family here, with students, teachers, staff, and administration.

  • Charelle Rease

  • Special Education Teacher ~ charelle.rease@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Charelle Rease

    Special Education Teacher ~ charelle.rease@newharmonyhigh.org

    Charelle is a native New Orleanian who graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and with a Masters Degree in Education from the University of New Orleans, along with a Certification in Gerontology.

    Charelle has a passion for teaching differently-abled students, and discovering and fostering their unique ways of learning. She has several years of experience working with a broad range of Exceptionalities. Charelle joined the Diverse Learning team at New Harmony because she witnessed their devotion firsthand while volunteering as a parent/aunt. She saw how they fostered independence, helped students have a voice, and advocated for the needs of their students. As a Teacher and Case Manager, Charelle is excited to help continue and grow such an amazing program!

    Outside of New Harmony, Charelle enjoys books, music, crochet, and spending time with her family. And of course, eating good food!

  • Chris Hill

  • 1:1 Interventionist ~ chris.hill@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Chris Hill

    1:1 Interventionist ~ chris.hill@newharmonyhigh.org

    The youngest of three siblings, Chris was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. There have been many different career iterations for Chris, but his passion for working with students was ignited when he moved to New Orleans seven years ago. Accompanied by his wife, who is also an educator and his son, Elijah. His family moved to New Orleans in search of a place to plant roots and raise his son. This transition allowed him to dive head first into education, supporting and teaching students with exceptionalities. In this role, Chris was and still is a proud advocate for his students. Making sure that they receive the best education and proper accommodations to support their learning and growth.

    Outside of the classroom, Chris enjoys traveling with his family and is a consummate “project starter” from painting to reupholstering furniture, creativity is his “happy place”. You can often catch him walking alongside his wife during Mardi Gras as she is the Co-Owner of a New Orleans based dance team, The NOLA Heat. You might even see him walking alongside his son who plays the Trombone with Roots of Music. Chris may not originally be from New Orleans, but since moving to the city, he has fully embraced and immersed himself in the rich culture of the city.

    As a new member of New Harmony, Chris is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of students in a city he loves dearly.

  • Christine LeGuizamo, LCSW

  • Social Worker ~ christine.leguizamo@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Christine LeGuizamo, LCSW

    Social Worker ~ christine.leguizamo@newharmonyhigh.org

    Christine is from Dallas, Texas but has lived in New Orleans for 12 years. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University in 2013 and has been a high school social worker since graduating. Christine is very passionate about any topics around social justice and youth who are court-involved. One of her top priorities in serving students and families is ensuring equity in access to resources and that students know their rights. In her free time, Christine loves hanging out with her toddler-aged son and cooking.

  • Clem

  • Mission Aligned Programming (MAP) Coordinator ~ clem@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Clem

    Mission Aligned Programming (MAP) Coordinator ~ clem@newharmonyhigh.org
    Clem came to New Orleans in 2011 as a high school math teacher, and spent three years in the classroom teaching the spectrum of math classes including Pre-Algebra, Algebra I & II, Geometry and PreCalculus. While hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2015, they landed a teaching job at the Teton Science Schools in Jackson, Wyoming and spent two years re-building the design program at the school, as well as teaching math. There, they grew their knowledge and skills around place-based and project-based learning: utilizing the local community and ecology as a classroom to deepen project-based learning experiences for students.
    Clem was the Director of Learning at New Harmony from 2020-2022, and has since transitioned into their role as Mission Aligned Programming (MAP) Coordinator. In this role, they coordinate the “Outdoors Adventures” programming for 9th grade, the “Design for Sustainable Development” programming for 10th grade, and the “College & Career Exploration” programming for 11th grade. They are excited to get students off campus and connected to our unique community and environment, as well as to build the school’s place-based and project-based foundation.
    Clem is also a pedicab driver in the Quarter, has spent time as a carpenter doing historic restoration around the city, and is active in local environmental and social justice movements. They enjoy riding their bike, playing soccer, cooking & eating delicious food and spending as much time outside as possible.
  • Corice Saunders

  • Entrepreneurship & Capstone ~ corice.saunders@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Corice Saunders

    Entrepreneurship & Capstone ~ corice.saunders@newharmonyhigh.org

    I am a retired educator with 32 years of experience who recently returned back to my field of expertise.  I loved teaching, and interacting with students. I believe that learning is lifelong. Each year, I have found that my students have kept me young at heart and have continuously challenged me to stay relevant. I remain close to my former colleagues and students and look forward to cultivating new and rewarding relationships with my New Harmony family.

  • Dominique Dison

  • Health & PE ~dominique.dison@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Dominique Dison

    Health & PE ~dominique.dison@newharmonyhigh.org
    Graduated Nicholls State University BS in Nutrition
    I’m the proud mom of 5 year old son.
    It’s my first year teaching.
    I spent college years volunteering at various health fairs throughout New Orleans and Thibodaux, hosting Nutrition education sites around campus, spending the summer teaching New Orleans youth kitchen safety and enhancing their cooking skills.
    I’m drawn to New Harmony because of its unique mission that sets itself apart from all other high schools in the state.
    In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, sitting out at the lake, and watching scary movies while eating sushi.
  • Dwight Rousseve

  • Algebra II for Environmental Sustainability ~ dwight.rousseve@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Dwight Rousseve

    Algebra II for Environmental Sustainability ~ dwight.rousseve@newharmonyhigh.org
    Hello everyone my name is Mr. Dwight G. Rousseve, Jr. I’m a native New Orleanian from Downtown, namely the Seventh Ward. I’m the proud father of three young adult children, and I’m an avid fan of the Saints and the Pelicans. I will be teaching Algebra II this coming school year. I have been an educator for one year and this is my first year at New Harmony High School. I look forward to having a productive year with my new school family.
    I’m a proud Alum of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). While enrolled at the University, I majored in Mathematics and Psychology. I was a member of the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program for Mathematics, as well as Psi Chi, which is an International Honor Society for Psychology. Needless to say I had an affinity for both disciplines. Furthermore, I graduated with University Honors from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
  • Ericka Daniels

  • U.S. History ~ ericka.daniels@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Ericka Daniels

    U.S. History ~ ericka.daniels@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Fumnanya Okokwu

  • Environmental Science ~ fumnanya.okokwu@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Fumnanya Okokwu

    Environmental Science ~ fumnanya.okokwu@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Janet Davis

  • School Secretary ~ office@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Janet Davis

    School Secretary ~ office@newharmonyhigh.org

    Janet Davis is a natural born leader. She is a New Orleans native. She has a twin sister. Her first love has been nails and hair. She has a flair for fashion. She loves traveling all over the world. She is a devoted mother to 2, which brought her passion to education and child development. She brings over 20 years of experience in professional training, early development, and education as well as special education. She also has a love for dogs. She has a unique story and is full of resources. Janet is very talented in many areas including her awesome cooking and catering. She has humbled herself to be a part of New Harmony High to add value to the leadership team and give back to the children of the future. She will bring balance and peace to the cause.

  • Jay Pinkney

  • 1:1 Interventionist ~ jay.pinkney@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Jay Pinkney

    1:1 Interventionist ~ jay.pinkney@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Jaron Berliner

  • Spanish II & III & IV ~ jaron.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Jaron Berliner

    Spanish II & III & IV ~ jaron.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

    While not a native New Orleanian, Jaron has lived here since 2003 and been a classroom teacher since 2008. He is hopeful 20 years in the city earns respect in the eyes of real locals.

    As a long time foreign language teacher, Jaron is a lover of words, culture and travel. When not in the classroom playing games, singing, debating and putting on puppet shows, Jaron is often found chasing after his two children across soccer fields, in City Park or along Bayou St. John.
    In addition to the aerobics of parenting, Jaron is devoted reader, an emotive guitarist, a passionate traveler (with family, students, and children alike!), a hopeful exerciser, a music nerd, an exhausted Pelicans fan, a serious soccer snob and a lover of his wife and children.
  • Jeff Carver

  • Director of Learning ~ jeff.carver@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Jeff Carver

    Director of Learning ~ jeff.carver@newharmonyhigh.org

    Not-so-FAQ’s about Jeff:

    Where are you from? 
    * In chronological order: California, Washington, Virginia, Louisiana
    What courses have you taught?
    * English I, AP Language and Composition, Technical Writing, Civics, English III.
    What were you doing before working in education?
    * I worked as an A&R rep for a record label for a good part of a decade and spent a couple years working as a project manager for a company that composed music for national advertising campaigns.  Lots of writing.  Lots of reading. Lots of communicating.
    Why New Harmony?
    * New Harmony’s approach to education resonates with me on a deep level, and I am inspired by the school’s innovation and fearlessness in creating authentic learning opportunities for students.
    Are there any NHH projects that you are particularly proud of?
    * Yes!  Plug time. Check out the New Harmony High Podcast here and here — it’s one of my favorite things ever.  Also, check out the book of dystopian flash fiction stories that our students published in partnership with 826 New Orleans here — it’s called Once Upon a Time in a City Called New Orleans.  It is also one of my favorite things ever.
    Are there any other books you’ve been thinking about a lot lately? 
    * In no particular order: Teaching a Stone to Talk – Dillard, Salvage the Bones – Ward, Parable of the Sower – Butler,  East of Eden – Steinbeck, The River Why – Duncan, Gilead – Robinson, and Infinite Jest – Wallace.  I would love to talk to you at length about all of these books.
    What are you interested in?
    * Family, birding, reading, music, backpacking, the natural world, podcasts, field recordings, yard beautification, talking to Fernando about insects, and trying to fix things around the house (see: usually unsuccessfully).
    Are there any birds you’ve been thinking about a lot lately? 
    * Actually, yes!  In alphabetical order: Belted Kingfishers, California Quail, Harpy Eagles, Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers (or lack thereof), Loggerhead Shrike, Painted Buntings, and Roseate Spoonbills.
    Did you interview yourself for this bio?
    * Maybe.

  • Dr. Joshua Washington

  • Executive Director - joshua.washington@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Dr. Joshua Washington

    Executive Director - joshua.washington@newharmonyhigh.org

    Dr. Joshua Washington is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a graduate of Edna Karr High School. Dr. Washington attended Louisiana State University, the University of New Orleans, and the University of Holy Cross.
    Joshua holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership, a Master’s in Special Education, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a concentration in child and family development. Coming from a family of educators, it is no surprise that Joshua would excel in the field of education.

    He has held several roles in education across New Orleans, from a 5th-grade math teacher, Special Education teacher, Exceptional Student Services Coordinator, Director of Special Education, Assistant Principal, Principal and now Executive Director of New Harmony High School. He has a knack for getting the most challenging students to open up to him and relax. He leads his staff with strength & resilience. His playful nature draws people in; his knowledge base keeps them intrigued; his vision makes them want to follow his lead. Joshua is a fantastic community leader and is no stranger to community work. He is engaged in a plethora of community-based organizations and takes great pride and pleasure in his many philanthropic endeavors. Some of his civic engagements include:

    ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
    ▪ Community Commitment Counseling for at-risk children – Volunteer
    ▪ Holistic Educational Rehabilitation Center- Mental Health Professional
    ▪ Helping Hands Mentoring Organization – Chairperson
    ▪ Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
    ▪ Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
    ▪ The Alliance for Diversity & Excellence – Founding Member
    ▪ Algiers Economic Development Foundation- Board Member
    ▪ Advocates for Innovative Schools- Board Member

    PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    ▪ Teacher Advancement Program (TAP)
    ▪ National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Conference Presenter
    ▪ CPR, Crisis Intervention & Medication Training
    ▪ New Leaders (Emerging Leaders Program – Aspiring Principal Program Cohort 13)
    ▪ The Clute
    ▪ Association for Behavior Analysis International

  • Joyce McCalphin

  • Math Intervention & RTI ~ joyce.mccalphin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Joyce McCalphin

    Math Intervention & RTI ~ joyce.mccalphin@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ms. Mac is a native New Orleanian.  She is a graduate of Our Lady of Holy Cross College.  She has taught mathematics over several decades in the private, Catholic and public schools of New Orleans.

    She wants students to think clearly and rationally. She feels that students should be able to communicate with all people in all walks of life, from the man on the corner to the queen in the palace.  Behave with respect to all, is the rule for her class.

    Ms. Mac wants her students to understand that mathematics is relevant to all aspects of their lives.  It is vital that her students see hard work, failure, mistakes and perseverance as the stepping stones to achieving their goals.  When students leave her class, as New Harmony graduates, it is her desire that they walk out the door of New Harmony into the awaiting world with confidence and self-worth. Knowing that all things are possible if they stay the course.

    She pledges to work hard and do everything possible to help her students learn and understand mathematics.  

    She is very happy to be a member of the New Harmony family.

  • Katherine Bell

  • Director of College & Career Readiness ~ katherine.bell@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Katherine Bell

    Director of College & Career Readiness ~ katherine.bell@newharmonyhigh.org

    Kat finds joy in helping students discover their interests and talents in unexpected places: she believes that everyone is a genius at something. Her first teaching experience was in Argentina and since then she has taught in Florida, Montana, and New Orleans. She has lived in big cities, rural areas, and on the Blackfeet Reservation, but New Orleans is the only U.S. city that has ever captured her heart. She first moved to New Orleans in 2009 to study linguistics and anthropology at Tulane and when she tried to move away she went through amazing food and music withdrawal and had to return.

     

    A lover of beauty, whether it is found in a trumpet solo, a sunset, or the written word, she has taught middle and high school students in a variety of subjects, including English, social studies, art and music, biology (for a hot minute!) and wilderness survival and is excited to bring all of her experiences in education and the workplace to the Quest for Success course at New Harmony. 

     

    When she’s not tracking down her fluffy, escape-artist dog, Poka, she might be found biking by the river, playing the piano, enjoying music somewhere in the city, cooking, or devouring a novel in a hammock. She thinks that any day that is spent by a body of water or on top of a mountain is a great day.

  • Katie Bolin

  • Executive Assistant ~ katie.bolin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Katie Bolin

    Executive Assistant ~ katie.bolin@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Kaycee Conaway

  • Special Education Teacher ~ kaycee.conaway@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Kaycee Conaway

    Special Education Teacher ~ kaycee.conaway@newharmonyhigh.org
    Kaycee is from Pittsburgh, PA and went to school at School of the Art Institute of Chicago to receive her BFA. After working in childcare and elementary school settings, Kaycee shifted focus to diverse learners. She enjoys the creativity afforded to the learning process in a special education classroom, and the excitement of making connections between students and the learning material.
  • Coach K

  • Film (Premier Pro) ~ coachk@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Coach K

    Film (Premier Pro) ~ coachk@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Laura Lobosco

  • 504 Coordinator ~ laura.lobosco@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Laura Lobosco

    504 Coordinator ~ laura.lobosco@newharmonyhigh.org

    Laura is committed to the idea that young people should not have to wait until they are adults to be valued and respected members of their communities. Advocating for the right to equitable and just educational experiences for high school students has been the focus of Laura’s work since she joined a special education team in a New Orleans high school in 2013. She is so happy to be joining a team of educators who are dedicated to supporting students in finding and using their own voices to direct their futures.

    Born and raised in Rhode Island,  Laura studied Psychology, English and Spanish at the University of Mississippi. Since 2011 she’s been proud to call New Orleans home, and highly prizes the opportunity to explore, hike, and camp in the Gulf Coast region.
  • Leslie Martin

  • Operations Site Coordinator ~ leslie.martin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Leslie Martin

    Operations Site Coordinator ~ leslie.martin@newharmonyhigh.org

    Leslie Martin joined New Harmony in the fall of 2023 and has taken the building by storm! Leslie thrives on working hard and taking names!

  • Lilliana Raphael

  • English Language Learners ~ lilliana.raphael@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Lilliana Raphael

    English Language Learners ~ lilliana.raphael@newharmonyhigh.org

    Lilliana Raphael is a dedicated ESL teacher with a profound commitment to empowering English language learners in New Orleans. Lilliana endeavors to create an atmosphere where students from diverse backgrounds feel valued and encouraged to thrive. As an ESL teacher, she believes in the power of language as a bridge that connects people and communities.

  • Maegan Saul

  • Interventionist & Case Manager ~ maegan.saul@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Maegan Saul

    Interventionist & Case Manager ~ maegan.saul@newharmonyhigh.org

    Maegan is from Waggaman, Louisiana. She studied Kinesiology at Southeastern concentrating in Exercise Science. She has a deep passion for health and wellness and is pursing a certification in Adaptive Physical Education. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her two babies, Theodore, a fancy tuxedo cat, and Honey, an orange cat who does orange cat things. She loves food, the Saints and #GeauxPels

  • Margaux Joseph

  • Algebra I ~ margaux.joseph@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Margaux Joseph

    Algebra I ~ margaux.joseph@newharmonyhigh.org

    Margaux Joseph is a true New Orleanian who graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies concentrated in education. This is Margaux’s 21st year as an educator in New Orleans. During her career she has worked the majority of her time as a 7th/8th grade math teacher.

    In addition to teaching, she truly enjoys spending time with her family and friends. A few of her hobbies include custom cake designs, art, and fishing, when she gets the chance.

    Margaux is also the proud wife and momma to two sons.

  • Marli Antoine Davis

  • Emotional Support Service Animal

  • Marli Antoine Davis

    Emotional Support Service Animal

    December 1, 2016 he became stylish by DNA. His temperament is calm and nurturing, often called Muffin. He’s an emotional support service animal. He loves to travel domestically and internationally! He loves the beach. His favorite food is the big chicken but will heat his food like a good boy. Marli loves to chill at Starbucks. His mommy is his Shera. His favorite hobby is hiding. He likes sleeping in, and his favorite pajamas have hamburgers on them. Fast food drive-thrus are his thing. He’s peaceful on road trip.s He’s a loner and a nice teddy bear fixture but definitely a crowd favorite.

  • MJ Hebert

  • Social Work Intern ~ mj.hebert@newharmonyhigh.org

  • MJ Hebert

    Social Work Intern ~ mj.hebert@newharmonyhigh.org
    MJ was born and raised in Abbeville, LA and is of Cajun French heritage. They graduated with a BFA in Film Arts from the University of New Orleans, where they wrote, directed, and produced a short film, which premiered at the 2015 New Orleans Film Festival. MJ is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work at SUNO and is passionate about social justice and community-based support. They like to spend their weekends making art, watching movies, and relaxing at home with their two dogs, Karate and Frankie, and their one-eyed cat, Zissou.
  • Morgan Glover

  • English III ~ morgan.glover@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Morgan Glover

    English III ~ morgan.glover@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ms. M. Glover is a New Orleans naive. She graduated from Emory University a majoring in English Studies with a concentration in African American Studies. She also minored in theater studies. Ms. G started her education career in 2021 here in the city of New Orleans. She has taught middle school English and English Intervention.

    Ms. G loves playing the piano, crocheting, watching anime, and spending time with her dogs, aka babies.

  • Odina Michel, PLPC

  • Counselor ~ odina.michel@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Odina Michel, PLPC

    Counselor ~ odina.michel@newharmonyhigh.org

    Odina was born and raised in Louisiana. She earned her Bachelors at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and her Masters at Southeastern Louisiana University. She has joined the New Harmony High team as a part-time counselor in Spring of 2024 and is excited to see what the year has to offer!

  • Raheem Williams

  • Data Manager ~ rwilliams@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Raheem Williams

    Data Manager ~ rwilliams@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Regina Serafino

  • Family/Parent Coordinator ~ regina.serafino@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Regina Serafino

    Family/Parent Coordinator ~ regina.serafino@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Rick Sahuc

  • Government ~ rick.sahuc@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Rick Sahuc

    Government ~ rick.sahuc@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Rochell Hillard

  • Director of Diverse Learning ~ rochell.hillard@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Rochell Hillard

    Director of Diverse Learning ~ rochell.hillard@newharmonyhigh.org

    Rochell brings over 20 years of experience as a resource teacher and special education coordinator to New Harmony. She has a Masters in Leadership and Administration.

  • Rosemary Espino

  • Spanish 1 ~ rosemary.espino@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Rosemary Espino

    Spanish 1 ~ rosemary.espino@newharmonyhigh.org

    From The Big Apple to The Big Easy, meet Ms. Rosemary, a dedicated Spanish teacher with a passion for nurturing young minds. With a warm and vibrant personality, she creates a welcoming environment for her students to thrive in. Her bright and bubbly demeanor makes her a favorite among students. Through her innovative teaching methods and unwavering enthusiasm for her love of language and culture, Ms. Rosemary leaves a lasting impact on her students, inspiring them to embrace language learning with joy and curiosity.

  • Ruben Sartin

  • Student Support Coordinator ~ ruben.sartin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Ruben Sartin

    Student Support Coordinator ~ ruben.sartin@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ruben is a familiar face from Communities In Schools of the Gulf South and had interned with us since fall 2019. He is originally from New Orleans, LA where he graduated from LB Landry- OP Walker college preparatory High School in 2015. He went along to receive his BSW from Miles College in 2019. As well as graduating with his Masters of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in 2021.

    Prior to coming to New Harmony, He was an intensive algebra, algebra 1 instructor, & football coach for a high school on the Westbank. Ruben’s passion for the student body assists him in connecting and aiding their academic, emotional, and social needs.

    Outside of school Ruben enjoys working out, writing poetry, and spending time with loved ones. He is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this unique institution. And vows to advocate for the betterment of everyone apart of the New Harmony High family.

  • Saleem Williams

  • English II ~ saleem.williams@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Saleem Williams

    English II ~ saleem.williams@newharmonyhigh.org

    Mr. S. Williams is a native of the Crescent City. However, he has lived in West Virginia, New York, California, Washington, and Belize. 

    Mr. Williams graduated from Dillard University with a major in secondary education and a minor in literature. He began his career as an educator teaching for the Seattle Public School District in 1998. Since then, he has taught Film Studies, African American Literature, Humanities, Yearbook Publication, ELA I-IV, and AP English.   

    Williams is a lover of books, music, film, and travel. Feel free to spark up a conversation when you pass him in the halls!

  • Sean Muggivan

  • Prob & Stats ~ sean.muggivan@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Sean Muggivan

    Prob & Stats ~ sean.muggivan@newharmonyhigh.org

    Sean, a lifelong resident of the GNO area, graduated from East Jefferson High School, earned a bachelors in English from UNO (focus on creative writing) and received a masters in social work from LSU. Previous to teaching math, Sean practiced social work with a focus on helping youth realize their full potential. It was as a social worker that Sean was introduced to the most amazing person in his life (among many amazing people) who he would one day be lucky enough to marry. Together, Sean and his wife, Danielle, are raising the two cutest babies on the planet.

    When Sean’s not teaching, he enjoys all things outdoors: car camping at state parks, ultralight bikepacking in the desert, and everything in between. Sean also enjoys spending as much of his summer break as possible at his family’s home in Mountshannon, Ireland, where his father is originally from.

    FUN FACT: While Sean was born in 1980, he prefers to identify himself as GenX as opposed to a millennial. Sean provides the following evidence supporting this identification: he grew up among a pack of feral peers, he remembers not having the internet, much less Google, and he always had his pager and quarters in his pocket when he was in high school.

  • Shea Toups

  • English IV & Music ~ shea.toups@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Shea Toups

    English IV & Music ~ shea.toups@newharmonyhigh.org

    Shea is a passionate English teacher devoted to utilizing expressive and holistic language instruction to ultimately foster the belief young people have in the validity of their own stories, creative perspective, power, voice, and craft.

    Born and raised in Raceland and Gheens, Louisiana, she spent her time doing absolutely nothing but wondering how to get somewhere else. Frequenting New Orleans as a child, usually referred to as “the city,” she knew it would be where she’d continue finding and practicing whatever it is that would end up making sense to her.

    After she found herself holding bachelor’s degrees in both Literary Studies and Secondary English Education, she leapt into an unexpected and specific professionalism and urgency as an educator. She previously thought she’d be keeping space for a writing and/or music career, but her first year teaching provided her with weird possibilities to transmute those deep loves and be exposed to the moral obligation of teaching (which isn’t something she thinks you can just back out of). She has taught alternative high school English and Composition seminars year round for three years by integrating Fine Arts, Music, Civics, and World Geography credits, always making a point to turn to the community, popular culture, and contemporary findings for real world relevant and activist-inspired projects.

    Shea probably loves these things (or just can’t get away from them): using 20 thousand words, singing quietly where she finds nice acoustics, synchronicity, hot beverages, the unrelenting reminder of the human condition, being in bodies of water, lamps, typing notes of all sorts on her phone (loves) and never really using them (doesn’t love), organizing and directing strange performances, and being right-up-on-the-stage during concerts.

  • Sidney Wilson

  • Chemistry ~ sidney.wilson@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Sidney Wilson

    Chemistry ~ sidney.wilson@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Simone Cifuentes

  • AP Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Sustainability Czarina ~cifuentes@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Simone Cifuentes

    AP Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Sustainability Czarina ~cifuentes@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ms. Cifuentes believes in SCIENCE!, the interconnectedness of all things, codeswitching, washing your hands, environmental justice, proper grammar, the all powerful healing magic of puppy kisses, and asking A LOT of questions. She was born in San Francisco, is bilingual and has dual citizenship, both US and Chilean.

    Despite being a Louisiana licensed attorney, she prefers that environmental education life. Ms. Cifuentes earned her J.D. from LSU, and her B.S. in Environmental Economics and Policy from UC, Berkeley where she lived in housing cooperatives and learned valuable home maintenance skills. Ms. Cifuentes is all about exposing her students to elements of the natural world  and fostering better stewards. A confirmed urbanite, she enjoys finding the right balance between natural and built environments.

    When not conducting wild scientific experiments, Ms. Cifuentes can be found cuddling with canines or at Lowes looking for items to improve her nearly 200 year old Creole Cottage or if it’s Friday night at the Saenger for a musical theater performance, finally!

  • Stephanie McKinnon

  • Biology ~ stephanie.mckinnon@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Stephanie McKinnon

    Biology ~ stephanie.mckinnon@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Stephen Bradberry

  • African American History ~ stephen.bradberry@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Stephen Bradberry

    African American History ~ stephen.bradberry@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Sunny Dawn Summers

  • Founding School Leader ~ sunny@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Sunny Dawn Summers

    Founding School Leader ~ sunny@newharmonyhigh.org

    Sunny is a passionate and dedicated public school educator. Starting in 2011, Sunny has been learning from the youth of New Orleans in charter schools across the city. Before New Harmony, Sunny was a teacher leader, department head and instructional coach.

    Sunny has always valued the relationships she cultivated with her students, and stays in touch with so many of her previous students. Inside the classroom, her achievements include having the school’s only 100% passing ratio for the English II EOC at New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School, as well as co-developing a new, innovative English curriculum to meet the needs of incoming sophomores with writing deficiencies. Her World Lit classroom has been host to camera crews filming real-time sessions for teacher education as well as radio producers test driving podcasts and teaching storytelling. Sunny has taught English I and II, Algebra, Geometry, reading intervention, and 8.5 writing. As a founding teacher at ReNew Accelerated High School, she received Teacher of the Year Honors.

    Sunny received her BA in English and Art (Magna Cum Laude, All College Honors, Departmental Honors) from the University of Saint Mary in 2001, and her Masters in Teaching from the Relay Graduate School of Education (Honors) in 2015. She completed teachNOLA in 2011. She received her Principal Certification in 2018 from School Leadership Center in New Orleans.

    Prior to becoming a teacher, Sunny had a successful nine-year career as Vice President for Content Development in the business of adult education, where data mining and instructional coaching were critical. She has extensive non-profit and volunteer experience including serving as Board Vice President for The HALO Foundation and teaching English in Nicaragua.

    Sunny was a founding member of the New Harmony High design team that won the nationally competitive XQ: The Super School Project, receiving a $10 million grant to open a public high school focused on the intersection between social and environmental justice. Since 2017, she has served as the Founding School Leader for New Harmony.

    Sunny and her husband Tyler have an autistic son, Beau, who specializes in being ornery.

    You can catch Sunny marching in front of the Treme Brass Band on Lundi Gras as El Capitan Ad Infinitum for Krewe of Redbeans and Rice in her chosen home of New Orleans.

  • Tahira Hana Williams

  • English 1 ~ tahirahana.williams@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Tahira Hana Williams

    English 1 ~ tahirahana.williams@newharmonyhigh.org

    Ms. Williams is new to New Harmony, but comes from a long line of educators.

  • Tori Berliner

  • Reading Interventionist & Case Manager ~ tori.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Tori Berliner

    Reading Interventionist & Case Manager ~ tori.berliner@newharmonyhigh.org

    Tori Berliner is a creative, free-spirited and open minded interventionist at New Harmony High. Born on an island in the PNW, Tori moved to New Orleans ten years ago to live in a place where her passions aligned with the city’s culture. Her strong adoration for costuming, crafting, eating and dancing has kept her rooted.

    Tori also loves to travel and experience the world. She lived abroad in Mexico and Vietnam, where she taught ESL to a diverse population of students. But above all, she loves working with students at home in New Orleans. The kids keep her entertained, laughing, thinking, and learning about the world around her.

    Lastly, Tori is a genuine lover of humanity. She cares deeply for the earth, environmental and social justice, as well as challenging societal norms. Catch her leaning into her spirituality and connecting to the earth beneath her feet.

  • Tracey Hoskin

  • Media Arts & Yearbook ~ tracey.hoskin@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Tracey Hoskin

    Media Arts & Yearbook ~ tracey.hoskin@newharmonyhigh.org
  • Wafa Faris

  • Quest for Success & Financial Lit ~ wafa.faris@newharmonyhigh.org

  • Wafa Faris

    Quest for Success & Financial Lit ~ wafa.faris@newharmonyhigh.org