Our Story
Seeking to provide scholars with a rigorous and joyful school environment as early as possible, Democracy Prep Harlem Elementary opened with Kindergarten in 2013 and will add a grade each year. Starting at age 5, scholars will grapple with rigorous material, civic engagement and character education through the DREAM values that will set them up to Work Hard, Go to College, and Change the World! Upon completion of 5th Grade, scholars will transition to Democracy Prep Harlem Middle School and then High School where they will continue on their path to and through college and a life of active citizenship.
PRINCIPAL
Mia Backon
GRADES SERVED
K – 5
CURRENT ENROLLMENT
400 Scholars
The DREAM Team

Mia Backon
Principal

Chelsey Palmer
Assistant Principal

Allison Roberts
Instructional Coach

Eugene Newsome
Principal in Residence

Judy Yoo
Operations Manager

Norberto Troncoso
Operations Coordinator

Irene Polanco
Administrative Manager

Jessica Loubriel
Receptionist

Fitzroy Saunders
DREAM Coach

Jennifer Myers
DREAM Coach

Erin Chilelli
Social Worker

Kristyn Demartinis
Social Worker

Sue Kim
K-2 SETSS ELL Coordinator

Paola Peñuela
K Teacher & Grade Team Leader

Pamela Peñuela
Kindergarten Teacher

Christine Jurado
Kindergarten Teacher

Leesa Pea
First Grade Teacher

Alyssa Harris
First Grade Teacher

Amanda Johnson
First Grade Teacher

Madison Pinto
Second Grade Teacher

Kristen Turpin
Second Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader

Khadidja Sow
Second Grade Teacher

Anna Longo
Thrid Grade Teacher

Jackie Dimitrief
Third Grade Teacher

Kara Miranda
3-5 ACT Specialist & ACT Coordinator

Sheila Sullivan
Third Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader

Joseph Anderson
Third Grade Teacher

Taylor Chiola
Thrid Grade Teacher

Chris Melendez
Fourth Grade Teacher

Khadijah Lewis
Fourth Grade Teacher

Alexis Renko
Fourth Grade Teacher

Kianni Johnson
Fourth Grade Teacher

Taylor Chiola
Fifth Grade Teacher

Claire Hughes
Fifth Grade Teacher

Alissa Jacquess
Fifth Grade Teacher

Kamille Campbell
Fifth Grade Teacher

David Outten
Fifth Grade Teacher

Michael O'Dea
ACT & CCT Leader

Tyler Harl
Fifth Grade Teacher

Rachel Lee
Science & Social Studies Teacher & Co- Curricular Leader

Nicole Taylor
Third Grade Teacher

Cherby Laguerre
Physical Education Teacher

Robert Subjenski
Music Teacher

Grace Lopata-Linn
Dance Teacher
DPNY Board of Directors
To contact the DPNY Board, please email Boardoftrustees@DemocracyPrep.org
For information about the DPNY Board of Trustees, including minutes and upcoming meeting dates, click here.