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
398 Scholars
The DREAM Team
Mia Backon
Principal
Chelsey Palmer
Assistant Principal
Allison Roberts
Instructional Coach
Christy Brown
Operations Manager
Irene Polanco
Family Impact Coordinator
Zulenny Sanchez
Receptionist
Fitzroy Saunders
DREAM Coach
Erin Chilelli
Social Worker
Kristyn Demartinis
Social Worker
Paola Leonard
Kindergarten Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Meghan Riffle
Kindergarten Teacher
Pamela Penuela
Kindergarten Teacher
Christine Jurado
Kindergarten Teacher
Alexandra Gerraputa
First Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Shannon Considine
First Grade Teacher
Nataki Caver
First Grade Teacher
Kelsey Van-Tull
First Grade Teacher
Emily Chambers
Second Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Lissa Erazo
Second Grade Teacher
Janey Fine
Second Grade Teacher
Amanda Johnson
Second Grade Teacher
Kristen Turpin
Third Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Leesa Pea
Third Grade Teacher
Sheila Sullivan
Third Grade Teacher
Yael Nurko
Third Grade Teacher
Chris Melendez
Fourth Grade Teacher
Amy Tobin
Fourth Grade Teacher
RJ Cavaliero
Fourth Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Sue Kim
Fourth Grade Teacher
Laetitia Krisel
Fourth Grade Teacher
Samantha Zerbe
Fourth Grade Teacher
Alexa McCarrick
Fifth Grade Teacher & Grade Team Leader
Crystal Holmes-Smith
Fifth Grade Teacher
David Outten
Fifth Grade Teacher
Edgar Dinzey
Fifth Grade Teacher
Michael O'Dea
Fifth Grade Teacher
Tyler Harl
Fifth Grade Teacher
Kaslyn Harris-Jordan
Dance Teacher
Robert Subjenski
Music Teacher
Cherby Laguerre
Physical Education Teacher
Rachel Lee
Science & Social Studies Teacher
Nicole Taylor
Science & Social Studies Teacher
Zeina Rousan
ACT Specialist
Kara Miranda
ACT Specialist
Ebony Lambright
Associate Teacher
Khadidja Sow
Associate Teacher
DPNY Board of Directors
Click to download DPH Board Meeting Minutes – 2016-17
Download Annual Report 16-17
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.