Summer Institute for Teachers

2025 Session One Presentation Team

Priscilla Zárate is the President and Founder of Vanguard Leadership Consulting LLC, a NYS, NYC, Nassau, and Suffolk County MWBE-certified educational consulting firm. Previously, she served as Executive Director at the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE), where she oversaw services for more than 150,000 English Language Learners (ELLs) across 1,800 schools. In this role, she spearheaded citywide initiatives to expand high-quality bilingual and ENL programs, enhance educator capacity, and shape policies that ensure equity and excellence for ELLs. Through Vanguard Leadership Consulting LLC, Ms. Zárate is dedicated to transforming education by equipping educators and school leaders with strategic tools, research-based practices, and tailored professional development.

2025 Session One Presentation Team

Richard Bellis had a long and productive career in the NYC Department of Education. Most recently, For more than 11 years, he served as the citywide Executive Director for ELL Data, Policy, and Compliance. During his tenure as the Executive Director, he created many resources and publications that are still in use to this day, including the NYC DOE’s Multilingual Learner Policy and Reference Guide. He also created the NYC DOE’s first ever “At-Risk” system that analyzes 20+ high leverage data points (e.g., academic grades, attendance) to identify students in crisis or potential crisis so that schools can take immediate action. Richard also developed the NYC DOE’s Two-Tier Monitoring System for ELL programs. Prior to this, he was the Regional Senior Assessment Coordinator for half of Manhattan. 

2025 Session Two Presentation Team

Jarena Brown, now in her fifth year of teaching, began her educational career as a paraprofessional in District 75 before advancing to become a self-contained special education teacher in District 23. A Brooklyn native who attended NYC public schools, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from Lincoln University and Master of Education from Touro College. Currently pursuing School Building and District Leadership studies at Molloy University, Jarena lives by the mission that students are the future of tomorrow and should be treated as such. Her talents also extend beyond the classroom as a vocalist and music instructor, teaching students the fundamentals of music. 

2025 Session Two Presentation Team

Rolande Elie is a Special Education Teacher at Riverdale Avenue Middle School (RAMS). She  earned a master's degree in School Counseling and a second master's degree at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, where she obtained dual certification in M.S. in Childhood Education (Grades 1 Through 6) and Special Education.. In her role, she strive to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters growth and understanding among all students. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on students' lives. As Rolande continues this rewarding journey, she remain committed to lifelong learning and professional development to better serve my students and community.

2025 Session Two Presentation Team

Elia Martinez is a dedicated education professional with over 12 years of experience nurturing children's development across multiple settings. Beginning as a babysitter, Ms. Martinez refined her childcare skills before joining New York Edge's after-school program, where she spent nearly 8 years advancing from Tutor Counselor to Assistant Director. 
As a Visual Arts Specialist, Ms. Martinez developed creative programming that engaged students and fostered self-expression. Ms. Martinez currently serves as a paraprofessional at Riverdale Avenue Middle School for almost 4 years.  She provides targeted classroom support while creating inclusive learning environments. 

2025 Session Two Presentation Team

Lenox Small is a dedicated special educator and school leader with over 16 years of professional teaching and progressive leadership experience. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Riverdale Avenue Middle School, where he supports instructional excellence and student success across all content areas. Over the course of his career, Lenox has taught students from Kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of instructional settings, including Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT), Bridge classrooms, self-contained environments, resource push-in/pull-out models, and Specialized Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS). He has also held key leadership roles as an IEP Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Teacher Leader—guiding teams in compliance, inclusive practices, and individualized student supports. 

2025 Session Three Presenter
 

Dr. Marty Aaron Cooper is an Associate Professor of Psychology at SUNY Old Westbury and a licensed psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma, and cultural competence. With a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University, his research explores identity development, intersectionality, and mental health equity. A SUNY Chancellor’s Award recipient, he teaches graduate counseling courses and has published widely on gender, sexuality, and aging. Dr. Cooper also maintains a private practice and volunteers with human rights organizations. A frequent media contributor and international speaker, he bridges academia, clinical practice, and advocacy to promote mental health inclusivity.