Our leadership
Shakina Hinton
Head of SchoolShakina Hinton
Head of School
Hyrjana Dibra
Associate Director of Science & LanguagesHyrjana Dibra is currently serving as the Director of Operations at Emblazon Academy Charter School. Originally from Albania, she moved to the Bronx at the age of 17. A decade ago, she embarked on my education career at Lehman College, earning a degree in Biology. During this time, she co-founded and led the BxCHL pre-health program, dedicated to establishing a pre-med initiative for underrepresented college students. The program's mission focused on providing a platform for healthcare exposure and offering academic and social/emotional support.
Her journey also led her to the New York State Assembly, where she gained insights into the mission of Charter Schools and the educational landscape in New York. Driven by a passion for education, she transitioned to teaching science in various charter schools with the goal of inspiring students to pursue science-related careers amid resource challenges.
In 2018, she joined Emblaze as a 5th-grade science teacher. Her mission was to establish and develop a robust science department, ensuring Emblaze students felt well-prepared and thrived in their future science high school courses. Over the years, she expanded the science curriculum and created a hands-on science program, allowing students to explore through engaging projects.
This year, she took on the role of Director of Operations. In this new capacity, she is committed to approaching education with a fresh perspective, laying a solid foundation for the teachers and students. Her goal is to establish an environment where education is rigorous, equitable, and addresses both academic and social-emotional aspects for all our students.
Ms. Dibra can be reached at [email protected].
Hyrjana Dibra
Director of Operations
Dasmin Croft
Director of ELADasmin Croft
Director of ELA & Languages
Michael McCray
Director of MathMichael McCray
Director of Math
Rebecca Tilakdharry
Associate Director of History & EnrichmentRebecca Tilakdharry
Director of History & Enrichment
Peta Gaye Morrison
8th Grade SciencePetagaye Morrison was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica. She came to the United States at the age of 15 years old with little to zero purpose in continuing her education. As time progressed, she knew that her purpose lies within the Education Department. She is the second person in her family to graduate from a high school and the first person to graduate from a College or University with both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. Due to her up-bringing, she believes that the ultimate requirements that all children need to succeed in life are someone who cares for them and the belief that their life matters too — As that was what she desired during her youth. She currently walks in two directing roles with the sole purpose in becoming the appointed leader of the Education Department of any State. In addition, she aims to pursue her Doctor of Education degree in the year 2024.
Peta Gaye Morrison
Director of Science
Shauniece Turner
Director of School Culture
Shauniece Turner, a passionate and dedicated professional with a heart for making a positive impact. Born and raised in Harlem and the Bronx, Shauniece brings a unique perspective to her work. Shauniece holds a bachelor's degree in human development & Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, and she furthered her education by earning a master's degree in social work from Hunter College. With a solid foundation in social services and child welfare, Shauniece has spent 4 ½ years making a difference in the lives of others. Driven by her aspiration to work in a school setting, Shauniece now serves as the Director of School Culture at Emblaze Academy. Her primary goal is to be a support system for students, providing the guidance and care that she wished she had growing up. Shauniece lives by the mantra, "Life is tough, but so are you." This quote serves as a constant reminder to persevere and find the light at the end of every challenge. She strongly believes in the importance of self-care, recognizing that one must fill their own cup before pouring into others. Outside of her professional endeavors, Shauniece is a self-proclaimed foodie, always on the lookout for new restaurant experiences. She enjoys exploring restaurants and trying different cuisines. When it comes to entertainment, Shauniece has a penchant for suspense and horror movies, even if she watches them alone. In the spirit of lightheartedness, here's a fun fact: Shauniece cannot swim! So, while she may not be the one to save you from drowning, she's always ready to lend a helping hand in other ways. Shauniece Turner is a remarkable individual, dedicated to making a difference and bringing positivity to the lives of those around her.
Shauniece Turner
Director of School Culture
Toni Vails
Assistant Dean of School CultureToni Vails
Dean of School Culture
Chante’l Johnson
Director of Special EducationChante’l Johnson
Director of Special Education
Miguel Pena
Operations ManagerMiguel Pena
Operations Manager
Stacy Chavez
Operations ManagerStacy Chavez
Assistant Director of Operations
Natalie Claudio
Office Manager
Ms. Claudio was born in New Jersey but spent most of her childhood in the Bronx. Four years ago, she moved her family back to
NYC. Though it has its challenges, she is proud of her large, blended family as each of her babies (6 children – from ages 7-18) bring life and love to each day. Ms Claudio has an Associates Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Management.
Natalie Claudio
Office Manager
Our faculty
Brittany Watson
5th Grade ELA Teacher & School Instructional SpecialistBrittany Watson
5th Grade ELA Teacher & School Instructional Specialist
Caryn Rhodes
School CounselorCaryn Rhodes is a NYS Certified School Counselor and educator. She was born in Charlotte, NC and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Caryn was raised by her mother, father, two older brothers, and big sister. Growing up she learned the importance of perseverance and curiosity as it related to education. Caryn’s desire to teach children comes from observing her patient mother, who spent countless nights with her doing homework, and her teachers who helped her along the way. Her philosophy of education can be summarized with the following quote: "Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think." Caryn places a high value on teaching students that every choice has a consequence (be it positive or negative !). She also bases her interactions with students on one of the most important lessons she has learned in her own personal development: at all times, we have the power to be who we want to be and live the life we genuinely want to live. Caryn's hobbies include: spiritual development activities such as reading, coloring, going into nature, taking courses, dancing, and working out. Caryn completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Religious Education at Oakwood University- a Historically Black University located in Huntsville, AL. She currently holds a Master of Education Degree in School Counseling from Southern Arkansas University. She also received training in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. Caryn Rhodes can be reach via email @ [email protected].
Caryn Rhodes
School Counselor
Braden Waller
ELA SETSSBraden Waller has been teaching at Emblaze since the 20/21 school year! After receiving his Bachelors in Secondary Education - English at Arizona State University in 2016, he moved to Utah to teach small group Reading & Writing. In 2018, he moved to Beijing, China to teach English for The Walt Disney Company, before moving to New York in 2020 to work at Emblaze! Literature and reading is his passion, in and out of the classroom, and is honored to be able the first official Librarian at Emblaze Academy. He can be reached at [email protected]
Braden Waller
ELA SETSS
Eric Shellhase
6th Grade ELA & School PhonicsMr. Shellhase completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he and his family are originally from. At Temple, he studied abroad for a semester in Tokyo, Japan, where he developed a taste for sushi and ramen, as well as a love for languages! During his senior year at Temple, he volunteered at a literacy center in Philly, where he discovered a life-long passion for education. After moving to NYC, he completed a Master of Arts in English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He has been teaching for 16 years. This is Mr. Shellhase’s 3rd year at Emblaze, where his primary role is English as a New Language Manager. He teaches ESL classes where students develop their communication skills to effectively listen, speak, read, and write in English. Last year, he helped begin a new Phonics program, where students learn the patterns of English spelling to read and write with greater accuracy. He is also a co-teacher, assisting Ms. Watson with her 5th Grade English Language Arts class. When teaching the English language, he believes in a communicative approach. Grammar is important, but clarity in speaking and writing is essential for all academic pursuits. In his free time he likes to travel, make art, and listen to audiobooks with his wife. He can be reached at [email protected].
Eric Shellhase
ELL Program Manager
Junior Johnson
Math SETSS
D’Andre McPhatter
Enrichment Teacher
Kashen Alston
STEM Specialist
Kiara Simmons
Literacy SpecialistKiara Simmons has been teaching at Emblaze since the 22/23 school year! Since graduating with Honors from Monroe University, Kiara continues to grow her passion for Education and Teaching while working with Emblaze scholars in small groups and within the Special Education department. She strives to share her love for reading with her students in all she does. Before working at Emblaze, Kiara worked in various school settings as a Teaching Assistant working with students with special needs. She loves spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Terror. She can be reached via E-mail at [email protected]
Kiara Simmons
Literacy Specialist
Viviana Budhu
5th/6th Grade HistoryViviana Budhu graduated from the College of Mount Saint Vincent with a BA in Psychology and from Mercy College with a MS in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6). Ms. Budhu has been at Emblaze Academy for four years thus far and has previously taught Universal Pre-K before her journey at Emblaze. Ms. Budhu is currently Emblaze's 5th and 6th Grade History teacher. She is extremely passionate about differentiation and creating curriculums to target students as an individual rather than as a whole. On her time off, Ms. Budhu enjoys traveling and spending time with her loved ones. Her contact information is [email protected]
Viviana Budhu
5th/6th Grade History
Oma Seepersaud
5th/6th Grade ScienceHello everyone, my name is Ms. Seepersaud and I am currently the 5th and 6th grade Science teacher. I have a master's degree in education. I always wanted to be a teacher and I am so glad I was able to pursue in those dreams. I enjoy teaching younger scholars and giving them the best education out there! My approach to learning and education is having an educational approach that aims to customize learning for each student's strengths, needs, skills, and interests. Each student gets a learning plan that's based on what they know and how they learn best. Some things I enjoy doing are spending time with my family and going on vacations. If you ever need to contact, my email is [email protected]
Oma Seepersaud
5th/6th Grade Science
Angelica Almanzar
5th/ 6th Grade MathAngelica Almanzar
5th/ 6th Grade Math
Tiffany Thomas
6th Grade ELA Teacher
Simuel Stevenson
5th/6th Grade EnrichmentSimuel Stevenson
5th/6th Grade Enrichment
Akeelah Blenman
7th Grade Science
Michael Sherman
7th Grade MathMichael Sherman
7th Grade Math
Jaron Williams
7th Grade EnrichmentJaron Williams
7/8th Grade Enrichment
Stephanie Ramirez
ELA
Hi My name is Ms.Ramirez and I teach ELA.
Stephanie Ramirez
7th Grade ELA
Marco Antonio Santiago
6th Grade LiteratureMarco Antonio Santiago
7th Grade History
Priscella Castillo
8th Grade Science
Regine Simmons
7th Grade ScienceRegine Simmons
8th Grade History
Autumn Letson
8th Grade ELAAutumn Letson
8th Grade ELA
Krystal Streat
8th Grade Math