Tami Williams
Health & Behavior Studies
Reading Buddy
My name is Tami Williams. I am from San Francisco, California, where
I had been teaching nutrition education in elementary schools for
the past 3 years. I came to New York to study Health Education at
Teachers College, Columbia University. I feel privileged to be apart
of the Reading Buddies program and have the opportunity to interact
with students on a daily basis. As a child I too struggled in
reading and remember how vulnerable I felt when called upon to read
out loud in class. I hope to share my experiences with my buddies
and help them to reach a level of confidence in their reading.
Elizabeth Jordan
Arts and Humanities
Reading Buddy
Liz Jordan is finishing her last semester in the Reading Specialist M.A. program and is excited to return to C.S. 200 as a second year Reading Buddy. Reared in Virginia, Liz has gained a plethora of life experiences since fledging the nest, as she has adventured and taught around the country and in upstate New York. Liz considers literacy skills to be fundamental for equity in the U.S. and is passionately dedicated towards assisting struggling readers and writers.
Christopher Kan
Arts and Humanities
Reading Buddy
Raised on Long Island, I am a first year student at Teachers College
studying in the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages K-12
Program. My personal interests include traveling, watching football
(or soccer if you prefer to call it that), running, cooking and
reading. In particular, reading is a very important part of my life
- my favorite books include Angela's Ashes, Teacher Man, The
Alchemist, The Five People You meet in Heaven and various travel
guidebooks. I look forward to encouraging and helping my tutees to
read effectively and share my enthusiasm for reading.
Deborah Rosenfeld
Human Development
Math Buddy
I taught 1st, 4th, and 8th grade before I began writing a NSF-funded
elementary math curriculum called Think Math. As I wrote lesson plans,
observed teachers using them, and interacted more with students, I realized
my need to know more about child development. I got my Masters in Human
Development and Psychology and am now starting my Ph.D. in Cognitive Studies
in Education. I am curious about what motivates (or de-motivates) students
to learn in general and more specifically to learn math. I'm very excited to
be part of the Buddies program and can't wait to teach and learn from my
students!
Lauren Fisher
Counseling & Clinical Psychology
Reading Buddy
I am a second year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program. In my experience as a therapist, I have greatly enjoyed working with children and adolescents, specifically helping them develop into independent thinkers. I am really looking forward to helping my buddies read and hopefully instilling in them a passion for reading.
Trent Henry
Counseling & Clinical Psychology
Math Buddy
Hi, my name is Trent, and I am pursuing a M.A. in Clinical Psychology at TC. I was raised in Ohio and I love nature, but I love people even more (which explains why NYC currently monopolizes my time). While I am excited to improve a few students' math skills at PS 200, I am most passionate about contributing to the cultivation of young peoples' self-esteem. I believe humans are creative and intellectually curious by nature, and it is our environment that robs of our instinctive ways. As a math tutor, I hope to help students succeed within our current system, as a means of improving their self-esteem with the larger hope that each person may find the confidence to define themselves and enliven their inborn spirit.
Victoria Konarski
Reading Buddy
Hello! My name is Victoria Konarski. I am a MA student in the Teaching of Social Studies program at the Teachers College. I am one of the Arthur Zankel Fellows for the 2007/08 academic school year. Similar to Arthur Zankel’s commitment to the education of disadvantaged youth, I too believe that all students must be given the tools to succeed, no matter what their socioeconomic background. I have worked hard in my own life to equip myself with the necessary tools to succeed. I also had many people point me in the right direction and share some of their tools with me. I have committed myself to continuing this perpetual cycle of knowledge and I know that my work as a Reading Buddy will ensure my mission.
Brett ApRoberts
Mathematics, Science and Technology
Math Buddy
Greetings! My name is Brett ApRoberts and I am a student at Teachers College working on my Masters in Teaching with the intent of teaching high-school chemistry and physics. I find math to be strangely compelling because I have often struggled with both abstract and spatial representations as presented in traditional pedagogy. It wasn't until I was forced to make my own meaning of these representations, as I utilized the mathematical methods and procedures in my chemistry and physics courses, did I begin to comprehend math's complexity and elegance while pondering its usefulness in my life. The question is, how do we compel students to explore and assign their own meaning to their understanding and utilization of math?
Elizabeth Jacob
International and
Transcultural studies
Math Buddy
My name is Elizabeth and I am very excited to be a part of the EdZone Math buddies. I
have been tutoring since i was a teenager but i still learn new things from every student
I have. Last 2 years, I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso as a secondary school
teacher and taught Chemistry/Physics and Math. Currently, I am a Masters student in the
International Educational Developmental program in the Department of International and
Transcultural studies.
Ryan Schetelick
Curriculum and Teaching
Reading Buddy
Ryan was born and raised in New Jersey, but has lived and worked in New York City for the
last 14 years. He was a classroom teacher for eight years (two in Japan and Guatemala;
six in NYC), and a literacy consultant for five years in both Newark and NYC. Ryan holds
a BA in English from Amherst College as well as MA and EdM in English Education from
Columbia University Teachers College. He is currently earning his EdD in Curriculum and
Teaching and loves a good burger while watching the Yanks. Soccer, travel, and learning
are his priorities.
Melissa Alba
Arts and Humanities
Reading Buddy
My name is Melissa and I am a first year student at Teachers College studying Art and Art
Education. My interests include art (particularly painting and printmaking), music and
museums. My favorite artists include Degas, Monet and Matisse; and my favorite books are
The Catcher in the Rye, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, Peel My Love Like An
Onion, Scar Tissue and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. I feel privileged to have
the opportunity to work with such fun, interesting, and smart young children. I look
forward to helping them further their reading skills and for them to teach me a thing or
two as well.
Colin Cox
Counseling & Clinical Psychology
Reading Buddy
Hi, my name is Colin Cox and I am originally from Massachusetts, and I have been living
in Boston for the past four years. I moved to New York City in August, and I am a first
year graduate student at Teachers College. I am currently pursuing a Ed.M in
Psychological Counseling, and aside from school I love running, reading, and watching
College Football. I am really excited to be a part of the Reading Buddies program here at
Teachers College. I hope that I will have a positive impact on all of my Buddies and help
ensure that they will be strong readers by the time they enter the fourth grade.
Katie Picard
Biobehavioral Sciences
Reading Buddy
Hi, my name is Katie Picard and I am very excited to work as a
Reading Buddy this school year! I am currently starting my first
year at Teachers College, working on my Masters Degree in Speech
and Language Pathology. I am friendly, outgoing, and hard working.
I will do everything I can to develop the reading skills of my
Buddies and create confident readers!
Linden Prickett
Biobehavioral Sciences
Reading Buddy
Hi! My name is Linden Prickett. I am an outgoing, affable, and
patient graduate student from Central Nebraska. Currently, I am
working on my Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology
at Teachers College. I love to read, mystery novels are my favorite.
Music is a huge part of my life, I love to sing and play the piano.
I am excited that I have been given the opportunity to make a
difference in many children’s lives in the Harlem area.
EunYong Kim
Arts and Humanities
Reading Buddy
Hello! I am a woman who likes staying in school, inventing theories
and making connections between seemingly unrelated things to
extract any kind of meaning. Well, my current interests are finding
the relationship between language and education in its philosophy,
science, policy and practice. The Reading Buddy program last year
was an excellent fieldwork for me to experiment and integrate my
interests while serving the wonderful kids and being loved by them.
I am glad to be again part of this TC-wide effort to work with the
community for educational equity.
Aisha Burrell
Math Buddy
Awais Ahsan
Mathematics Education
Math Buddy
(INFJ)Assalaamualaikum (Peace be with you)! I am in the Mathematics Education program at Teachers College. I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts (home of the MLB champion Red sox). My interests include learning about Islam, playing and watching basketball, and of course, teaching and learning mathematics!
William Bassett
Mathematics Education
Math Buddy
Hello, my name is Bill Bassett. For the past 1825 days, I have been teaching math. (How many years is this?) I am passionate about the exploration of math as well as working with kids. I love to make math interesting and show off its exciting real world uses. I was raised in Colorado and am currently studying Mathematics Education at Teachers College.
Ashvin Jaishankar
Math Buddy
Christy Moorman
Sociology and Education
Math Buddy
My name is Christy Moorman (ENFJ). I am a M.A. student in the Sociology and Education Program. It was my search for self and motivation to seize opportunities that led me to New York City. I find potential in everyone and want to help others fulfill their potential. I am empathetic, responsive, and responsible. My linguistic, spatial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal strengths enable me to achieve my goal “to live deliberately.”
Jennifer Ochs
Mathematics Education
Math Buddy
Hi! My name is Jennifer and I’m in the mathematics education program. As an ENFJ, I am able to talk through my thinking as I plan and organize problems, which helps me as a math buddy. Further, since I am strong in mathematical/logical and interpersonal intelligences, I look forward to learning from my students who have strengths in other areas. My favorite math joke is: Why are lumberjacks musically inclined? Because they have natural logarithms!
Narmeen Razzaqui
Mathematics Education
Math Buddy
(ESFJ)Assalaamualaikum (Peace be with you)! My name is Narmeen. I just started my maters in math education at Teachers College. I’m excited to be part of the TC math buddy program because I love working with others and I love math. In my free time I like to spend time with my friends and family – most importantly, with my 4-year old nephew, Yusuf. :-)
Adam Voight
International Education Development
Math Buddy
My name is Adam Voight, and I'm very excited about working with students at PS 123 this year as a Math Buddy. My background in teaching and working with children stems from my experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar teaching environmental education, ESL, and HIV/AIDS education. I also have experience tutoring elementary math in my hometown of Northport, MI. My public school was K-12 with an approximate student body population of 300, and I was constantly involved in programs to work with elementary students who were only at the other end of the building. Presently, I'm pursuing an M.A. in International Education Development from Teachers College and hope to be involved in global education and peace education development efforts in the U.S. and abroad. My Myers-Brigg label is INFP with very strong tendencies towards I and P. I look forward to a rewarding year at PS 123 for all parties involved.
Yuanda (Kenny) Zhang
Mathematics Education
Math Buddy
My name is Yuanda Zhang and people call me Kenny. I am from China and I am a first year Master student majoring in Math Ed at Teachers College, Columbia University. I am not very familiar with education since my undergraduate study is electrical engineering. However, I have several teaching experience with different level of students. I was a peer tutor when I was in high school. It was an after school program which I tutored 7-12 graders in their math, physics, or chemistry homework’s. Moreover, I was a peer tutor at college level too. I provided homework help to freshmen and sophomore in math and physics. In addition, I was a Teaching Assistant in an Electronic Design Lab class where I assisted students in their design projects. Being a math buddy will enhance my practical experience in teaching which helps me establish my unique pedagogy. My Myers Briggs Type Indicator is INTJ.
Rachel Brenan
Curriculum and Teaching
Reading Buddy
Having been a classroom teacher and an administrator for 7 years, I thought I had a solid grasp of the skills I possess and can offer. After completing the training week of reflection, however, I realized that I have more to offer than a collection of teaching and instruction methods. As an introverted “feeler”, I can understand and encourage the quiet children while connecting with the emotions of all. In addition to these emotional intelligences, I also have a talent and love for language and reading, which I hope to share with the children with whom I work.
Mauli Desai
International Education Development
Reading Buddy
Namaste. My name is Mauli Desai and that is how we say hello in my country of origin – India. I’m from Tampa, FL but have lived all over the world through the course of my life. A personality test described me as fun loving, and spontaneous and I’d like to think that is true! If you prefer another language, mein Hindi bolti hoon y hablo español tambien. After teaching some wonderful children back in California, I’m looking forward to working with the amazing kids I’ve heard about in New York City. Currently, I am a masters student in International Education Development at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Sarah Goldberg
School Counseling
Reading Buddy
Hi! My name is Sarah Goldberg. I am a music educator studying to be a school counselor at Teachers College. I bring a warm, empathetic, and sensitive personality to the Reading Buddies program. I’m really excited to be working in the Harlem community and look forward to making a difference in the lives of your children.
Shin-ying Huang
Curriculum and Teaching
Reading Buddy
My name is Shin-Ying Huang. I’m and easy going person who tends to think before she talks. I like to be organized but also appreciate spontaneity. Logic appeals to me and I feel for others too. I am a doctoral candidate in Curriculum & Teaching at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Katushia Lamysere
Elementary/Childhood Education with a specialization in Special Education
Reading Buddy
My goal is to understand. My job is to be an Advocate for Children. I’m working to get a Master of Art in Elementary/Childhood Education with a specialization in Special Education. I was born and raised in the tropical culture of Miami, FL. I desire the need to connect with people of different nationalities, cultures, and racial background.
Kamillah Males
Psychological Counseling
Reading Buddy
Hola! I am working on my Ed.M. in Psychological Counseling. My passion is empowering individuals to discover the possibilities within themselves, nurturing their gifts, and watching them soar. I’m ecstatic to have the privilege of embarking on this journey with the reading buddies in the Harlem community.
Serah Shani
Anthropology and Education
Reading Buddy
My name is Serah Shane from Kenya. I am very talented in a number of ways, but more importantly I am happy, warm and easy to be with. I have a B.A. in Community Development and Music, a Master’s in Sociology and currently a Ph.D. student in Anthropology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. If it is possible for me; it can be for anyone.
Donald Taylor
Columbia College
Reading Buddy
Greetings & Salutations!! Here I am, Donald Taylor II. I am smart linguistically, musically, intra- and interpersonally, mathematically, visually, and kinetically. I left one out even though we all possess every facet of human intelligence. I am a 3rd year Undergraduate at Columbia University. I can’t wait to meet you and your child.
Donna Tonini
Finance and Planning with emphasis on Africa
Reading Buddy
I am a multi-faceted scholar who possesses both a business background, as demonstrated by my MBA, and international experience, as evidenced by my several years abroad in Africa and the West Indies. However, as I am also highly attuned to the emotions, needs and motivations of others, I have found the education field to be a natural fit. I see the possibilities within people, and am able to conceptualize a world where all children are educated within equal and equitable fashion. I look forward to helping children have access to education, so that they may unlock their intellectual potential, and ensure a future of promise, and positive possibilities.
Teresa Brake
Curriculum and Teaching
Reading Buddy
I am currently pursuing an M.A. in Curriculum & Teaching. I also have 5 years of elementary school teaching experience. As a spontaneous, creative, individual, I believe I offer the availability to find and/or develop methods that can reach kids that are experiencing difficulties within the traditional framework. Intuitive thinking enables me to see new possibilities. As an extroverted thinker, I can model the internal thinking process that lead to comprehension, expression, and higher-level thinking. My interests in arts, music, and the sciences provide me with a broad range of points to connect with others.
Tuan Cheng Ch'ng
Organizational Psychology
Reading Buddy
Hey, I’m Cheng, a M.A. student in the organizational psychology program in Teachers College. I love learning, gaining knowledge and more so, passing the knowledge on to others. And I truly value personal development. I’m really excited and looking forward to helping a child develop, and explore the joy of learning. I strongly believe that my background in psychology (both undergrad, the years of work experience, and now, in the M.A. program) enables me to understand children, empathize with them and form meaningful strong bonds with them.
Elizabeth Lammons
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Reading Buddy
Hi! My name in Elizabeth Lammons and I am a constant work in progress. I like to observe others and reflect on their opinions and feelings and how they relate to my own. I love food, art, and reading! My favorite quote is from a poem by Rita Dove, “If you can’t be free, be a mystery.” I am a student at Teachers College in the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program.
Margaret (Peggy) Wu
Psychological Counseling
Reading Buddy
Hello, my name is Peggy. I enjoy working with children and adolescents and I am excited to be a Reading Buddy. I am first year student in school counseling at Teachers College.
Kevin Beerstecher
Economics in Education
Reading Buddy
I am an Economics and Education masters candidate. This is my second semester as a reading buddy, both of which have been at 200.My first experience working with students has been through the Reading buddies program, and it has been absolutely wonderful. Being in a school everyday has helped give shape and dimension to the education research I am involved in. I have found working with the kids an incredible amount of enthusiasm for learning regardless of socioeconomic status. This has been one of the paramount experiences of my education at TC.
Valerie Chappell
Special Education : Mental Retardation / Autism
Reading Buddy
I am an intellectually curious learner who enjoys complexity. As a special educator, I strive to understand who my students are as learners. The questions I ask myself are: “How can I reach my students?” “How do they learn best?” and most importantly, “How can I help them fall in love with the life long journey of learning?” I am currently working on my Ed.D. Special Education: Mental Retardation/Autism
Seungoh Paek
Instructional Technology and Media
Reading Buddy
Hi, all! My name is SEUNGOH PAEK. I'm a student of doctral program in Instructional Technology and Media at Teachers College. My Myers Briggs Type Indicator is ENTP. I'm from South Korea. I majored in Education for B.A., and Educational Psychology for M.A. I had been an English and Mathematics tutor for high school students and an instructor of
YMCA. I'm interested in how technology can help students to be active learners, and specifically interested in how students can be into reading through digital literacy. I hope that this participating in "READING BUDDIES" program would give me creative ideas for developing technology for all who have difficulties of reading. I also believe that I would have an unforgettable amazing adventure with my precious buddies.
Shengnan (Jenny) Shao
Secondary Biology Education
Reading Buddy
Hello! My name is Jenny Shao and I’m pursuing a M.A. in secondary Biology Education. I have been endowed with the powers of math, science, and technology to make bakers yeast glow in the dark. People have told me that I am a nerd who eats and talk too much. But I like to believe that I’m a food and language connoisseur in a love affair with Biology.
Jennifer Viola
Gifted Education
Reading Buddy
My name is Jennifer Viola and I cannot wait to begin my work as a reading buddy. I am currently pursuing an M.A. in Gifted Education. I am an extroverted thinker who loves to work with children. My approach in life and teaching is to work with determination and sensitivity to meet all my goals. I am looking forward to an exciting & successful semester with all the students I will be working with daily.
Helene White
Cognitive Studies
Reading Buddy
Hola! My name is Helene. I come from a French-Colombian background, so I love fromage and café con leche. My grandmother use to say, "Do what you love, and the rest will follow." Working with the reading buddies program has been a wonderful and enlightening experience. It has been amazing to witness the progress in the kids that I tutor, and to watch how they have developed through the months. It is a great feeling to know that I have contributed, in some way, to their growth and development. I can definitely take what I have learned in this program and apply it to my future career pursuits.
Kimberly Chandler
Teaching of Social Studies
Reading Buddy
Howdy!! My name is KIMBERLY and I am from Houston, Texas in a little place called Sunnyside. I am a master’s candidate in the Teaching of Social Studies at Teachers College. I am also excited to be at Teachers College and in NEW YORK. I can’t wait to be a Reading Buddy. I believe I will be a great Reading Buddy since I have taught history and reading, plus I love to read all types of books. Besides reading, I LOVE singing and watching TV. I am such an INFJ – Introvert, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging person. My multiple intelligences range from verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, musical, and interpersonal/intrapersonal.
Stephanie Downey
Speech-Language Pathology
Reading Buddy
Hi! I’m Steph. I have a MA in Special Education and am working on an MS in Speech Language Pathology. I am a teacher and a student. My students and I were thrilled to receive a national awarded for our progress. I love languages and logic. I am a planner, a singer, a traveler, and a marathon runner. Nothing brings me more joy than working with children. I look forward to meeting you, reading with you, and learning from you!
Rodolfo Estrada
Bilingual / Bicultural Education
Reading Buddy
I’m Rodolfo Estrada and at Reading Buddies I learned that a lot goes into teaching and understanding children. This includes learning who you are as a teacher, mentor, and how you function as a person. Through Reading Buddies, I’ve learned that this process is a truly unique learning experience. I’m a Master’s student at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Kate Findkenstaedt
Teaching English as a Second Language
Reading Buddy
My name is Kate Finkensaedt and I’m studying to get an M.A in Teaching English as a Second Language in the public schools. I am friendly, outgoing, and flexible and love meeting new people to share their stories. I also love reading good stories, seeing new places, and eating good food. I love languages and speak French and Spanish. I am dedicated and hard working and am happy to be training and studying with new people.
Matthew Giles
School Psychology
Reading Buddy
My name is Matthew and I am a Reading Buddy and I have learned that I am an introverted thinker. I have learned this week that not everyone’s mind works the same way, and what may seem rude, fair, or intelligent may not be the case for someone lese. According to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, I am INFP - Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. I am a School Psychology Student at Teachers College and from Queens, NY.
Rebecca Ladner
Teaching English as a Second Language
Reading Buddy
My name is Becky Ladner and I love working with kids and reading. My all time favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird, with the Anne of Green Gables works, and Harry Potter series close behind. I’ve just returned from a year in Romania and hope to keep up those newly learned language skills while in NYC. I’m a first year student in the Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages program at Teachers College.
Abigail Pestalozzi
Arts and Humanities
Reading Buddy
My name is Abby Pestalozzi and I am very excited to work as a Reading Buddy! I am currently working on my Masters Degree in Teaching Social Studies at Teachers College and formerly taught in Florida. I feel confident in my skills and I consider myself to be warmhearted, loyal, and cooperative. I will do everything in my power to achieve positive results with my Buddies and create confident readers!
