2014-2015 Scholars

Faith Fernandes is a 2016 graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University specializing in Early Childhood Education. She is interested in literacy and language acquisition for young children. She is a firm supporter of early intervention for young children and she is currently serving as a long-term substitute for Bridgeport, Connecticut's Early Childhood Department. She loves to be involved in community theater.

Hello, my name is Hale Simelane. I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied for a dual certification in Early Childhood/Special Education at Teachers College as a QUIERE Scholar. I truly enjoy working with children from a variety of backgrounds. Prior to QUIERE, I decided to study Sociology and Multicultural Education as an undergraduate student at Skidmore College to develop the attitude, knowledge, and skills necessary to work with a diverse range of students prior to working toward certification. Being a QUIERE Scholar gave me the chance to attend Teachers College and participate in a high quality teacher education program. This opportunity will helped me meet my goals of designing and providing education to all children, especially those with special needs, from low income backgrounds, those who are multilingual, and children from immigrant backgrounds. When I am not thinking about new approaches to enhance my teaching practice, I am usually listening to, and drawing inspiration from powerful speakers, poets, and spoken word artists.

Hello, my name is Maria Ines Zanotti and I am truly honored to have been chosen as a QUIERE Scholar for the 2014-2015 academic year. Prior to entering Teachers College, I graduated from the Catholic University of America with a B.A. in Psychology and minor in Spanish. During my undergraduate career I began to gain interest in the brain structure of young children, specifically how it assimilates information. I was born in Paraguay, and have lived in Milan, Italy; Miami, Florida; and Washington D.C. As an immigrant to this country, I quickly realized that every person has something different to offer and there is a beauty about embracing and learning about people's background and culture. As a teacher, I enjoy sharing my experiences with my students and my community. I also hope to continue to shed light on the beauty of diversity and worth of academic distinction.

Hello my name is Michelle Chan. I am proud to have been selected as a 2014-2015 QUIERE Scholar. I graduated from Binghampton University with a Bachelor degree in Psychology. At the institute for Child Psychology at Binghampton University, I was given the opportunity to work with students with Autism and other related disorders. This experience with children with special needs made me realize that all students are capable of learning, and everyone's development is different. As educator, I create curriculums that allow for all students to learn. Every student is unique and comes from a different background. As a QUIERE scholar and teacher, I continue to learn how to educate all different types of students!

Hello, my name is Natalie Herring and I am glad to have had the wonderful opportunity to be a QUIERE Scholar for the 2014-2015 academic year! I spent the majority of my childhood in Thailand and Malaysia, and this offered me opportunities to interact with people from a variety of cultures. My undergraduate degree is in Intercultural Studies and it has provided a great foundation for my work as a current teacher. I am continually fascinated by other cultures and believe that we learn and grow most when we are surrounded by those whose experiences differ from our own. In my work with children of all abilities and backgrounds, it is my desire to always remain aware of the ways in which I can learn from them. Through QUIERE, I feel as though I have become better equipped to recognize the potential in each child so in order to instill confidence, along with a love of learning in each child that I have the privilege of teaching. In my free time, I try to travel as much as possible!

Hi my name is Saryu Gruschow and I am honored to have been a 2014-2015 QUIERE Scholar. I'm from India, where I completed my bachelor's in Sociology and Master's in Social Work from the University of Delhi. My passion has always been children's education and welfare. Before coming to TC, I worked as a school social worker in New Delhi, as well as with the non-profit, Room to Read, administering their girls' education program. I am thrilled to finally a teacher myself. In the classroom, my experience has been proven that the real power of inclusive education is making inclusion and diversity as normal as the air we breathe. Outside of my professional goals, my biggest hobby is to travel. I have only recently been able to travel internationally and my hope is to sneak in trips to new places and learn about new cultures.  

Hi, my name is Jasmine Danzy. I am grateful to have studied at Teachers College as a QUIERE Scholar. I previously worked with a diverse group of children at Twin Oaks Day Camp during a summer break when I attended college. The experience was unforgettable and enjoyable, which is why I chose to change my career path to teaching. I have a background in English and my favorite hobby is writing, which I fell in love with at a young age thanks to great teachers. I look forward to continuing my path as a QUIERE Scholar and educator.

Hello! I am Shiksha Modi and I am happy to have received the opportunity to be a QUIERE scholar. I lived my entire life in India and am striving towards improving the quality of education there. Even though my undergraduate major is in Business, I always wanted to be a teacher. When I realized I could not do a typical "9 to 5 desk job" for the rest of my life, I finally decided to pursue education. Having lived with a family member with Down Syndrome, I realize the importance of each individual having access to education, including those born with disabilities, right from their early years. I ham currently working in an inclusive classroom which helps me to gain perspectives into the lives of children that come from different walks of life.