Christina Reyes

Christina founded Inwood Academy for Leadership in 2009. She successfully lobbied for a change in New York State law allowing the school to give preference in the application lottery to students who speak English as a second language. Today, the school continues to reserve 50% of enrollment each year for English Language Learners, and she and her co-founders have built a differentiated learning environment and community-based school culture that serves the distinct needs of each and every member of the student body. Christina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College and has four years of classroom experience teaching 6th through 8th grades in Inwood and Washington Heights. She has worked as an educational specialist for World Vision, an international non-profit organization working towards community development in New York City. Christina lives in Rockland County with her husband, Edward Reyes, a New York City Police Officer, and their children, Anne and Seth.

Jenny Pichardo

Jenny joins Inwood Academy from the International Leadership Charter High School (ILCHS). At ILCHS she secured a $17.5 municipal bond financing for a new facility, becoming the first NYC charter school to secure funding through Build NYC. Prior to joining the charter community, Jenny worked in the financial sector for over 14 years. She began her Wall Street career in 1997, working at Muriel Siebert & Co. Inc., in the firm’s retail division. In 1999, she joined Siebert Capital Markets, working directly with the managing director and assisting the sales force and traders with equity, fixed income and mutual fund trades. From 2001 to 2009, she was Vice President—promoted from AVP in 2005—of the Institutional Equity Sales and Trading Division and developed and managed institutional relationships at Utendahl Capital Partners, LLC. Jenny graduated Magna Cum Laude and received her BA in Economics from Lehman College. She previously held FINRA Series 7, 24, 55, 63, 65 and NY State Insurance Licenses. Jenny is a Washington Heights Native and is married to Zoilo Pichardo. She is the mother of two children, Ethan and Abigail.

Bianca Mercedes

Bianca was a founding faculty member of Inwood Academy. During her time at IAL, she served as a Math Teacher and Dean of Students. She started her career in education in 2003. Since then she has worked in the private, public, and charter sectors serving in various capacities including, General and Special Education Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and most recently Principal of a private school. Bianca holds a Masters’s Degree in Special and General Education and is certified in Special Education. Bianca is a first-generation American, born and raised in NYC, and has been serving in the Inwood community for close to 20 years. She is married to Smil Mercedes and has two children, Isaiah and Ianna.

Gaayathry Thiyagarajah

Elizabeth Araya

Elizabeth Araya (Ms.Elly) began her career in education in 2000 working in various capacities including Director of after school program, Preschool lead teacher, SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Therapist) , and began at IAL in 2021 as the Middle School IEP Coordinator. Elizabeth holds a Bachelors of Science in Youth Ministry and Psychology from Nyack College and a Dual Masters of Science in Early Childhood Birth-2nd in General Education & Special Education from Touro College. In addition, Elizabeth is certified in both General and Special education.

Elizabeth was born and raised in the Bronx and has an 8 year old daughter. She is very proud of what her parents were able to accomplish as immigrants from Costa Rica. She has served in the Inwood community on and off for close to 20 years and is eager to contribute to the development and growth of Inwood Academy.

Madeline Tineo

Madeline Tineo serves as the Academic Dean at Inwood Academy for Leadership Elementary school. She began her career in education in 2017 and has taught at both the elementary and middle school levels before stepping into her current leadership role. Madeline holds a Master’s degree in Leadership, Advocacy, and Administration from New York University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Social Welfare from The City College of New York.

With a strong background in curriculum and instruction, Madeline is passionate about building strong relationships with families, students, and staff. A lifelong resident of Washington Heights, she is deeply committed to giving back to the community that shaped her. Having completed her own elementary, middle, and high school education in the neighborhood, she strives to foster a sense of belonging, joy, and empowerment among students, teachers, and staff. Her mission is to help every member of the school community feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow and lead.

Katherine Cuateco

Katherine Cuateco holds a Masters degree in Childhood Education & Special Education from Touro College. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership & Organizational Innovation from Marymount University. Katherine joined Inwood Academy as a 7th grade Math teacher in 2017 and has taken on leadership roles like serving as Summer School Director in 2020, 2022 and 2023. In addition, Katherine has been serving as PSW’s Educational Specialist since 2019. She has pursued her development as a leader by attending trainings like Art of Coaching and Leading in Times of Crisis through Bright Morning.

Giselle Tejada

Giselle joined Inwood Academy in 2015 as the Middle School Social Worker before transitioning into her current role as the Dean of Academic Student Services. She brings over 15 years of experience serving communities and youth. Prior to her work at Inwood Academy, Giselle worked in various nonprofit organizations, providing college access and resources to students in NYC public high schools across the five boroughs.

A strong believer that access, resources, and social-emotional support are essential in helping students achieve their academic and vocational goals, Giselle has dedicated her career to building pathways for student success. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Social Work (LMSW) from Adelphi University and a Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health from the University of South Florida.

Born and raised in the Washington Heights area of New York City, Giselle continues to bring her passion and expertise to the community that shaped her.

Jason Lantigua

Sandy Trinidad-Pedraja

Ana Rodriguez

Ana is entering her 8th year at Inwood Academy. During her time here, she has served as a teacher, dean, Director of School Culture, Assistant Director and now the High School Director. She has years of experience in the public and charter sectors as well as having worked for several education-centered organizations. Before her teaching career began, Ana completed a bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Fordham University and recently returned to the school to complete her Master’s in School Building Leadership. Ana was born in the Dominican Republic but has the privilege to also call herself a New Yorker having been raised in, and currently residing in the Bronx.

Alyssa Strykers

Alyssa Strykers joined Inwood Academy in 2019 as a High School Math Teacher. Since then, she has served in several leadership roles, including Grade Team Lead, Math Department Head, Director of Academic Intervention Services and Assistant Principal (and even interim Director). She currently serves as the High School STEAM Academic Dean, marking her 13th year in education. Before joining Inwood Academy, Alyssa taught math in both the South Bronx and Boston, MA. She is an alumna of SEO and a 2015 Citizen Schools AmeriCorps alumna. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Education from Davidson College and a Master’s in Moderate Special Needs from Boston College. A proud Inwood native and current resident, Alyssa is grateful to be working in her own community. She is deeply passionate about ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed and feel successful both in school and beyond.

Jenna Marcus

Jenna Marcus serves as the HS Academic Dean of Humanities at Inwood Academy for Leadership, where she oversees the instructional coaching for the ELA and Social Studies departments, and supports the HS Master Scheduling Process. 

This year marks Jenna Marcus’ 16th year in education, during which she has served as both a teacher and an administrator. She has taught grades 6–12 and has worked in public, private, and charter school settings. Jenna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, an MSEd in Middle Childhood & Adolescent Education, and an MSEd in Educational Leadership. She also holds NYS Certification in English Language Arts (7–12) and School Building Leadership, and is a certified Structured Literacy Teacher.

Prior to joining Inwood Academy, Jenna spent the majority of her career at an international boarding school where she served MLLs/ELLs as an IBDP and IGCSE English teacher, IGCSE Coordinator, Head of Grades 9 & 10, Director of Academic Operations, and Director of Student Achievement. She created a schoolwide Academic Intervention System and Action Plan for at-risk students, led master scheduling for over 600 students, coordinated international exams, and coached underclassmen teachers. She later worked at Harlem Village Academy Middle School as a Reading Interventionist, Grade Team Lead, and Director of Family Support & Operations for their summer tutoring program.

Jenna first joined Inwood Academy in March 2022 as the HS Literacy Coordinator. Her role quickly grew, and by the 2023–24 school year, she was supporting literacy efforts across 5–12. This year, she served as our K–12 Literacy Coordinator, working across all three sites to coach teachers, guide interventionists, support families in partnership with the FACE department, and co-lead the master scheduling process at every level.

Jenna is passionate about curriculum development, and watching students grow as learners. She is dedicated to empowering students to become agents of change and fostering a culture where every child can belong, grow, and lead.

Outside of work, Jenna enjoys reading, writing, and listening to records on her record player, as well as reflecting on her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership.

Simone Smith

Simone Smith, a New York native, is a proud educator of 10 years. She is committed to providing students with opportunities to enhance their academic and personal growth. In her previous role, Simone led post-secondary initiatives at a Charter High School in Chicago. Her mission is to positively impact our world by helping young people develop both their minds and hearts. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University and master’s degree from Northwestern University. She recently completed her coursework at DePaul University towards her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and is currently working on her dissertation.

Frederick Sanchez

Erica Reyes

Erica was formerly employed at Gap Inc. for 13 years, spending the last 10 as a store manager for the highest volume store in NYC’s North Market. She spent much of her time leading the store team in meeting sales goals, customer service targets, and Operating and Human Resources objectives through execution, coaching, and accountability. Erica is a native of Washington Heights and is the mother of two, Jonelvis and Adel.

Kevin Garcia

Before joining Inwood Academy, Kevin was working in operations for five years at both traditional NYC public schools and public charter schools, and most recently as an operations manager for KIPP NYC College Prep. He chose the field of education rather than the corporate industry route because he felt he would make a bigger impact in life by helping children in troubled communities. Kevin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Accounting from Fordham University. He was born and raised in the Bronx. He currently lives in Rockland county with his wife Anel Garcia and their three children Isabella, Jade, and Sebastian.

Alina Ramirez

Alina Ramirez is the Director of Finance at Inwood Academy for Leadership. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the City College of New York and a Master of Science in Accounting from Syracuse University, she possesses a unique blend of financial expertise and a passion for education. Born and raised in Inwood, her deep connection to the community fuels her commitment to promoting socio-emotional health and equity in education. Since joining Inwood Academy in 2010, she has played a pivotal role in IAL’s  growth and success, ensuring responsible financial management and supporting the school’s mission of providing quality education for all.

Tatiana Mahoney

Prior to joining Inwood Academy in 2018, Tatiana worked for Operation Exodus, a nonprofit that provides children with tutoring and faith-based mentoring. For eleven years, she helped to ensure that every Operation Exodus family received support based on their individual needs, to empower them to become positive role models at home and strong advocates for their children at school. She served as the Chair for the English as New Language Committee for the Community Education Council at District 6, worked for CBS News as a web producer, and at Parents Magazine as an assistant editor.  As an immigrant from Columbia, Tatiana was an English Language Learner at nineteen and can relate to the challenges students and their families face when they come to this country willing to excel yet unable to communicate.  She lives in Washington Heights with her husband Matt and their children, Lily, Patrick and Matteo.

Dr. Jason Marchena

Dr. Jason Marchena joined Inwood Academy in 2013 and served as a teacher for Physical Education and Health and the Director of Enrichment for the middle school before taking on his current role as head of athletics for the middle and high school. Prior to joining the team, he worked as a Physical Education Teacher at Inwood’s Manhattan Christian Academy. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Cedarville University and his Master’s in Business Administration at Jones International University. Jason was born and raised in northern Manhattan. He and his wife, Laura Marchena, live in Washington Heights.

Ana Gonzalez

Raquel Nova

Raiderys Villanueva

Vanessa Gonzalez

Hazel Torres

Scarlett Lanfranco

Denise Hykes

Denise comes to this role with over thirty years of working with youth and their families in Washington Heights and Inwood. She enjoys helping youth find their unique gifting in life and seeking ways to empower them to accomplish their goals. Her experience includes teaching Middle School Math and English, initiating youth service projects (locally, nationally, and internationally), coaching basketball teams of all ages, coordinating youth ministry at a local church, directing summer camps, developing and empowering current young leaders in our community and school, and networking with other youth service providers in the Heights. She has her Masters in Urban Youth Culture and seeks to build on the solid foundation that has been laid by the previous Inwood Academy afterschool directors.