Administration
Dr. James Dawson
Head of School
State University of New York at Albany, B.S., Ph.D.
Appointed 1995
Dr. James Dawson has served as Head of School since 1995. He received his Ph.D. in Behavior and his B.S. in Biology at the State University of New York at Albany. Dr. Dawson is past president of the Board of Trustees of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and continues to serve on the Health Insurance Program Advisory Council. He is a past trustee of The Brearley School and The Spence School. Prior to his appointment at PCS, Dr. Dawson served as Head of Upper School at The Spence School from 1988-1995.
Reem Abu-Amara
Director of Technology
Northeastern University, B.S.
Emerson College, M.A.
New York University, M. Ed.
Appointed 2021
Reem Abu-Amara was appointed Director of Technology in 2021. Prior to joining PCS, was Director of Technology at the City and Country School in New York City for many years. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, her Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Emerson College, and her Master of Arts degree in Education from New York University. Her work prior to City and Country included work in communications for the Carrington Company, and in web design for New York University’s Department of Educational Communications and Technology. She has experience in strategic planning, network and information systems, productivity applications, and is a leader in supporting faculty to develop their technical skills.
Meghan Blakeman
Director of Institutional Advancement & Community Engagement
University of New Hampshire, B.A.
Bay Path University, M.S.
Appointed 2021
Meghan joined the Institutional Advancement office in 2021, after spending nine years in arts programming and development at Wingspan Arts. Meghan earned her B.A. in Theatre (Acting & Secondary Theatre Education) from the University of New Hampshire, and has been a teaching artist, producer, and actor at various institutions in New York City and New England. She was the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Underling Productions for 7 years and continues to offer pro bono consulting services for small arts organizations. Meghan recently completed her M.S. in Nonprofit Management & Philanthropy from Bay Path University.
Paul Q. Kane
Director of Finance
Minnesota State University, B.S.
University of Idaho, B.S.
Gonzaga University, M.A.
Appointed 2019
Paul Q Kane was appointed Director of Finance in 2019. Prior to joining PCS, Paul was the CAO at The International Preschools for 10 years after serving as the Business Manager at Marymount School of New York for five years. Paul has a B.S. in Accounting from Minnesota State University, a B.S. in Education from the University of Idaho and he earned his MA from Gonzaga University.
Lori Gigliotti Murphy
Director of Admissions and Enrollment
Lehigh University, B.A.
Appointed 2021
Lori Gigliotti Murphy has 20+ years of independent school admissions experience, leading recruitment efforts at several independent schools in the northeast before joining Professional Children’s School. Lori received her B.A. in English and Theater from Lehigh University and trained and performed extensively as an actress and vocalist in New York City. She is the co-founder of several theater and film producing organizations, including a New England performing arts summer conservatory.
Dania Nauholnyk
Head of Middle School & Alumni Liaison
Middle School Advisor & Science
New York University, B.S., M.A.
Appointed 1996 (PCS Since 1992)
Dania Nauholnyk joined Professional Children's School in 1992 as a Middle School and Upper School Science teacher. She was appointed Head of Middle School in 1996 and added the role of Alumni Liaison to her work in 2017. She is thrilled to be working with our students because they inspire with their drive to pursue their passions and with their love for learning. She continues to teach science in the Middle School.
Sarah Rutledge
Head of Upper School; Advisor
Kutztown University, B.S.
New York University, M.A.
Appointed 2022
Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, her Master of Arts in Dance Education from New York University, and her Certification in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education/Harvard Business School. As an arts educator, Sarah is passionate about elevating the arts to a scholarly level and developing robust interdisciplinary curricula that meaningfully integrates the arts with other academic disciplines, provides students different avenues of understanding, and allows for unique demonstrations of learning. A lifelong dancer, Sarah’s technical training is rooted in classical ballet and modern dance. Over the course of her career, she has performed, taught, and choreographed both locally and internationally, including as the co-artistic director of her own modern dance company for 10 years.
Prior to PCS, Sarah served as Department Chair of Upper School Arts and Integration, Grade Dean, and Director of the Dance program at The Chapin School.
Faculty
Nicholas Berry
4th & 5th Grade
Vassar College, B.A.
Bank Street College of Education, M.S.
Appointed 2025
Ernestine Byer-Tyre
Upper School Science; Advisor
University of North Carolina, B.S.
Life College, Dr. of Chiropractic
Appointed 2001
Ernestine Byer-Tyre began teaching science at Professional Children's School in 2001. She earned a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Life University. Ernestine earned her NYS teaching certification in Biology for grades 7-12. In addition to teaching Biology, Advanced Biology and Chemistry at PCS, Ernestine is an Upper School Advisor, is co-chair of the DEI Committee, and is the MLK Assembly Coordinator. Ernestine is an avid Carolina basketball fan. She lives on Long Island and has three daughters.
Maureen Darcy
Spanish & French
New York University, B.A.
Columbia University, M.A.
Appointed 2014
Maureen has been a World Language Teacher at PCS since 2014. She earned a B.A. in French-Linguistics with a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from New York University and a M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from Teachers College at Columbia University. In addition to French and Spanish, Maureen has studied Arabic and is currently learning German. An avid traveler, Maureen loves using her languages abroad, learning about new cultures, and trying local food. She lives in Brooklyn with her cat Pistachio.
Paisley Davidson
Learning Specialist; Writing Workshop; Advisor
Tulane University, B.A.
Adelphi University, M.A.
RELAY Graduate School of Education, Master's Extension
Appointed 2024
Paisley Davidson has been teaching and tutoring for almost 30 years. Her first full-time jobs after graduating with an English degree from Tulane University were teaching in China and Korea. When she returned to America after several years abroad, she joined the New York City Teaching Fellows, which led to her Master's degree in Education, and NYS certification. Since then, she has earned an additional Master's in Special Education from Relay Graduate School, and has experience teaching almost every age and grade, from PreK through high school. Her favorite age is whichever one she is currently teaching, and finds joy in engaging and working with children at every developmental level! Paisley loves to read about educational philosophies, approaches, and trends; she is always thinking through best practices on a school-wide, local, national and even international level, and how those practices inform and benefit cultures and society. Outside of the classroom, her number one hobby is reading, followed by avid consumption of pop culture, media, and the arts; travel; cooking; politics & social justice; and the esoteric sport of roller derby (from which she has retired playing but still supports).
Lena Gamar
Science & Health
James Madison University, B.S.
Bank Street College of Education, M.S.
Hunter College, Advanced Certificate
Appointed 2025
Sarah Grace
Drama
New York University, B.F.A.
Appointed 2024
Sarah Grace is the new Teaching Artist in Drama for the 2024-2025 school year. Sarah has her BFA with Honors from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she majored in Drama with a minor in Applied Theater. Sarah has a vast background of experiences as a teaching artist in New York City, including almost a decade with Wingspan Arts and such organizations as Irondale Theater Ensemble, Riverdale Country School, Educational Alliance, and Opening Act. She is currently the Theatre Department Chair at the Brooklyn Music School, the Founder and Resident In-School Teaching Artist at Page to Stage. A working SAG-AFTRA actor in as well as a published and produced playwright, Sarah brings a truly broad and deep understanding of theatre, drama, and the arts.
Marjorie Hirsch
English, Social Studies, & Humanities; Advisor
Touro College, B.A.
Manhattan College, M.A.
Appointed 2024
Marjorie Hirsch returns to PCS as a Humanities and English teacher. She holds degrees from Touro College and Manhattan College and is a Facing History fellow with training in writing, history, and Responsive Classroom. Marjorie brings wide-ranging experience as both a classroom teacher and school leader in New York and New Jersey. When she’s not teaching, you can often find her with her family, relaxing at the beach with a good book, sipping tea with her feet up, or happily stitching.
William F. Hirt
College Advisor & Upper School History
University of Minnesota, B.A., B.S.
Columbia University, M.S.
Appointed 1989
William Hirt was appointed College Counselor in 2006. Mr. Hirt earned a B.A. and a B.S. from the University of Minnesota. He spent two years as a Peace Corps member in Cameroon before earning an M.A. in Education from Columbia University. He joined the Professional Children's School history department in 1989.
Laura Inman
Music
University of Louisville, B.M.
Arizona State University, D.M.A., M.M.
Appointed 2018
Laura Inman is a soprano, conductor and educator based in New York City. Her love for music and singing has led her to win three Grammy awards with Phoenix and Kansas City Chorales, and is a member of the Ireland-based vocal ensemble Anúna where she has performed extensively in Europe, China, and Japan. Laura is an active freelance singer and conductor, maintains a private voice studio, and she is currently the head of the music department at Professional Children's School where she co-directs musicals, teaches Vocal Techniques/Chorus, and Poetics of Music. Inman sings with Mark Morris Dance Group, Bach Vespers series at Holy Trinity and NYC Concert Chorale which performs regularly with New York Philharmonic. Inman was most recently featured on the American cast album recording of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz’s Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dr. Inman also serves as the Children and Youth Choirs Director at St. Michael's on the Upper West Side. Prior to PCS, she has taught at BASIS Brooklyn, Georgia Tech University, Arizona State University, and Arizona School for the Arts in Phoenix. She holds degrees in Voice and Music Education from University of Louisville and Arizona State University, where she also completed her DMA in Conducting.
Ranjani Iyer, PhD
Mathematics; Advisor
Capella University, PhD
Delhi University, M.Sc, B.Sc
Appointed 2024
Dr. Ranjani Iyer has joined PCS as the middle and upper school math teacher. She comes with a wealth of experience in education across various regions including India, Texas, and Michigan, and she brings a global perspective to her role. She holds a Doctoral degree in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction, along with a Master’s degree in Mathematics. Additionally, Ranjani is actively engaged in utilizing Heartfulness tools and programs aimed at fostering the well-rounded growth of the next generation. She is also a dedicated mother to three teenagers and spends quality time with them in collaborative efforts on research and initiatives related to mental wellness. Her contributions extend to the academic realm, where she has authored numerous articles in international education journals.
Sarah Krasnow
French
Vassar College, B.A.
Université d'Avignon, M.A.
Yale School of Drama, M.F.A.
Appointed 2023
Mme. Krasnow has extensive experience as an educator, and has held French and theater teaching positions in New York, at Rutgers Prep in New Jersey, at Temple Bat Yahm in California, and has taught English to students in China and France. Mme. Krasnow earned her BA in French language and literature and minor in Japanese language from Vassar College, and completed a Master’s degree in Romance Language and Theater Studies at Université d’Avignon and a MFA at the Yale School of Drama. Mme. Krasnow is fluent in French and Spanish, conversationally fluent in Japanese and German, and in addition to her passion for teaching, also plays piano, is a playwright, and a competitive fencer.
Jeff Laguzza
Upper School English; Advisor
Binghamton University, B.A., M.A.
Appointed 2004
Jeffrey Laguzza started teaching English at PCS in 2004. He earned a B.A. and M.A. at Binghamton University.
Danielle Lewis
ENL, English & History; Advisor
Oberlin College, B.A.
Long Island University, M.S.ED.
Rutgers University, M.I.S. (Expected 2023)
Appointed 2022
dlewis@pcs-nyc.org
Danielle has served as an ESL, English and History teacher in public and independent schools in New York City, and comes to PCS from the United Nations International School where she served as Middle School Librarian. In addition, she is an Adjunct Instructor in ESL and Educational Skills at Fashion Institute of Technology. Danielle has edited, researched and co-authored curricula for organizations such as the New-York Historical Society, Simon & Schuster, Inc., and as a member of the Curriculum Educator Consultant Team at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. She is a research fellow at Rutgers University where she is earning her second Master’s degree in information science. A classically trained soprano, Danielle enjoys performing, imbibing music of all varieties, studying languages, working with animals, and traveling the globe.
Guthrie Porter
Mathematics; Advisor
Fordham University, B.A.
New York University, M.A.
Appointed 2003
Kevin Rodd
Upper School Science
Regents College, B.S.
New York University, M.S.
Appointed 2002
Kevin Rodd has been teaching Physics and Science at PCS for the past 20 years with a combined 32 years teaching Physics in secondary schools. He obtained his Bachelors degree from Excelsior College and his Masters in Secondary Education from New York University. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was an active duty member of The U.S. Navy SeaBees - Engineering corp in various countries around the world. Kevin is a theater enthusiast and a vocalist / actor and performs in a local chorale group as well as in various regional musical theater productions.
Anh Ta
Art
Augustana University, B.A.
Ohio University, M.F.A.
Appointed 2021
Staff
Betsy Camilo
Custodian
Appointed 2024
bcamilo@pcs-nyc.org
Nick Cerda
Sous Chef
Nick Cerda
Sous Chef
Appointed 2023
Rocio Izurieta
Night Time Head Custodian/Security Coverage
Appointed 2008
Raquel Martinez
Director of Human Resources; Controller
Appointed 2009
AJ McGuire
Technology Instructor & Integration Support Specialist
Ithaca College, B.S.
Appointed 2018
Ayana Pena
Assistant to the Associate Head & Head of Upper School
Appointed 2016 (PCS since 2010)
Cassandra Rhoades
Executive Chef
Appointed 2023
Candido Ruiz De La Cruz
Custodian
Appointed 2024
cruiz@pcs-nyc.org
Jean J. Scales
Business Office & Admissions Coordinator
Appointed 1986
Ashley Torres
Receptionist; Medical Records Coordinator
Appointed 2022
Ashley Torres joined Professional Children's School in 2019 as a prep cook with FLIK in the school's cafeteria. She spent two years in that position and although she loved cooking for the students and staff, she preferred to join the PCS team directly. She was hired as the Professional Children's School Head Receptionist in August 2022.
Fred Wilson
Facilities Manager
Appointed 2017