Our Team

Abigail Jacob is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Abigail’s passion for education began in college after taking college courses about educational inequality and working with students who had experienced homelessness. Abigail was inspired by their resilience and committed to creating positive school experiences where students feel supported emotionally and academically. Abigail earned her Bachelors degree in Political Science with a minor in Law Justice and Social Change from the University of Michigan and is currently pursing a masters in Education at Hunter College School of Education.

Andrew Foglia is the Founder and Executive Director of Bold Charter School. Mr. Foglia’s commitment to improving public education began during his tenure with Teach For America, during which he taught middle school math and science in Newark, NJ. After Teach For America, Mr. Foglia joined a high-performing charter school in New York City, where he was both a teacher and school leader. Mr. Foglia is dedicated to increasing access to world-class schools for all children, and leads Bold in service of that mission. Mr. Foglia earned a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University and a Masters in Education from Harvard University.

Arelah Thompson is the Dance Teacher at Bold Charter School. She has over 15 years experience in teaching dance. She has a strong background in Hip-Hop, Dancehall, African, Jazz, Contemporary and Salsa. As an educator, she's passionate about nurturing the next generation of students, providing an inclusive environment, and encouraging students to reach their fullest potential in both dance and daily life. She believes that through dance students can freely express themselves and increase self confidence. In addition, Arelah Thompson is the CEO/Founder of Arelah's Dance Academy which is located in Brooklyn. She looks forward to inspiring students and sharing her love and passion for dance.

Carolyn Konopka is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Konopka's passion for educational equity began in high school while she was researching inequality between educational outcomes of different communities in NYC. In college she worked at a pre-school, and through her Political Science degree, she became interested in education policy. After graduating, she began working at a charter school, becoming passionate about the academic and social-emotional growth students could make in just a few months. During her time as an educator she has worked with students in 2nd-5th grades, and has loved learning more about best practices to support all learners and building relationships with students and families.

Carson Rockefeller is the Middle School Lead at Bold Charter School. Carson believes that the strongest education is one grounded in high expectations and authentic relationships with students and families. Carson completed his undergraduate degree in Elementary Science Education at SUNY Oneonta and received his Masters from Hunter College in Elementary Science and Mathematics Education.

Celine Peña is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School, where she brings a deep commitment to educational equity and community empowerment. A proud Bronx native, Ms. Peña’s passion for teaching stems from her desire to give back to the community that shaped her. Through years of volunteering and working with local Bronx organizations, she discovered a strong connection to working with children and supporting their academic growth. Ms. Peña holds a Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Hunter College, where she also earned her Bachelor’s degree. As a certified educator, she is proud to be part of a dedicated team at Bold Charter School, where she continues to inspire and uplift students alongside like-minded colleagues who share her vision for educational excellence.

Daviana Morales is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Morales discovered her passion for education while teaching archery at a summer camp, an experience that inspired her to pursue a career working with children. As a Bronx native, she is dedicated to empowering students in her community and fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. She strives to help her students build confidence, think critically, and embrace challenges, believing that these skills will serve them well throughout their lives. Ms. Morales earned her Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam.

Eliza Boyle is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Ms.Boyle’s passion for education stemmed from her experience as a K-8 tutor in San Francisco, where she worked with students on academics, executive functioning, and growing their reading confidence. Ms. Boyle continued tutoring throughout her time at Vanderbilt University, where she majored in Human and Organizational Development and minored in Educational Studies. Since graduating from Vanderbilt, she has taught social-emotional learning at a private school in Nashville, and most recently joined the Teach For America Corps in New York. Ms. Boyle is currently pursuing her Masters at Relay Graduate School of Education and is excited to foster a welcoming, equitable, and joyful learning environment.

Emily Gunn is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. The daughter of a first-generation immigrant and raised in the vibrant cultural landscape of San Francisco, California, Emily developed an early appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences. This passion led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History, with a minor in Anthropology, at Wake Forest University. Through her liberal arts education, she gained a nuanced understanding of the systemic forces that shape and sustain educational inequity in the United States. Emboldened to contribute to the movement for educational equity, Emily joined Teach For America as a 2025 Corps Member following graduation. In her current role at Bold, she is committed to learning from, honoring, and leveraging community knowledge to cultivate supportive, engaging learning environments that empower students to recognize and reach their full potential––as lifelong learners, globally minded citizens, and endlessly fascinating individuals.

Emily Heiler is an Art Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Heiler is passionate about the arts and sparking creativity in the next generation. She is committed to empowering students to use art as a way to express themselves and making a safe space to do so. Ms. Heiler comes to Bold with professional experience working in museums and galleries. She also has experience teaching art at the high school level. Ms. Heiler received a BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design with a concentration in painting.

Emily Palermo is an Associate Principal at Bold Charter School. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Ms. Palermo has taught at two high performing charter networks over the past 6 years, teaching 5th Grade ELA in both Brooklyn, NY and New Haven, CT. She has also been a grade level chair, coached ELA teachers in 7th and 8th Grade classrooms, and supported in curriculum development. She is thrilled to be joining Bold’s team to support the mission of helping students realize their full intellectual and personal potential. Ms. Palermo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Sociology from Colgate University in Hamilton, NY and Masters in Middle Childhood Education from Relay Graduate School of New York.

Emily Sacker is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Her passion for education is rooted in her early experiences advocating for students with special needs through the Best Buddies organization. There, she worked to empower students of all abilities, both inside and outside the classroom. Her dedication to education extends to her current role as a Corps Member with Teach For America, where she is committed to building a positive and enriching classroom community. Her journey began in Long Beach, California, where she was inspired to address the educational gaps she experienced as a student. With a diverse professional background in political advocacy and legal aid, Emily brings a strong focus on equity and advocacy to her teaching. Now based in New York City, Emily enjoys working in the same school district where her grandfather once attended, and she is thrilled to be closer to her family. She holds a degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. Emily remains deeply passionate about ensuring that every child has access to quality education and a learning environment where they can thrive.

Emma's passion for education was inspired by her Dad, who has been a high school principal for 25 years. She began her work in the classroom as an elementary reading tutor during college. Emma believes in cultivating a classroom where students are eager to learn and feel confident in themselves. Emma earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Hamilton College.

A Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School, Ms. Linnehan was inspired to pursue a career in education after volunteering as a mentor for K–12 students in low-income communities during college. Over the past five years, she has taught fourth and second grade in the Bronx with the goal of bringing joy and purpose to learning each day. She is passionate about helping students achieve academic excellence while nurturing a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Jazmin Moore is a Student Success Lead at Bold. From a young age, Jazmin has been committed to learning and fostering a love for knowledge. Before joining Bold, she honed her skills as a Grade Team Lead at another high-performing charter school. Jazmin's educational background includes a Master’s degree in Business Leadership and Change Management from NYU, and she has a graduate degree in Childhood Education. Her mission is to inspire students to be curious, creative, and continuously growing, firmly believing that knowledge is a powerful tool for lifelong learning.

Jewel Watson is a Sports Teacher and Basketball Coach at Bold Charter School. With a deep love for athletics and a commitment to nurturing students' physical abilities, Coach Watson brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our sports programs. She has honed her skills through years of practical experience and continuous professional development. She is well-versed in a wide range of sports, field games, physical fitness and nutrition. Her expertise extends to both individual and team-based sports, allowing her to offer comprehensive training and support to our students. Coach Watson’s coaching philosophy centers around promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. She firmly believes that sports not only develop physical fitness but also instill valuable life skills such as discipline, resilience, and leadership. By creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, Coach Watson empowers students of all skill levels to strive for excellence, set and achieve their goals, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. She is actively involved in our school's physical education curriculum development and collaborates with other faculty members to create engaging and dynamic lessons that cater to diverse student interests and abilities. Outside of school, Coach Watson continues to pursue her own athletic endeavors. She runs a summer basketball tournament in New York City. She is a Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, and Basketball Trainer who stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in sports training techniques. This dedication and ongoing learning allows her to provide our students with the best possible guidance and support.

Joana Garcia is the Operations & Community Impact Lead at Bold. Joana is passionate about supporting students and ensuring their success and excited to join the team at Bold. She finds immense satisfaction in witnessing students thrive and believes that every child deserves an equal opportunity to excel academically and personally. Prior to joining Bold, Joana worked as an Operations Associate at a high performing charter school in Harlem. Joana earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University-Idaho.

John Mazzoni is a Curriculum Design Lead at Bold Charter School. John brings a passion for partnership and believes that purposeful planning can deepen thinking for all learners. Before joining Bold, John taught high school English and Composition in the Bronx for ten years, helping students develop transferable skills in thinking, reading, and writing. He also supported colleagues through professional development rooted in Understanding by Design principles. After following a first love of history to a B.A. from Gettysburg College, John transitioned to studying English in graduate school, earning an M.A.T. in English Education from SUNY New Paltz and an M.A. in British and American Literature from NYU.

Kadidja Ndiaye is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Ndiaye’s passion for teaching was sparked by her own elementary school teachers, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for reading. This early influence drives her commitment to fostering a love of literature in her students today. With a focus on creating inclusive and supportive learning environments, Ms. Ndiaye is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential, ensuring they leave her classroom with both academic skills and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Ms. Ndiaye holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from St. Bonaventure University and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Baruch College.

Kayla Bostwick is a Curriculum Design Lead at Bold Charter School. She has spent the last 10 years working at a high-performing charter school in Harlem, where she taught Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade and led on the school leadership team as an Assistant Principal and Principal. Ms. Bostwick is highly passionate about education equity and ensuring that all students have access to a high quality education. Ms. Bostwick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Culture and Politics from Georgetown University.

Leslie Santana is a Kindergarten Teacher at Bold Charter School, where she’s been proudly teaching since 2020—creating a joyful, literacy-rich environment that nurtures both academic excellence and social-emotional growth. She is especially passionate about phonics and early reading, and is dedicated to helping her students build a strong foundation as lifelong learners. Leslie values strong partnerships with families and believes collaboration between home and school is key to a child’s success. Leslie earned a BS from SUNY Oneonta and a MPS from LIM College. She feels deeply proud to be part of a team that shares her belief that every child is capable of greatness.

Lucy Beimfohr is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Her passion for education began while working as a summer camp counselor, where she developed a deep belief in the potential of all children. This early experience inspired her to deepen her knowledge of child development and the science of learning by pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Education, Inquiry, and Justice at Georgetown University. After graduation, Lucy began her career as a strategy consultant at L.E.K. Consulting, staying connected to her commitment to educational equity by volunteering with Reading Partners in NYC and leading pro bono engagements for education-focused nonprofits nationwide. A 2025 Teach For America corps member, Lucy strives to foster a student-centered and inclusive classroom community in which every child feels valued, challenged, and empowered to achieve ambitious goals. She is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching at Relay Graduate School of Education.

Lyle Cooper is a Dean of Students at Bold Charter School. Growing up in East New York Brooklyn, Mr. Cooper has always had a passion for improving his community. A proud father of two beautiful daughters, he recognizes and believes we have to be life long learners, as the world and needs of our youth fluctuate. He spent 23 years in the same community working as the Coordinator for Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, then as the Director of an after school community center for the New York City Housing Authority. Finally, spending 13 years as the Dean of Student Culture with Coney Island Prep. Charter School. This experience has taught him that the development of the whole child is a balance of academics as well as exposure to other forms of expression. A firm believer in Restorative Justice and the principles of developing empathy to become a caring and well rounded person, he attended the State University of New York at Albany, earning an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Nyimasita is the Elementary Lead at Bold Charter School. Her passion for education was ignited during her undergraduate years while teaching English in Spain. Her experience in the charter school sector has shown her that students can achieve remarkable outcomes when provided with high expectations and robust support. She is eager to collaborate with the Bold team to ensure that students receive an exceptional education and develop strong character for success both in school and beyond. Nyimasita holds a Bachelor's degree from Barnard College and a Master's from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Orquidia Rodriguez is a Senior Business Operations Associate at Bold Charter School. Her passion for operations management came at a young age running her family business, which led her to complete a degree in operations management at Baruch College.  Following her graduation, she started her work in education and found her purpose doing the work she loves, while inspiring and encouraging kids to reach their full potential. She is excited to be part of a team that strives to lead and empower one another to grow.

Oumou Hani Diallo is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. Originally from Togo, West Africa, Ms. Diallo immigrated to the United States at 15 and attended ELLIS Preparatory Academy, where she learned English, became valedictorian, and discovered a passion for education. Her journey taught her the power of perseverance, community, and the transformative impact of learning. Now, as a kindergarten teacher, she is committed to helping every child—especially immigrant and multilingual learners—gain the confidence and support they need to succeed.

Patricia Ruggiero is an Associate Labsite Teacher at Bold Charter School with over seven years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has taught third and fourth grade at some of the top-performing charter schools in New York City, bringing a strong commitment to academic excellence and student growth. Mrs. Ruggiero is deeply passionate about providing all students with access to a high-quality education and holds a firm belief that all children can achieve at high levels of academic success when given the right tools and support. She is dedicated to creating a classroom environment where students feel empowered, challenged, and inspired every day. Mrs. Ruggiero earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware.

Rolando Reyes is the Student Talent Lead at Bold Charter School. A Bronx native, Rolando is passionate about empowering youth through sports and physical education. He brings a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at the Harlem Children's Zone, where he designed and implemented a sports and recreation curriculum rooted in social and emotional learning, and facilitated professional development programs for educators. Mr. Reyes earned his B.S. in Physical Education from the State University of New York College at Cortland.

In my 5th year working in education, I’m excited to continue my journey as a part of the Bold team! As a graduate of Hamilton College, my academic journey was a blend of theoretical mathematics and creative arts, a combination that sparked my passion for sharing logical reasoning and a love of learning with students. Originally from California, I also spent five years living in Oslo, Norway, before making New York City my home. In my free time, you can find me staying active and enjoying the outdoors through basketball, tennis, soccer, hiking, and biking. I also love cooking, music, fashion, and cinema.

Shade Chapman-Au is the Associate Principal, Operations at Bold Charter School. Shade’s career has been dedicated to providing resources so that students can achieve their full potential, from classroom instruction in Taiwan to operational support at an education non-profit in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Shade is thrilled to be a part of the Bold Team, and to support strategic and operational success. Shade attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he earned a Bachelors of Arts in English.

Soi’more Cherry is a Lead Teacher at Bold Charter School. Ms. Cherry’s enthusiasm for teaching began as a preschool lead teacher, after which she became a substitute teacher for grades K-5. Ms. Cherry believes deeply that by building character strength and fostering creativity, along with providing a rigorous curriculum, all students can and will surpass expectations of success. Ms. Cherry is delighted to work with a team of educators who are committed to excellence and believe all children are capable of greatness. Ms. Cherry earned a Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Cortland.

Suleidy De La Cruz was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, where she spent her high school years tutoring and working with students in various capacities. After moving to the Bronx, she attended Bronx Community College where she obtained her Associates in Liberal Arts degree, followed by a bachelor's degree in Education and Child Study from Smith College. Her passion for education stems from her belief that education is the key to sustainable change. As a first generation college student, she has witnessed the transformative power of education, and is dedicated to fostering and creating opportunities for all students. Ms. De La Cruz believes that all students are capable of achieving greatness regardless of where they come from.

Tatum Bernet is a Teaching Fellow at Bold Charter School. She has always known she loved working with kids, but her passion for education began when she started working with the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact’s Youth, Education, and Mentoring programs. During her time at Dartmouth, Ms. Bernet worked as an instructional aide, early interventionist, and special education design consultant. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education.

Taylor Gordon is an Associate Principal at Bold Charter School. Ms. Gordon started her career in education at a high-performing charter school in New York City, where she was a teacher and team lead. In her time there, her students consistently had among the highest pass rates in New York State in both Math and ELA. Ms. Gordon strives to create an inviting and supportive community where students are able to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. Ms. Gordon earned a Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters in Education from Touro College.

Zach Biedermann serves as a Dean of Students at Bold Charter School. He began his career as a school psychologist with Boston Public Schools, where he developed a strong commitment to supporting students in all areas of their growth - academic, emotional, and behavioral. Mr. Biedermann believes that addressing the whole child is essential to their success and is excited to partner with the Bold team and families to ensure every student thrives both in and out of school. He is especially inspired by Bold's commitment to excellence and care, and looks forward to contributing to a school community that values high expectations and strong relationships. Mr. Biedermann holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences and Psychology from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Applied Educational Psychology from Northeastern University.