Meet Our 2025 - 2026 AP Fellows
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China Camacho has served as Assistant Principal at the Manhattan Early College Academy for the past nine years and has dedicated 16 years to the New York City Department of Education. She earned her undergraduate degree in International and Intercultural Studies from Pitzer College, followed by master’s degrees in Special Education and Educational Administration from Hunter College. She also holds a Master of Public Administration in Urban and Social Policy from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. A former global studies teacher, China is deeply passionate about educational equity and creating classrooms that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement. She believes strongly in the power of education to cultivate civic responsibility, empathy, and community-minded individuals. Outside of school, China is an avid runner who enjoys live music, travel, and discovering great food.

China Camacho has served as Assistant Principal at the Manhattan Early College Academy for the past nine years and has dedicated 16 years to the New York City Department of Education. She earned her undergraduate degree in International and Intercultural Studies from Pitzer College, followed by master’s degrees in Special Education and Educational Administration from Hunter College. She also holds a Master of Public Administration in Urban and Social Policy from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. A former global studies teacher, China is deeply passionate about educational equity and creating classrooms that spark curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement. She believes strongly in the power of education to cultivate civic responsibility, empathy, and community-minded individuals. Outside of school, China is an avid runner who enjoys live music, travel, and discovering great food.

Kaitlin Perry graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Iona College and later earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from the College of Staten Island. She also completed her TESOL certification through Touro College. In 2020, she returned to school to pursue her School Building Leadership degree, motivated by a desire to expand her impact beyond the classroom. She is currently in her second year as an Assistant Principal, following 11 years of experience as a Special Education teacher. Throughout her career, she has proudly served students and families exclusively in Staten Island. As a school leader, Ms. Perry leads with empathy, clarity, and high expectations for both students and adults. She values collaboration and shared ownership and prioritizes building trusting relationships that support professional growth and student success. Grounded in her background in special education, she is deeply committed to inclusive practices, data-informed decision-making, and fostering a school culture where educators feel supported and students feel seen, challenged, and valued.

aliah Singh Gurdon is a dedicated Jamaican-American educator and instructional leader with over 25 years of experience serving New York City schools in a variety of impactful roles, including Teacher, Library Media Specialist, UFT Delegate and Chapter Leader, and for the past 15 years, Assistant Principal. A lifelong learner, she studied at City University of New York, Long Island University, Syracuse University, and Touro College, earning three Master’s degrees in the process. Born and raised in Jamaica, the “land of wood and water,” Daliah’s journey into education began with humble roots and a dream of becoming a teacher. After immigrating to the United States in 1988, she pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Education while working full-time, completing the degree within four years through determination and perseverance. For 17 years, Daliah proudly served students and families in District 23, where she found deep fulfillment working within predominantly African American and Hispanic communities. Her commitment to educational equity, student development, and community partnership became the foundation of her leadership philosophy. In 2014, with the launch of Pre-K for All, Ms. Singh Gurdon became one of the pioneering leaders responsible for helping to build the District 2 Pre-K Centers from the ground up. Through her collaborative leadership, flexibility, and instructional expertise, the initiative has flourished from six to ten thriving centers, stretching from Battery Park to the Upper East Side. Working with the city’s youngest learners transformed her approach to leadership and reinforced her belief that children thrive best in play-based, developmentally appropriate learning environments enriched by engaging and purposeful instruction. Recognizing a need for stronger foundational literacy skills among students entering Kindergarten, Daliah spearheaded the piloting of Heggerty, a phonemic awareness program, that continues to be successfully implemented today. She is especially proud of her mentorship of emerging educators, many of whom have gone on to become tenured pedagogues making meaningful contributions to the lives of children and families every day. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Daliah values family, friendship, hospitality, and cultural connection. She enjoys entertaining, cooking, and traveling with her husband, while continuing to inspire others through her passion for education, leadership, and service.

Anna Raghubir, Assistant Principal at Health, Arts, Robotics and Technology High School, is passionate about creating and sustaining pathways that prepare their students for college and future careers. Through innovative programs, they have expanded enrollment, experiential learning, work-based learning, and internships, ensuring both quality and accessibility. She believes that student success goes beyond academics, as strong social-emotional learning is essential for developing resilience, confidence, and the skills needed to navigate the future. By building meaningful partnerships with organizations like the NYPD Drone Unit, hospitals, tech companies, and post-secondary institutions, she is creating opportunities that bridge the gap between education and the workforce. This gives her students the tools they need to be adaptable, empowered, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.

A lifelong educator with a passion for equity, access, and student success, Elicia Rodriguez-Felix has dedicated her career to supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of young people across New York City schools. With experience spanning instruction, leadership, programming, restorative practices, special education, and school culture development, she has cultivated a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students, families, and educators alike. Currently serving as the Assistant Principal of Administration at Information Technology High School, Elicia oversees the Guidance and Social Work Department, Programming Department, College Access Team, Special Education Department, Work-Based Learning, CBO Partnerships, and Parent and Student Activities. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to building systems that promote accountability, inclusivity, and meaningful student engagement. Elicia began her leadership journey as an AP4All Peer Collaborative Teacher, where she engaged in instructional leadership, programming, credit accumulation analysis, and school improvement initiatives. Throughout her career, she has led committees focused on instructional leadership, literacy development, vertical alignment, teacher team planning, restorative practices, and student-centered supports. Her work has consistently centered on strengthening equitable practices and improving outcomes for students across content areas. Elicia earned a Master’s degree in Progressive Leadership from Bank Street College of Education and participated in Students with Disabilities NYCPS extension program. As an educator and leader shaped by her experiences serving diverse school communities, she believes deeply in the transformative power of education and the responsibility educators have to serve as advocates and change agents for young people. Her educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student deserves to be seen, heard, challenged, and supported in reaching their fullest potential. She remains committed to continuous growth as a leader and educator, striving to create school communities where accountability, reflection, relationship-building, and equity are at the center of the work.

A passionate believer that language and literacy open opportunities in life, Eva Sievert-Schiller is a product of the New York City Public School System and a graduate of Vassar College (BA) and Teachers College Columbia University (MA). She taught in the CUNY Language Immersion Program at LaGuardia Community College and at the Tec de Monterrey Campus Sonora Norte before becoming a founding teacher at Manhattan Bridges High School.  Eva has been an Assistant Principal at International Community High School (ICHS) in the Bronx for over a decade.

Michelle LeFairvre currently serves as an Assistant Principal at PS 79M Horan School.

Dr. Amanda Deebrah Ed.D is a proud Assistant Principal at The Brooklyn STEAM Center.

Shakila Mumtaz is a devoted educational leader in her third year as Assistant Principal in her hometown of Jamaica, Queens. Having grown up in this multicultural community, she holds a foundational belief that learning is limitless and that possibilities are boundless when rooted in passion. Shakila is deeply committed to fostering student confidence through collaborative learning and authentic leadership. She actively champions professional learning experiences that empower teachers so that they can impact students. As the child of immigrants from opposite ends of the globe, Shakila places a high value on building inclusive communities and forging strong connections among all school stakeholders. Her twenty-year tenure in the classroom includes a transformative experience in Monterrey, Mexico, where she taught 6th-grade ELA to bilingual students and witnessed firsthand the impact and power of family participation and collaboration. Throughout her career in elementary education, she has consistently demonstrated that the keys to student success lie in the balance of high expectations and the intentional building of self-assurance. Shakila’s transition into leadership was inspired by her time as a Spanish teacher for grades 6 through 12, where she was moved by the way her students shared their thoughts with autonomy and freedom. As an Assistant Principal, she remains a tireless advocate for her students, championing high-quality instruction, equitable practices, and the implementation of engaging programs designed to inspire lifelong growth. Shakila has a multifaceted academic background, including: Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing (Minor in Psychology) from Hunter College Master of Science in Elementary Education from Queens College TESOL Certification from St. John’s University Master of Science in Spanish Education (6-12) from Queens College Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Rose

Caterina Lafergola proudly serves as the Assistant Principal at Hudson High School of Learning Technologies

Maria Palesty has proudly served as an NYCPS Assistant Principal since December 2013. She currently serves at Horace Greeley Intermediate School 10 in District 30, where she is dedicated to supporting students, staff, and families while helping create a positive school community where all students can learn, grow, and feel successful. In 2003, Maria began her career in education as a mathematics teacher at the St. Nicholas William Spyropoulos Greek-American Dual Language School in Queens, NY. In 2007, she transitioned to Thomas J. McCann Intermediate School 125 in District 24, where she served as an English Language Learner (ELL)/Math teacher to students in grades 5-8. Maria earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from St. John's University in 2003. She later completed her Master of Science degree in TESOL K–12 and Secondary Education in Mathematics from St. John's University in 2005. She also attended Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she earned her professional certification in School Building and District Leadership. Growing up in a Greek-American family, Maria learned the importance of faith, family, hard work, humility, and caring for others. As a first-generation Greek-American, these experiences continue to shape the way she leads and connects with students, families, and staff. She is committed to creating a school environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued for who they are!

Danielle Jelley is currently in her ninth year as an Assistant Principal at 17k548 Brooklyn School for Music & Theatre in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Prior to this role, she was an ELA/Special Education teacher and has a combined total of nearly twenty years experience working in District 17, Brooklyn. She received her Bachelors in English Literature and Black Studies from Boston College. In addition, she earned her Master of Science degree in Secondary Ed from Hofstra University, her Advanced Certificate in Special Education from Pace University and her second Masters in Educational Leadership through Relay GSE. Danielle plays an integral role in her school community, working collaboratively with staff, students and families to ensure every student graduates with the tools necessary for post-secondary success. As she continues to further develop her skills as an Educational Leader, her focus will remain centered on improving the lives of NYC children and their families.

Brendan Connolly serves as a proud Assistant Principal at Millennium Arts Academy in the Bronx.