Our Faculty

Walid Abushahba

B.S. Rutgers University; Ph.D. Rutgers University

Dr. Walid Abushahba is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Bard High School Early College. He holds a B.S. in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and earned his Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences from Rutgers University. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Abushahba brings a strong foundation in teaching, research, and academic leadership. His research interests include molecular biology and cancer immunotherapy, and he is known for his deep scientific and technical expertise.

Dr. Abushahba has taught a broad range of courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Microbiology, Forensic Science, Immunology, Bioethics, Health and Fitness, and the Science of Addiction. He has served as faculty at several colleges and universities in New Jersey, including Montclair State University, Berkeley College, Ramapo College, Middlesex County College, and Essex County College.

Committed to student success and scientific curiosity, Dr. Abushahba values engaging with students in and beyond the classroom. Outside of academia, he enjoys exercise, travel and spending quality time with family and friends.

Jayme Alves-Filho

BS, Kean University; MA, American College of Education

Jayme Alves‑Filho is a dynamic and dedicated professional in the fields of health and physical education. Currently serving as our Athletic Director, PE and Health Professor, and Head Coach for Tennis and Softball. Born in Brazil and raised in Newark, he brings a rich multicultural perspective to his work and academic leadership. Jayme earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Kean University, where he developed a strong foundation in health education, physical wellness, and pedagogical practice. He further advanced his leadership skills by completing a Master’s in Educational Administration from the American College of Education. With a passion for promoting healthier, active lifestyles, Jayme has achieved significant milestones in his career. As an Athletic Director, he has successfully overseen athletic programming, coordinated interscholastic sports initiatives, and fostered environments where student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom. In his role as a Professor of Health and Physical Education, Jayme is known for his innovative teaching methods that integrate theory with hands-on learning, encouraging students to develop both physical competence and well-being.

Celeste Andrews

Curtis Andrews

BA, Rutgers University; Ed.M, Rutgers Graduate School of Education; Ph.D, Pacific Western University; Ed.D, Wilmington University

Curtis Andrews is a distinguished Assistant Professor of History at Bard High School Early College in Newark, NJ. With extensive experience in both academia and public service, Dr. Andrews brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He previously served as a consultant for the Wilmington University Future Development of a Violence and Peace Institute.

Andrews’ academic research includes a notable case study on the types and prevalence of violence at two middle schools and one high school in Camden City Public Schools, conducted under the auspices of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the Institute of Behavior Sciences, University of Colorado. Additionally, his work on the “Crime as Work Theory” was recognized by the United States Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons in California.

Throughout his career, Dr. Andrews has held significant positions, including working with the United States Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons and serving as the Director of the New Jersey Department of Corrections Professional Training at the State Corrections Training Academy. He was also appointed by former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman as the Assistant Commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Personnel, where he directed the Division of Policy and Planning.

Andrews has been instrumental in developing cultural diversity and race relation conflict resolution training programs. His expertise was sought after by the State of Arizona Law Enforcement Academy, where he served as an annual trainer from 1980 to 1986. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to public policy development, leadership, capacity building, strategic planning, and gang and conflict resolution.

Andrews is scheduled to present at the American Correctional Association State of New Jersey conference on June 1st in Cape May, New Jersey. His educational background is equally impressive, with degrees from Rutgers University (BA in Sociology), Rutgers Graduate School of Education (Ed.M), Pacific Western University (Ph.D. in Sociology), and Wilmington University (Ed.D). He has also completed further studies at The New School for Social Research in New York City, the University of Chicago, and Drew University.

Sergio Artiles

BA, Arizona State University

Sergio Jose Artiles is proud to be a Spanish Teacher at Bard High School Early College; attended Mt. Vernon School (graduated 8th grade/won second place at the State of NJ Spelling Bee Competition); had the opportunity to graduate from East Side High School. In addition, he graduated from Arizona State University with a 4.0 GPA; has worked in education for several years with a strong passion for teaching. Mr. Artiles enjoys music, plays different instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums and has been teaching private lessons for many years. Moreover, Mr. Artiles has been working as a police chaplain for Newark Police Department, a chaplain for the University Hospital in Newark, Chief Operation Officer for the International Federal of Chaplains, Chief Operation Officer for the International Council Liberation for All Souls and a member for the Newark Interfaith Alliance directed by the Honorable Council Women at large Rev. Rountree and the Mayor of Newark Ras Baraka; Mr. Artiles is also an ordained minister for the State of New Jersey and music director for the previously mentioned organizations.

Christopher Baldi

AS, County College of Morris; BS, Richard Stockton University; PhD, UMDNJ Stratford

Dr. Christopher Baldi is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Bard High School Early College in Newark.  He received his AS in Biology at County College of Morris, BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Richard Stockton University and PhD in Molecular Genetics at UMDNJ Stratford.  Starting his career in academic research, Dr. Baldi is an expert in nematodes, specializing in genetics, evolution, and reproductive biology.  He transitioned to teaching at the college level for 10 years before joining the staff at Bard.  Dr. Baldi is committed to instilling a love of science and inquiry in every student.  A long-time fan of tabletop roleplaying games, Dr. Baldi also enjoys reading and board games.

Scottye Battle

BA, California State University, Long Beach; MA, New Jersey City University

Scottye Battle is an Associate professor of English and a Humanities Special Education Teacher at Bard High School Early College in Newark. A proud graduate of urban public institutions in California, before moving to New Jersey to serve in Newark Public schools, she brings over 23 years of experience as an educator and mentor. Ms. Battle began her career as a middle school Special Education Teachrer and served in roles ranging from classroom educator, resource specialist and award leader. She holds a B.A. from California State University of Long Beach, and an M.A. from Jersey City University. Deeply committed to educational equity, she enjoys collaborating with faculty, staff and parents to support every student’s growth. Ms. Battle lives in New Jersey and enjoys music, writing poetry and exploring new ideas.

Kate Beridze

MS, Tbilisi State University, Georgia; PhD, Georgian Academy of Sciences

Straubel Cetoute

• [email protected]

BA in Mathematical Science, Kean University; MA in Instruction and Curriculum in Mathematics, Kean University

Mr. Straubel Cetoute holds a Master of Arts in Instruction and Curriculum in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Science with a minor in Management Science from Kean University. With over a decade of teaching experience across secondary and higher education, he has taught a wide range of mathematics courses, from developmental algebra, geometry to college-level statistics and pre-calculus. He currently serves as a Math Instructor at Bard High School Early College Newark, where he prepares students for both high school and college-level success. Previously, he lectured at Kean University and taught at Union County and Passaic County Community Colleges, as well as in vocational and public school settings.

A dedicated educator, Mr. Cetoute is skilled in curriculum development, academic advising, and integrating digital learning tools to enhance student engagement. He is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America. Born and raised in Haiti, Mr. Cetoute is fluent in Haitian Creole and is a first-generation college graduate. Outside the classroom, he enjoys hiking, camping, and watching sports and movies.

Louise Chernosky

BM, Eastman School of Music; MA, SUNY Buffalo; PhD, Columbia University

Stephen Crane

BS, MAT, Montclair State University

Yasmin Darwish

BA, Minia University in Egypt; MS, Kean University; MS, MUST University in Egypt

Prof. Yasmin Darwish is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Bard Early College High School Newark. With over five years of experience teaching at both the high school and college levels, she has taught subjects including biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, and chemistry. Before transitioning to education, Prof. Darwish worked as an associate scientist, pharmacist, and clinical researcher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Minia University in Egypt, a Master’s degree from Kean University, and an additional Master’s from MUST University in Egypt. Prof. Darwish is dedicated to help students truly understand science while building strong, supportive connections in the classroom. She’s from New Jersey, she enjoys cooking, baking, arts and crafts, and crocheting. She also has a deep interest in research and nutritional science.

David Dowling

BS, Ithaca College; MA, Adelphi University

Mr. Dowling is a founding faculty member at BHSEC Newark.  Since 2011, Mr. Dowling has taught and coached here at BHSEC. He has received his Bachelor’s Degree at Ithaca College in upstate New York, and his Master’s Degree from Adelphi University.  Prior to teaching at BHSEC Newark he taught all levels of Physical Education and Health on Long Island.  In addition to teaching, Mr. Dowling coaches the girls’ volleyball team and coordinates the athletic program.  He is an avid sports fan and enjoys participating in outdoor activities.  He resides with his wife and three children in Sussex County NJ.

Lara M. Friedman-Kats

BFA in Dance Performance and PreK-12 dance education certification, Towson University; MFA in Dance, Montclair State University

Lara M. Friedman-Kats, born and raised in Central NJ, began her dance training at Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio in Edison. In 2008, Lara received the NJ Governor’s Award for Excellence in Dance. Ms. Friedman-Kats graduated with her BFA in Dance and PreK-12 certification from Towson University in 2013 and earned her Master of Fine Arts in Dance at Montclair State University. In 2011, she won the National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) regional competition for Art of the Solo and went on to compete and place nationally. She also received the Outstanding Achievement in Dance Education Award in 2013 from Towson University. Lara has performed with Dissonance Dance Theatre (DC), Deep Vision Dance Company (Baltimore), Deviated Theatre (DC), Mish-Mash Productions (NYC), Nikki Manx Dance Project (NJ), Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre/Sean McLeod Dance Experience (NYC), and most notably, Carolyn Dorfman Dance (NY/NJ) from 2015-2021. She also had her work adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival Association (now ACDA) in 2011. Lara was the long term leave replacement teaching dance at the Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains from 2014-2015, Piscataway High School from 2021-2022, and Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy in 2022-2023. Ms. Friedman-Kats continues to teach both dance and fitness throughout studios, schools, and gyms in NJ. She served as adjunct professor teaching Modern II at DeSales University and Dance Appreciation at Montclair State University. To Lara, “Dance is a way of healing and finding acceptance within one’s own life. Socially charged work and personal experiences have motivated my creative endeavors. My mission is to bring awareness to the surface that which remains unseen or unspoken. Everyone has a story to tell- I tell mine through my body.”