Staff

Tracey Bruton, M.S.W.

Cindy Duran

B.A. Rutgers University – Newark; M.S. Montclair State University

Cindy Duran is the Director of Admissions at Bard High School Early College in Newark. As a first-generation college graduate born and raised in New Jersey to immigrant parents, she brings over three years of experience in operations, compliance, data analysis, and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Sustainability Science with a concentration in Leadership from Montclair State University. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Cindy uses her language skills to ensure that families fully understand the quality education offered at Bard High School Early College, helping bridge access for Spanish-speaking communities. She is deeply passionate about educational access and equity, particularly ensuring that students from underrepresented backgrounds access the opportunities they deserve. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, baking, exploring nature, and spending time with her family and three cats.

F. Foster, Ed.S.

BS, City College of NY; MA Jersey City University; Ed.S.

Ms. Foster earned her Bachelor of Science in Education/Psychology from City College of NY and holds a New York City Common Knowledge teacher license. She earned her MA in Guidance and Counseling from Jersey City University. She is also an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education Leadership Management and Policy.

Rafael Inoa

BA, Rutgers; MA, Saint Peter’s University; PhD, Seton Hall University

Dr. Rafael Inoa is the principal at Bard Early College High School Newark. A proud graduate of urban public schools and a first-generation college student, he brings over 20 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and school leader. Dr. Inoa began his career as a middle school English teacher and has served in roles ranging from classroom educator to assistant professor and program evaluator. He holds a B.A. from Rutgers University, an M.A. from Saint Peter’s University, and a Ph.D. from Seton Hall University. Deeply committed to educational equity, he enjoys collaborating with faculty, families, and the community to support every student’s success. Dr. Inoa lives in New Jersey and enjoys music, sports, and spending time outdoors with his family.

Mini Jayaprakash

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BS, MS, PhD, University of Madras, India; Ed.S. Seton Hall University

Rosa Lazzizera

B.A. Kean University; M.A. Kean University

Radhiya Mattox

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BS, William Paterson University

Tamar Mitchell, M.S.W.

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BA, Douglass College, MSW Rutgers New Brunswick, The State University of New Jersey

As child growing up in the inner city of Newark, NJ my first role models were teachers in the public schools.  I am a first generation college student from a single-parent household.   My life has been full of challenges and opportunities.  Graduating with high honors from Douglass College,  I received the Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Fellowship Award to pursue my Master Degree at Rutgers University.

While attending Rutgers (New Brunswick)  I found my desire and calling to help others.   The social work profession has given me many opportunities to advocate for the needs of youth and bring about real change for families.  I have been employed with the Newark Public Schools for more than seventeen (17) years.

I see myself as a positive role model for a new generation of high school students.    I strive to understand the needs of my community and the challenges people face on a daily basis.  My love for humanity keeps me grounded and devoted to my work both on a personal and professional level.

973-733-8362

Shaviece Osborne

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BA, Rider University; MA, Montclair State University

Ms. Osborne is the Dean of Students and the Director of The College Transfer Office at Bard High School Early College Newark. A product of Essex county public schools, Ms. Osborne is a first generation college student and proud EOF alum. She brings over twenty years of experience as an educator to BHSEC Newark. Ms. Osborne began her career in education in the Office of Admissions at Drew University and has served in roles that have always served her students.  She holds a B.A. from Rider University and a M.A in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. Ms.Osborne is passionate about guiding future leaders and ensuring that her students are supported during the college admissions process.  It takes a village to raise a student and Ms. Osborne is proud to be a part of the village at Bard High School Early College Newark.  Ms. Osborne lives in New Jersey with her family, enjoys being a “Boy mom”, dining out and volunteering for philanthropic organizations.

Matthew Rice

BA, San Francisco State University; MA, University of California; Ed.D, Baylor University

Dr. Matthew Rice is the Department Chair of Science, Health, and Physical Education at Bard High School Early College Newark. A longtime educator and advocate, he brings two decades of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and school leader. Dr. Rice began his career as a high school science teacher and has led district-level initiatives in curriculum alignment, teacher mentoring, and culturally responsive practice.

He holds a B.A. in Biology from San Francisco State University, an M.A. from the University of California, Davis, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Baylor University. His scholarship centers on advancing equity, inclusion, and human rights in education.

Dr. Rice and his son live in New Jersey, and outside of school, he enjoys reading, writing, and cycling. As the parent of a profoundly disabled young adult, he brings both personal experience and professional commitment to his advocacy for disability rights and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. He often says that his greatest gift has been his ability to translate the world to his son—and his son to the world.

Shannon Saint Louis

I am Shannon Saint Louis, I serve as support to our students, parents and staff as school Operations Assistant. I provide support to students while they utilize school facilities; ensuring students are learning in a safe and supportive environment. I am the single point of contact for support in navigating Kronos, purchasing, school level budget and student accounts. As an essential link amongst the students and their teachers; I am ensuring a positive school climate and culture. My Philosophy is to focus on student success through a safe environment promoting self motivation and creativity to prepare for the ever-changing world.

Tiffany R. Sims

BS, MS, New Jersey Institute of Technology; PhD, Rutgers University and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Sims’s interests include robotics, sensorimotor integration, physical rehabilitation,  and the development of outcome measures for movement disorders. She has taught 9th grade physics, Geometry, College Physics, Engineering, Bioengineering, and Bioinformatics. She is also the coach for the robotics team.

Carol Wisneiski, B.S.N.