Staff

Tracey Bruton, M.S.W.

Felicia 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.

Dana Hamilton, M.S.W.

BA, SUNY Empire State College, MSW, Clark Atlanta University

I began working as a social worker in Newark Public Schools in September, 2001. I worked in Alternative Education for 13 years prior to joining Bard High School Early College.  I spent several years providing in home therapy services to children and their families through the New Jersey Behavioral Health system. Before coming to Newark, I worked with teenage mothers in Atlanta, Georgia, and also practiced social work in health settings while living in Georgia.  Before becoming a social worker I was a musician, and still enjoy playing the guitar.

Radhiya Mattox

• rmattox@bhsec.bard.edu

BS, William Paterson University

Shaviece Osborne

• sharmon@bhsec.bard

BA, Rider University; MA, Montclair State University

Shaviece Osborne née Harmon (B.A. Sociology /Multicultural Studies, Rider University; M.A, Educational Leadership, Montclair State University), a former EOF student and counselor, has worked in higher education for the past ten plus years.  Ms. Harmon worked for The Princeton Review, Drew University and Seton Hall University prior to her start at Bard High School Early College (BHSEC) Newark as the Coordinator of the College Transfer Office. Her purpose and passion are her students. She is living her passion daily as she guides students through the college admissions process and provides graduate support for alumni. Ms. Harmon is creating a safe and supportive school climate as the Dean of Students with presence, participation and purpose.  In addition to her professional passions, she enjoys reading, dining out, politics and spending time with her family.

Mini Jayaprakash

• mjayaprakash@bhsec.bard.edu 

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

Marquise Jefferson 

• mjefferson@bhsec.bard.edu

Tamar Mitchell, M.S.W.

• tmitchell@bhsec.bard.edu

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

Veronica Osorio

• vosorio@bhsec.bard.edu

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.

Sharanda Shabazz

Carla R. Stephens

• cstephens@bhsec.bard.edu

BA, PhD, Temple University; MA, Montclair State University

Dr. Stephens was founding Faculty in History at Bard High School Early College – Newark for six years before assuming leadership of the school.  Her objective as principal is to build an intellectual community that values collaboration, collegiality, respect, perseverance, and the critical thinking that engenders high academic achievement. Dr. Stephens teaches college elective courses in Cold War Civil Rights and a Pan-African History survey. Her research interests include southern African nationalism, the role of transnational advocacy in African anti-colonial movements, and nationalist myth-making.  In addition to her academic interests, Dr. Stephens enjoys writing science fiction, particularly Afro-futurist stories.

Carol Wisneiski, B.S.N.