Founding Teachers

Natalie Sanchez will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Teacher at Strive Charter School. She brings nine years of experience in early childhood education and is passionate about creating a nurturing classroom where every student feels valued and excited to learn.

Natalie holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a doctorate in the supervision of guidance counselors, and is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Special Education.

Yesmil Polanco will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Teacher at Strive Charter School. She brings more than four years of experience in education, including teaching kindergarten and third grade.

She is committed to creating a joyful classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. Outside the classroom, Yesmil enjoys history, fashion, art, ancient civilizations, and dancing.

Shakira Wailes will serve as a kindergarten lead teacher. She brings more than five years of education experience, including five years as an Assistant Dean, and is passionate about creating a nurturing classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and excited to learn.

Shakira holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Family Studies. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and looks forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

Shekima McNair will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Associate Teacher at Strive Charter School. She brings more than 10 years of experience in education as a group leader, youth support worker, paraprofessional, and tutor.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Binghamton University. Outside the classroom, Shekima enjoys traveling with her husband and two sons, playing chess, and cheering for the New York Knicks and New York Liberty.

Shania Acevedo will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Associate Teacher at Strive Charter School. She brings seven years of experience in education, including work in 3K and prekindergarten classrooms across the Bronx and Manhattan.

Shania holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and is pursuing a master’s degree in Education focused on English Language Learning and Teaching. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with Strive’s students and families.

Vanessa Gonzalez will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Associate Teacher at Strive Charter School. As an educator, mother, and college student, she is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and develop confidence in themselves.

Vanessa strives to create a caring environment where every child and family feels welcomed, valued, and supported. Balancing motherhood, work, and college has strengthened her patience, determination, and commitment to lifelong learning.

Shakeerah Imani Fredericks will serve as an Associate Kindergarten Teacher at STRIVE Charter School. She has experience teaching young children and a background in English literature and Theatre Arts. As a former lead teacher for kindergarten through third grade, her enthusiasm and attentiveness help scholars feel proud and responsible for their learning.

Shakeerah Imani is excited to make skill development fun and meaningful for our kindergartners.

Steven Cantero will serve as a Founding First Grade Teacher at Strive Charter School. He is committed to creating a positive, supportive, and engaging classroom where every child feels known, valued, and excited to learn.

Steven believes strong relationships are at the heart of a successful classroom and is passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and in confidence.

Nuon Paye will serve as a Founding First Grade Associate Teacher at Strive Charter School. A Harlem native, she brings experience supporting students across elementary, middle, and high school settings through school, after-school, and summer programs.

Nuon discovered her passion for education while working with children and looks forward to helping Strive’s first graders develop confidence, curiosity, and a strong academic foundation.

Sylvia Afful will serve as a Founding First Grade Teacher at Strive Charter School. A certified teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education, Sylvia believes every child has the ability to learn, grow, and shine.

She is committed to creating a welcoming classroom where students feel known, supported, challenged, and confident in who they are. Sylvia finds joy in watching children discover new ideas and celebrate their progress.

Originally from Colombia, Diana Rueda grew up on the Caribbean island of Bonaire and began her career in education working with elementary students in Colombia, where she led projects designed to foster creativity and strengthen students’ sense of belonging.

Diana’s love of teaching is closely connected to the arts, and she looks forward to bringing her creativity, international perspective, and love of learning to Strive’s students and families.

Lorraine Kelly serves as a Second Grade Lead Teacher at Strive Charter School. She brings seven years of experience as a lead teacher across Ireland and Australia and is excited to be now teaching here in the Bronx.

Lorraine holds a four year degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Special Education. She is committed to creating an encouraging and inclusive classroom environment where all children feel valued, understood, and motivated to achieve their best.

Najifa Shumaya will serve as a Founding Third Grade Associate Teacher at Strive Charter School. She is passionate about bringing creativity and curiosity into the classroom while helping students recognize their strengths and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Najifa is committed to making learning engaging and joyful. Outside the classroom, she enjoys painting, cooking, and exploring fashion.

Ellen Milton will serve as a Founding Teacher at Strive Charter School. A Bronx native and educator, she brings experience teaching English, supporting students with diverse learning needs, and working with children in early childhood and childcare settings.

Ellen earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from The City College of New York and is currently pursuing her master’s degree. She is passionate about creating a warm, engaging classroom where students feel supported, confident, and excited to learn.

Fadilta Pupovic will serve as the Founding Lead Art Teacher at Strive Charter School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the City College of New York, where her work was exhibited in the college’s art gallery.

Fadilta has taught as a Kindergarten Assistant Teacher and as a lead enrichment teacher focused on visual arts. She enjoys creating lessons that blend artist studies, read-alouds, STEM and architecture, learning techniques, and play-based art to keep creativity joyful and engaging.

Bess Power will serve as Strive’s Vocal Music Teacher. She brings nearly 15 years of experience teaching vocal, instrumental, and performing arts and is passionate about helping students discover their unique artistic voices.

Bess holds degrees in Musical Theatre and Special Education. Her professional performing background helps her create structured, joyful, and inclusive music instruction where students can build confidence and share the joy of song.

Elías Jorge Pérez-Zetune will serve as the Founding Soccer Coach at Strive Charter School. He began coaching in 2017 and has since held coaching and leadership roles with Keystone FC, Morris Elite SC, and South Bronx United.

Passionate about positive youth development, Elías looks forward to using soccer to help Strive’s students build confidence, teamwork, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging.