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.

Samantha Dhanraj will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Lead Teacher at Strive Charter School. She brings six years of experience in elementary and music education, including three years teaching kindergarten.

Samantha earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from New York University and her master’s degree in Childhood Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Her experiences as a New York City student and English language learner shape her commitment to ensuring every child feels heard and valued.

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.

Jared Tonge will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Assistant Teacher at Strive Charter School. He brings five years of early childhood education experience, including work in New York City Public Schools’ 3-K and prekindergarten classrooms.

Jared earned his Early Childhood Child Development Associate credential through the CUNY School of Professional Studies and is passionate about bringing creativity, care, and meaningful learning experiences into the classroom.

Katysha Butler will serve as a Founding Kindergarten Assistant Teacher at Strive Charter School. She brings more than 15 years of experience working with children across a variety of educational settings and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Katysha brings warmth, joy, and a playful spirit to the classroom. She is committed to creating a safe and caring environment where every student feels heard, valued, and happy to come to school.

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.

Tanner McFarlane will serve as a Founding Second Grade Lead Teacher at Strive Charter School. He brings five years of experience supporting elementary students and helping them grow academically, socially, and in confidence.

A former college basketball player and youth sports coach, Tanner values teamwork, perseverance, and helping young people recognize their strengths. He is also pursuing certification in Physical Education.

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.

Sr. Gadson will serve as the Founding Lead Science Teacher at Strive Charter School. He brings classroom experience and a passion for connecting science to real-world applications. Before becoming a teacher, Dalon worked as an EMT and later earned degrees in Biology and a Master's in Teaching from New York University. 

He will also serve as the speech and debate coach having secured individual champion placements.

Guided by his belief that “learning is an explosion of fun,” Dalon creates engaging lessons that build scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

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.