MEET THE TEAM

• As a mission based individual, my focus has always been to serve low income communities and providing quality STEM programming to everyone- not just those that can afford it. Education is proven to be the fastest and most effective way to close the gender and wealth gap. As a first generation graduate, I saw firsthand how educational resources can sky rocket ones access to opportunities. I wanted to create that same pathway for children of color, just like me. S.T.E.A.M. careers are projected to grow by 13% between 2017-2027, compared to 9% for non-S.T.E.A.M. related jobs. Educating communities and getting them excited about these employment opportunities is what I do!

• Heather is a founding member of Snapology NYC and has two young school-aged daughters who are obsessed with S.T.E.A.M. She has a positive, hard-working mindset and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenges. After a shortchange of scenery she returned to support Snapology & The After School Collective in 2021 and handles the daily matters of the business such as banking, client billing, and serving as a contact point for families. She is most excited about introducing new and exciting programs and watching the children’s natural aptitudes flourish as they grow with us

• Pianist, GRAMMY® winner, and Latin GRAMMY® nominee Gabriel Chakarji redefines the relationship between jazz and Afro-South American/Caribbean music with his innovative compositions and playing. As Venezuelan musician Juanma Trujillo notes, Gabriel's compositions are designed to operate within the intersection of jazz and Afro-South American/Caribbean idioms rather than a crude juxtaposition of something jazzy over an Afro-Venezuelan beat or vice-versa. Chakarji has gone to great lengths to find the structural relationships between these worlds in order to generate the musical resources he needed to create this book of music.

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• Working with people and teams from all over the world has taught me the value of focusing different minds on the same problem and mutual support. Efficiency, a can-do attitude, and the ability to strategically prioritize allow for a maximized day both in and out of the classroom. I am currently the Afterschool Site Director at IS 78 and a Mentoring Site Leader for various Snapology locations. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta

• John Jay College Of Criminal Justice- Major: Forensic Psychology/ Criminology

• Museum of Natural History In-house Instructor

Passionate educator with a background in psychology and working with students with special needs. Alondra specializes in play-based STEAM programming using LEGO Bricks and technical compliments.  

• Composer, Arranger, Guitarist, Vocalist, Bassist and Teacher with a Masters in Music. Yahir has been teaching children of all ages for over 5 years. Professionally he has performed in such venues as Lincoln Center, Joe's Pub and Rockwood Music Hall as well as toured in Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. He is thrilled to be a part of the team at AFTERSCHOOL COLLECTIVE!    Go to yahirmontesmusic.com to learn about private music lessons.

•  Math consultant and certified teacher, Ms. Jacob will work with students to develop students' test taking and problem-solving skills to achieve their higher potential. Ms. Jacob holds an honorary degree in Science and Master's in Mathematics education from the world renowned University of Toronto Ontario Institute of Studies in Education. She has taught for 10 years in Toronto's International Baccalaureate schools as well as Manhattan's Grace Church School, having tutored over 100 students in Manhattan, the Hamptons and now Long Island City. Many of her students have gone to get into New York City's top private and specialized high schools, including Bronx Science and Stuvyesant. She works with students who need academic challenge as well as those with math anxiety. Focus is on developing students'  confidence and strategy.

• Vibe holds a master’s degree in Musicology with a minor in German Studies from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Prior to joining Snapology, Vibe has worked as a primary school teacher in Copenhagen. Earlier she has taught kindergarteners, conducted children’s choirs, given private music lessons, performed in various bands and served coffee at cafés in Berlin. She is brining all of this real-world experience into the Snapology classroom. Vibe is passionate about working with the youngest learners. She loves creating a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment nurturing personal, academic, and social growth where differences are cherished, mistakes are learning opportunities and where there is an abundance of smiles. Personally, Vibe lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their 1-year-old daughter.

• Hi, I am Ms B! I teach the art after-school program every Thursday at the STEAM lab. Additionally I am currently pursing a fine art degree with a research focus at The Cooper Union. I love working in youth programming because they always have fresh exciting opinions and concepts. I believe art is an important part of learning and a great tool for developing critical thinking and fine motor skills. I look forward to continuing programs at the Afterschool Collective. Mural Design specialist. Mediums specialities include textiles, screen printing, fiber, paint, and digital illustration, all through the lens of community engagement. Past partnerships include: Target, BMO Harris Bank, US Bank, Chase Bank, Reebok, Sencha, Cub, MOA, IDS, Park 7, Roots District, and more.

• I’m an entrepreneur, certified personal trainer & group fitness instructor, youth exercise specialist, master motivator, go-getter extraordinaire, energizer bunny, and even the New York Times said I was one of NYC’s Top Fitness Pros! I believe all is possible with a good sweat and a positive mindset and I want to share it all with you! 

• Clarisse is a non-traditional occupational and recreational therapist, a wellness coordinator at a holistic private practice, a licensed Zumba Gold instructor for people with disabilities, content writer and contributor for Women’s Health Interactive. She is excited to join the Afterschool Collective and Snapology team as a LEGO® Engineering instructor in the STEAM LAB. She has been a recreational therapist for 8 years at The Mount Sinai Hospital in the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance in New York City. Clarisse holds a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation with a minor in Developmental Disabilities from CUNY Lehman College.