Meet Our Support Staff
The core of The Matilda Avenue School is our passionate team, who follow a high academic standard to guide their values, creativity and leadership. Take a look below to learn more about each of our team members.
Ms. Shavon Garcia
Parent Coordinator
Ms. Garcia attended the College of New Rochelle for 2 years and then Mercy College to finish her degree in Psychology. Ms. Garcia received her bachelor's in Behavioral Science/ Psychology in May of 2022. Ms. Garcia worked in the NYC school system for 12 years. This school year 2026-2027 marks Ms. Garcia's 8th year as the Parent Coordinator for The Matilda Avenue School.
Contact info:
E-mail: SGarcia28@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Amanda Pagan
Guidance Counselor
Ms. Pagán attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice for her undergrad studies earning her bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology. She then moved on to attend Lehman College and obtained her master's degree in School Counseling/Counselor Education. This will be Ms. Pagán's 5th year as a school counselor and 2026-2027 will be her 4th year here at The Matilda Avenue School.
Contact info:
E-mail: APagan16@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Jennifer McNickle
Data/ Testing/ Social Studies Teacher
Ms. McNickle attended SUNY Cortland for both her undergraduate studies and graduate studies. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History and went on to obtain her Master's degree in Literacy. Prior to joining the staff of The Matilda Avenue School, Ms. McNickle taught at P.S. 41 in the Bronx. The 2026-2027 school year marks her 21th year teaching for the New York City Department of Education.
Contact info:
E-mail: JMcnickle@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Kristen Coyle
Data/Testing/Math Specialist
Ms. Coyle is delighted to be starting her 10th year at the Matilda Avenue School. Her roles include Data and Testing Coordinator, as well as overseeing the Math curriculum and instruction. Ms. Coyle has a bachelor's degree in childhood education with a focus in mathematics from SUNY New Paltz. Additionally, she holds a master’s in special education from Manhattan University, as well as a master’s for Elementary Mathematics Specialist from Hunter College. Ms. Coyle has over 20 years of experience working in NYCPS with students from grade K-5.
Contact info:
E-mail: KCoyle2@schools.nyc.gov
Mr. Micheal Vangelder
Physical Education Teacher
Mr. VanGelder attended SUNY Brockport for his undergraduate degree in Physical Education. He received his first master’s in Instruction and Assessment from AIU, and then completed his Certificate in School Building/District Leadership from The College of New Rochelle.
Mr. VanGelder has worked in the NYC DOE since 2016 and
2026-2027 is his 4th year teaching at the Matilda Avenue School.
Contact Info:
Email: Info: MVangelderJr@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Renata Marte
Paraprofessional
Contact Info:
Email: RMarte9@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Chandra Bhagwandas
Sub-School Aide
Contact Info:
Email: CBhagwandas@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Jasmine Dripal
School Aide
Contact Info:
Email: JDrigpal@schools.nyc.gov
Luna Clory
School Aide
Contact Info:
Email: CLuna10@schools.nyc.gov
Alberta Boci
School Aide
Contact Info:
Email: ABoci@schools.nyc.gov