Meet Our Classroom Teachers
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 classroom teachers.
Ms. Amanda Cinguina
Kindergarten Teacher - Class K011
Mrs. Cinguina attended Mercy College for her undergraduate and graduate studies where she received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, and Students with Disabilities. Mrs. Cinguina has over 13 years of experience working in education and has previously taught Pre-K for 5 years.
E-mail: ACinguina@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Jessica Dean
Kindergarten Teacher - Class K012
Ms. Dean attended Adelphi University for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Education and went on to obtain her Master's degree in Childhood Education. Prior to joining the staff of The Matilda Avenue School, Ms. Dean taught at P.S. 47 in the Bronx. The 2023-2024 school year marks her 18th year teaching for the New York City Department of Education.
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E-mail: JDean8@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Justina Lekutanovic
First Grade Teacher - Class 101
Hi, I'm Ms. L, I've been teaching for 9years. This is my second- year teaching first grade! Before teaching first grade I taught kindergarten and PreK! I've always wanted to be a teacher and I love that I get to live out my dream every day! Some fun facts about me are that I love to read, my favorite holiday is Halloween.
E-mail: JLekutanovic@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Gonzalez
First Grade Teacher - Class 102
Ms. Gonzalez attended SUNY Albany for her Bachelor's Degree in Rhetoric Communications and a minor in English Literature. As a recipient of the Pre-K Teacher Scholars Project, she received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College. Born and raised in the Bronx, she continues her commitment to serving community for her 10th year in education. the
E-mail: KGonzalaz31@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Danielle Belarge
Second Grade Teacher- Class 201
Ms. Belarge attended the University of Delaware for her undergraduate studies where she minored in Disability Studies and earned a bachelor's degree in Childhood Education. Fore her graduate studies, she attended SUNY Cortland and earned a Master's in Literacy. The 2023-2024 school year will be her 2nd year at the Matilda Avenue School.
E-mail: DBelarge@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Nicole Savino
Second Grade Teacher - Class 202
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Ms. Savino attended SUNY Cortland for her undergraduate studies where she earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. She also attended SUNY Cortland for her graduate studies and earned a degree in Literacy. The 2023-2024 school year will be Ms. Savino's third year at the Matilda Avenue School.
E-mail: NSavino2@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Julie Minerva
Third Grade MATH Teacher - Class 301
Ms. Minerva attended Springfield College for her bachelor's degree in Business Management. She received her master's degrees in Childhood Education and Special Education from Manhattanville College. Ms. Minerva has taught grades 1-6. Prior to joining the staff at the Matilda Avenue School, Ms. Minerva taught at P.S 392 in the Bronx. The 2023-2024 school year marks her 10th year in education.
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Email: JMinerva@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Antionette Byers-Paredes
Third Grade ELA Teacher - Class 302
Ms. Byers-Paredes attended Cedar Crest College for her undergraduate studies, majoring in social work. She received her Masters of Social Work from Fordham University and her Masters in Education from Pace University. The 2023-2024 school year marks her 8th year in education.
E-mail: AByersparedes@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Lisa Jimenez-Brown
Fourth Grades MATH Teacher- 401
Ms. Jimenez-Brown attended Iona College for her undergraduate studies where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. For her graduate studies, she attended Mercy College and earned a degree in Literacy. Prior to joining the Matilda Avenue School, Ms. Jimenez-Brown taught at PS 100 in the Bronx and in White Plains. The 2023-2024 school year will be her 20th year of teaching.
E-mail: LJimenezbrown2@schools.nyc.gov
Mr. Micheal Pagliaro
Fourth Grade ELA Teacher - Class 402
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Fourth Grade Teacher - Class 401
Mr. Pagliaro attended Mercy College for his undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. He completed his Master’s Degree in Childhood Education at Mercy College. Mr. Pagliaro has been a founding staff member at the Matilda Avenue School serving as a Parent Liaison and now one or our 4th grade teachers.. The 2023-2024 school year marks Mr. Mike’s 6th year teaching at the Matilda Avenue School.
E-mail: MPagliaro@schools.nyc.gov
Mr. William Gentzsch
Fifth Grade MATH Teacher - Class 501
Mr. Gentzsch attended Sacred Heart University for both his Bachelors Degree in Psychology and his Masters Degree in Elementary Education. He then completed coursework at Mercy College for his Special Education teaching license. Mr. Gentzsch has previously taught both 4th and 5th grade at P.S. 9 in the Bronx.
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E-mail: WGentzsch@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Aisha Wilson
Fifth Grade ICT Teacher - Class 501
Ms. Wilson attended Mercy College for her undergraduate degree in Business Administration. She obtained Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Touro College. Ms. Wilson has over 10 years experience working in education. She has taught Pre-school and continues to work as an Applied Behavior Analysis and Early intervention teacher part-time. The 2023-2024 school year marks Ms. Wilson’s 7th year at the Matilda Avenue School.
​E-mail: AWilson45@schools.nyc.gov
Ms. Marleny Vasquez
Fifth Grade ELA Teacher - Class 502
Mrs. Vasquez received her bachelor's degree in Advertising and Marketing at SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology. She received her master's degree in Childhood Education from CUNY City College. Prior to joining the staff of The Matilda Avenue School, Mrs. Vasquez taught at P.S. 457 in the Bronx. The 2023-2024 school year marks her 11th year in Education.
E-mail: MVasquez41@schools.nyc.gov
