Emily Fields joined Tywls of Astoria in the year of 2012. She is the 9th-grade Algebra teacher and also teaches a 6th-grade Software Engineering Class. Emily is a very bubbly and energetic individual who is very passionate about teaching and life.
Sylvia Kwon joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2014. She is the 6th grade humanities and 6th grade game design teacher.
Caitlin Stanton joined the TYWLS of Astoria team in 2007. She teaches
Musical Theater, Costume Design, Masks and Puppetry, Advanced Scene
Study and likes long walks on the beach. She runs the TYWLS of Astoria Drama
Club with the help of some amazing staff and students.
Michelle Barrata teaches AP 2D Design, high school beginning and intermediate art, and middle school art.
James Franco joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2013 as a PE/Health Teacher. He currently teaches PE for grades 6-12. As the Athletic Director, he coaches PSAL volleyball for the HS and supervises all athletic programs for the school. Our school now has a CHAMPS program for Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball. For our HS level and PSAL program there is a Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, and Outdoor Track & Field Team. There will be more opportunities for more sports as the year continues. James is active in a variety of sports and activities like volleyball, weight lifting, swimming, and snowboarding. He also enjoys great food, watching sports and traveling.
Norman Wu teaches 7th grade math and advisory, and a 10th/11th grade physics elective.
Aniline Amoguis is the 7th grade science teacher, and one of the 9th grade
Living Environment teachers at TYWLS of Astoria. She has been in the school
since 2007 but has worked as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher in another school before coming to TYWLS. She also taught Math, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics in her native country. She loves fishing, hiking, playing tennis, and doing community service on her free time.
Devin Chowske joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2016 as a 7th and 8th grade Humanities teacher. He now teaches 7th grade Humanities and 8th grade Advisory. His "Intro to Film" elective is open to grades 9 through 12; the class partners with Tribecca Teaches to offer a wealth of experiences ranging from public showings at MoMI to authentic collaboration with women at Rikers Island. He is thrilled to be working toward growth with all of his students in this new, academic year.
Grace Loghney is excited to join the TYWLS of Astoria community this year as an Inclusion teacher for Living Environment, ELA, and Global. Her previous experience includes teaching English Language Arts and Inclusion in the Bronx. In addition to teaching, she loves to read, run, and travel.
Jonathan Ryberg joined the TYWLS-Astoria staff in 2008 and has been teaching 8th-grade science, and 9th grade Living Environment. He enjoys watching students make connections between their experiences and what they are learning in the classroom.
Jackie Shendler joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2010 as a Social Studies teacher. Currently, she teaches 8th grade Humanities. Jackie loves reading, traveling, and getting her students involved in their community and government.
Yana Garbarg joined TYWLS of Astoria for the 2012-2013 school year. Currently, she teaches 9th grade/12th grade English, and Advisory.
Michael Stuart is joining the TYWLS of Astoria community this year as a 9th grade Global History teacher, an ELA and Math Inclusion teacher, and running the Model UN elective. Michael has been teaching since 2012 in NYC schools, and is excited be a new member of TYWLS.
Katherine Tansey joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2010 teaching 8th grade math, she now also teaches 3D printing, and Algebra 1 and 2. She loves to travel, eat, read, run, make, and do all things math! Each day she tries to help girls become confident, problem-solving, math-skilled independent women!
Scott Melcher has been teaching Social Studies at TYWLS since the school opened in 2006. He currently teaches Government and Economics for 12th graders, and AP Psychology as a high school elective.
Randi Bivona has been teaching in NYC since 2007. She joined TYWLS in 2016 and is excited to be teaching 10th grade Global History this year.
Xenia joined TYWLS of Astoria in 2012. She teaches high school English and also teaches filmmaking. She's dedicated to giving students the tools they need to be successful.
Greg Zimdahl has been teaching and learning at TYWLS of Astoria since 2007. He taught seventh grade social studies for several years before becoming the 11th grade U.S. History and Government teacher in 2011. Greg also teachers a college-accredited U.S. history and literature seminar designed for 12th grade students. For Greg, education is a life-long pursuit. He sees his role as a coach, supporting and challenging students to learn the skills and strategies necessary to become life-long learners. This year, Greg is the Yearbook advisor and will be coaching soccer in the spring. Greg is an avid marathon runner, reader, and camping enthusiast.
Ashley Almonte is the high school chemistry teacher here at TYWLS. She has begin working with us in 2017.
Gabrielle Lee started working at TYWLS in 2017. This is her 7th year of teaching and she is a special educator. She has supported many content areas and currently, she's getting her second masters in Literacy.