Assistant Teachers
Name: Ms. Alexandra Sinchi
Position: Assistant Teacher
Hometown: I’m originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I now live in New York City.
Education: Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bronx Community College.
Years as an educator: 15
Why are you an educator? I have a passion to nurture and take care of children. I like to help them feel confident and independent.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? I like the way the school community works like a team to support the students.
Life outside school: I have a lovely family. We cook together and travel together. Always together.
Name: Ms. Dilcia Santana
Position: Assistant Teacher
Hometown: I am a lifelong New Yorker.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Art & Science from Touro College
Years as an educator: 20
Why are you an educator? I love to make a difference with children.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? Collaborative Team Teaching (CTT) is very supportive for students.
Life outside school: My hobby is playing dominoes. I’m an expert.
Name: Ms. Jatty Hernandez
Position: Assistant Teacher
Hometown: I’m originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Now I’m a Manhattan resident.
Education: Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Hostos Community College
Years as an educator: 16
Why are you an educator? I like to work with children. I enjoy it. I feel like I’m a mother to my students. I consider them to be as important as my own child. I’m also interested in becoming a social worker in the future.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? One the best qualities is the communication among families and my colleagues.
Life outside school: I like to travel to different places. That’s what I look to do for fun. I have a beautiful daughter as well.
Name: Ms. Celina George
Position: Assistant Teacher
Hometown: I grew up in Vincennes, St. David’s, Grenada. Now I live in Brooklyn, NY.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education From St. Joseph's College. Master’s degree in General/ Special Education from Touro College.
Years as an educator: 17
Why are you an educator? I am in education because I wanted to help mold the minds of our future generation. My mom was also a teacher and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I also had a passion for teaching since I was a young girl.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? The best qualities at STAR Academy is the staff and students. and their ability to reach out and care for the students.
Life outside school: I love to read, sleep and spend time with my family and friends.
Name: Mr. Damien Altrui
Position: Assistant Teacher
Hometown: I grew up in Woodhaven, Queens, and now I make my home in Brooklyn.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Rowan University
Years as an educator: 14
Why are you an educator? I grew to see the deficiencies in the New York City public education system -- which I view as the best in the world -- and I wanted to make a difference and a change.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? Most of of our classrooms have sizes that really nurture and support kids. We also have a really good habit of hiring people who are passionate about teaching and meet our high expectations.
Life outside school: As a native New Yorker I still find plenty to see and do in this city.
Name: Ms. Socorro Salcedo
Position: Assistant Teacher
Hometown: I grew up in San Jose De Las Matas, Dominican Republic. Now I live on Staten Island.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Hunter College
Years as an educator: 16
Why are you an educator? I’m working in education because I love working with children, and helping them with their social skills.
What are STAR Academy’s best qualities? We work as a team to reach our goals.
Life outside school: I enjoy my free time gardening and cooking traditional meals for my family.